Australia's ‘heart of culture’, Melbourne, is the capital of Victoria and lies on the banks of the Yarra River. Famous for its gorgeous gardens, exciting culinary scene, and wealth of arts and culture attractions, the city is alluring to travellers with a variety of interests. Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens offer a spectacular display of indigenous plants and flowers, an Aboriginal Heritage Walk, and live concerts; the impressive Melbourne Star provides a 30-minute, 120-meter-high experience over the city; and the uber-modern Federation Square includes the magnificent NVG International Gallery, housing ancient works as well as contemporary masterpieces. Other highlights include the abundance of Queen Victoria Market, the hidden lanes and alleyways around Bourke, Collins, and Flinders streets for food and nightlife, and the mighty Melbourne Cricket Ground, arguably one of the best in the world.
Circular Quay lies on beautiful Sydney Harbour. With ferries, trains and buses arriving and departing the quay, this is the perfect place to begin adventures to world-famous attractions near the city. Visitors can enjoy water taxis, jet boats and harbour cruises, creating memorable photographic opportunities. One of the most popular things to do here is to spend a leisurely day strolling along the harbour foreshore to the iconic Sydney Opera House and the gorgeous Royal Botanic Garden. Among the many things to do, art lovers should head to the enthralling Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, on the western side of the quay. Some of Sydney's best restaurants are located here, too.
Located in the south of Australia’s Northern Territory, the remote town of Yulara lies only 18 short kilometres from the sacred world heritage site, Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock. This isolated town serves as a service hub for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and offers some welcome comfort in the harsh Outback landscape. Visitors use it as a base when exploring the park and viewing the main attraction in the area, Uluru. This epic sandstone formation stands almost 350 metres high and measures 10 kilometres in circumference featuring hidden caves, ancient rock art and otherworldly fiery hues at sunset. Other popular attractions and activities include: the Field of Light Uluru, the Desert Awakenings Tour and the Wintjiri Arts & Museum.
Australia’s Watarrka National Park contains the western end of the George Gill Mountain Range, the home of Kings Canyon. The scenic landscape of rugged ranges, rock holes, and gorges is a refuge for many plants and animals, making the park an important conservation area and major attraction. The canyon features ancient sandstone walls sculptured by the elements, rising 100 metres up to a plateau of rocky domes. History enthusiasts can enjoy discovering the heritage of the Luritja Aboriginal people, who lived in the area for more than 20 000 years, in one of the many guided tours. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch the sunrise from the top of the canyon, dine under the stars at the resort, or take a helicopter ride over Watarrka National Park.
This hardy and remote desert town, initially named Stuart, started out as a telegraph station in the 1870s. Renamed Alice Springs in 1993, it’s the capital of the Australian Outback and the best place to start your exploration of the breathtaking Red Centre – the country’s interior desert region – as well as to experience the vibrant art and culture of the Aboriginal people. Venture out to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and explore Kings Canyon, the West MacDonnell Ranges, Simpson Desert, and the Devil’s Marbles Conservation Reserve – home to an iconic pair of round granite boulders. While you’re in town, make sure to visit the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve to get a feel of the town’s unique pioneering history.
Located in tropical North Queensland, Cairns is a vibrant coastal city and a popular gateway to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest. Visitors can explore colourful coral reefs on diving and snorkelling excursions, sail to nearby tropical islands or discover the region’s lush rainforest, waterfalls and scenic mountain landscapes. Adventure activities include white-water rafting, skydiving and scenic flights over the reef. Those interested in history and culture can explore the nearby village of Kuranda, visit local markets or discover the region’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage through guided cultural experiences. In the city, Cairns Esplanade offers a scenic waterfront promenade, a popular swimming lagoon, cafés and restaurants. With its tropical climate, relaxed atmosphere and easy access to remarkable natural attractions, Cairns is an excellent base for exploring Queensland’s tropical north.
