From the skyscraper canyons of the metropolises to paradise-like sandy beaches, from deep green rainforests to the stark beauty of the red outback - Australia captivates primarily with its versatility. And a people who take life lightly and know how to enjoy it. "The Land of Down Under" has transformed in just 220 years from a penal colony at the end of the world into a modern nation where the spirit of adventure for individual travelers knows few bounds. The book focuses on the coastal and inland routes of the eastern states. A comprehensive service section whets the appetite for culinary delights, assists in hotel searches, and offers tips for shopping and nightlife.