Australia is one of the hottest tourist centers in all the world and it's no wonder. With such a vast variety of choices on what to do for vacation time, how could people choose to go anywhere else? From 'roughing it' to 'opulent', private to public, this country has every kind of experience you might want to enjoy!

Sometimes the hardest thing to do when vacation time is coming is to decide where to go. It often depends on what you want to spend your time doing. Many people want to sign up for cruises or group tours, seeking to meet new people in exciting locations. Others want something more private or more typical, like a hotel with a beach nearby. And further more people are looking to really get away, to rough it deep in the culture of whatever country they are visiting. Would you believe that Australia suits all types of vacation?

Getting away is a wonderful thing to do at least once a year. When some people who are suffering through the drudgery of winter plan their vacation, they're looking for the warmest spot around. Sunny surf and warm sandy beaches call to them. Australia can brag about having fifty thousand kilometers of coastline, and that means at least ten thousand beaches, all waiting for skimpy bikinis and sun-tan oil! The ocean's close proximity contributes to the Australian laid back lifestyle.

Many tourists aren't seeking beaches at all but are looking for hotels that offer shopping and fine dining, or a resort that can cater to their winding down energy levels. Byron at Byron is just such a luxury resort, with full service including apartment style rooms situated away from the main complex, five treatment rooms and Vichy style showers. Privacy and comfort are the course of the day at resorts like this.

Australia is also overflowing with natural treasures. Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, was declared a world heritage site. The great sandstone formation is littered with waterholes and deep caves, and covered with ancient paintings, hinting at the mysterious legends that surround the huge rock. Henbury Meteorites Conversation Reserve draws scientific minds from all over the world and is the result of a meteor explosion five thousand years ago. Twelve large craters pock the ground, making it look like a lunar landscape in the eyes of many.

World heritage sites abound in Australia, like Barron Gorge National Park. The amazing waterfalls are best viewed during the rainy season, when the rivers are overflowing with clean water. Tropical rainforests are everywhere, including Flecker Botanical Gardens, which easily boasts a hundred different varieties of the palm plant. The footpaths that trail through these gardens are peaceful and inviting, and give the land a chance to show off the rare and exotic foliage protected here.

The Great Barrier Reef, another of Australia's natural treasures, has always been a source of tourism for this country. Large parts of it remain protected to reduce the impact of humanity upon the delicate coral system. However, tourists can still rent glass bottom boats or go scuba diving in some areas, to explore the rare underwater plants and see the exotic sea creatures. Nearby Melbourne, a modern city with great architectural buildings, offers balloon rides at both sunrise and sunset over the city, and people can take helicopter tours of the reef itself.

Australia provides every opportunity the experienced or inexperienced tourist might wish for. From sophisticated hotels to luxury resorts to outback excursions, visitors to this vast country, the world's sixth largest, can find everything and anything they might want to do on vacation. Hot nightclubs, conservation areas for backpackers, hotels and shopping, Australia has it all and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.