Australia immediately conjures images of the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, big-wave surfing, miles of Outback and a rather strange, and endearing, assortment of animals. While the country’s main cities offer charm, glamour, unique festivals, a well-preserved historical heritage, fabulous beaches and fun events, it’s also a land of immense contrast and captivating nature. The nation offers something for just about everyone – from water lovers, desert wanderers and canyon climbers, to arts and culture buffs, historians, and foodies. The country’s vast size makes it almost impossible to take it all in during a single visit, but you can pick and choose a perfect holiday according to your personal preferences.
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.
The idyllic, crescent-shaped slice of paradise known as Lord Howe Island lies in the Tasman Sea east of Port Macquarie. The island is the top ridge of an extinct underwater volcano and seamount, projecting above the surface of the ocean. Boasting a diverse range of spectacular natural landscapes, it is the perfect place for outdoor activities for a variety of interests and levels of fitness. Visitors can relax on the island’s gorgeous white sandy beaches, snorkel on the stunning coral reef, hand-feed fish on Ned’s Beach, discover the world's tallest sea stack, or experience some of Australia’s best day hikes while climbing Mount Gower. Visitors are restricted to a maximum of 400, adding to the remote feeling and tranquillity of this tropical getaway. Lord Howe is a multi-award-winning destination and a certified World Heritage Site.
First settled in the early 1900s, Tasmania’s capital city has seen a healthy boom in tourism in recent years. Today Hobart combines the charm of old with a trendy, modern edge, and attractions like Salamanca Place – an old waterfront warehouse district that now hosts swanky restaurants, galleries and cafes – define its contemporary status. Art, culture and fine dining are plentiful in town, while nature and wildlife abound in the outlying areas. Venture out to nearby Mount Wellington for hiking and mountain biking trails with spectacular views.
The small seaside town of Coles Bay is located on the east coast of the island of Tasmania. A friendly and well-serviced place, Coles Bay is primarily known for the access it provides to the Freycinet National Park, one of Australia’s most astoundingly beautiful natural areas. From the pink-tinged granite peaks of the Hazards, to Wineglass Bay - consistently voted one of the world’s most photogenic beaches - and the remote Friendly Beaches lying to the north of Coles Bay, the magnificent beaches of the Freycinet National Park should feature on any Tasmanian travel itinerary. As well as relaxing on its tranquil beaches, visitors can look forward to enjoying a range of hiking, bushwalking, diving, snorkelling and cycling opportunities, all of which are easily accessible from Coles Bay.
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.
