At a glance

Australia's biggest attraction is its natural beauty . The landscape varies from endless blue horizons to dense tropical rainforest to southern beaches. Its cities are a blend of European culture, art and food with a laid-back love of sport and
the outdoors.

Visitors should see the Opera in Sydney one night and meet Crocodile Dundee the next. It is this sheer vastness that gives Australia - and its diverse population - much of its character.

Any time is a good time to be in Australia . Though the summers (December to February) can get uncomfortably hot. Winter (June to August) offers skiing in NSW and Victoria . In spring and autumn the weather is mild.