Why? I spent three winters there playing cricket - which was summer for them, of course - and I just remember getting up in the mornings, opening the curtains, blinking in the sunlight and seeing this view. The harbour, the opera house, the bridge.

What's the best thing? The attitude. Australians aren't to everyone's taste, but they say what they think. I remember playing out there once, and hearing a chorus of 'We can't believe you get paid to play this game!' I've always found Australians good value. But, of course, I've got to say that, because my wife is Australian.

My ideal day: I think it's just amazing in Sydney that you can go shopping in the morning at some of the world's best designer outlets, then be on Bondi beach five minutes later and spend the afternoon there.

My advice: Having said that, my little piece of inside information is to head for Balmoral beach instead of Bondi. It's just as beautiful, but a lot less touristy because it's on the North Shore.

Getting there: Qantas flies London-Sydney from £496 this summer (book through travelocity.co.uk).

Where was your best holiday? I'm not sure it counts as holiday, but touring the West Indies with England earlier this year was incredible. Because we were moving around, I got to see a great mix of places. It was my first time out there, and I just couldn't believe the beaches.

What is the best hotel you have ever stayed in? Probably the Landmark (020-7631 8000, landmarklondon.co.uk) in London, a grand old railway hotel opposite Marylebone station. It's got this huge conservatory with palm trees and the rooms are really big. You wouldn't know you were in London.

Where do you want to go next? Well, if I'm lucky, I won't be going anywhere for a while, because I'll be playing for England. But I'd like to try the Inca Trail in Peru.