A French swimming competition, an impressive sandcastle and a displaced polar bear round out this week's best images.

That's just cold.

With it's vast and varied landscapes, unique wildlife, and white-sand beaches, Australia is one of the most interesting continents around.

As far as amazing places go, there's truly no place like home. After all, why fret about exorbitant airfare to far-flung locales when you can experience some of the world's most stunning sights right here in North America?