Well, you don't have to. But if you wanted to, where else but in New Zealand where commercial bungy jumping all began? In 1986, New Zealander A J Hackett leapt from the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Back in New Zealand, he opened the first bungy jumping operation just two years later outside Queenstown which prides in calling itself the adventure capital of the world.

• Go Bungy Jumping in New Zealand
• Go Blackwater Rafting at Waitomo
• Go Zorbing at Rotorua
• Go Blokarting on Ninety Mile Beach
• Go Walk on the Glaciers

Photo: Bungy jumping in New Zealand © Tourism New Zealand

The story of two love-struck Aboriginal teenagers living in central Australia has won this year's Australian Film Institute (AFI) award for best Australian film.

The film, Samson and Delilah, also won the awards for best original screenplay and best direction for writer/director Warwick Thornton.

The film's young actors, Rowan McNamara and Marissa Gibson, who had had no previous acting experience, shared the AFI award for best young actor.

Set in a dirt-poor rural community outside Alice Springs, Samson and Delilah charts the plight of the two teenagers who seek to escape the area's poverty, violence, addiction and hopelessness by going on the run.

The award ceremonies were held in Melbourne at the Regent Theatre on the night of December 12, Australian eastern daylight saving time.

• Best Australian Films - Australian Film Institute Award Winners

Now that the Australian summer is officially here, get set for the days when Sydney simply sizzles in heat.

If you're in Sydney in the heat of summer, you may want to hit Sydney's beaches or escape to the high blue yonder in the mountains west of Sydney.

The Blue Mountains are a popular destination in the summer. Visit the Three Sisters, and don't forget a visit to Mt Tomah, too.

• Australia in December, January and February
• Is Summer the Best Time to Visit Sydney?
• Where to Stay in the Blue Mountains

Photo: The Blue Mountains © Tourism New South Wales

A boon to Melbourne visitors is the City Circle Tram which operates daily along a city circuit passing a number of Melbourne attractions. Not only is travel completely free on the City Circle Tram but you get a running commentary on the places of interest along its route. You can get off the tram at any of its stops, so you can visit particular attractions at close hand, and catch the next one.

I do take the City Circle tram whenever I visit Melbourne. And there's the free Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle, too.

• Top 10 Free Melbourne Attractions

Photo: City Circle tram © Tourism Victoria