The continent of Australia has given the world some truly iconic images. Kangaroos galloping across the red deserts, Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock) ? these are only a few of the delights this vast continent has to offer. The variety of Australia''s attractions is matched by its varied geography: you can go from tropical rainforest to alpine heath to arid desert. Here is a quick guide to Australia''s main regions.

Syndey: Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach and Harbour Bridge ? just a few of the reasons why Sydney is probably Australia''s most famous city, even behind the continent''s capital Canberra. However, Sydney''s charms aren''t confined to these big attractions: the friendly locals and vibrant city atmosphere also help explain this city''s fame.

New South Wales: This state has one of Australia''s most varied climates: a journey across this state could take you from arid desert to tropical rainforest to the snow-capped Snowy Mountains. This varied climate contributes to some of the state''s biggest attractions: its stunning national parks which boast some of the most beautiful scenery on the continent.

Queensland: Queensland is Australia''s most popular tourist destination. The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world''s most stunningly beautiful natural structures, provides a big part of the explanation for this. However, its nickname of ?the sunshine state? may also play a contributing role in its reputation.

South Australia: For sports fans South Australia is probably your must-visit location in Australia. Though Australian-rules football is the most popular spectator sport in this state during the summer months Cricket''s popularity also rises hugely. The Adelaide Oval is a particularly notable attraction for cricket fans, if sport isn''t your thing though the state has some of Australia''s most beautiful lakes.

Tasmania: Tasmania, a little island off the south-coast of Australia, is probably most famous for it''s unspoilt nature reserves and for unusual indigenous species like the Tasmanian Devil. However, the quality of its food and wine is also excellent: a fact celebrated each year through its Tasmanian Taste festival.

Victoria: The second most populous state in Australia, over 70% of Victoria''s inhabitants live in the bustling, modern capital city of Melbourne. The state boasts other attractions though: for mountaineers or hikers the Grampian Mountains provide some truly stunning scenery.

Western Australia: Though this state is the largest in Australia its relatively under-populated, with only 10% of the island''s over-all population living there. Don''t let this fool you into thinking there''s nothing to do there though. The area is particularly famous for the quality of its wine, and many wineries capitalise on this by offering guided tours. Its capital city Perth also enjoys more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in Australia, making it the perfect place to sit and chill in the sun.

HILDEGARD SULLIVANT is a budding travel writer and freelance journalist. They recommend Flight Centre for flights to Australia http://www.flightcentre.co.uk/info/special/_australia/flights-to-australia.