Why Australia's cities deserve the trip
Australia packs world-class beaches, food and culture into a handful of distinctive cities. Here are the ones worth building a trip around.
Sydney
The big one. Sydney is famous for its Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, with a glittering harbour you can cross by ferry to Manly.
- Highlight: Walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal path, then watch the sunset behind the Opera House.
Melbourne
Australia's culture and coffee capital, known for hidden laneways, street art and a serious dining scene.
- Highlight: Coffee and graffiti-hunting in the CBD laneways like Hosier Lane and Degraves Street.
Brisbane
Sunny and relaxed on the Brisbane River, this is the easy-going gateway to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
- Highlight: Swim at South Bank's free man-made Streets Beach with the skyline behind you.
Cairns
The tropical north and your launch pad to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
- Highlight: A day trip snorkelling or diving the reef from the Cairns marina.
Perth
Isolated, sunny and uncrowded, Perth has gorgeous beaches and the riverside Kings Park.
- Highlight: A ferry to Rottnest Island to meet the smiling quokkas.
Adelaide
Elegant and walkable, Adelaide is the gateway to the Barossa Valley wine region.
- Highlight: A wine-tasting day trip through the Barossa or Adelaide Hills.
Hobart
Tasmania's compact capital blends colonial charm with the wild and provocative MONA art museum.
- Highlight: Saturday's Salamanca Market, then the ferry to MONA.
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