The countries of Australasia include landscapes and people as dazzlingly diverse as this continental region is huge. Australia alone transforms from the stylish cities of the coast to an arid, wild and barren interior, and then there are even rainforests in this colossus of a country – all 7.692 million square kilometres of it.
From Cairns to Melbourne and Sydney to Perth this land of colour and contrasts has more than 10,000 golden beaches – one for every beach lover be you a sun-seeker or a surfer.
Australasia though, also referred to as Oceania, doesn’t only cover Australia but commonly includes a large number of islands. The countries of Australasia go from the jungles of New Guinea to the beautiful island regions of Polynesia (New Zealand, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Easter Island to name a few); then Melanesia (Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea), and also includes Micronesia (the best known being the Marshall Islands).
New Zealand is the size of Great Britain, but home to less than five million people, it has vast expanses of sparsely populated and timeless landscapes in which to escape the rush of modern life. Among New Zealand’s highlights are lush rainforests, huge mountain chains, steaming hot springs, sweeping coastlines and magnificent fjords. It’s a haven for those seeking peace and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill-seekers and adventurers.