In July 2025 I went to Australia and New Zealand. Of course, Elecraft KX2 radio went with me. Since QRP is not much power and nearly all contacts for Australia are DX, QTH selection is important, at best over salt water in the direction of DX.
In Darwin Australia (region of saltwater crocodiles) I found a platform over the see and made a number of QSOs, mainly Japanese.
In Sydney I went by ferry to Gap Bluff and also made many QSOs.
Even in Brisbane I made contacts from a Botanical Garden that was away from salt water but full of mosquitos.
But no QSOs in West Australia, Nothing in Perth and nothing in Busselton, on a 2 km pier over the Pacific.
One bright point in Perth was visiting a contest/160m guru VK6LW. For higher bands he uses an ingenious X beam whereby switching connections he can switch directions. Ken’s signal is great on 160m; he uses an inv V since verticals do poorly in his region.
Ham radio was good from Queenstown, New Zealand, despite bad weather but with a beautiful landscape.
Areas around Queenstown are full of ski resorts, not because they are good but because there is nothing better. I tried skiing, paid a fortune, but after heavy fog followed by a blizzard I gave up.