Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin, a most attractive feature of Australia's capital city, is circled by swards of green, shaded picnic spots, and well-kept cycleways. It was created in 1963 when the Molonglo River was dammed.

Interestingly, the lake is not named after a noted Australian but rather after an American from Illinois: the architect and planner Walter Burley Griffin who died in 1937, 26 years before the lake named in his honor was formed.

For those not in the know, Walter Burley Griffin is the man who designed Australia's capital city.

• Walter Burley Griffin: The Man Who 'Made' Canberra
• Get the Runaround in Canberra

Ann, who has posted on our Forums as AnnUF and AnnTravels, is in New Zealand until May and recently attempted half the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to Mt Ngauruhoe in Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage site.

Unfortunately, on coming down the mountain and having deviated from her route upon the suggestion of another mountain climber, she and her husband uncontrollably slid down the mountainside for some distance, suffering bruises and one sprained ankle.

Ann warns mountain climbers to "be careful and stick to the well-worn path."

In her post, she says: "Wear gloves and a jacket when going down Mount Ngauruhoe -- even if it is warm. The way down, even on the right path, is sure to lead to some slips and the gloves will protect you from the abrasive volcanic rocks."

• New Zealand World Heritage Sites
• Mt Ngaurohoe, Tongariro Crossing
• Ann's Blog

Photo: Tongariro National Park © Tourism New Zealand

The Sydney Royal Easter Show is a massive city attraction drawing not only Sydneysiders but visitors from interstate and overseas. It's not to everyone's liking, but if you haven't been to it at all, it may be an experience worth having.

It's more than a country fair and includes daredevil acts, thrill rides, fashion shows, contests of skill, grand parades, rodeo, and agricultural displays.

The Royal Easter Show runs from April 1 to 14 this year and encompasses Australia's four-day Easter long weekend.

• Easter in Sydney
• The Sydney Royal Easter Show
• Showtime! Pictures from the Sydney Royal Easter Show
• Is Autumn the Best Time to Visit Sydney?
• Australia in April
• Where to Stay in Sydney

Photo: Carnival ride at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, courtesy Easter in Sydney Festival

Yes, the world goes green as St Patrick's Day is celebrated all around the world.

Ireland Travel Guide Bernd Biege takes us on a global trip in St Patrick's Day Parades Go Global from Dublin to Paris to Sydney...

• St Patrick's Day Parades Go Global
• St Patrick's Day in Sydney
• Sydney St Patrick's Day Parade in Pictures

Photo: St Patrick's Day merrymakers in Sydney © Larry Rivera, licensed to About.com, Inc