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 capital city, also known as the ‘Bush Capital’ is surrounded by forest, farmland and nature reserves; while at its heart is the fabulous Lake Burley Griffin, filled most days with colourful sailboats and kayaks. The city boasts a treasure trove of attractions, including the strikingly modern Parliament House, the National Gallery, the Australian War Memorial and Questacon National Science and Technology Centre. A short drive from the city, you’ll find the Australia Alps, Tidnbinbilla Nature Reserve and the Murrumbidgee River Corridor – all worthy scenic day trips. And if you’re there in autumn, you’ll be treated to the Balloon Fiesta – when a cornucopia of colourful hot air balloons take to the skies.
Pokolbin is an arresting agricultural area at the heart of the Lower Hunter Valley wine region in New South Wales, Australia, only two and a half hours’ drive from Sydney. Surrounded by 150 vineyards, as well as numerous distilleries and craft breweries, this is the perfect place for wine lovers and specialist alcohol specialists to holiday together, in the stunning setting of verdant, flourishing hills, backed by rugged, enthralling mountains. With its long list of award-winning restaurants, the destination also proves a delight for culinary enthusiasts. The flat area is ideal for cycling and leisurely walks among the scenery. Make sure to spend an evening watching one of the legendary outdoor concerts at Hope Estate, Roche Estate, and Bimbagden Estate, where major artists perform regularly.
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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.
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.
