Australasia holidays
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My worst holiday: Guardian writers on breaks that nearly broke themRescues, rows and robberies – sometimes vacations don’t go according to plan. Tell us your own holiday nightmares in the comments or via GuardianWitness
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The wild beaches and islands of Western Australia’s Coral CoastNatural wonders are as elemental and ancient as they get on the Coral Coast, north of Perth. And charter flights and Indigenous guides are helping to open up its islands, peninsulas and lagoons
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Hostels to high-end: the Australian hotels embracing renewable energyHospitality operators are realising sun, wind and water can do more than just attract tourists – they can power the resorts themselves
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Melbourne’s new ‘experience hotel’ lures millennials in the age of AirbnbWith its ‘Directors of Chaos’, rooftop bar, titillating wallpaper and art on every surface, the QT hotel is offering an indulgence you can’t get through an app
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Hunt for the wilder side of New ZealandEnjoy your own close-up with the wild landscapes seen in new film Hunt for the Wilderpeople on these adventure tours and activities in the North Island’s Auckland region
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Instagram snapshots: shadows and reflections in New ZealandCapturing the amazing scenery of New Zealand’s North and South Islands, photographer Nico Babot waits for sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic shots
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Little Asia: Darwin’s spiced-up street food vendorsThe lively Mindil Beach Sunset Market has stalls every bit as diverse as the population in Australia’s ‘top end’ city; many are south-east Asian and serve up fiery delights, from laksa soup to tempeh chili
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48 hours in the Gold Coast: rainforest walks, organic food and fine dining shake up expectationsForget the theme parks: the Gold Coast regains its cool factor, thanks to hip cafes, farmers’ markets and unusual accommodation
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Interview with a Bookstore: Melbourne's Readings, the best bookshop in the worldThe people behind the independent Melbourne store that just won International Bookstore of the Year talk fostering local literature, great regulars and Australian book recommendations
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48 hours in Newcastle: buzzy by night, active by day and a great short breakSteel city loses industrial edge as it switches to tourism and creativity, with niche cocktail bars, craft and farmers markets and a thriving art scene
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'Seeing Uluru changed my life': Bruce Munro's lightbulb momentFor his Field of Light installation, the British artist flew 40,000 lightbulbs to the red heart of Australia, home of the Anangu peoples. The result is the culmination of decades of dreaming
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Top 10 beach hotels and campsites on New Zealand’s North IslandThese guesthouses, apartments and pitches make the most of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches
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Australian surfing has gone to the dogs – in picturesAt the Noosa Festival of Surfing on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, paddle- and long-boarders are joined by their best friends for the dog surfing competition
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Back to beautiful basics at Sunburnt Beach, New South WalesThis campsite south of Sydney has no power and no showers – but its secluded and pristine location more than makes up for the lack of facilities
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The Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth: a trip to Australia through the middle of nowhereFood and wine masterclasses, sky going on forever and the feeling of space you only get in the outback … this is a train journey you will never forget
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Top 10 beach hotels and B&Bs on New Zealand’s South IslandBeach resorts and retreats on New Zealand’s South Island make the most of dramatic views, as well as offering a tranquil getaway. Here are 10 to suit the calm, collected – and the adventurous
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'It’s not for everyone': the hot, dangerous work behind the lustre of the world's best pearlsThe pearl industry in Broome, Western Australia, is built on a dubious colonial record, nine-metre tides, skilled divers – and backpackers
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Great Barrier Reef, Queensland: where to dive, snorkel and stayAs David Attenborough’s new three-part Great Barrier Reef documentary begins, here’s our guide to exploring the world’s largest living structure and the Queensland coast, from scuba diving trips to rainforest excursions – plus the best places to stay
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Crossing the Acheron: cycling Australia's Seven Peaks RideOver seven days of cycling, conquering some of the country’s highest and steepest alpine ascents, Alan Evans puts his body and cycling skills to the test
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Gay Sydney: a guide to clubs, bars, cabaret and cultureSydney’s queer scene has shifted from its Oxford Street heartland to fresh districts and more diverse venues. Artists and performers reveal where to drink and party, and the best cultural events
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48 hours in western Sydney: what to do, where to goSome of Sydney’s best food, affordable hotels, vibrant Parramatta and a drive-in cinema make a weekend away out west a must-do
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48 hours in Mackay, north Queensland – where to go, what to doUse the city as a base to explore the beautiful Cape Hillsborough and Eungella national parks. You may even see some platypus in the wild
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First-time skiing in Falls Creek: 'What joy to hand back my skis with bones intact'After years of no interest in skiing, Brigid Delaney dons ‘ugly, puffy clothes’ and ‘plastic corset’ ski boots and takes to the slopes
From our correspondent 10 top tips from our Sydney correspondent