First of all, I think most of the world doesn't realise just how big Australia is. It's a whole continent, approximately 3,000 miles by 2,000 miles. Australia can offer a wide variety of holiday experiences from wide open plains to mountains; from deserts to sub-tropical and tropical rainforests; from sunbathing on the cleanest beaches in the world to snow skiing some of the finest slopes.
When most of America is shivering in the middle of winter, Australians head for the beaches, lakes and rivers as it's the middle of our summer.
Australia has become home to people from all over the world and celebrates its "multi-culturalism" with a variety of festivals throughout the year. In any given town or city, you'll find a variety of fine eating houses and restaurants that reflect our varied and colourful population.
With a total population of just over 18 million, Australia is famous for having plenty of room to move. (The World Almanac reports that the population is about 6 people per square mile.) The Eastern coastal strip is probably the most highly populated area of Australia and most visitors will head here, particularly to New South Wales and Sydney.
September/October is springtime in Australia. Temperatures tend to range from a chilly 13C (approx 54F) at night to a very pleasant 24C (75F) during the day in the Sydney area, getting slightly warmer as you head north.
Sydney is truly a spectacular city, but for international travellers it would be a shame to travel all the way to Australia and not see more of what we have to offer. The Blue Mountains are a short drive from Sydney and a favourite weekend destination for "Sydneysiders" and tourists alike. More information on the Blue Mountains and other destinations outside Sydney can be found by clicking on New South Wales at the Australian Tourism Guide.
As you head further North, the climate becomes a little warmer and you start to cross some fairly dry country. Suddenly, you find yourself in temperate greenery and the country becomes quite hilly -- you've arrived on the Mid North Coast, famous for beaches and quaint little towns offering diverse accommodation experiences. We lived in this area for nearly nine years until we discovered the Far North of NSW.
For unsurpassed beauty, geographical and cultural diversity, you can't go past the Northern Rivers area of NSW. It's no accident that we live in this region, specifically in the beautiful Tweed Valley, perched atop a hill looking to Mt. Warning in one direction and the stunning Queensland Border Ranges in the other.
Having moved to Australia from England over 20 years ago, I've seen a great deal of this vast open country. I lived in many different areas, including Western Australia and Sydney, where I met my beloved, before we finally settled in the most beautiful spot on earth.
Four of Australia's National Parks are within striking distance of our front door; two (Mt. Warning and Queensland Border Ranges) can be seen from our back lawn! Horse riding, scenic joy flights, golf, beaches, restaurants, river and rainforest cruises, and of course the famous Gold Coast shopping are all within easy reach.
In summer, our mean temperature ranges from 18 to 30C (64 to 86F), with winter being a marvellous experience as mean temperatures range from 7 to 22C (45 to 72F), which means log fires at night and t-shirts and shorts during the day!
Wherever you decide to visit on your Australian Experience, you can be sure you'll be welcomed with a broad smile and the famous Aussie hospitality. Whether your idea of an ideal holiday is a trip to the opera or a sunset barbecue on the beach, trekking through sub-tropical rainforest or aprés ski after a day on the slopes, riding horses through untouched wilderness or shopping 'til you drop, Australia awaits!
