Australia & South Pacific Mountain, Nature + Winter pictures

• World

For a break in the sun, head to this expansive city: the perfect combination of beaches, theme parks, nightlife, rain forests and mountains.

There’s no doubt about it: Australia is a diverse place, with beautiful beaches, unusual animals, more than 60 wine regions and fascinating cities. You can surf, admire city skylines, explore rainforests and dive in underwater wonderlands all on the same continent—all you have to do is decide where to go.

Join the droves of surfers who head here every year. But keep in mind that this gorgeous part of the coast has much more to offer besides great waves. 

Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure.

Get your heart pumping as you try New Zealand’s famous adventure sports or relax in the beach towns and wineries of this mountainous South Island region.

Ski on a glacier, enjoy hot springs and tackle the peak where Sir Edmund Hillary trained for Everest in this spectacular part of New Zealand.

Among the best loved family beaches Perth has to offer, here take a swim, go surfing, and while away the hours under the sun.

Stroll along this famous beach on Whitsunday Island to experience its dazzling white sands and gently lapping waters in different hues of blue and green.

It\'s no accident that this city is the birthplace of both bungy jumping and jet boating – if you\'re looking for adventure, Queenstown is the perfect place for you.

New Zealand’s “Edinburgh of the South” has beautiful old buildings, a lively nightlife and the country’s largest chocolate factory, all set in a coastal landscape.

Sun-drenched beaches, volcanic activity and rich Māori culture make New Zealand’s northern island one of the most visited destinations in the Pacific.

It\'s no accident that this city is the birthplace of both bungy jumping and jet boating – if you\'re looking for adventure, Queenstown is the perfect place for you.

High-rise apartments, bistros and cafés line the Esplanade of this busy coastal town, known for it’s family-friendly beaches and fresh seafood.

Stroll along this famous beach on Whitsunday Island to experience its dazzling white sands and gently lapping waters in different hues of blue and green.

Take an evening tour to see the wonders of the night sky or visit during the day to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains.

Encounter the largest living structure on the planet, see crocodiles, swim in waterfalls and hike through pristine rainforest in Australia’s Tropical North Queensland.  

Be amazed by the color of the lake against the snowy backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook as you hike, drive or ride through this incredibly picturesque landscape.

Larger, less populated and harder to reach than the northern “Main Island,” this area features New Zealand’s longest glacier, its highest mountain and much more.