Canberra
If you were to ask me for one of Australia's most rewarding destinations for a few days break, I'd have to say Canberra. Okay, a two-week holiday and there'd be a bit of thumb twiddling, but for a short break there's a huge amount to see and do. More info...

New South Wales:
New South Wales is not a bit like Old South Wales in the UK. It’s bigger and bolder, and the surf dumps all along one side. It’s a great place to live, but a better place to visit because the locals take so much for granted. More info...

Victoria
Queen Victoria drew and painted all her life, recalling her visits to the opera and ballet in sketches and her surroundings in watercolours - the heather purples and mauves of her 'dear Highland Hills' around Balmoral, the green trees of Windsor or the golden haze over the Solent where she dabbled from the Alcove at Osborne in summer. She would have felt at home in the State named after her. More info...

Tasmania
When I started writing this guide, I decided that it would be personal and that I would consciously try to avoid brochure-type clichés. Then I came to Tasmania, and well …Tasmania is an island with a fascinating history and heritage, dramatic and beautiful landscapes, a spectacular wilderness, full of wildlife and wildflowers, and is home to an array of quality accommodation, and wonderful food and wine. So, there you go. More info...

South Australia
South Australia is a great State to explore. Within its borders is a compact version of everything Australia has to offer - stunning coastlines, a rugged outback, rolling farmlands, history and heritage, limestone caves, wonderful wineries and native wildlife. Throw in a relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals and excellent restaurants, and it really is a terrific destination. More info...

Western Australia
A Texas rancher and the owner of a Western Australian cattle station were talking in a bar. The Texan said, 'Y'know, I can get up in the morning, drive all day and still not reach the other end of my ranch'. The West Aussie replied, 'Yeah, I once had a car that bad'. Western Australia is a huge State, and the people are as dry as much of the landscape. More info...

Northern Territory
From the steamy tropics to the desert heart of the continent, the landscape looms large. The population of 190 000 includes 47 000 indigenous people, 38 000 people born outside Australia, several thousand 'frontier' characters plus 1 250 000 annual tourists who will never-never forget their visit. More info...

Queensland
The advertising slogan, possibly scribbled on the back of a coaster after a long lunch, was 'beautiful one day, perfect the next'. Catchy. Yes, the Sunshine State is beautiful, but it's the unexpected that makes it such a terrific place to visit. While there are great beaches and hinterland both north and south of Brisbane, if it comes to a choice between the Gold and Sunshine coasts, think Miami and theme parks for the Gold Coast and relaxed, family fun or a romantic break for the Sunshine Coast. More info...