2 minute version of a magical 4 day ride along a north-eastern loop on a Minsk 125 during the end of the Northern VN wet season. Roads actually weren't too bad for the most part. (Hanoi - Lang Son - Cao Bang - Ba Be Lake - Thai Nguyen - Hanoi).

Bird lovers should pack their binoculars and head to the Top End of Australias Northern Territory. While the sheer number and variety of birds that inhabit the Northern Territory make it a unique birdwatching destination, it is its rare species that make it truly special. The NT currently boasts four endemic species of birds including the White-Lined Honeyeater, the White-throated Grass Wren, and the Chestnut-quilled Rock Pigeon

Blessed with abundant natural beauty, the Northern Territory's Top End is a haven for nature lovers and those with a sense of adventure alike. And with over 1.4 million square kilometres of lush untouched landscape to explore, visitors to the region won't be disappointed. www.australiasoutback.com

Stick a pin in a map of Ireland and there’ll be a reason to go in 2009. From the iconic Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim to the unspoiled and breathtaking Burren landscape, there’s something for every visitor to Ireland and 2009 is a year of cultural celebrations, new openings and anniversaries. In this video Zoe Salmon, Ms Northern Ireland 1999, ex presenter of Blue Peter and currently skating her way to success in Dancing on Ice, reveals why Ireland will always be home.

The Kimberley Aboriginal Artists is an alliance of four Aboriginal art galleries in the region that are committed to producing, showcasing and selling Aboriginal artworks. As this video shows, The Waringarri Arts Centre in Kununnura is at the forefront of ensuring the ethical trade of authentic Aboriginal art, as well as maximising the benefit for artists and the local community.

The charming town of Kununurra in Western Australia has a lot to boast about, but one of its quirkier attractions is the Celebrity Tree Park. It’s here that you can find trees planted by the great and the good within yards of each other. For example, HRH Princess Anne’s contribution is just yards from Rolf Harris’ which itself is a short stroll from Baz Luhrmann’s.

Matso’s is the Kimberley’s award winning microbrewery and is a true Broome treasure. The range of award winning beers include Hit the Toad premium lager, Monsoonal Blonde wheat beer, Smokey Bishop dark lager or Matso’s famous alcoholic Ginger Beer, all with a local flavour that helps visitors instantly relax into ‘Broome time’.

Australia will hit the big screens in the UK on Boxing Day. Most of the film was shot in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, and the cast and crew spent months here making the scenes look suitably spectacular. But just what did they get up to, and where did they hang out? For more information on the Northern Territory or Western Australia visit www.australiasoutback.com and www.westernaustralia.com.

Baz Luhrmann’s epic film Australia premieres in London on 10 December and will open in cinemas on Boxing Day. This eagerly anticipated drama tells the story of an English aristocrat, Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman), and a rough-hewn cattle drover (Hugh Jackman) who drive 1,500 head of cattle across Northern Australia. To celebrate this epic romance a breathtaking new journey, dubbed ‘The Australia Way’, has opened, linking the vibrant and tropical harbour city of Darwin with the exotic pearling town of Broome. An interactive map of the journey, experiences and suggested itineraries can be found on: www.westernaustralia.com/australiaway.

it was nicoles birthday, and the perch were coming to her lines!