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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
