Hop, skip and jump down under with ebookers.com

As the celebrations for Australia Day hot up next week, you might be wondering why you’re still facing a snowy commute when you could be exploring the Great Barrier Reef, travelling to the red centre or sipping some local ale this year. 

Why not snap up some great deals with ebookers.com and you too could be living the Aussie lifestyle and hit the style stakes during the Spring Carnival in Melbourne, splash some colour in Sydney’s Mardi Gras or join the cluster of motor fanatics in the V8 supercar championship series in Brisbane which are just some of the many events happening down under in 2010.

ebookers.com, one of Europe's largest online travel agents, offer a great selection of hotel stays and packaged breaks, so if you’re thinking of ditching your Uggs for your flip flops in 2010 then take a look at the special offers available and add some sun back into your days!

Sizzling hotel deals: (Subject to availability and standard booking terms and conditions apply)

4 Star Riverside Hotel Southbank Brisbane, Brisbane
5 nights
£280 per room inc taxes
Check in Monday, 22nd February 2010

4 Star Travelodge Docklands, Melbourne
5 nights
£315 per room inc taxes
Stay 4 Nights & Save 20%
Check in 22nd March 2010

3 Star Springfield Lodge, Sydney
6 nights
£327 per room inc taxes
Check in 10th March 2010

3 Star Express By Holiday Inn,Perth
6 nights
£330 per room inc taxes
Check in Thursday, 18th February 2010

If sun, surf and sun kissed culture is on your wish list for 2010 then make sure you don’t miss the great package offers from ebookers.com below:
 
(All below flights are subject to availability and standard booking terms and conditions apply)

Perth
Flight + 5 Nights
Departing From London Heathrow
3 Star Metro Hotel Perth 
£922pp inc taxes
Departing on Thursday, 14th October 2010

Melbourne
Flight + 5 Nights
Departing From London Gatwick
4 Star Habitat HQ  
£939pp inc taxes
Departing on Monday, 8th November 2010

Sydney
Flight + 7 Nights
Departing From London Heathrow
3 Star Avoca Lodge
£967pp inc taxes
Stay 6 nights and 1 extra night free!
Departing on Wednesday, 24th November 2010

Brisbane
Flight + 6 Nights
Departing From London Heathrow
3 Star Travelodge Garden City Brisbane
£976pp inc taxes
Departing on Tuesday, 19th October 2010

See below for ebookers.com recommendations on the best things to do in Australia.

MELBOURNE

Melbourne is no doubt one of the world’s cosmopolitan cities; its highlights include impressive architecture, great entertainment, bars, theatres, sporting events and some excellent restaurants.

What: Australian Open
When:  Mid Jan
Location:  Melbourne Park, Melbourne

The first Grand Slam of the year is a sizzling one at that! Thousands of fans stream into one of the most popular sporting events on the calendar to view the crème de la crème battle it out on court.

What: Melbourne Cup
When:  First Tuesday in November
Location: Flemington racecourse, Melbourne

It’s the race that stops the nation! Each year on the first Tuesday in November, Australian’s get into the horse racing spirit and spur on their picking to the finish post. It’s not all about the horses though as Aussies step into the fashion stakes and showcase their style to the world’s media.

Don’t miss - Phillip Island

Only 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island is one of the country’s most popular nature wildlife attractions. It has Australia’s largest seal population, you can watch island penguins making their way across the beach to their burrows at dusk and there is also a koala conservation centre.

SYDNEY

Known for being the gem in Australia’s crown, Sydney boasts wonderful beaches, a buzzing harbour and an ambience which screams world class. Thousands of visitors flock to the popular tourist hot spot year on end to soak up what this dynamic and vibrant city has to offer.

What: Sydney to Hobart yacht race
When:  Boxing Day
Location:  Sydney Harbour, Sydney

Enjoy the glistening harbour after Christmas and watch the fleet of yachts sail by as they embark across the waters of Sydney Harbour and the Tasman Sea to win one of Australia’s icons of summer sport. Best to get in early to get the best viewing spot!

What: Sydney Mardi Gras
When:  21 Feb - 6 Mar 2010
Location:  Sydney

World renowned for its glitz and glam as people parade down Sydney’s streets expressing what it means to be gay in today’s society. 

Don’t miss - Sydney Opera House

The world famous opera house and iconic to Australian tourism is one of the great piece of architecture of last century. Set on an amazing waterscape, visitors can see a show or take a drink at The Opera Bar and enjoy the picturesque views of the harbour.
BRISBANE

Often overshadowed by its east coast counterparts, Brisbane or ‘BrisVegas’ as it’s aptly titled, is young, vibrant and laid back. Brisbane is very easy to navigate and people are encouraged to stroll through the CBD to see the city’s many historical sites and buildings.

What: V8 Supercar Championship Series
When:  30th April – 2nd May
Location:  Queensland Raceway

For those petrol heads the popular championship series will have you revving for more!

Don’t miss - Gold Coast

For sun, surf and sand journey an hour south to the sun drenched city which contains one of the greatest stretches of beach in the world. Surfers Paradise is extremely touristy but be sure to miss the opportunity to sun bath on the golden sand and crystal clear waters.

PERTH

Increasing in popularity, Perth is not as crowded as the east coast yet still rivals the major cities on its nightlife, restaurants and culture. Situated on the banks of the Swan River, Perth is laid back and famous for its picture perfect white sandy beaches.

What: Rockingham Musselfest
When:  27 March 2010 - 28 March 2010
Location:  Churchill Park, Perth

The annual Rockingham Musselfest is a free community event, with 2010 showcasing a new entertainment programme with a large number of free rides and not forgetting some scrumptious mussels prepared by locals chefs on the day.

Don’t miss - Fremantle

Perth’s maritime district, ‘Freo’ has been revamped to become a vibrant, bohemian area filled with restaurants and bars. From the 150 stall Fremantle Markets to the convict built Fremantle Prison, Fremantle offers a bohemian vibe, where the breweries are in abundance including the popular ‘Little Creatures,’ which is based inside an enormous converted boat shed.