Australia is a beautiful and fascinating country with a nearly endless variety of adventures and sights to see. Each city has its own distinct flavor and offers travelers an experience unlike any other. Whether a traveler is seeking an understanding of Aboriginal history and culture, yearning to explore tropical rainforests, or searching for the world’s most beautiful beaches, Australia will not disappoint. Below is a list of Australia’s top cities and what each has to offer.
Sydney
As one of the most traveled cities in Australia, you can often find cheap flights to Sydney. Home of the world-famous Sydney Opera House, Sydney is the obvious city of choice for music lovers. However, Sydney has a rich variety of activities and attractions to keep almost anyone happy. Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, and explore colonial and Aboriginal history on the Great Coastal Walk. Beach goers can relax at Bondi or Manly Beach while animal lovers can visit the Taronga Zoo, and Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife World. Sydney is also home to historical and cultural sites such as Fort Denison and the Museum of Sydney.
Melbourne
History buffs, sophisticates, and sports enthusiasts will all feel at home in Melbourne. The Golden Mile Heritage Trail takes visitors on a walking journey through Melbourne’s rich history. For those in search of a great cup of coffee, upscale bars, boutiques, or great jazz, Melbourne’s South Bank and Melbourne Lanes have it all, while the Australian Open Tennis Championships, the Melbourne Grand Prix, or the Melbourne Cricket Ground will excite any sports fan. Other points of interest include the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Melbourne Observation Deck, and the Queen Victoria Market.
Brisbane
This third largest city in Australia is a Mecca for museum lovers. Brisbane is home to the Queensland Cultural Centre on South Bank hosting a variety of museums, galleries, and theaters including the Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery, and Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Brisbane also has plenty to offer animal and nature lovers with the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Alma Park Zoo, City Botanic Gardens, and Nudgee Beach.
Cairns
Cairns is the perfect getaway for the ecologically conscious traveler. Visitors to Cairns can explore the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park – home of the oldest living rainforest, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Cape Tribulation, or ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway spanning 7.5 kilometers over tropical rainforest. Cairns is also home to world-class luxury accommodations as well as a hopping social district.
Canberra
This capital of Australia is also a planned city and greatly appeals to travelers interested in history and politics. Visitors can tour the New Parliament House and explore the Australian War Memorial. Canberra is also home to the National Museum of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia. Kids will enjoy the Questacon Canberra interactive experience at the National Science and Technology Centre, as well as the Canberra Space Dome. The village and gardens at Cockington Green are a great place to relax with a picnic.
Adelaide
South Australia’s capital city, Adelaide is the city for foodies and wine enthusiasts. The Adelaide Central Market is heralded as, “the largest under cover produce market in the Southern Hemisphere” and a must-visit location. Adelaide is also home to three wine regions as well as the National Wine Centre of Australia. Additional attractions in the city include Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide Botanic Gardens, the Art Gallery of South Australia, and the marina at Glenelg.
Perth
Watersport enthusiasts will find a great variety of activities available in Perth including windsurfing, parasailing, ski biscuiting, and jet skiing. Visitors to Perth can fish on the Swan River or enjoy nearby walking tracks. Wine and tea lovers will also be satisfied. Swan River vineyards offers wine tasting and historic Guildford serves Devonshire tea. For even more opportunities to enjoy the grape, head to nearby Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine country featuring wineries, breweries, and great restaurants.
Darwin
This northernmost capital city is at once modern yet also deeply rooted in Aboriginal history. Whether travelers are looking for sophisticated city attractions or for sacred Aboriginal lands, they will not be disappointed. Darwin has a variety of galleries, theaters, pubs, bars, and cafes, as well as botanic gardens and beaches. Visitors interested in national parks and history must explore Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, as well as tour Arnhem Land, the sacred lands of the Aboriginal people. Additional attractions in Darwin include Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, the Darwin Wharf Precinct, and the Charles Darwin National Park.
Broome
Located in the northern part of Western Australia, Broome enthralls nature lovers with a fascinating blend of exotic multiculturalism, incredible beaches and landscapes, and luxury accommodation. Visitors can tour the pearl farm where Japanese, Malay, and Filipino pearl divers came together long ago to search for what are now considered some of the most sought after pearls in the world. Broome is also the location of world-famous Cable Beach, dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point, and the Staircase to the Moon – a shining illusion created by the full moon between March and October.
Decisions, Decisions
Trying to decide which of these vibrant locales to visit can be tough. With the help of the above list, any type of traveler from the eco tourist to the wine enthusiast can find their ideal destination.
This guest post article was written and provided by Erica Gustafson who is an avid Australia traveler, freelance writer and digital media consultant for Expedia.
