Great Combinations
(S. Pacific):
Fiji
Tahiti
PNG/Melanasia
Indonesia

The "Land Down Under" has been growing in popularity as a destination every year as more people decide to discover for themselves the friendly people, great diving, soaring landscapes and endless vistas. First established as a penal colony for England's overcrowded prisons, it soon became a magnet for a whole new generation of pioneers yearning to make a land of their own. Settlement got a huge boost in the 1850's when Australia had its own gold rush. Still officially a part of the British Empire and loyal to the crown, Australia is a proud member of the family of nations. Striking for its variety and diversity, it is a land that encompasses bustling, sophisticated cities, dense tropical rainforests and a frontier still as wild as it was when Captain James Cook first sailed the eastern coast in 1770.

With summer and winter reversed for travelers from above the equator, it proves a pleasant shock to find the beaches so inviting in January. Whether your choice is big cities, the Outback, river tours or the Great Barrier Reef, Australia has it all. Travelers to the Outback should be prepared for the vast distances involved. There are a variety of cruise and dive options for everyone -- diver and non-diver alike. (Tell us if you see Nemo!) Your travel professional, LiveWell Ventures, is ready to see what itinerary fits you best.