Endless sunbaked horizons, dense tropical rainforests, chilly southern beaches.

Australia's biggest attraction is its natural beauty. The landscape varies from endless sunbaked horizons to dense tropical rainforest to chilly southern beaches. Scattered along the coasts, its cities blend a European enthusiasm for art and food with a laid-back love of sport and the outdoors.

Visitors expecting to see an opera in Sydney one night and meet Crocodile Dundee the next will have to re-think their grasp of geography in this huge country. It is this sheer vastness that gives Australia - and its diverse population - much of its character.

As of March 31, 2007 all passengers flying to and from Australia on international flights will only be permitted to carry small quantities of liquids, gels or aerosols in their cabin or carry-on luggage. Small containers of 100 mls (3.5 fl oz) are permitted and must be sealed in a transparent plastic bag. Details of the new security measures can be found at the Department of Transport website.

Domestic travel is not affected by these regulations.

A zesty blend of cultures in a heavenly setting.

Fiji has over 300 islands in its archipelago, each fringed with coral reefs and lapped by warm azure waters - the diving and snorkelling are superb. Amid its wealth of natural beauty, Fiji's true magic lies in its people and the fascinating blend of their diverse cultures.

Fiji is an interesting blend of Melanesian, Polynesian, Micronesian, Indian, Chinese and European influences. For nearly 50 years, until the military coup of 1987 and the Indian emigration that followed it, the indigenous people of Fiji represented an ethnic minority in their own land.

A military coup took place in Fiji in December 2006, and the army now controls the country. The situation is calm and generally safe but it could deteriorate. Travellers are advised to exercise caution, particularly in Suva and monitor the media for any further developments. Any large demonstrations or gatherings should be avoided.

For current warning information go to Safe Travel .

For the latest in what travellers are saying about Fiji check out the Thorn Tree travel forum.

Pacific hospitality comes naturally at these altars of divine relaxation.

You think Vanuatu's beaches are unbeatable on one island until you reach the next. Divers are delighted at the clear waters, coral reefs and shipwrecks; vulcanologists go wild for its many smoking peaks; and naturalists lust after its untouched forests, reefs and extravagant bird life.

Tourism has become one of the major income earners and employers of local workers in the Pacific. Fiji attracts more tourists than any other Pacific Island nation, with 500,280 visitors in 2004. In 1989 tourism surpassed sugar as Fiji's prime source of foreign income. French Polynesia was the second most popular tourist destination. In 2004 it had 211,889 visitors, the majority of whom stayed on Tahiti. Most tourist facilities are owned by foreigners, however, and much of the profit from tourism leaves the Pacific.

The Pacific Islands or Oceania, are the more than 25,000 islands and islets of 25 nations and territories spread over the western and central Pacific Ocean. Although the Pacific Islands are scattered across millions of square kilometers, their total land area is just 1,261,456 sq km (487,051 sq mi)-slightly larger than South Africa, slightly smaller than Peru, and four-fifths the size of Alaska.

From the the peaks of adrenalin to the lap of luxury.

New Zealand is a country of rare seismic beauty: glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, deep, clear lakes, hissing geysers and boiling mud. There are also abundant native forests, long, deserted beaches and a variety of fauna, such as the kiwi, endemic to its shores.

Any number of vigorous outdoor activities - tramping (hiking), skiing, rafting and, of course, that perennial favourite, bungy jumping - await the adventurous. You can swim with dolphins, gambol with newborn lambs, whale-watch or fish for fattened trout in pristine streams and rivers.

A remote, deep-sea technicolour side show.

Kiribati is more a sprinkling of far-flung coral atolls than dry land, more deep blue ocean than sandy beach, more coconut trees than people, more Christian church than ancient island beliefs. Kiribati (pronounced kee-ree-bus ) is far away, hard to get to, untouristed and deeply religious.

PNG's unspoilt nature consoles you for its rough edges.

Papua New Guinea is a raw land, remarkably untamed and as variegated as swamp and jagged limestone; mud and moss forest; suffocating heat and Highland chill; plumed, pearl-shelled villagers and prosaic hill people; tiny tree kangaroos and enormous Queen Alexandra Birdwing butterflies.

Papua New Guinea is troubled by a high level of serious crime, particularly in the urban centres of Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen. Travellers should use common sense to avoid any trouble - don't travel at night and respect any local advice regarding safety. All travel to the Highlands region, except on essential business, should be reconsidered because of high levels of crime and inter-tribal violence. This includes the Southern Highlands, Enga, Western Highlands, Chimbu and Eastern Highlands provinces. Travellers should stay away from the no-go zone around the former Panguna mine in Bougainville.

Check travel advisories and news services before travelling. See Safe Travel for updated government warnings.