Our global adventure continues with 2 months in Australia and 1 in New Zealand. We thought we'd play it by ear over here particularly as, at 31, I'm actually too old to get a working visa, what a cheek!

The Australia experience
We'll arrive in Perth over 25 hours after we left Cape Town, perhaps a tad tired and jet lagged. I was pleased to read that, despite arriving in the midst of Winter, Perth claims to be the sunniest state capital in Australia - no complaints there then. We've got 2 weeks to explore the cosmopolitan city and surrounding area, and to wind down to the laid back Australian way of life.

Then it's a flying visit to the heart of the outback to check out the famous red icon of Uluru (Ayers Rock). And on to Cairns to go diving and snorkelling around the Great Barrier Reef, maybe even taking a trip up to the rainforest at Cape Tribulation.

Sydney is our next destination, with a month or so to explore New South Wales and its stunning harbour city. Maybe down to Melbourne, or up the Gold Coast towards Brisbane where we can go whale watching.

The New Zealand experience
If you've seen the film 'The Lord of the Rings', you may already have had your appetite whetted by the huge and wild landscapes of New Zealand. 'Tramping' or hiking is the national pastime, so 'when in Rome...'. Spectacular routes include the Milford Track through the fjords of the South Island leading to Milford Sound, and the Tongariro Crossing on the North Island, traversing rugged volcanic deserts, craters and glacial valleys.

We start our journey through the land of contrasts at Christchurch on the South Island. From here, we can explore New Zealand's lake district, alps and majestic glaciers. The ferry to the North Island will lead us to Wellington and the thermal springs and boiling mud pools of Roturua. We also hope to visit the Waitomo caves to see the unique glow worm grotto.