In this latest edition of Paul’s Picks, I am featuring Australia.

As always in my Top 10 lists, you will find links to information about the things to do, see, and eat in each location. I started doing lists in college to help me learn and study easier so that’s why I use them when I’m helping people learn about all the great things they can do when they travel.

Where do I get my information? It’s a mix of studying for certifications, personal experience, research, or client recommendations.

Have something more that people should know about this location? Add your thoughts in the comments below.

1. ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE

“It’s one of the biggest and brightest ocean races in the world, and is an iconic Australian event that attracts huge interest locally and afar thanks to comprehensive media coverage. Everyone from weekend racers through to huge maxi yachts will compete in the competition, which kicks off on December 26 in Sydney Harbour’s Neilsen Park. The fleet will travel 628 nautical miles before finishing up in Hobart’s Derwent River.”

2. AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW

“Fasten your seatbelts as this is sure to be one hell of a ride! This weekend sees the Australian International Airshow 2017 open its gates for a thirteenth time at Avalon, showcasing unrivalled power, precision and the latest in aviation and military heavy metal.”

 3. SYDNEY MARDI GRAS PARADE

“Fashion and Mardi Gras go hand-in-hand, so in the words of Madonna, express yourself. Cover yourself in glitter and body paint and be just as colorful with your outfits. But keep in mind that there will be a lot of people and it is the middle of summer, so make sure you are comfortable and wearing something breathable. You don’t want to spend all night being bothered by your outfit.”

 4. VIVID SYDNEY – LIGHT, MUSIC AND IDEAS

“Vivid Sydney is brightening up your winter nights and setting your Instagram feed alight. Vivid Sydney is certainly impressive in person whether you’re visiting from nearby or afar. It’s also one of the most snap worthy events of the year.

From a 16m tall mega-bot to a shimmering field of fireflies, here are ten light installations that will have your friends and followers ooh-ing and ahh-ing, wishing they were doing Vivid Sydney with you.”

5.  MELBOURNE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

“Indulge your senses, and your tastebuds, over ten days as you encounter award-winning wines, long lunches and dinners, and some of the country’s most avant-garde culinary creations at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.”

6. MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL

“It’s time to get your giggle on because the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

With over 630 shows from Australia and around the world, the festival is the third largest in the world, behind the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Montreal’s Just for Laughs.

Whether you want to see local favorites like Lano and Woodley Fly back to the stage, International headlines such as James Vietch (known for the Scamalot videos on Mashable), or support newcomers new to the stage, like YouTube star Alex Williamson in So Wrong, It’s Wrong; there’s bound to be something that will tickle every type of funny bone, including plenty of shows for kids at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival!”

 7.  SANTOS TOUR DOWN UNDER

“FROM STREET PARTIES TO GOURMET GALAS; REGIONAL EVENTS TO FAMILY ACTIVITIES; THERE’S SO MUCH TO DO IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA DURING THE SANTOS TOUR DOWN UNDER.”

 8. SYDNEY FESTIVAL

“The Christmas craziness and New Year’s frenzy have finally come to a close – the ’20s are here (again)! Sydney Festival is back and better than ever, so get ready to kick off the decade with a little bit of  art, music, dance and so much more. There’s reallysomething for everyone, no matter where you are in Sydney.”

 9. AUSTRALIAN OPEN

“Dubbed ‘Australia’s Greatest Global Sporting Event’ the Australian Open brings the world’s Tennis elite Down Under, in the first of four Grand Slam tennis events for the year.

First held in 1905 the event, known then as the Australasian Championships, was seldom entered by foreign players at the start of the 20^th century.

Today it is a multinational competition showcasing the best talent in tennis from across the globe.”

 10. HAMILTON ISLAND RACE WEEK

“Hamilton Island Race Week is one of Australia’s favourite yachting events and a firm fixture on the international sailing calendar. Competitors, family and friends come together to enjoy the convivial atmosphere and unique camaraderie of the event’s on-water and off-water carnival. Every August, spectators and yachties from around the globe sail to Hamilton Island for Hamilton Island Race Week – Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta.”