Australia is getting a lot of attention...

Australia is getting a lot of attention these days (the Bicentennial is coming up in ‘88). Clare and Adrian Webster are hoping to snag a record number of visitors with their Bed & Breakfast Australia program. Hosts throughout the country. Accommodations in cities and suburbs, on ranches, farms. Other hosts on Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef and Tasmania. For a free booklet titled “Homestays and Farmstays,” drop a card to the Websters at Bed & Breakfast Australia, P.O. Box Q184, Sydney, N.S.W. 2000, Australia. (Dozens of listings, including a breeding farm for thoroughbreds that features a grand old 1800s home with a billiards room.) For other information about Australia, contact the Australian Tourist Commission, 3550 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1740, Los Angeles 90010. Telephone (213) 380-6060.

Holiday Hideaways

If you’re searching for a hideaway for the holidays, inns throughout California are preparing to host individuals, families. Toys, caroling, cookie baking, candlelight tours. Bobbi Zane has compiled a list of inns in California and Colorado where the spirit of the season promises particular warmth. Says Zane: “Innkeepers have hauled out trunks full of heirlooms used only during the holidays, dressed up their houses.” For a copy of her guide, send $1 to Zane c/o YBR, 2445 Northcreek Lane, Fullerton, Calif. 92631.

A month-long Christmas celebration will get under way at San Diego’s venerable Hotel Del Coronado Dec. 3 with the lighting of a 30-foot tree in the lobby. Guests will be entertained the following evening by choral groups. Holiday dinners served both nights in the Crown Room. Details by calling (619) 435-6611.

Meanwhile, the Cartwright Hotel in San Francisco is offering a holiday package ($79 plus tax) that includes accommodations for two, free round-trip transportation to the hotel from San Francisco International Airport, a $10 gift certificate, complimentary tea/cake and hot cider in the lobby each afternoon. Package expires Jan. 18. The Cartwright Hotel: 524 Sutter St., San Francisco 94102. Telephone (415) 421-2865.

At Lake Havasu, Ariz., the Nautical Inn will be celebrating Christmas with an $84 package starting Dec. 19 that includes breakfast, dinner, a welcome cocktail, free golf or tennis, tours of London Bridge and Lake Havasu’s English village. A special program is planned for children (movies, marshmallow roasts, a treasure hunt). See your travel agent or call the inn toll-free (800) 892-2141.

Hong Kong

Everyone knows that Hong Kong is mecca for shoppers, but there’s one problem: with so many stores it’s hard to figure out where to start. Now there’s help. A friendly lady who knows every arcade and alley in Hong Kong will guide you. Takes you to factory outlets, specialty shops, jewelers, tailors, stores that specialize in cameras, hi-fi equipment. She’ll even meet your flight. Arranges picnics and side trips to neighbor islands/the New Territories. Write to Riggs Shoppers, Room 702-3 Ocean Centre, Canton Road, Tsimshatsui, Hong Kong, or contact the local representative, Mrs. Ros Hetreed, Apt. 322, Marina City Club, 4300 Promenade Way, Marina del Rey, Calif. 90292.

Vermont

In New England, everyone’s favorite state seems to be Vermont. Dozens of cozy inns, restaurants, antique shops, ski resorts. Visitors arrive year-round to explore the back roads, 19th-Century villages. Now the state has produced a “Four Seasons Vacation Rentals” guide. Lists more than 200 accommodations. Everything from farmhouses and lakeside cottages to log cabins, condominiums and ski lodges. Rentals by the day or for an entire season. The guide is free along with a map of the state. Send a post card to the Vermont Travel Division, Dept. R718, 134 State St., Montpelier, Vt. 05602.

Jamaica

LaCure is a company that provides “secret escapes for people who deserve something better than an ordinary hotel.” They deal in deluxe villas in the Caribbean and Mexico. For $870 per person (seven nights) here’s what they’re featuring in Jamaica: a villa with a swimming pool, a staff of four, all meals, a car with unlimited mileage, a bar (restocked daily), water sports, greens fees, tennis, riding and a gift box of flowers when the vacation is over. Properties in Ocho Rios/Runaway Bay. For other details, contact Colette Buck c/o LaCure, 11661 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 1010, Los Angeles 90049, or telephone (213) 877-4930. The toll-free number is (800) 387-2726.

A New Inn

Santa Barbara has a new B&B; a couple of blocks off State Street. It’s called the Brinkerhoff (523 Brinkerhoff Ave., Santa Barbara 93101). Innkeeper Gloria Buynak decorated six guest rooms and a two-room cottage with antique furnishings, specially selected wallpaper and fabrics. Plumed hats scattered everywhere. (“Hints at my other business--historical costume making,” Buynak says.) The Brinkerhoff has been designated a historic structure by the city. Dates from 1887. Guests are served tea/refreshments in the afternoon. No telephones, TV. Other Victorian homes nearby house antique shops, art galleries. A trolley passes the inn for a tour of Santa Barbara. Rates: $45/$105 a day, including breakfast, tea, the trolley ride and an old-time photo. For reservations call (805) 963-7844.

Reader Recommendations

England--Bob and Jean Barnes, Rancho Santa Fe: “Superb Italian food and service at Piero Bellini’s Piccola Venezia, 39 Thurloe Place, South Kensington, London. The kind of restaurant you return to again and again.”

England--D. and B. Galigher, Chino: “Highlight of our B&B; stays in England was Wray Barton Manor, Moretonhampstead, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 85E. On edge of spectacular Dartmoor National Park, the peaceful manor on five acres features beautiful gardens, luxurious bedrooms with showers and color TV. Cost 13 per person with breakfast. Dinner 7.50.”

England--Marilyn Segal, Granada Hills: “The Rosewynn B&B;, No. 4 Cambridge Place, Widcombe Hill, BA2 6AB Bath, England. Approximately $32. Also Lubnaig Hotel, Callander, Perthshire, Scotland FK17 8AS. Bed and breakfast plus a gourmet dinner is 26.50 per person and well worth it.”

Scotland--Dr. and Mrs. Marvin L. Weil, Rancho Palos Verdes: Mercat Tours, c/o Frank McGrail, 4A Considine Terrace, Edinburg EH8 7E3, phone 661-8862. McGrail and three other young men, all history teachers, do an informative walking tour of the city after dark, ending up in an authenic pub for drinks included in the 4 fee. March through September, rain or shine.

Switzerland--Linda Abbott, Thousand Oaks: “Guesthaus Koller, 9 Eggerstandenstrasse, Appenzell, Switzerland 9050. Rate, $37 with bath. Also, Ristorante Cyrano, Via Pietro Bianchi (off Piazza Dell Indipendenze) Lugano. Swiss Italian meals. Inexpensive. Another, Gasthaus Krone, 8158 Regensberg bei, Zurich. This is a restaurant 20 minutes north of Zurich. Beautiful flower arrangements. Terrific regional Swiss food. Atmosphere wonderful. Expensive: $100 per couple approximately.”

France--E. McGonigle, Pacific Palisades: “In Nice, France, my husband and I quite possibly had the best meal of our lives at Le Florian, 22 Rue Alphonse Karr. Cost: $60 for two including wine and dessert.”

France--Howard L. Sargent, Los Angeles: “Hotel Le Panoramic, Ramparts des Augustins, 18300 Sancerre. Modern twin room with full bath, $39. Overlooked the valley with vineyards.”

Canada--Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Strash, Canoga Park: “Fantastic rustic resort, Arow Lon Pines, Algonquin Park, Canada. On a lake. Double occupancy $95. Note: winter address: 297 Valliol St., Toronto, Canada M4S 1O7.”

Canada--Mrs. Arlene Coan, Van Nuys: Recommends B&B; at 8010 Burnfield Cres, Burnaby, B.C. V5E 2B9, Canada. Single, $35; double, $45.

Reader Recommendations should be brief (typewritten or printed). Cannot be used without prices and addresses. Please, no brochures.