It's impossible to describe Australia in just a few words. And even with 6 weeks in 2013 to explore, it was impossible to see it all. But what a beautiful, varied, and photogenic country. My travels took me to the following areas:

Victoria - Elegant Melbourne; rocky coastline along the Great Ocean Road; and "country" Victoria, with the picturesque Grampian mountains, rolling pastures, and historic gold rush towns.

Tasmania - Small but scenic island state with the temperate rain forests in the Cradle Mountain wilderness area; Wineglass Bay and colorful rock formations in the Freycinet Peninsula; and Hobart, the southern-most city in Australia and the jumping-off point for Antarctic-bound vessels.

Queensland - Modern, laid-back Brisbane; tropical Cairns; the Atherton tableland highlands to the west of Cairns; and the Great Barrier Reef - which is just as clear and blue as you can imagine.

New South Wales - Cosmopolitan Sydney, with its well-known bridge, Opera House, and harbor; the stunning coast to the south; and the Blue Mountains to the west of the city.