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.
The region known as the Adelaide Hills is located in the state of South Australia, just 30 minutes from the city of Adelaide. Technically part of the Mount Lofty Mountain Range, this area makes a popular weekend retreat with its cool climate and sylvan surroundings. Begin at the prominence of Mount Lofty Lookout, before checking out the nearby Botanic Gardens (famous for its rhododendrons and magnolias) and the Cleland Wildlife Park, where emu, kangaroo and pelican sightings are commonplace, and you can visit wombat enclosures and even cuddle koala bears. The town of Hahndorf makes a popular base, with German bakeries, art galleries and the Beerenberg Strawberry Farm to visit, while the National Motor Museum in Birdwood houses an impressive collection of more than 300 vehicles.
Kangaroo Island (“Ki” to the locals) is Australia’s third largest island and a well-known haven for wildlife enthusiasts seeking a retreat. The island lies around 112 km southwest of Adelaide and is almost two thirds protected by reserves and national parks. There are also many cafés and restaurants that serve fresh local fare. The island’s main focus is on eco-tourism and you’ll find flawless beaches along the coastline such as Vivonne Bay, which was crowned Australia’s best beach in 2003. Island Beach is another remote oasis, where kangaroos, seals, dolphins and various birds are found in abundance, while the west coast of Flinders Chase National Park is home to the iconic granite boulders known as Remarkable Rocks.
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.
