Near Sydney are the Blue Mountains -- part of the Great Dividing Range that traverse Eastern Australia, separating the wetter, green coastlands from desert that stretches across the entire continent. Visit the mountains on a day tour from Sydney -- or why not a longer stay at a homestead ranch?

Further west, the land quickly turns to the intense blue skies and coloured desert landscape that make up much of Australian outback. North, along the sub-tropical coast are dozens of stunning sandy beaches where the Australia beach culture was born. Drive south, to Melbourne and take the time to stop at one of the many coastal villages and experience traditional country hospitality.