Cruising the Whitsundays in style

CRUISING the crystal clear waters of the Whitsundays on a luxury cruiser provides the perfect winter getaway, writes Mike O'Connor.

• In-depth: Queensland travel guide

Hot times in old Sydney

IF you love to party and enjoy a bit of celebrity spotting, then Sydney's new pleasure palace is the place for you, as Sheridan Rogers discovers.

• World destinations: Sydney travel guide

Festival to rock out with Patti Smith

MELBOURNE has unveiled its program for the October festival which will welcome 1970s rock goddess Patti Smith and offer 15 world premieres.

Follow the Cattle King trail

GRAB your horse, mountain bike or hiking boots: the Kidman legacy now includes a 255km, multi-use trail in South Australia, writes Brad Crouch.

Dream island for explorers

AT any time of year, WA's Rottnest Island seems to deliver the goods, whether it's on a day trip, a weekend escape or a longer beach holiday.

Gorge on Outback beauty

FROM hand-crafted didgeridoos to kangaroo stew – Nigel Adlam tastes the Northern Territory on a stunning cruise of Nitmiluk Gorge.

Wineglass of wilderness

A TREK into an unspoilt corner of Tasmanian wilderness leaves Mike Smith spellbound, but a gourmet lunch with unbeatable views helps him recover.

How to be a wine buff on holiday

CATHY Gowdie offers an insider's guide to getting the most from the cellar door on holiday in Australia's wine regions.

• Gastronomic getaways: Food and wine holidays