I was with Esso Australia in 1981-1982 and I was assigned an oil prospect near Derby, so I made everal trips to Derby. An interesting place, especially the huge tides in the bay. It was pretty outback when I was there.

Coles Bay is a very small town on the edge of water and next to a nature reserve. This is for the nature and ocean lover, and not a party and happening place like a big city. The Freycinet National Park has lots of hikes and nature and beaches to explore. Don't miss the hike to Wine Glass Bay, and even though the climb to the look out is uphill all the way and has lots of tourists, it is still worthwhile. But do ask for a list and map of other hikes in the area.

Bowen is one of my favourite spots in Oz. My tip is to mingle with the locals and they will show you the best time ever coz they are the friendliest bunch of Ozzies I ever met.

I abolutely love Halls Gap. I love the mountains, just to climb them it's amazing. The view is absolutely out this world! It's great. Love it!

Woy Woy is a very relaxed and serene place.

Paihia is actually known as the bay of islands and is a warm coastal town. The bay has 144 islands and is beautiful.

Fremantle is a breath of fresh air. It has a quirky vibe, anything goes! Beautiful climate, beaches, historic buildings... Here's my TOP 10 to-do's for Freo: (in no order) 1. Fremantle Markets, get a beer at the market bar and listen to the buskers. 2. Definitely do the night-time Prison tour, its excellent. 3. Go to Little Creatures for a pale ale and frites, you'll love it. 4. Get the ferry to Rottnest Island, its so pretty... but don't feed the quokas! 5. Get a caffeine fix on Cappucino strip, Gino's and Benny's do great coffee. 6. Old Shanghai foodhall opposite markets does great food, cheap (especially Taka's Japanese). 7. Jump on the free bus (it's orange and has CAT written on it). 8. Shopping... cool clothes and jewellery by local designers. 9. Go see a band in the Newport, or DJs in Norfolk. 10. Seafood haven... some os the best in the world (according to the locals!). Go to Fishing boat Harbour, for fish 'n chips.

One of the most interesting tours I've done on my world trip was Murray Baker's volcano tour of Auckland (www.geotours.co.nz). Price is around €40-45. Also useful if you're going on to Hawaii afterwards.

I was really dissapointed by Raglan. The town is REALLY small and the beach was nice, but not all the trouble that my friends and I put into getting there.

Dunedin is a great city, full of atmosphere and interesting corners. Don't miss the Otago Museum and especially the Royal Albatross Center.

I was born and bred in Quirindi, and although I am only 12, I know the Castle Mountain area well, and I would love to stay there. HIGHLY recommended!

Sorrento was the prettiest little town. Great restaurants and shops! The guys and locals were pretty all right too!

Palmerston North is a beautiful place!

Broadbeach is great, its only minutes to Surfers and has some great things to do as it is on the beach with its surf clubs. And the casino is always great with Thursday night -- cheap drinks in the casino's Prince Albert Bar. It's where a lot of the young loacals go.

Lorne is one hour from Geelong and approximately 100 minutes from Melbourne. Go to the lookout for fantastic views of the beach and Erskine falls is a must. Plenty of bush walks available.

Visited Fraser Island in March 2008 with the Cool Dingo Tours. They are a brilliant company to go with. I was traveling on my own but was made comfortable and made lots of friends. Fraser Island is beautiful and is well worth a visit.

I have visited Denmark and I have to say that it is one of the most beautiful places in the world! Nature is stunning and the inhabitants are great!

Napier is a really cute place to stay for a few days! There is loads to do including the spa (which is so cheap), the aquarium and mini-golf! There also seems to be a lot of dance classes happening - salsa was really fun. Pubs are good, but not really a clubby place! Had a really good time here!

I spent 6 weeks working in Glenorchy, and it was the highlight of my 6 month stay in New Zealand. I went jet boating with Dart River Safaris, and that was spectacular. I highly suggest a visit.

Twizel is a cool place. I recommend taking bikes or hiring them because it is really fun biking around Twizel.

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