Australasia & Pacific Travel Guide

Covering over 30 million square miles (from Perth to Pitcairn Island near the East Pacific Rise; from Micronesia to New Zealand's southern tip), Australasia and the Pacific encompass both vast deserts and the tiniest desert islands, including places that many, quite rightly, consider pure paradise.

Ideal for sun-seekers, it's great for activity-fiends, whether surfing, skiing, marathons or Ironman triathlons. Cultural pursuits include Oceania's traditional festivals, New Zealand's Wearable Arts Awards and the plurality of Australia's massive arts shindigs - Adelaide (biennial), Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. Headbangers and ravers won't want to miss the roller-coaster summer bandwagons such as Big Day Out or Vibes on a Summer's Day.

More exotically, Papua New Guinea's sing sings, Pacific canoe racing or camel racing in the outback may be the thing! Meanwhile not only is Sydney's famous Mardi gras is a draw for gay and lesbian holidaymakers. Everywhere, fascinating history stands across the street from pure hedonism in an enticing (and unmissable) mix.