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Australia & Pacific

Spring Forecast: Autumn Down Under is a delightful compromise between the blistering rays of summer and the continent’s darker, dismal winter come June. Sydney is generally cloud-free and popular with travelers at this time, as is a transcontinental jaunt on the Indian-Pacific railroad to Perth through a less-hot stretch of raw Outback. New Zealand is generally pleasant, but don’t plan on swimming during these months – temperatures are moderate (average highs in the low 60s) and you're likely to strike showers, especially on the North Island.

37. AUSTRALIA'S GOLD COAST
Australia’s answer to Miami, the Gold Coast is a flashy strip of holiday apartments, luxury hotels, shopping malls, theme parks, and nightclubs fringed by 25 miles of golden sandy beaches. Away from the glitz and glam of the seaside, this legendary Queensland destination reveals its softer side with quiet hinterland hideaways, stunning national parks, and magical rainforest walks.

The Spring Value: With fewer tourists, pleasant temperatures (daytime temperatures average in the mid-70s), and good deals on accommodations (except over the Easter weekend), the spring shoulder season is a great time to plan a holiday to the Gold Coast.

Spring 2010 Events: Rathdowny Centenary and Heritage Festival (Apr. 4; www.rathdowney.org.au); Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival (May 27–30; www.bluesonbroadbeach.com); Wintersun Festival (June 4–14; www.wintersun.org.au)

38. GREAT BARRIER REEF
One of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef, located off the northeastern coast of Australia, is a 1,200-mile-long undersea wonderland of breathtakingly beautiful coral reefs and colorful marine life – underwater adventures here are second to none. Palm-fringed tropical islands dot the surface of these turquoise waters.

The Spring Value: With fewer tourists, except over the Easter weekend, and less rain, the shoulder season in April and May is a great time to plan your Reef vacation. Don’t expect too much respite from the heat in the north as daytime temperatures average in the mid 80s; the south is much more pleasant with averages in the high 70s.

Spring 2010 Events: Port Douglas Carnivale (May 20–30; www.carnivale.com.au); Northern Beaches Festival (May 22–30; www.nbf.websyte.com.au)

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