  We present a variable star catalog of an extensive ground-based wide-field
variability survey in the globular cluster omega Centauri. Using the ANU
40-inch (1m) telescope at Siding Spring Observatory, the cluster was observed
with a 52'x52' (0.75 deg^2) field for 25 nights. A total of 187 variable stars
were identified in the field, 81 of which are new discoveries. This work
comprises the widest field variability survey yet undertaken for this cluster.
Here we present the V+R lightcurves and preliminary analysis of the detected
variable stars, comprising 58 eclipsing binaries, 69 RR Lyrae stars, 36 long
period variables (P>=2d) and 24 miscellaneous pulsators including 15 SX
Phoenicis stars and two Type II Cepheids.
  Analysis of the eclipsing binary radial distribution has revealed an apparent
lack of binaries in the 8'-15' range, perhaps indicating two separate binary
populations. Four detached binaries have short periods (<2.5d) and are likely
composed of low-mass M-dwarf components, useful for testing stellar evolution
models. One further detached system has a period of 0.8 days and due to the
blueness of the system could be composed of white dwarf stars. Analysis of the
RR Lyrae sample has produced a reddening corrected distance modulus (also
accounting for metallicity spread) for the cluster of 13.68+-0.27, a result
consistent with previously published values. This paper also presents a total
stellar database comprising V and I photometry (with astrometry better than
0.25'') for 203,892 stars with 12.0<V<21.0 and 25-night V+R lightcurves for
109,726 stars (14.0<V<22.0) for both the cluster and the field.
