Perth is Western Australia’s star attraction. Hailed as the country’s ‘sunniest' capital – and blessed by the lapping waters of the Swan River as well as miles of coastline – it attracts foodies, fashionistas and fun lovers alike. Visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden; the city’s splendid cultural precinct where you’ll find art galleries, the Western Australian Museum, and the State Ballet and Opera; head down to the beach to swim with dolphins; saunter down the King Street precinct for a taste of Gucci, Louis Vuitton and company; and if you’re into anything vintage, visit Guildford for some retro retail therapy.
Once known as the ‘City of Churches’, today Adelaide is better recognised for its sophistication, charm and cosmopolitan feel. South Australia’s capital is a hub of festivals and art galleries; it enjoys a vibrant nightlife and live-music scene; plus there is plenty of shopping, including gorgeous opals, to be done; and gastronomic delights to be enjoyed. Pop into the Art Gallery of South Australia to view indigenous art, or the South Australian Museum devoted to natural history; take an amble in the Adelaide Botanic Garden; or if you’re up for a hike, find out about the trails on the Mount Lofty Ranges.
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.
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.
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.
Palm Cove is a stunningly beautiful, tropical-feel destination on the coast of Queensland, set roughly 27 kilometres north of Cairns. Long stretches of soft white sands are backed by lines of palms (giving the town its name) and lapped by pristine, turquoise waters. Visitors can look forward to excellent swimming, diving, snorkelling, canoeing, water skiing and boat tour opportunities. Bar hop while you watch the sunset, and indulge in a range of flavours at one of the many restaurants. The area is also known for its lush surrounding forest, which is decorated by some jaw-dropping train and cable car routes (Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Cablecar), offering sublime views of the jungle and coast beyond. Another bucket-list item nearby is the dreamy Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest butterfly aviary in the southern hemisphere.
