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GET AWAY

With snow blanketing much of the eastern US and midwest, and rain pummeling the west, Americans are thinking about escaping to a warmer climate. Out of all my favorite tropical destinations: Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, the South Pacific and Australia, none could be dearer to my heart than Oz (well, maybe Tahiti and New Zealand are closer in certain ways).

Yeah, mate, that continent down under offers more culture, activities and sightseeing opportunities than any other. It also has some of the prettiest cities in the world and miles of isolated beaches. Not to mention fantastic seafood. Our winter is their summer too, so you are guaranteed good weather. Despite current flooding conditions in parts of central Queensland, most major roads and tourism destinations are accessible and open to visitors along the coast.

The last time I was in Australia, I rented a caravan camper for five weeks and toured the eastern seaboard from Port Douglas to Port Campbell – a stretch of over 3,500 km. It was an amazing journey that took me in direct contact with Aboriginal people, crocodiles, and the most beautiful waters I could imagine.

Port Campbell is famous for the nearby Twelve Apostles, a breathtaking array of rock formations off the southern Victorian coast and Great Ocean Road. Port Douglas is surrounded by rain forest in northern Queensland and has easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. If adventure travel or photography is your passion, don’t miss the opportunity to see this amazing country.