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.
This hardy and remote desert town, initially named Stuart, started out as a telegraph station in the 1870s. Renamed Alice Springs in 1993, it’s the capital of the Australian Outback and the best place to start your exploration of the breathtaking Red Centre – the country’s interior desert region – as well as to experience the vibrant art and culture of the Aboriginal people. Venture out to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and explore Kings Canyon, the West MacDonnell Ranges, Simpson Desert, and the Devil’s Marbles Conservation Reserve – home to an iconic pair of round granite boulders. While you’re in town, make sure to visit the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve to get a feel of the town’s unique pioneering history.
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.
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.
With its captivating charm and plenty of fascinating tourists attractions, this laidback city oozes quirky character and a quiet cosmopolitan atmosphere. Resting on the shores of Cleveland Bay and offering spectacular views of the exquisite Magnetic Island lying just off the coast, Townsville attracts its fair share of visitors who are drawn to its golden-sand beaches and its year-round sunny skies. Popular activities in the area include: exploring the tropical rainforests and waterfalls of the Paluma Range National Park; snorkelling or diving the Great Barrier Reef; hopping over to the idyllic paradise of Magnetic Island, or simply hanging out in the town’s numerous lively restaurants and bars. Townsville offers an intriguing combination of rainforest, reef, glorious beaches, and rugged outback along with all the attractions and facilities of a thriving city.
Situated in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands archipelago, Daydream Island rests between the northeast coast of Queensland and the biodiverse Great Barrier Reef. It measures only one kilometre in length and 400 metres in width. This oasis of serene surroundings features sublime coral reefs, secluded beaches, tree-lined hilltops, and majestic rocky coves. One of the main tourist drawcards is the famed Living Reef, a free-form coral lagoon wrapped around Daydream Island Resort’s central building. This spectacular exhibit invites guests to join the team of marine biologists to feed the baby stingray who live alongside over 100 species of marine life, including fish, coral and invertebrates. With scenic yachting adventures, thrilling snorkelling tours and breathtakingly beautiful sunsets, Daydream Island is true to its name; a dream.
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.
Hervey Bay in Queensland is known as the Whale Watch Capital of the World and provides an idyllic gateway to Fraser Island, a captivating World Heritage Site. There are at least 16 walking trails in the area, perfect for exploring the region’s hidden gems and well-known attractions. While whale-spotting boat tours are the primary drawcard, active types will delight in the chance to walk, rollerblade or cycle along the photogenic, 14km long Hervey Bay Esplanade, which extends from the Urangan Harbour at the eastern end of the city to Gatakers Bay in the west, and the town’s seafront position facilitates an array of water sports including sea kayaking, skiing, sailing and fishing. A wonderful art gallery, great selection of pubs and numerous fantastic restaurants complete the package.
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.
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.
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.
Situated on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the vibrant city of Christchurch is the largest city on the island. Dubbed the 'Garden City', it is known for its many lush green spaces and possesses a multicultural charm with an added dash of Victorian flair. The city offers a fabulous array of activities, including punting down the Avon River, helicopter tours, hot air ballooning and whale and dolphin watching. Visitors can enjoy a stroll around the beautifully sculptured parks, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and browse numerous art galleries, followed by a visit to Pomeroy’s for a craft beer and the adjoining Victoria’s Kitchen for a pub-style lunch.
The quaint west coast town of Franz Josef has a few hundred permanent residents, but numbers swell during the holidays to around 2000 visitors per day. This is glacier country, and Franz Josef glacier (after which the town is named) and Fox Glacier, some 23 kilometres further south, are the main attractions. The town offers myriad options for cosy accommodation, especially after the snow and ice activities on offer – combine a helicopter tour with a guided walk on the glacial terrain to view ice caves, and spectacular crevasses and pinnacles. Helicopter tours over the two glaciers are also available, with a stop off at the head of either glacier so you can experience the frozen landscape up close.
Queenstown, an idyllic resort town, lies on the shore of Lake Wakatipu in the southwest of South Island, New Zealand, surrounded by beautiful alpine peaks. Considered by many as one of the world’s top adventure capitals, this nature-laden destination offers a wide choice of adrenaline-boosting activities including white water rafting, zip-lining, skiing, skydiving and bungee-jumping (and a particular highlight, the world’s largest rope swing at Nevis Valley). Those who prefer soaking up the gorgeous scenery without too much effort will enjoy the lush vineyards, pristine golf courses, the dazzling Queenstown Gardens and the town’s luxury spas and wellness centres. Culinary types will also be pleased with Queenstown’s exciting gourmand offerings - the lively bar and restaurant scene provide a variety of flavours and experiences.
The second-largest city on the South Island, Dunedin (Celtic for Edinburgh) overlooks the Otago Harbour and Peninsula. There’s no urban sprawl here; instead, you’ll find impressive historic architecture, parks, and natural beauty in abundance. More than 20 beaches can be reached within 30 minutes, and stunning, unspoilt coastlines make for excellent hikes and sunset shots. You’ll want to visit Gothic-revival Larnach Castle, known for its colourful history, a resident ghost and impressive treats (high tea is served at 3 pm every day); Speight’s Brewery for tours, tastings and hearty meals; glorious St Paul’s Cathedral; and the Ice Stadium to watch a game or two of curling. Art lovers should make sure to explore the impressive street art trail through the historic buildings of the Warehouse Precinct.
Dubbed ‘the world’s most beautiful island you’ve never heard of’ by Huffington Post, Mo'orea forms part of the Society Islands archipelago in French Polynesia. It is indeed arrestingly scenic - an interior of jagged volcanic peaks blends into sandy beaches surrounded by calm, crystal clear waters protected by a coral reef. In this tranquil lagoon you can dive with manta rays, sharks and vividly coloured fish, go paddleboarding or fishing, or enjoy a scenic sunset cruise. Alternatively, go hiking along rainforest trails leading up the slopes of Mo’orea’s interior mountains, or head to the Belvedere Lookout point to enjoy breathtaking views over the island and Tahiti beyond.
Holiday destinations don’t get much more idyllic than Bora Bora. Known as the ‘Jewel of the South Seas’, it has been consistently voted among the best islands of the world. Its mountainous interior is swathed by verdant jungle and encircled by a vividly turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef. Bora Bora’s setting lends itself to a host of aquacentric activities, with snorkelling and scuba diving at the top of the list due to the rich marine life supported by the surrounding barrier reef. Other popular leisure options include jet-skiing, boat cruises, kitesurfing and - for more adventurous travellers - parasailing and sky-diving. The island’s main settlement, Vaitape, is dotted with boutiques and restaurants, where you can indulge in retail therapy or sublime cuisine respectively.
