If you are looking for brilliant blue waters lined by a rugged coastline and long white beaches, look no further than Avoca Beach. Located on the Central Coast of New South Wales just 100 kilometres north from Sydney, sun seekers from far and wide choose this coastal jewel as their holiday destination. Your rental car is ideal with so much to see and a plethora of beautiful spots to call your home away from home.

Families and tourists of all ages head to the beaches, lakes, lookouts and art galleries to enjoy the remoteness and beauty of this hidden paradise. Drive to the hills if you are looking for some solitude, with only the birdlife to disturb your peace.

Once you have settled, head straight to Avoca Beach to enjoy the long walks and beauty of this area, and if you are keen take a fishing rod with you as you will more than likely be joined by some keen locals. Head to the local lifesaving club for some fresh seafood and enjoy the pristine views.

You could spend all day here with a multitude of walks to choose from, or the appealing option of lazing on the sand and enjoying the invigoration of the surf when you need to cool down. Surfers also flock to this area with many beaches to choose from, the northern end of Avoca Beach a popular retreat.

Another well known spot is Copacabana Beach. The name itself has a tropical appeal, and it is worth the visit to enjoy this patrolled beach which is also popular for surfers. MacMasters Beach is a haven for families as right behind is Cockrone Lagoon, fantastic for paddling and water play. It is an ideal spot to set up camp and head around the beach for a lengthy and captivating walk.

Once you are beached out, head to Avoca Lake for a picnic and enjoy the beauty of this beautiful attraction. The Avoca Drive Bridge separates the Lake into two, and as it is close to the Avoca Beach is an ideal alternative if you prefer the still waters with some space to throw a frisbee.

The Captain Cook Lookout is a must see, with unparalleled views up and down the coastline. You can reach it from First Point headland, and it is an easy walk with great rewards. Avoca Beach is one of those spots that have ample diversity in attractions, yet all is in close proximity to each other.

Art lovers and those with creative flair will be including the Avoca Art Gallery on the list, with a large selection of local artworks and handicrafts available to be enjoyed and more than likely inspire you to start on your own. If you are looking for more, than Gallery460 will captivate you with its eight hectare sculptor park.

The Avoca Beach Caravan Park is easily accessible and only a few streets from the beach at The Round Drive, although along the coast there are some fantastic places to stay. Head further north to The Entrance, which is host to thousands of tourists flocking to its waterways, restaurants and diverse accommodation parks. You could base yourself here and explore Avoca, Terrigal and the surrounding coastline at your leisure, or visit as a day trip from Avoca.

Sun Valley Tourist Park, located at Bateau Bay, is another winner. You don't get closer to the beach than here with superb blue waters at your doorstep and enchanting scenery up and down the coastline. There is plenty to do within the grounds of the park that will keep the children entertained if you prefer to put your feet up and enjoy the pleasure of doing.nothing.

For many the ultimate holiday destination is a combination of sun, surf and beautiful surroundings. You have all of those ingredients and more at Avoca Beach and the adjoining coastline. The Central Coast offers natural beauty and wildlife which is hard to equal anywhere else, and once you have visited once, it will be hard not to come again.

By: Jenny Brewer
Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing time writing childrens stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit Car Hire Australia.

Australia's Northern Territory is the ideal state for an active, yet cultural, break. With dramatic scenery and Aboriginal art from hundreds of native artists, the region is perhaps best known for the incredible Ayers Rock and the town of Alice Springs in the outback.

There is a heavy Aboriginal influence in the state, with over 80 art centres, most of which are run on a no-profit basis by the artists themselves. There is also an annual art event which takes place in Alice Springs where work from several art and craft centres is exhibited.

Alice Springs is also the location of an event called DesArt in the Park, which gives visitors a chance to see and buy work by various artists. It's lively family event, with live music, film screening and refreshments.

Travelling deeper into the outback visitors to the state can get permits form the Northern Land Council and visit genuine Aboriginal reserves to see yet more of the fascinating artwork; items such as timber sculptures, didgeridoos, and bark paintings, all of which are great souvenirs and will be a stylish reminder of your Australian holiday.

If you're looking for more of a challenge, perhaps head to Victoria, one of the country's smaller states and home to the Grampians mountain range, Melbourne and a variety of scenery from forests to beaches. Surfing is particularly prevalent here, with a national pro surfing competition held every year. Beginners are also encouraged here as there are many surf shops and experienced surfers willing to offer their expertise. The town of Torquay in Victoria is home to Australia's biggest surfing museum, dedicated to the history of the sport.

Finally, if neither of these activities is your thing, head to South Australia, specifically Adelaide, and try your hand at the annual cycling event Tour Down Under. This has several 'classes'; from an 84 lime long route down to a shorter route catered for children and their parents.

Of course, there's no saying you have to do anything on your Australian holiday! There are plenty beaches for soaking up the sun, or bustling cities for a little retail therapy, or perhaps even a road trip around the country, just doing your own thing in a hire car and going where the mood takes you. Whatever your favourite type of holiday is, Australia will provide it.

By: Jay Tillotson
See your travel agent about flights to Australia or you may even be able to get cheap flights to Australia online. Compare prices on flights to Australia online.

Planning your luxury Australia travel itinerary, why not consider the following 10 best things to do in Sydney Australia?

Australia is a vast continent where you can stroll on white sands, snorkel in blue waters, wander through green rainforest or drive across an endless red desert.

You can enjoy some of the Worlds best restaurants, wineries, galleries and shops. Or you can share Australians' love of sport - from a round of golf on a kangaroo-covered course to a seat at a fast-paced Aussie Rules football match

Here in no particular order are our top 10 things to do in Sydney Australia ...

1 - Take a thrilling scenic helicopter flight to the Blue Mountains. Stunning views of the City and Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains National Park and the spectacular Jamieson Valley all feature in this 45 minute ride before you are set down on top of the Blue Mountains to enjoy a gourmet barbeque lunch in secluded surroundings.

2 - Indulge in a City Sights Discovery tour, visiting the charming historic Rocks area, taking in Mrs Macquarie's Chair for an unrivalled view of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and Bridge. Pause briefly for morning tea in the beautiful Sydney Harbour National Park before travelling onwards to South Head. After a short stroll along the cliff tops, continue to Bondi Beach and Centennial park before returning to Circular Quay.

3 - Sail the oceans blue for a cruise around Sydney Harbour under sail for a magnificent 2 hour personalised tour around one of the most beautiful harbours in the world.

4 - Visit the picturesque Hunter Valley to discover Australia's first wine region. Join your private winemaker for a tour of the distinctive wines in a private guided tasting at the best of the region's wineries. A gourmet lunch awaits you where you can enjoy great wines and gourmet dining in the Hunter Valley's best restaurant.

5 - Lunch at a genuine Australian working sheep and cattle station, where your hosts provide you with an insight into life on the land, showcasing the striking Australian bush and its unique wildlife. Return to Sydney with a twilight flight over Sydney Harbour.

6 - Treat yourself to a night at the opera at the Sydney Opera House. Upcoming performances of the Swan Lake ballet, Don McClean, Edward Scissorhands, The Clarke/Duke Project and Neil Sedaka, as well as classics like Ravel's Bolero, Stravinsky's Firebird and Don Giovanni.

7 - Enjoy Australian and international art exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

8 - Take in the natural history at the Sydney Aquarium and Taronga Park Zoo. The aquarium is one of the largest and most spectacular aquariums in the world. Journey through the rivers and oceans of Australia and be astounded by the diversity, whilst at Taronga Park Zoo find the critically endangered Booroolong Frogs, or the first Elephant pregnancy in Australasia, all within sight of Downtown Sydney. Whilst you are there, don't miss the Sky safari!

9 - Learn to catch the waves at Manly or Bondi Beach with surfing lessons designed to make you into the hottest "chic" on the beach.

10 - Visit an ancient Aboriginal site and outstanding lookouts of the Blue Mountains National Park. Examine rock formations and the quaint little village of Leura before heading to Katoomba and the magnificent Jamieson Valley and the renown Three Sisters.

I invite you to use these ideas to make the most of your luxury Australia travel and Sydney.

By: Helen Palmer
And With your permission, I'd like to offer you free access to my short report, "Sure-fire Australia Destination Travel Ideas That Will Guarantee You Have THE Luxury Australia Vacation You Desire" as a gift. You can download it by going to http://www.tailormadeaustraliatravel.com/landing.html
From Helen Palmer - The Exclusive Vacations Guide and Tailor Made Luxury Vacations

Luxury Australia travel has got to be one of the best ways to see one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world. This huge continent which is split into 6 states and 2 territories covers an area of some 7,617,930 square kilometres or 2,941,299 square miles. The largest state alone, Western Australia, is approximately 5 times the size of Texas, USA!

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia and one of the most popular destinations for travellers to the continent. So what are the best things to see and do?

Luxury Australia travel does not have to be expensive - lifestyle in Australia comes as a given - it's the way of life in this part of the world, so add a little luxury into your Australia travel with some of our suggestions.

Take a tour to Phillip Island, home to the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, an easy 90 minute drive from Melbourne itself and you will discover a world of contrasts.

Billed as Victoria's wildlife island, you will be surprised to find the Grand Prix circuit nestles close to the world famous Penguin parade, the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and the Nobbies Centre, a marine attraction where you can uncover the secrets of the Southern Seas with interactive displays allowing you to intermingle with seals, sharks and dolphins that abound in these waters.

I did say that it was a world of contrasts, so don't forget the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory in your itinerary, where you can buy the delectable hand-made chocolates made on the Island.

Take a spectacular sunrise balloon ride over the Yarra Valley, one of Victoria's beautiful winery regions. Home to 90 vineyards, surrounded by mountains you fly for approximately an hour over the early morning vineyards before ending your experience with a sumptuous champagne breakfast.

Café culture abounds in St Kilda and you will want to browse this fashionable bayside suburb of Melbourne with its diverse range of shops and eating venues. Don't forget the Luna Park amusement park built in 1912, complete with its wooden roller coaster and other historic rides.

For the sports fans amongst you there is the very popular Sports Lovers Tour. Billed as city sightseeing with a difference you will explore the history and excitement of sporting Melbourne. Whichever sport is your particular favourite, be it tennis, cricket, rugby or football, find yourself sitting in the coaches' box, imagining filing that important media story in the media facilities or smelling the liniment in the changing rooms!

For dinner with a difference, the Colonial tram car dinner is perfect! 1920's splendour, but with modern day facilities so that not even a crystal glass quivers in your cosy, colonial period dining car. One way glass ensures privacy while traditional silver and white linen don the tables. This is one train ride you won't forget in a hurry and booking is a must with the restaurant selling out weeks in advance.

Hop on the City Circle Tram ride for a free central Melbourne tour. Steeped in old world charm, these 1920's brown and gold liveried tram cars are an appealing way to discover the city centre sights. The conductor on board provides valuable knowledge about the tourist attractions you might wish to see.

Spectacular Rhododendrons greet you as you head to The Dandenongs for the Spring flowering. Less than an hours drive from Melbourne, lies this rich hillside area which grows all manner of good things to eat, drink and appreciate, such as the display of Spring bulbs, Devonshire Cream teas and the Puffing Billy Steam Train that gently meanders its way through the beautiful landscape.

I think you will agree that luxury Australia travel is what you make of it. The luxury is in the doing!

I invite you to use these ideas to make the most of your luxury Australia travel and Melbourne.

By: Helen Palmer
The Exclusive Vacations Guide and Tailor Made Luxury Vacations
And With your permission, I'd like to offer you free access to my short report, "Sure-fire Australia Destination Travel Ideas That Will Guarantee You Have THE Luxury Australia Vacation You Desire" as a gift. You can download it by going to http://www.tailormadeaustraliatravel.com/landing.html.

The south west of Australia has plenty to offer the intrepid campervan explorer. Thick, towering forests lie side by side with rugged, rocky coastlines and beautiful beaches, all interspersed with quaint towns steeped in history and culture. In a far flung corner of the south west lies the bustling city of Albany, which at 409 kilometres from Perth is the ideal destination for a motorhome tour. Surrounded by three high mountains and facing the blue waters of the King George III Sound, there are enough natural attractions in and around this city of 30 000 people to fill a thousand holidays, and no visitors leave here disappointed.

The most striking thing about Albany and its surrounds is the scenery. Clear, cloudless skies are the only thing bluer than the azure seas, and the brilliant white of the beach sands adds to the rich kaleidoscope of colour. Middleton beach is a favourite spot for visitors because on the scenic drive there are a number of places you can pull off the road and take in the stunning seascape. The beach is the favourite swimming spot amongst locals, and anglers are often found trying their luck off the shore here. Nearby is Ellen Cove, another safe swimming beach with barbeque and picnic facilities. The waters here are calm, protected from the waves of the Southern Ocean by the King George Sound, which makes them perfect for family-oriented beachside activities.

Albany is an important business centre and port for this part of Western Australia, but in years gone by it was notorious for something else- as a base and a processing plant for the numerous whaling ships that operated in this area. These days the whales are still an attraction, but for all the right reasons! Often they can be seen from the shore between July and October, frolicking in the waters around Albany with their newly born young, passing the time before they migrate north again. There are tours that can be taken out close to the whales, and the old whaling station is now a museum and information centre where a whaling ship has been preserved for visitors to wander through. Often whales can be seen from the museum, breaching in the waters where they used to be killed.

Spectacular coastal scenery lies ten minutes south of Albany, in the Torndirrup National Park. This is a great park to tour in your campervan because sealed roads lead to all the major features. The most well known of these is 'Natural Bridge', a large granite formation where the ocean has worn away the rock to leave a large strip of granite crossing the water like a bridge. Another attraction is 'The Gap', where the waves have battered a large chasm into the 50 metre high granite walls. Close by there are a series of blowholes which spray water and blow air as the waves crash into the rocky shore.

The town of Albany is a joy in itself. Its long history and heritage is evident in the old (and well preserved) buildings that line its streets, and the cityscape is dominated by the Princess Royal Harbour, which the main street leads directly to. There are a number of interesting historical sites to visit, the most popular being the Old Gaol, which was built by convicts as their own prison and now is a captivating museum. Another impressive spot to visit is the Brig Amity, a full scale replica of the original ship that brought the first settlers to Albany. You can go on board and below decks and learn of the voyage of this important ship.

Saturday mornings are a busy time in Albany, because Aberdeen Street in the middle of the city turns into a thriving open air market where farmers, artists and entrepreneurs sell their wares. Its a great place to stock up your picnic baskets, and soak up the fun atmosphere which is enhanced by the presence of numerous buskers. Once the baskets are stocked, you could always hop into your camper and head off to the Albany wind farm, where twelve of the largest turbines in the southern hemisphere tower over the coastline- an impressive sight.

The range and diversity of attractions in Albany is what keeps visitors coming back again and again, and is really helping to elevate its status as a tourist destination. For you in your camper it is like the cherry on the cake- a beautiful destination to top off your drive through the magnificent scenery of south west Australia. And if that doesn't tempt you to go on holiday, then nothing will!

By: Gavin Wyatt
Gavin Wyatt is a journalist with a passion for travel. originally from Zambia he has traveled around the world to end up on the sunny shores of Australia. For more of his articles visit Discovery Campervans.

The harbour city of Sydney, Australia may not be the country's capital but it's still a city of majestic beauty and chic style. Located in Australia's south east coast, in the state of New South Wales, Sydney is a holiday destination famous for its long days of sunshine, national landmarks and brilliant beaches.

As the site of the first European colony in Australia, Sydney is a city rich in the colonial heritage and history. Hyde Park Barracks and Elizabeth Bay House recreate the atmosphere of the first white settlers in Australia during the 19th and 20th century, as well as housing exhibitions on Australian history, ideas and culture.

The heart of Sydney is its two landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Built on the picturesque Sydney harbour, the opera house is one of the greatest performing arts centres in the world and a source of great beauty and wonder. Opened in 1973, it was designed by a Danish architect to represent the sailing ships of the harbour. The Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened in 1932 and is affectionately nicknamed the 'coathanger' because of its unique shape. Both of these landmarks run regular tours; however the best way to really experience the breathtaking architecture is to take one of the many cruises which run up and down the harbour daily.

A more natural side of Sydney can be found on Bondi Beach. An extremely popular tourist destination, Bondi Beach is a thriving cosmopolitan centre for sun, surf and fun. The crystal clear waters and white sand of this moon shaped bay are only rivalled by the first class restaurant and eateries which fringe it.

Sydney itself is much more than a place filled with iconic attractions, it is a city with a love for art and style. The city centre boasts some of the best shopping districts and nightlife in Australia. The Chinese Garden of Friendship demonstrates Sydney's rich multicultural flavour, whilst the Sydney Markets are a perfect place to experience the friendly carefree attitude of the people and pick up some great souvenirs.

The city of Sydney is a modern metropolitan that hasn't lost its natural beauty or green surroundings. It is not a city of stress or smog but one of rest and relaxation. A perfect holiday destination.

By: Giulio Detti
More information : http://www.ciao-australia.com.