Fresh Direction - Australia

There's infinitely more to Australia than kangaroos, Crocodile Dundee and that Kylie woman. In fact, both physically and culturally, you're unlikely to find a land of greater diversity whilst trekking round this fair globe. Whether you're a sucker for shopping or skydiving, backpacking or taking a dip with dolphins, you'll find your little piece of heaven here. Geographically, Oz is quite simply outstanding: from the emu-dwelling dry lands and pure white beaches to tropical rainforests and bustling metropolises.

This enormous land is buzzing with vitality and youthfulness and actively promotes a work hard/play harder outlook on life. Maybe it's the fantastic beaches, perhaps it's the sun-shiny weather or all those back-yard barbies, but there's an overwhelming warmth and optimism to be found in Aussie folk that's both endearing and infectious.

Most of Oz's population (concentrated on the south east coast) lives no more than 20km from the ocean, which means that most major cities you visit offer a gorgeously clean beach to soak up the sun upon. Though we advise taking your trip above and beyond Sydney, this city is nevertheless an essential stop on your Southern Hemisphere adventure. As well as showcasing the breathtaking Sydney Harbour and the unmistakable Opera House, there's also the world-famous Bondi Beach to indulge and some first class bars to frequent.

For a Euro-cosmopolitan vibe and a choc-full sporting calendar, head to Melbourne with its generous sprinkling of trams and pavement cafes. For a boozy excursion, Adelaide and the nearby Barossa Valley wine region is a must. For cultural fulfillment, Canberra boasts Parliament House and the National Museum of Australia whilst Perth is home to the port town of Freemantle. Brisbane is the 3rd largest city in Oz and plays host to a top nightlife and the impressive riverside park. The Kakadu National Park can be found in Darwin whilst Cairns - the tourist capital of the North - provides easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and the continent's tropical regions. If extreme sports are your bag, then the East Coast is your best bet for rafting, diving, surfing and skydiving.

For a taste of the 'real' Australia, head out to the Northern Territory or the 'Outback' as its more familiarly known with its incredible scorched-red earth, fascinating wildlife and the oldest surviving human culture in existence. In the words of Alf Stewart -you'd be a "flamin' galah" to miss it. And who can visit Oz without standing before Ayres Rock ('Uluru') at dawn or sunset and having a happy snap taken? Australia is a backpacker's paradise and as such it's fairly easy to locate el cheapo accommodation and loads of cute, cuddly koala toys.