Last updated: December 15, 2013

Weather: Sydney 19°C - 24°C . Morning shower or two.

How to survive a holiday with the in-laws

CHRISTMAS is a time of goodwill towards all men. That includes your in-laws. Here is how to make sure you have a great time at the beach this summer regardless of the company.

The retreat that spells competition for Bali

'AM I really not in Bali?' That's the first thought that enters my mind when I wake up to Day One of Byron Bay's newest surf and yoga retreat run exclusively for women.

Turn a summer fling into the real thing

The choice is yours: Is Ketut right for Rhonda?

YOU'VE had more romantic moments in one week with your summer fling than you’ve had all year. But what happens when you get home?  

23 reasons Americans think Aussies have it made

23 reasons Americans think Aussies have it made

AUSTRALIA. Home of fast swimmers, "adorable kangaroos", pink lakes, great coffee and public holidays held just for partying. One US websites swears Aussies have it made. But do we really?

Rare sight as Aussie wonder transformed

IT'S an event that 99 per cent of visitors to Uluru never get a chance to witness. In the space of just a few hours, the landmark became home to a series of spectacular waterfalls.

Tales from an ancient place

A TRIP to Arnhem Land reveals rich indigenous heritage and mysteries to make you eager to return.

Shooting stars in the Outback

Shooting stars in the Outback

A TRIP with a professional photographer helps visitors capture great pictures and new skills.

Family holiday in Red Centre

Family holiday in Red Centre

DONNA Kramer takes her family on an Outback adventure holiday to Uluru in Australia's Northern Territory.

10 reasons why Brisbane is awesome. Really.

THE FINE city of Brisbane has been sledged mercilessly by big-headed Pommie batsman Kevin Pietersen this week. Today, we defend the city's honour. Um, sort of.

Foodies' delight at luxury lodge

ANGELA Saurine tackles a seven-course degustation dinner at the luxurious Spicers Peak Lodge in Queensland's Scenic Rim.

Full speed ahead for V8 Supercars

Full speed ahead for V8 Supercars

WHETHER you're interested in V8 Supercars, movies or art and culture, there's plenty of reasons to take a trip for great Aussie events in the coming weeks.

Gladiators of the Outback in Birdsville

Gladiators of the Outback in Birdsville

IT TAKES a brave soul and maybe a pint or two for Jeremy Pierce to don his boxing gloves and have a go in Birdsville's famous Fred Brophy boxing tent.

Aussie city voted one of world's best for 2014

YOU'LL never guess which Australian city has made a list of the top 10 places to visit next year. Hint: It's not Sydney, or Melbourne ...

Wetlands' wealth of wildlife returns

THE sounds of breeding and feeding are deafening on the once-parched South Australian floodplains.

Harvesting rural feel-good factor

Harvesting rural feel-good factor

WHEN the gates to the 2013 Yorke Peninsula Field Days open at 9am Tuesday, it will set the scene for a celebration of the state's $6 billion agricultural sector.

In Barossa brands world can trust

In Barossa brands world can trust

THE Barossa Valley is launching a world-first brand to shine the global spotlight on the famous region's most trusted food, wine and tourism businesses.

video & photos

Grab shell! Turtles' island escapades

CHECK out the photographic highlights of the annual turtle nesting season on Queensland's Heron and Wilson Islands.

Beautiful world: Australia in focus

SOME of the world's best photographers have captured the spellbinding allure of the natural world for Lonely Planet to inspire your travels.

On the road to family fun in Tasmania

ROD Chester takes his family on a road trip in Tasmania in an Apollo motorhome.

Eerie thrills from Port Arthur's ghost tour

PORT Arthur's ghostly tours will fascinate and educate young and old and perhaps give the kids a bit of a fright, writes Donna Kramer.

Nude Hobart swim race to go ahead

Nude Solstice Swim

SWIMMING in Tasmania's cold winter ocean is a brave effort for anyone - but a group of icy enthusiasts want to go one step further - swim naked in the freezing southern waters.

The wild wonders of Maria Island in Tasmania

Maria Island beaches

UNIQUE birdlife, historic structures and natural beauty make this island off the Tasmanian east coast a wonderful place to visit.

World's most expensive drinks

HEADING out for a Friday drink but bored by the usual beer? Here's five drinks that are far from the average beverage, including Melbourne's own $12,500 'tipple'.

Festival fun in Mildura

JAZZ musicians from around the country will converge for the annual Mildura Jazz, Food and Wine Festival from November 1 to 5.

Bonegilla's doorway to a fresh start

Bonegilla's doorway to a fresh start

SARAH Nicholson visits a Victorian migrant centre that introduced hundreds of thousands of new Australians to the way of life in their adopted country.

See Bond's blue trunks in style

See Bond's blue trunks in style

SOFITEL Melbourne On Collins has introduced accommodation packages for the James Bond exhibition at Melbourne Museum.

Cheap flights from Sydney to Perth

TRAVELLERS can look forward to cheap flights between Sydney and Perth when Tigerair begins flying on the route before Christmas.

New Swan Valley tasting centre

MARGARET River Providore has opened a new tasting centre in Perth's Swan Valley where you can try wine and chocolate liqueur.

Go West in the hunt for real blokes

Go West in the hunt for real blokes

SURFING, fresh food and yoga create colourful characters who stand out from other Aussie men.

Extra apartments for WA coast views

Extra apartments for WA coast views

MANTRA Geraldton is adding 25 self-contained apartments, available from next month.