The area of Kihei welcomes visitors with plenty of activities across its flat beaches: bodysurfing and skimboarding are the things to try here. Makena includes the mile-long Big Beach with many excellent snorkeling spots like the Five Grave, and the Little Beach, unofficially considered among the best nudist beaches in the U.S. The Secret Cove just south of Makena is also a popular wedding location.

Port Stephens is a prime location to observe humpbacks and southern right whales during their annual migration. From mid-May to early September, thousands of whales head north to their breeding grounds, and from mid-September to mid-October, they migrate south. You might even see mothers with their newborn calves in the calmer waters. Watch them from Tomaree Head Summit, or get up close on a tour from Nelson Bay.

During the summer, South Harbour Park turns into a vibrant playa, teeming with life and activity for all to enjoy. Amongst waving palms, volleyball courts, and ice cream kiosks, visitors can engage in beach activities, creating a lively atmosphere. There is also the opportunity to borrow sports equipment for free via Fritidsbanken. Additionally, tour boats beckon from South Harbour, ready to ferry visitors into the enchanting archipelago. As the seasons shift to winter, the park adapts, offering warmth by fireside seats with views of the popular ice track leading to Gråsjälören and the Northern Harbor. Weekends are infused with family-friendly activities, making South Harbour a dynamic destination year-round.

Tucked amongst the mountains, the high altitude resort of Sestriere is a safe bet for guaranteed snow cover. Purpose built in the 1930’s, Sestriere is the capital of the Via Lattea or as it is known to ski aficionados – The Milky Way – a series of lifts that link a number of villages and offers a combined ski area of 400 km covering 140 slopes. The skiing caters for all levels of ability from beginner’s slopes to the technically challenging trails that were used for the alpine events during the 2005/2006 Winter Olympics. Asides from the skiing there are other winter activities designed to challenge and thrill, such as heli-skiing, ski-doo trails, winter hikes and ice skating. The resort has a wide selection of restaurants and entertainment venues that will cater for all your Après-ski requirements, whilst in the surrounding area there are many fine medieval castles and churches if you’re looking to sample a taste of the local history and culture. Slope Life: Host of the 2005/2006 Winter Olympic Alpine events and capital of the Milky Way, Sestriere is the star around which all the other resorts in the region gravitate. The Milky Way or the Via Lattea comprises the villages/resorts of Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, Sansicario, Cesana-Claviere and Mont Genevre (in France), which offer up to 400 km of pistes and are interlinked by a series of lifts. Throughout the area there are runs to suit all levels. However, Sestriere which stands at 2,035 m has the best access and offers the highest (2,823 m) and most challenging pistes in the area with Monte Sises providing more expert black runs. Advanced skiers can also find plenty of challenging off piste action in and around the region. The Monte Motta/Banchetta Mountains are more suitable for the intermediate skier, whilst beginners will be able to frolic on the slopes just above the resort. The resort is serviced by 20 lifts and in order to access the rest of the Milky Way, take the Col Basset gondola to Sauze d’Olux. Ski passes range from 1 to 15 days. The Via Lattea 1 day pass includes access to the resorts of Sestriere, Sauze d’oulx, Sansicario, Cesana, Claviere. International passes are also available. Sestriere also has a selection of high quality ski schools for those taking their first tentative steps on the snow: Scuola Sci Sestriere +39 0122 77060 www.scuolascisestriere.com Scuola Sci Borgata +39 0122 77497 www.scuolasciborgata.com Scuola Sci Vialattea Sestriere +39 0122 76528 www.scuolascivialattea.it And for all your equipment needs, the following supplier will be happy to oblige: Centro Sci Sestriere 2 Via Pinerolo +43 720 990 293 www.rentasport.it