Australia is a country like no other, boasting crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, untouched rainforest, and vast desertscapes. UNESCO heritage sites can be found all over, recognizing natural treasures like the Great Barrier Reef and Tasmanian Wilderness, as well as important cultural sites like the Sydney Opera House and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, one of many places with a rich connection to Australia’s Indigenous people. Discover the very best things to do and places to stay with our travel experts’ curated guides.

Flanked by picturesque national parks, the harbour city of Sydney is a buzzing metropolis boasting an exceptional food scene, plentiful beaches and enviable nightlife. First-time travellers will want to explore sights such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, as well as Bondi Beach, Wattamolla Beach and Wendy’s Secret Garden, a peaceful green space overlooking the harbour.

If you love art, film, music and food, then the cultural hub of Mebourne is for you. Located on the southeastern coast, the city is home to the Queen Victoria Market, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the National Gallery of Victoria, one of Australia’s leading art musuems. Visit in March-April to see leading comics from around the world performing at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Melbourne is also a good jumping off point from which to reach the Great Ocean Road, a glorious 240-km coastal road trip that passes by sites including the awesome Twelve Apostles rocks.

The calmer waters of Perth are ideal for snorkelling and swimming, though beginner surfers will have a good time here too. A trip to Perth wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the wineries of the Swan Valley and the limestone formations of The Pinnacles, where the lack of light pollution clears the way for most incredible celestial displays. Just off the coast lies Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve where you can spot quokkas, small wallaby-like marsupials.

Nestled at the base of the Mount Lofty Ranges in southern Australia, Adelaide is known for its scenic national parks, as well as a buzzing culture scene. Visitors can hike in the hills, sample local wines at the numerous vineyards, and explore contemporary art and Aboriginal artefacts in the world-class museums. The city is also home to the Adelaide Fringe, Australia’s biggest arts festival, which takes place in February and March

This laid-back city on Australia’s north coast is the gateway to the Northern Territory, for outback adventures and captivating encounters with the country’s Aboriginal past. In the city itself you’ll find Mindil Beach and the Darwin Waterfront, perfect for safe family swimming.