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.
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.
The Mornington Peninsula is a stretch of farmland and natural bush south-east of Melbourne that separates Western Port from Port Phillip Bay. The area is known as "the food bowl of Victoria" and is a destination renowned among foodies the world over. Here you will find five-hatted restaurants within a short drive of local markets, olive groves, berry orchards and vineyards. Sorrento, in the east of the peninsula, is one of Australia’s most fashionable towns and also the site of the first European settlement in Victoria. Visitors flock to the many swimming beaches along the peninsula to enjoy perfect summer breaks, while the Dandenong Ranges National Park is a favourite hiking area, famous for its fantastic walking trails.
A sleepy fishing village in the 60s, Port Douglas has evolved into a sophisticated modern town and a more serene alternative to nearby Cairns for exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Hailed as a scuba-diving and snorkelling paradise, this resort destination on the Coral Sea in North Queensland offers miles of pristine palm-lined beaches, and plenty of shopping, wining and dining experiences. A short distance out of town, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge are not to be missed.
If you’re looking for that postcard-perfect experience of Australia, the Gold Coast is where you want to head. Sparkling high-rises overlook gold-sand beaches fringed by some of the most perfect surf in the world. Whether you like the idea of a relaxed snorkel or scuba dive to take in local turtles, seahorses and other marine species; or a high-octane experience on jet skis and power boats, the waters here cater for it all. When you’ve had your fill of sun and sea, you can get your adrenaline pumping at one of the many theme parks in the area, or enjoy the culinary offerings of the Gold Coast’s highly-rated restaurants.
