Graeme Lanham

To discover the real essence of Australia, train travel is the way to go. There's no more relaxing or scenic way to enjoy the trip between Adelaide and Melbourne, Australia's southern capitals, than on "The Overland".

This historic train pioneered inter-capital rail travel way back in 1887, its name inspired by the historic "Overlanders" who traveled the route on horseback.

Are you traveling to Australia, New Zealand or South East Asia? Many travelers from Europe, North America and other parts of Asia now enjoy a few days' stopover in Singapore. It's exotic, unique and clean and you'll love it! Here are some suggestions to help you with your exploration of The Lion City.

WALKING.
Singapore, situated near the Equator, is warm to hot year round, so being outside for long periods can be tiring.

Singapore is a great place to visit, either as a destination or as a stopover on your journey to Australia. Many Australians stop in Singapore on their way to Europe and an increasing number of travelers from America and Europe take a break in this exotic city, before continuing on to Australia. The Lion City is a shoppers and gourmets paradise. Here are some suggestions to help you.

Singapore is a great place to visit, either as a destination or as a stopover on your journey to Australia. Many Australians stop in Singapore on their way to Europe and an increasing number of travelers from America and Europe take a break in this exotic city, before continuing on to Australia.

Singapore provides many fine dining experiences and the following 2 were recommended to me by local residents.

Cruising is the only way to discover the serene beauty of Australia's largest inland waterway. A Murray River cruise allows you to experience the magic of inland Australia in leisurely comfort.

There's something special about cruising on a large river. It is a peaceful, relaxing voyage of discovery. Australia's longest river, the Murray stretches over 2500km from the Australian Alps to the Southern Ocean.

"Don't they speak English in Australia?" I hear you ask. You'll be pleased to know that they do. It's just that they sometimes speak it a little differently. If you are planning to travel to the land of Oz, here's a brief guide to help you.

But first, try this sample quiz on typical Aussie phrases. Don't worry if you don't get them.

They represented the group's best loved railway journeys, according to Eleanor Hardy, president of the US based Society of International Railway Travelers.

"The trains met stringent standards for service, accommodation, scenery, itinerary, off-train experiences and passenger enjoyment", she said.

Now, sit back, read and discover the luxury way to experience outback Australia.

So what is it about the movie Australia that makes it so appealing to all age groups?

The Story.

It is an epic movie like Gone with the Wind and Out of Africa set in the stunning landscape of northern Australia just months after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. It is a cinematic experience that brings together romance, drama, adventure and spectacle.

Did you know that one of the best ways to experience the real Australian outback and the beauty of inland Australia is by long distance luxury train?

Australia's 2 major outback trains, The Indian Pacific and The Ghan recently received prestigious travel awards. Here's how they were judged.

In its 25th anniversary edition, the US based Society of International Railway Travelers recently published a list of the world's top 25 iconic rail adventures.

Queensland's award winning Sunlander Train is not just a luxurious rail journey. It is a passport to some of the most breathtaking tropical scenery and exciting adventures in Australia. Here are 3 of the best.

1. Rockhampton and Great Keppel Island.

Fancy a few days on an unspoilt tropical island with some of the best beaches in Australia? I did and I loved the experience so much, I've returned twice.