Top 10 Destinations
Sydney
Australia’s oldest and most iconic city, Sydney presents a relaxed, beachside vibe within a thriving metropolis. Watch a show at the World Heritage-listed Opera House or take to the waves at Bondi Beach. Explore the trendy Darling Harbour and the historic laneways of The Rocks, then indulge in the city’s many restaurants and secret bars. Catch a ferry to the white sands and turquoise waters of Manly Beach or take on the exhilarating Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. The stunning Blue Mountains make for an easy day trip, with the Royal Botanic Gardens providing the ideal setting for a peaceful stroll. Heritage buildings include Sydney Town Hall, Parliament House and the Australian Museum and vibrant festivals run throughout the year. Combine this with beautiful coastal walks, markets, and the possibility of seeing migrating humpback whales, and it’s clear Australia’s famous harbor city really does have something for everyone.
Melbourne
Long thought to be the most European of all the Australian cities, Melbourne is proud to be Australia’s sporting and cultural capital. More than 40 laneways link the city’s center, crammed with hole-in-the-wall eateries, cozy bars and coffee shops and no trip to Melbourne is complete without exploring this hidden inner-city network. Internationally renowned for its street art, you will find colorful displays throughout much of the city, with the ever-changing Hosier Lane a favorite for experiencing this urban art scene. Melbournians hold a fierce love for Aussie rules football and, being home to the Australian Open, Formula One and Melbourne Cricket Ground, it’s no wonder Melbourne is such a major sporting city. Be sure to experience the cultural hub of Federation Square, the multicolored huts along Brighton beach, the thrilling rides of Luna Park and the penguins (yes penguins!) of St Kilda.
Brisbane
Capital of the Sunshine State of Queensland, the riverside city of Brisbane is packed between the beautiful Moreton Bay and rugged national parks. A cosmopolitan hub, the city features a flourishing bar and restaurant scene, and is home to world-class theaters and museums. Cross Victoria Bridge to discover South Bank, Brisbane’s cultural heart, and its 17 hectares of lush parklands. The World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests are only a two-hour drive away and you can reach the beautiful beaches, shipwrecks and vast sand dunes of Moreton Island by ferry. Visit the 130 koalas at the world’s first Koala Sanctuary, check out the Botanic Gardens or, for a panoramic view of the city, go to the Mt Coot-tha lookout. You can also rock climb or abseil the Kangaroo Point cliffs and cruise the Brisbane River by kayak or stand up paddle board.
Perth
Despite being one of the most isolated cities in the world, the easy-going capital of Western Australia feels anything but secluded. The center’s high-rise CBD is full of busy shopping streets and arcades, with the diverse neighborhood of Northbridge home to an abundance of independent cafes, bars and clubs. Kings Park, one of the world’s largest inner-city green spaces, overlooks the beautiful Swan River and offers views out to the distant Perth Hills. Top beach spots include the white sand Cottesloe Beach or Scarborough to hit the surf. A visit to Fremantle, Perth’s quirky port city, is a must. Expect to find great coffee, boutiques and handcrafted beers as well as a lively music, festival and arts scene. Learn about Australia’s convict history at Fremantle Prison or step inside the bustling ‘Freo’ Markets to discover fresh local produce and unique food offerings. The picturesque scenery, pristine bays and excellent snorkelling of Rottnest island are also only a short ferry ride away.
Cairns
The Gateway to Queensland’s tropical north, Cairns is renowned for its tropical climate and care-free vibe. An ideal base to explore many of Australia’s most famous attractions, Cairn’s is just a short leap from the World-Heritage wonders of the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The relaxing beachside resorts of Port Douglas are also just over an hour’s drive away. But this vibrant Far North city has much going for it too. Take time to discover its brilliant cafes and bars, stunning beaches and bustling markets. Thrill-seekers have the options of bungy-jumping or white-water rafting, whilst the more cautious can embark on a peaceful hot air balloon ride or explore the beautiful botanic gardens. For those wanting to learn more about Australia’s history, the area is rich in Aboriginal heritage, with opportunities to learn how to throw a spear or boomerang and take a rainforest bush walk.
Byron Bay
The ultimate Aussie beach town, Bryon Bay combines natural beauty with a laidback, hippy lifestyle. Famed for its world-class surf, Byron’s majestic headland offers beaches for everyone from learners to pros. With plenty of surf schools about, places to kayak and scuba diving spots, you’re sure to be hitting the water in some form or other. Also boasting beautiful nature walks, an excellent music scene, whale watching, day spas and an abundance of yoga retreats, it’s easy to see why Byron is so popular. The town’s hippie heart beats most strongly during balmy evenings on Main Beach. Here you’ll find groups of free spirits celebrating the sunset with interpretative dance, drumming circles and hypnotic fire twirling. Join the party and afterwards meet other travelers and locals in one of Byron’s many pubs and clubs.
Alice Springs
Located in the center of Australia’s vast outback, you’ll find the town of Alice Springs. With the ruggedly beautiful MacDonnell Ranges running on either side, you won’t need to venture far to discover ochre-red gorges, white gum trees and plunging waterholes. For an insight into Aboriginal Australian culture, there’s no better destination. With its wide range of accommodation and dining options, Alice Springs is the main base for visitors headed to the iconic Uluru. Formerly known as Ayers Rock, Uluru is UNESCO World Heritage-listed and deeply sacred to the Aboriginal population. This gigantic red rock is millions of years old and makes for an epic sight at both sunrise and sunset. Within Alice Springs itself you will also find excellent museums and outstanding galleries of Indigenous art, as well as being able to hear at least six unique desert languages being spoken.
Gold Coast
Dedicated to enjoying the sunshine, the Gold Coast features shimmering high-rise hotels and resorts alongside world-renowned beaches. With some 52 kilometers of pristine sand, epic surf breaks and stunning sunsets, it’s little wonder the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s top holiday destinations. The city has set the scene for world-class surf events and blockbuster movies, with the famous Surfers Paradise offering waterfront shopping, excellent dining and a buzzing nightlife. Home to a thriving culinary scene, the Gold Coast offers everything from casual seafood shacks and street eats to breweries and fine dining. And, as Australia’s answer to Orlando, The Gold Coast also boasts a variety of theme parks and water parks including the Warner Brothers Movie World, Dreamworld and more. Known as the ‘green behind the gold’, the Gold Coast’s Hinterland is often wrongly overlooked. The national parks here contain brilliant waterfalls, subtropical jungle, abundant wildlife and charming mountain villages.
Darwin
Australia’s Northern Territory is an adventure traveler’s paradise, and the best place to start exploring is its tropical capital Darwin. Closer to Asia than other Australian cities, Darwin’s residents represent more than 50 different nationalities. And this cosmopolitan mix is most evident in the city’s much-loved markets. The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets offer some 60 food stalls serving up delicious international cuisine. With plenty to offer travelers, Darwin’s museums also present an excellent insight into the city’s past, whilst galleries showcase the rich Aboriginal art of the area. Nature is an integral part of the experience, with the famous Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks only a few hours away and the unique Tiwi Islands reachable by boat. With more crocodiles in the Northern Territory than anywhere else in the world, there are plenty of opportunities to go and see these ancient reptiles for yourself.
Adelaide
As the dynamic capital of South Australia, it's easy to pass time in Adelaide. The city’s festival season includes major events such as Womadelaide, the Adelaide Festival of Arts and the internationally renowned Adelaide Fringe. With eclectic dining, a pumping arts and live-music scene and buzzing nightlife, you certainly won’t be stuck for something to do on a Saturday night. The city is home to wonderful sandy beaches, wide boulevards and the beautiful Adelaide Botanic Garden. For a panoramic view of the city a visit up Mount Lofty is a must, as is the Central Market to experience Adelaide’s foodie culture. The world-famous Barossa, Clare and McLaren Vale wine regions are also close by, making Adelaide the wine capital of Australia. And, for a weekend away, the rugged natural beauty of Kangaroo Island is easily reachable by ferry.
