Destination Focus:

Australia insights and reader recommendations

26 January: Australia Day; though there is some controversy about the date, this is the country’s official national day.

25 April: Anzac Day, marking the anniversary of the first major military conflict involving troops from Australia and New Zealand in World War I.

5 November: Melbourne Cup, the horse race that “stops a nation”.

31 December: New Year’s Eve is always done in style, and with plenty of fireworks.