Australia is a vast nation, as big as the United States, but with just 20 million people. Parts of the continent are very sparsely populated � think of the Outback, its climate inhospitable to all but the hardiest creatures � but its cities are modern and buzzing (think Sydney and Melbourne in particular) , and, as Australia is a coastal country with most people living 20 kilometres or so from the water, by the seaside.

Ties between the UK and Ireland and Australia are strong and go back hundreds of years to penal colony days. It's a magnet for families catching up with far-flung cousins, for young families exploring the national parks and Crown lands as well as enjoying the beaches and for gappers young and old taking a break from study or work.