Australia immediately conjures images of the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, big-wave surfing, miles of Outback and a rather strange, and endearing, assortment of animals. While the country’s main cities offer charm, glamour, unique festivals, a well-preserved historical heritage, fabulous beaches and fun events, it’s also a land of immense contrast and captivating nature. The nation offers something for just about everyone – from water lovers, desert wanderers and canyon climbers, to arts and culture buffs, historians, and foodies. The country’s vast size makes it almost impossible to take it all in during a single visit, but you can pick and choose a perfect holiday according to your personal preferences.
Set along Australia's southeastern coast, Sydney is one of Australia's largest cities and serves as the capital of New South Wales. No matter what you fancy – shopping, the arts, the outdoors – you’re likely to be bewildered by the scope of choice available here. First up, there are the must-sees – iconic Sydney Opera House; Harbour Bridge, where visitors can climb while hearing about Sydney history; and the Sydney Tower which provides spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Explore the photogenic waterside hubs of Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, and the Rocks district; or delve into the larger-than-life music and food scenes of the metropolis after dark. For more laid-back diversions, head down to the beach or hop on a ferry for an extensive tour of Sydney Harbour and the gorgeous Parramatta River.
Port Stephens enjoys an idyllic setting in the state of New South Wales on the east coast of Australia. Just 35 kilometres from the hustle and bustle of Newcastle, Port Stephens is a scenic destination which is particularly appealing to active travellers and outdoor enthusiasts. The main hub, Nelson Bay, is affectionately known as the dolphin capital of Australia due to the common sightings of the majestic creature. It also offers popular fishing trips and quiet beaches with some impressive sand dunes. Other hotspots include Shoal Bay, great for swimming, and Samurai Beach, which boasts the best surf and is nudist-friendly. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Tomaree National Park, which has magnificent walking trails, and the Worimi Conservation Lands, an area of incredible sand dunes providing excellent quad biking and 4x4 adventures.
Despite being one of the largest cities New South Wales, subtropical Coffs Harbour is a popular holiday destination renowned for its laidback, endless summer atmosphere. The city’s surrounds boast a wide range of natural and historical attractions including spectacular beaches lapped by sparkling blue waters teeming with colourful marine life, lush rainforests dotted with breathtaking waterfalls, and the iconic banana plantations for which the area is famous. Popular attractions include the Big Banana Complex which, aside from being an absurdly large sculpture of a banana, offers fun rides, ice-skating and even an indoor ski slope. If bananas aren’t really your bag, you can check out the city’s excellent cafes, restaurants and shops or indulge in popular water-based activities like swimming, surfing, whale watching or scuba diving.
Byron By is a gorgeous seaside town situated about 165 kilometres south of Brisbane in New South Wales. With its world heritage rainforest and its magnificent beaches lapped by azure waters teeming with colourful coral and a profusion of exotic marine life, the coastal town of Byron Bay has been truly blessed by mother nature. The town is known for its surf culture, alternative philosophies, organic food, and its numerous opportunities for outdoor adventures. These include, among others: surfing, sky-diving, hang-gliding, kayaking, sailing, hot-air ballooning or simply relaxing on one of the glorious beaches and enjoying the abundant sunshine, powder-white sand, and perfect waves. The town has a distinctly vibrant and youthful energy that fuels its thriving nightlife and live-music scene. Some excellent art galleries and crafts shops and a dynamic culinary tradition complete the picture.
Nestling in the elbow of the enthralling Brisbane River, the capital of Queensland offers a taste of the good life to all its visitors. The city’s cultural precinct is home to the fascinating Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, which host incredible interactive exhibitions, as well as the impressive Queensland Museum of Modern Art. Don’t miss a visit to Mount Coo-tha, with its sprawling gorgeous Brisbane Botanic Gardens and astounding views. The Scenic Rim Region, just outside the city centre, is another must-see for nature lovers and photographers, as is the Lamington National Park, and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. After your day’s excursion, kick back at one of the many vibrant bars or restaurants and take in the beats provided by local musicians.
The Fraser Coast is named after the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island which is set just off Australia’s eastern coast. Known for its incredibly scenic natural landscapes, the Fraser Coast lies within the beautiful Queensland state boasting the magnificent coral cay of Lady Elliot Island near the Great Barrier Reef, and the scenic Hervey Bay situated in the Great Sandy Bay Biosphere, a UNESCO-listed area, said to be the whale watching capital of Austalia. Other highlights include: Lake Mckenzie, featuring crystal clear waters fringed by white-sand beaches; the bubbling waters at the Champagne Pools and Eli Creek, the largest freshwater creek on Fraser Island.
Straddling the Fitzroy River in northeastern Australia, Rockhampton is known as the beef capital of Australia due to its extraordinary number of cattle, and here is plenty more on offer in this charming riverside town than merely incredible steaks. Founded in 1853, the town boasts some delightful historical architecture including heritage post offices, historic streetscapes, majestic cathedrals and quaint private homes. Popular tourist attractions in the region include the Rocky Markets, the Mount Archer National Park, the Botanic Gardens, Olsen's Caverns, Cooper Downs Cattle Station, the Rockhampton Art Gallery, and a number of outstanding local beaches. The concentration of well-preserved old buildings, the tree-lined streets, and the lazy Fitzroy River running peacefully alongside Quay Street; all make this gracious and elegant coastal city one of the finest destinations in all of Queensland.
Stretching over the mist-shrouded forested foothills of the towering Clarke Range, Eungella National Park rests at the end of the Pioneer Valley. The park measures over 500 square kilometres of indigenous tropical and subtropical vegetation. It is known as one of Queensland’s most ecologically diverse parks with many endemic wildlife species calling this park home, including the leaf-tailed gecko, the Eungella honeyeater, the orange-sided skink and the Eungella gastric-brooding frog. Visitors can enjoy many activities, including spotting platypus in the rivers, enjoying a picnic at Broken River, and finding a spot to camp overnight amidst the park’s stunning scenery. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike the 56-kilometre- long Mackay Highlands Great Walk.
Situated on a tropical peninsula on the east coast of Queensland, jaw-dropping Airlie Beach offers an array of activities to tick off your bucket list. With temperatures at a stable 32˚C for most of the year, popular leisure options include parasailing, skydiving, snorkelling, diving, boat tours and jet skiing. The soft, white sands and pristine turquoise waters are perfect for a simple sun-bathing session, frolicking in the waters and enjoying a dinner with a view. Just off the coast of Airlie Beach lie the idyllic Whitsundays Island and the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, with its incredible diving opportunities. In the surroundings, discover the peninsula’s vibrant markets, beaches and rainforests. Airlie Beach maintains an energetic nightlife all year round, with bustling restaurants, pubs and clubs scattered along the main street.
Nelly Bay is found on Magnetic Island off the northeast coast of Australia. As the site of its ferry terminal (connecting the island to Townsville on the mainland), Nelly Bay is the main hub of the island and boasts a wide selection of dining options, not to mention pristine nearby natural attractions. A famous destination for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, the town offers tours of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for divers of all experience levels. Nelly Bay’s collection of beaches - such as Geoffrey Bay and West Point - are outstandingly scenic, with wallabies visible from the shoreline, and there are a number of popular walks (such as the Magnetic Island Forts Walk) for active travellers to enjoy.
Once a sleepy sugar-milling town, Cairns in North Queensland is now a vibrant cosmopolitan city and a premier destination for sailing, diving and snorkelling. Its tropical waters are home to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, and lush rainforests cover the surrounding areas. Make the most of this coastal paradise by cycling along the 14 kilometres of sandy beachfront, or rafting through rapids to view the ruins of Mission Beach. Other popular activities include visiting Cooktown for a taste of history or taking a scenic drive through the farmlands, stopping at village markets along the way. In the town centre, visit the Tiapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for a musical and dance interpretation of Aboriginal history, or relax at Cairns Esplanade for a perfect seaside dining experience coupled with a romantic sunset.
