Sydney is the most cosmopolitan, the largest and the oldest Australian city. It has a beautiful harbor, enjoys a Mediterranean climate and wonderful beaches. The city comes complete with man-made and natural attractions that draw in much of the travelers to the gateway to exploring the rest of New South Wales. The vibrant city combines a relaxed lifestyle with a multicultural population, intertwined with Aboriginal art, the booming waves from the Pacific Ocean crashing onto honey-colored sand, with the laughter of the kookaburras and swaying eucalypt trees in the background and the beauty of its state flower, the waratah in full bloom.

Places to See in Sydney

The city is most famous for the iconic Sydney Opera House, as well as the Sydney Harbour Bridge that links the city to the North Shore across the harbor. This provides travelers a spectacular backdrop for many pictures to take home from Australia, as the Sydney Harbour is known as one of the most beautiful in the world. The Sydney Harbour Bridge first opened to traffic back in 1932 and travelers will enjoy taking a walk on it or taking a breathtaking pylon walk up to the top of the bridge for a panoramic view of Sydney, the harbor and surrounding areas. The “Coathanger” as it is fondly called by the locals is the widest long-span bridge in the world according to Guinness, ranks fifth as the longest arch-spanning bridge and is regarded as the tallest steel arch bridge in the world.

The Sydney Opera house is an architectural marvel and is one of the most important landmarks of the city. Its roof is composed of several sections of spheres of varying sizes, often referred to as shells, covered with creamed colored matte tiles from Sweden. When it opened in 1973, it took top honors in architecture. Its Danish architect, Jørn Utzon won the Pritzker Prize in 2003, equivalent to the Oscars in the architectural world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is recognized as one of the most beautiful buildings constructed in the 20th century. Also, travelers who wish to catch some world-class performers, such as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Opera Australia, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Australian Ballet, might be able to catch a few shows at the Opera House.

After taking a tour of the Opera House, you might want to take a stroll around the nearby 30-hectare Royal Botanic Gardens. This is where you will get to see a large and exemplary collection of Australian plants as well as those coming from overseas. It is a wonderful place to take a break and enjoy its tranquility.

Before you go to the Sydney Opera House, be sure to pass through Hyde Park at Sydney’s Central Business District. It is quite a large park with several attractions such as the fig-line avenue. The park is planted with 580 trees and has several monuments and fountains. Foremost is the Archibald Fountain, the Anzac War Memorial, Lake of Reflections, a 125-foot Obelisk with Egyptian decoration, a quaint water fountain, Sandringham Gardens, Nagoya Gardens and a statue of Captain Cook. Near the northern end of the park is St. Mary’s Cathedral. Up ahead of the cathedral is the Sydney Mint Museum. To the northeast of the cathedral at The Domain is the leading art gallery in Sydney, the Gallery of New South Wales. Admission is free to view the exhibits featuring Asia, European and of course, Australian art from the settlement period up to contemporary time.

If you want to see where the city of Sydney had its beginnings, head off to The Rocks. It is very close to the Circular Quay, the site of the first European settlement in 1788. Cobblestone roads, small galleries, quaint shops, historic and themed pubs and restaurants, art galleries like the Museum of Contemporary Art, featuring works of Australian artists, and clothing and opal shops are the precinct’s attractions. The area used to be where many of the city’s merchants resided. It is also close to the entrance to Sydney Harbour Bridge, offering good views of this icon for photo opportunities and checking out some of the historical buildings such as the Sydney Observatory, Dawes Point Battery and the Cadmans Cottage.

Across the harbor is the world-famous Taronga Zoo, which opened in 1916. Taronga Zoo is the place to see a diverse collection of Australia’s endemic animals as well as exotic animals from around the world. There are several themed exhibits to delight different types of zoo visitors. There are daily Animal Encounters to help visitors get to know more about a featured animal. Meet a koala up close or feed some friendly giraffe while at the zoo. Free shows are also one of the zoo’s many attractions. The zoo provides a good vantage point to view the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Cove and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For an entirely different tour of the zoo, ride the Zoo Sky Safari chair lift.

Another place to see animals is Wild Life Sydney, near the Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour. This wildlife park showcases 10 zones that display insects, nocturnal animals, reptiles, invertebrates and several themed enclosures for Australia’s diverse regions, their denizens and outstanding characteristics. The latest addition is the Kakadu Gorge of the Northern Territory where a 5-meter male saltwater crocodile is one of the major attractions.

Darling Harbour is where you could visit the National Maritime Museum, Sega World, IMAX Theater, the Powerhouse Museum as well as the Chinese Gardens. Several shopping pavilions and water gardens give constant delight to visitors.

Things to do in Sydney

Sydney has over 40 beaches, some of which are truly famous. Those who love the sun and surf shouldn’t miss going to Bondi Beach. This is a top attraction in Sydney and is the place to catch up on some rays. For a more relaxing pace, take a Sydney Harbour cruise. It’s a good way to enjoy the waters as well as to get some amazing scenic shots of the city. It also affords travelers one of the best places to get a view of the Sydney Opera House. While on a harbour cruise, travelers would see the replica of Captain Bligh’s ship. Some choose to use Circular Quay as a jumping off point when walking around the Harbour. Another way to have a great view of the city in the daylight or nighttime hours is to go up the Sydney Tower, which used to be called AMP Centrepoint Tower. From 250 meters above the city, you would get a stunning 360-degree view of the whole of Sydney.

Travelers who want to catch the sights, go window-shopping or enjoy a bite to eat can do so at Manly Beach. This is a good spot to take a ferry ride or simply stroll along the coast. Sydney has several shopping districts affording travelers with a variety of goods in a wide range of prices. You get the chance to see international and local brands when you visit the Queen Victoria Building, a Sydney landmark. Double Bay on Castlereagh Street has shops for designer labels. You could also go to Mosman’s village for eclectic styles, Redfern Street for bargain clothes and factory outlets, the weekend markets at The Rocks and in Chinatown.

The Blue Mountains is an excellent place to learn about the history of the country. Travelers could recreate a walkabout to learn about Aboriginal culture. Sign up for a Blue Mountains Aboriginal culture tour, called the Blue Mountains Walkabout. Travelers could also pick up some antiques. Spelunkers will also enjoy the Jenolan Caves Day Tour. This allows travelers to go in the city’s ancient cave systems.

Aside from visiting Taronga Zoo, Sydney has several other theme, nature and wildlife parks, such as the Featherdale Wildlife Park, Gledswood Homestead, Koala Park Sanctuary, Oceanworld Australia, Waratah Park, Australia Wonderland, and Old Sydney Town. Each of these facilities offers many activities for everyone. For a truly wonderful day experience, go to the Sharply Vale Fruit World in Kangaroo Valley. It’s planted with 1,500 trees and you could pick the fruits in season for a small fee. You also get to see such activities as cow milking, post-harvest and fruit packing tours, tractor-train tours and ride ponies, buggies and horses.

Visit the Hunter Region and the vineyards of the Hunter Wine Country. Stay overnight and sample some of the country’s best white and red wines to go with sumptuous food served by award-winning restaurants in the region.

Going on an eco-tour is something that many travelers could do when visiting Sydney. Tours are also called wilderness tours, because it allows travelers to see kangaroos and many other Australian animals in their natural habitat.

Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria and the second largest city in the country. The scenic city has a definite European vibe and has a more relaxed feel than bustling Sydney. Its focus is on the arts, with poetry readings, a host of galleries, ballet and theater performances and a lively music scene that is a mix of jazz, rock and string quartets. But it does have its share of heart-pumping activities like the high-stakes Melbourne Cup, tennis’s Australian Open, Formula 1 opening race and the Rip Curl Pro Quit Surfing Classic.

Places to See in Melbourne

The Melbourne Museum at Carlton Gardens is the best place to learn about the history of Victoria. It is Southern Hemisphere’s largest museum. There are many exhibits in its seven main galleries covering a wide range of issues such as the environment, natural history, prehistoric exhibits, life sciences and technology. There are interactive exhibits for both young and old visitors. One of the main attractions is museum’s exhibit on Aboriginal people.

The Shrine of Remembrance on St. Kilda Road is an important landmark in Melbourne. This commemorates the Armed Forces that fought in the Great War of 1914 to 1918. It also serves as a monument to all soldiers who have served in armed conflict for the country. Many travelers find this to be a moving experience as the shrine is one of the largest memorials anywhere in the country. Its design was patterned after one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum of Maussollos in Halicarnassus, which is an ancient Greek city that is now part of Turkey.

Art lovers should stop by the National Gallery of Victoria. This is the oldest art gallery in the country. It opened in 1862 and today features many artworks from around the world. The Asian Collection is a popular attraction, as well as the collection of antiques. The exhibits change regularly so there’s always something new at the NGV. Aside from its priceless collection, such as the $3.8 million dollar circa 1527 painting done by Paris Bordone entitled “The Rest on the Flight Into Egypt with Saint Catherine and Angels,” the museum’s interior holds a massive art piece, one of the largest suspended stained glass pieces in the world on its ceiling. The beautiful stained glass ceiling casts colorful light to the exhibits and floors below. It was designed by Leonard French, a Victorian artist.

Sports fans often stop by the Melbourne Cricket Ground or the MCG at Yarra Park. This is the largest and oldest sports facility in the city, which can seat over 100,000 spectators. The home of the Melbourne Cricket Club also hosts other sporting events, such as the Australian Rules football (AFL) qualifying games and the grand finals, international Rugby Union games, Rugby League’s annual State of Origin series between New South Wales and Queensland and the qualifying rounds of the FIFA World Cup. The National Sports Museum is onsite and several statues of famous Australian athletes grace the grounds. For some travelers, watching an actual game could prove to be such an adrenaline rush.

Travelers with children would enjoy going to Melbourne Zoo or the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens. This is the oldest zoo in Australia and opened its doors to the public in 1862. Housed in the zoo are over 320 different species of animals from Australia and overseas. Those who don’t wish to go out and see the famous Australian animals in their natural habitat can do so in the safety of the zoo. On the other hand, those who prefer something more exciting could go to the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Here, travelers get to see free roaming hippos, giraffes, meercats and rhinos. It’s like going on safari in Australia.

Things to do in Melbourne

Many travelers start a tour of Melbourne going to the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne in South Yarra. This is considered as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, with a large collection, about 100,000 individual species of exotic, non-native and native plants from Australia housed in its 363-hectare property. The garden is involved in plant science research and has been instrumental in propagating introduced plants through seeds exchanged with other countries. There are carefully maintained and tough-wearing lawns, themed gardens and a discovery garden for children. It also includes areas for picnics and leisure jogging. The lake within the garden features eels and black swans.

Travelers who want to do some shopping usually head to malls along Collins and Bourke Streets and at Melbourne Central. There are a number of fashion label brands and well as food options for the busy traveler. A hodge-podge of traders and shops are found at Queen Victoria Market, Cosmo Gaslight Gardens and St. Kilda Markets.

Travelers who are looking for more natural scenery could take a lot of pictures while exploring Dandenong Ranges. Drive through the canopy of trees but be sure to make frequent stops along the way to enjoy the various shops selling souvenir items or to relax and enjoy a bottle of Foster’s Lager, Australia’s own beer. Spare some time to visit the Ballarat Wildlife Park, Capalba Park where alpacas thrive together with Australia’s other animals, Healesville Sanctuary, Koala Conservation Centre, and Werribee Park. You might also want to catch sight of the fairy penguins at Phillip Island, or experience what life is like at a sheep farm by visiting Warrook Cattle farm and Victoria’s Farm Shed, as these facilities offer demonstrations on sheep shearing, sheep milking and see the sheepdogs in action.

Those who want to get a bird’s eye view of the city should go to the Eureka Skydeck 88. The observation deck is the highest vantage point for travelers anywhere in the city. What makes this observation deck unique is the three-meter building protrusion where travelers could go in and get a completely unobstructed view of the city.

Several day tours would allow you to see the scenic and natural beauty of the outskirts of Melbourne. You could explore the Port of Melbourne through a river cruise or marvel at the spectacular rock formations along Port Campbell National Park when you take a drive on the Great Ocean Road. You could see formations like the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, the Grotto, the Arch, Bay of Islands and the Loch Ard Gorge. In Geelong is the National Wool Museum. Trace the history of the discovery of gold in Victoria at the Sovereign Hill Museum in Ballarat, the Gold Museum, also in Ballarat. There’s also the Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo.

Brisbane is a combination of a country town and a modern and dynamic city. The capital city of Queensland is a like a playground, with balmy, sub-tropical climate, lending a languid pace to the city, but with a very active nightlife and a host of gastronomic facilities. It is the home of Great Barrier Reef.

Places to See in Brisbane

The Brisbane River is the heart of where many activities of the city lie. Travelers can find a number of shops, stalls and activities here. Be sure to take lots of pictures of the skyline of Brisbane city.

No trip to Australia is complete without seeing a koala. One of the best places to do so is at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Aside from koalas, there are also kangaroos, cockatoos, kookaburras, a Tasmanian Devil, platypus and a number of different birds.

For some flora, go to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt. Coot-tha. There are a number of plants and flowers planted over 52 hectares of land. Travelers may even catch horticultural shows and craft displays. There are guided walks available, as well as self-guided trails that travelers can follow. The Gardens feature several exhibits including the Bonsai House, Fern House, Temperate Garden, Exotic Rainforest and Fragrant Plants and Herb Garden, as well as the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. One of the main features in the botanical garden is the Japanese Pond and Garden, the last work of famous Japanese garden designer Kenzo Ogata. While keeping to the concepts of Japanese garden design faithfully, the garden uses Australian flowers, shrubs and trees.

Learn more about Brisbane by going to the Queensland Cultural Centre where you would find the Art Gallery of Queensland, the city’s Museum, State Library and the Performing Arts Complex.

One of the best places to visit in Queensland is the Gold Coast, which is one hour away from Brisbane. Here you would be treated to a different experience as you visit the Currumbin Sanctuary and Fleays Wildlife Park. Cable Sports World offers different heart-pumping activities like cable waterskiing, reverse bungee called slingshot, bungee jumping, jet skiing, wave-runners, and windsurfing. Some of the activities could be done at night as the complex has strong floodlights. Theme park attractions are available at Dreamworld in Coomera, SeaWorld, Warner Bros Movie World and at Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Park. Surfers Paradise at the Gold Coast is the location of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum

Things to do in Brisbane

Travelers looking for some excitement would like the Riverlife Adventure Center. Those looking to enjoy some outdoor activities such as biking, rollerblading, rock climbing at Kangaroo Point cliffs, kayaking down the Brisbane River or even a pumpbike could do it all here. Some travelers might even want to try a standup paddleboard. It’s certainly a unique way to see the city of Brisbane.

South Bank Parklands is a good place to relax, unwind and take a stroll after a day of sightseeing. Many travelers with children would enjoy the playgrounds, gardens and walkways here. Some may even choose to go people watching or enjoy a picnic. Best of all, entrance is free. Taverns, cafés, restaurants, Kodak Beach, lush gardens, concert as Suncorp Piazza, the Gondwana Wildlife Sanctuary and the Butterfly and Insect Sanctuary the other options for you to explore.

At night, travelers may want to ride the City Cat Ferry to see Brisbane at night. Although it is not a guided tour, the waters are always the best place to get a good view of the city.

Australia’s different states offer a variety of activities to visitors. In Brisbane you could visit the Alma Park Zoo at Kallangur where you are able to touch some of the country’s animals, view a large collection of tropical plants and palms of Queensland. You could also experience being in a modern Australian sheep station at the Australian Woolshed. Lots of photo opportunities cuddling a friendly koala, feet birds and pat kangaroos are available at the Bunya Park Wildlife Sanctuary at Yandina. The facility has one of Australia’s largest koala breeding colonies.

A one-hour trip by car would take you to Sunshine Coast where you could enjoy the sandy beaches at Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and Caloundra. In Noosa, the beaches have pure white sand. Experience whale watching at Hervey Bay, be awed by the various wind-sculpted dunes, and have a great time at the lakes, forests and 100 kilometers of beach at Fraser Island. Joint the tour to explore the Big Pineapple, a 112-hectare plantation where you would see areas planted with pineapples, spices, sugar cane and macadamia.

Sunshine Coast even has the only ginger factory in Australia, the Ginger Factory. And if you would not be able to take a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, you could still see some of its denizens at the 80-meter long viewing tunnel at Underwater World.

Cairns is a regional city located in Far North Queensland and is the nearest point of entry for those who want to explore the Great Barrier Reef. The tropical paradise invokes joie de vivre. Cairns is a cosmopolitan city served by an international airport, with a sophisticated line up of restaurants, hotels, shopping malls and a pulsating nightlife.

Places to See in Cairns

Cairns has several wildlife and nature parks. The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is a wonderful place to look at and walk among thousands of colorful butterflies. Bird World, also in Kuranda like the butterfly sanctuary, showcases tree-lines paths where 350 birds from 40 species fly freely within a simulated rainforest environment complete with waterfalls and lakes. For the brave ones, visit Hartley’s Creek Crocodile Farm where hundreds of freshwater and saltwater crocodiles provide a different kind of entertainment during feeding time. The facility also offers koala-patting, crocodile attack show and snake show. You could also have the same type of experience when you visit the Rainforest Habitat at Port Douglas.

At the Caravonica Lakes in Smithfield is the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park where you could view different but interwoven performances in four separate theaters. You also get to interact with members of the Aboriginal community here. Before you go to the highlight of your trip to Cairns, get a view of the Great Barrier Reef at the Undersea World Oceanarium. The varied wildlife of Australia is showcased at Wildworld Australia facility at Palm Cove.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the top travel destinations in the world. It is the largest reef in the world and is the largest living organism on the earth that could be seen from space. There are close to 3,000 individual reefs that stretch out more than 2,600 kilometers across 900 islands. It is a World Heritage Site and is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The reef is Queensland’s state icon. With all the tourists that visit the reef, the tourism industry is able to generate as much as $1 billion annually for the Australian government.

Things to Do in Cairns

There are many ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Some opt to go snorkeling or swimming while more experienced people go diving. A helicopter ride takes travelers to look over the reef from a different angle. Island hopping is another way to check out the biodiversity of the reef and enjoy the pristine and crystal blue waters of Coral Sea. Take a closer look at Green and Loggerhead turtles and other marine creatures when you go island hopping from Haggerstone Island to Heron Island to Bedarra Island. Even if you do not want to enter the waters while at the Great Barrier Reef, you could enjoy the magnificent underwater view by riding a glass-bottomed boat. Those planning an underwater wedding could do so at The Reef. There are guided snorkel safaris and operators that offer your picture for underwater postcards.

Cairns is along the coast and has several beautiful beaches and islands waiting to be explored. Some of the beaches and resorts are quite near each other and you could just walk to reach them. The nearest to the city of Cairns is Machans Beach. Ten minutes from Cairns is Holloways Beach. Kite surfing is available at Yorkeys Knob. You could find great accommodation and wonderful restaurants after enjoying the waters when you are at Trinity Beach, which is 15 minutes from the airport. Amid tropical gardens is Kewarra Beach while excellent family villas are available at Clifton Beach. Walking for 20 minutes from Clifton Beach will bring you to Palm Cove Resort, reputed to be the best in Cairns. Further north is Ellis Beach, which is just 30 minutes from the city by car.

A two-hour drive from the city will take you to the Daintree Rainforest that will give you a fantastic and memory-filled vacation on one of the world’s most beautiful coastal roads. You could explore the rainforest before heading to the beach on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Daintree Rainforest is a World Heritage site. Near Bedarra Island is Mission Beach. If you want to be nearer the city, head off to Port Douglas where holiday accommodations and modern facilities, including shops are close by.

Off the coast of Townsville is a group of 74 islands called the Whitsundays. The islands are within the center of the Great Barrier Reef and anywhere you choose to stay, you would definitely have the time of your life, leaving you will plenty of memorable experiences from a tropical holiday.

Australia’s capital city lies in Canberra, a planned city since its inception. The city presents a calm and poised character and is a haven of national talents. River valleys and mountain ranges surround the city, giving it warm summers and chilly winters, with several activities for visitors to enjoy.

Places to See in Canberra

The National Gallery of Australia at Parkes Place is a good place to see more than 120,000 authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. There are also works by a number of famous Australian artists as well as pieces from around the world, such as sculptures by Henri Moore and Auguste Rodin. The gallery also carries works of international art masters like Monet, Cézanne, Pollock, Warhol and Picasso.

Art lovers will also appreciate a visit to The National Portrait Gallery. The gallery features more than 400 portraits of some of the most important people in Australian history.

An important landmark in the nation’s capital is the Australian War Memorial. This impressive memorial serves to teach others about war and its repercussions, as well as Australia’s role in keeping the peace in the world. It is a tribute to all Australian soldiers and those working in the Armed Forces. This is a free museum.

Those who want to learn about the history of Canberra should visit the National Capital Exhibition. It is located at Regatta Point in Commonwealth Park. From here, travelers could go to the Parliamentary Triangle and the Captain Cook Memorial Jet.

One of the leading research and reference libraries in the country and its largest library as well is the National Library of Australia, located at Parkes Place. It has an exhibition gallery and other points of interest such as the stained glass windows done by Leonard French and tapestries created by Matigot. Take a look at what it means to be an Australian as well as learn about the country at the National Museum of Australia.

Canberra also has the Australian National Botanic Gardens at the base of Black Mountain. Aside from Australian flora, visitors get to explore the rainforest gully, mallee scrublands and rock gardens. Picnic areas, a bookshop, information center and kiosk are provided for visitors.

Explore the history and developments in Australia’s film and broadcast industries at the National Film and Sound Archive Museum. Some of the items in the exhibit are from the 1800s. The facility is located at McCoy Circuit.

A visit to Canberra, the national capital should include a tour of Parliament House, a spectacular government building with a giant flagpole that dissects Canberra’s skyline. Different Australian themes are incorporated in the design of the building, which also houses several pieces of Australian art.

At Denison Street is the Royal Australian Mint. Public galleries showcase an extensive coin exhibit of Australia’s monetary history. It is also possible to view the coin minting process here.

Things to do in Canberra

Travelers with children or those who are simply young at heart would thrive at Questacon. This interactive science exhibit is very educational. Exhibits are grouped based on age appropriateness, so even travelers with toddlers and young ones could find something to do and enjoy. There is an earthquake simulator, as well as a number of educational games.

Cockington Green is an amusement park that is sure to delight travelers. There are model trains that children could ride. It’s a good place to have a picnic or to spend time with the family.

Mount Ainslie Lookout provides a place for people to take in the scenery and to enjoy some peace and quiet. It provides travelers a spectacular view of the city.

Canberra also has several installations for the residents and visitors’ enjoyment, such as the National Aquarium and the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary at Lady Denman Drive. At Paddy’s River Road is the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve where natural bush settings showcase Australian flora and fauna. Nearby is the Namadgi National Park Experience bush life and life at a sheep station at the Gold Creek Homestead and Hay Shed and Glenloch. Learning to throw a boomerang is just one of the activities you could do at Tralee. You could also go on a lake cruise around Lake Burley Griffin and view some of the spectacular floral displays along its coast.

For the science buffs, it would be very worthwhile to visit the Canberra Space Centre, which is part of the deep-space network of NASA.

Adelaide is the food basin of Australia. The city is blessed with a very pleasant climate, perfect for vineyards, agricultural produce and some of the Australia’s best-tasting shellfish and tuna. It is a city of culture, hosting the Adelaide Festival and WOMAD

Places to See in Adelaide

Start at the North Terrace, the grand boulevard of Adelaide. It is lined with several fine museums, art gallery, Ayers House and Parliament House. The Ayers House is the former mansion of Sir Henry Ayers for whom Ayers Rock (Uluru) was named. At the end of the boulevard is the Botanic Gardens and then towards the Adelaide Zoo. The Adelaide Botanic Garden features Mediterranean and sub-tropical plant displays. Asian, Australian and European art are displayed at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Also at the North Terrace is the South Australian Museum, a natural and cultural history museum that features artifacts on South Australia’s geology history and anthropology, particularly the collection of early Pacific and early Australian Aboriginal cultures.

The National Aboriginal Cultural Institute – Tandanya is museum that was created to develop and foster the art, visual and performing arts as well as culture of the Aborigines.

Rundle Mall, which runs parallel to North Terrace, is the premier shopping district in Adelaide. Visit the Jam Factory and Craft Design Centre and browse the items created by the talented designers and artists in the city. If you are looking for some fresh produce, head to the Central Market on Grote and Gouger Streets.

Travelers go to South Australia to get a taste of nature. The Cleland Conservation Park is a place to see various wildlife, especially kangaroos, koalas and snakes. Travelers even have the chance to have their picture taken with a cuddly koala, which is a unique souvenir from Australia. There is the River Torrens Linear Park Trail. This is the place to go walking or biking and the park is a good place to take in the scenery. Those who wish to enjoy some fauna could take a stroll in the Adelaide Botanic Garden. This is a tranquil place to relax. Pass by the glass house. The park is a good stopping point for travelers after visiting various museums or after a busy day of sightseeing. Animal lovers will also enjoy Adelaide Zoo, which is a petting zoo, botanical garden and park all in one. This zoo has giant pandas aside from native Australian animals.

For a bit of history, visit Ayers Historic House. This provides travelers a glimpse of how the upper middle class lived in the country back in the 1800s. Nineteenth century Adelaide comes alive after a tour of the house. The Migration Museum is an acclaimed museum that features nine galleries that show the culture and history of Australia and how the immigrants helped shape the nation.

Adelaide is famous for its vineyards and flourishing wine industry. One hour away from the city is Barossa Valley, one of the premier wine regions in South Australia. Aside from vineyard tours, historical buildings, top-ranked restaurants, there are places for picnics and the ubiquitous barbecue, which is so much a part of Australia’s life. Other great wine districts in Adelaide are Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Coonawarra and Riverland.

Things to do in Adelaide

Take the Glenelg Tram to get around Adelaide. The tram takes you to the beach and other attractions in the city. It’s a unique and fun way to make your way around the city. The Glenelg Ferry on the other hand would take you to Kangaroo Island where you would be able to see breeding colonies of sea lion, national parks, sheltered bays and beaches and the Remarkable Rocks, the oddly shaped and nature-sculptured large rocks at Flinders Chase National Park.

At Barossa Valley you could take a good look at the whole district way up high when you sign up for a hot air balloon ride.

Visit the Warrawong Sanctuary to see many of Australia’s endangered animals as well as go on nocturnal, dawn or sunset walks with a trained guide.

Those who want hit the waters should go to Aldinga Beach or Silver Sands Beach. It’s a good place to set up a tent, have a picnic and go swimming or playing beach cricket.

At the foot of Mount Wellington is Tasmania’s capital, Hobart, which is Australia’s second oldest city. The city has a magnificent harbor and a colorful European history. It was a penal colony for hardened criminals and features many bridges, churches and buildings built by European convicts. Tasmania is Australia’s smallest state, separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait.

Places to See in Hobart

At Cadbury Road in Claremont is the Cadbury Schweppes Chocolate Factory. This is a favorite destination and the largest confectionery manufacturing plant in Australia. It is just 14 kilometers away from Hobart. Videos detail the history of Cadbury and a plant tour ends with free samples of whatever type of chocolate products the plant is making at the time of your visit. Cascade Brewery in Cascade Road is the oldest brewery in the country and still produces some of the finest beers in Australia. The country’s only whisky distillery, Lark Distillery is located at Gasworks Village. It also has a museum.

Mount Wellington is 20 minutes away from the city. The 1,234-meter mountain gives travelers a panoramic view of Hobart and areas beyond the city. The cultural and natural history of Tasmania as well as colonial art is prominently displayed at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery on Macquarie Street.

Battery Point is over a hundred years old and is a top attraction for those looking for historic homes and buildings in the area. It gets its name from the battery of guns that used to line the point in 1818 as a means of protection against French and Russian enemies. Take a guided walking tour to get a feel of life in the early 19th century, as well as patronize a number of coffee shops and small stores in the neighborhood. The tour starts at the Wishing Well at Franklin Square. There are about 40 historic houses at Battery Point including old pubs, fishermen’s cottages and townhouses.

Don’t leave Hobart without seeing the exhibit at the Museum of Old and New Art or MONA. This private art collection is valued at over $100 million. It is said to be the largest private collection in the Southern Hemisphere.

One of Australia’s most significant historic sites is Port Arthur Historic Site, located just 100 kilometers south of Hobart. Aside from the magnificent scenery and waterways, Port Arthur gives you a glimpse of the state’s convict history with more than 30 historic buildings, ruins, museums, walking tours and audiovisual presentations.

Things to do in Hobart

Travelers can take a trek up Mount Wellington. This mountain stands proudly at 1,234 meters. During the winter, the tops of the mountain are snow capped, while in the spring and summer, the mountain is alive with lush greenery, perfect for taking pictures and appreciating nature. Travelers could take fantastic shots of the city of Hobart, as well as get a sweeping view of the Derwent River.

Those who want to interact with animals could do so in Hobart. Travelers get to feed kangaroos at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and get a close look at many endangered animals. The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is a good place to start seeing some of the creatures native to the island. It was opened in 1981 as a center for injured and orphaned animals. Many animals facing extinction can be found here, especially the Tasmanian Bettong, Tasmanian Devil, the Tasmanian Pademelon and the Eastern Quoll. Lizards and birds of all kinds can also be found here.

You could see rescued and orphaned Tasmanian Devils and other Australian animals at the Tasmanian Devil Park Wildlife Rescue Centre at Port Arthur Highway, while you could have a field day at the Trowunna Wildlife Park at Mole Creek near Launceston. This park specializes in animals native to Tasmania.

For some culture, go to the Theatre Royal. This is the oldest theater in the country, since it opened in 1837. This is the best place to catch live performances of various entertainment acts coming to town. On the other hand, the Salamanca Arts Center is the venue to see handcrafted wooden artifacts, jewelry pieces and other items that are representative of Tasmanian culture.

Swan River provides a great backdrop to the city of Perth, the capital of Western Australia and its largest city. The lifestyle in the city is relaxed and easygoing. It is also a great place for sailing activities. It is located near the southern point of Western Australia, Australia’s largest state that measures about 2.5 million square kilometers. Perth ranks eighth in the world’s most livable cities.

Places to See in Perth

One of the city’s modern attractions is the 82.5-meter high Swan Bells, a uniquely shaped building. The copper and glass campanile houses 18 bells, 12 of which came from Trafalgar Square’s St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London. Five bells were donated by the City of London, a consortium of Australian and British mining companies and the City of Westminster and presented to the University of Western Australia while the final one was commissioned by the government of Western Australia.

Kings Park and Botanic Garden is a hugely popular attraction, with close to six million visitors coming here each year. The park is unique because it is a combination of a botanic garden, bushland, playground and parkland all in one. This is the most visited place in all of Western Australia, located at Mount Eliza. The park covers an area of more than 400 hectares and is conveniently located next to the Swan River. It is likewise near the city’s Central Business District, which makes it highly accessible. The park is special because more than 300 species of plants native to Australia are found here. It is also a sanctuary to more than 80 bird species. The Kings Park War Memorial is nearby. The monument has a Cenotaph, Flame of Remembrance, Pool of Reflection and Court of Contemplation. Fraser Avenue Lookout serves as an entry point to Kings Park. The park also has the Honours Avenues, eucalyptus tree-lined pathways to honor those who lost their lives in action; a Bali Memorial for Australians who became the victims of 2002 terrorist attacks in Bali and a clock tower dedicated to Edith Dircksey Cowan, the first Australian female Parliamentarian.

Perth Zoo is a good place to bring children who want to see more than 230 different animals. For those with children looking for something more exciting, there is SciTech Discovery Centre. This specialty museum teaches children about science using fun and interactive displays. Take advantage of the planetarium visit, which is included in the cost of entry.

A large collection of Aboriginal art is on display at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. There are also painting done by international and Australian artists, sculptures, decorative arts, crafts, drawings and prints showcased in the museum.

Colonial history, Aboriginal artifacts from the Dreamtime as well as marine and mammal life of Western Australia are on display at the Western Australia Museum.

Things to do in Perth

Those in Perth during September could participate in the Kings Park Festival. There are a number of activities and entertainments at the park during this time. On weekends, travelers might even catch a number of cultural and ceremonial events.

Perth is near the Indian Ocean. Start with Cottesloe Beach if you want to enjoy Perth’s famous beaches. It’s one of the most famous beaches of the state. For a less crowded beach, a good option is Leighton. This is where many locals with families go. Travelers who want to go surfing will find the waters of Scarborough more challenging. Another option is Trigg Beach.

Travelers might be surprised to learn that there are penguins in Australia. These can be found on Penguin Island. This nature reserve is the home of not only penguins, but also dolphins, stingrays, sea lions, pelicans and a number of other sea creatures. Swimming, snorkeling and picnics are some of the activities allowed at the island. Travelers also have the option of using a glass bottom boat to see the spectacular underwater marine life below. Going on a sea kayak and kite boarding are other popular activities.

Try to catch a performance of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. The Perth Concert Hall is the venue to enjoy a concert of the symphony as they regale you with their rendition of various musical masterpieces. The State Theatre Centre of Western Australia is the home of the Perth Theatre Company and the Black Swan State Theatre.

If you are looking for wildflowers and botanical reserve, you would find them at Stirling Range. Walpole-Nornalup gives you wonderful coastal sceneries and jarrah and karri forests. The place is ideal for some camping, bush walking, fishing, swimming and waterskiing. Take a look at beehive sandstone dunes at the Purnululu/Bungle Bungle area at the Kimberley. You could also visit the Geikie Gorge, also at the Kimberley where some of the attractions include bats, freshwater crocodiles, birds, water level caves and colored rugged cliffs.

For a fantastic nightclub scene, the place to is Fremantle. If you are craving for some fine dining experience, head over to Northbridge, which is only a 10-minute walk from the city center.

Do not leave Perth without looking at the shops selling diamonds, gold and pearls, as Western Australia is one of the major suppliers of these gems and metals in the world. Visit the Perth Mint and watch gold pouring or browse its jewelry gallery.

Darwin is the capital of bustling and multicultural Northern Territory. Tropical wilderness is the main attraction in this region, which is the first area in Australia to be included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Darwin is near the Kakadu National Park, a vast land measuring 19,804 square kilometers and home to the world’s most productive uranium mine, Ranger Uranium Mine.

Places to See in Darwin

Darwin has a large community of Aboriginal people, and their art and culture are proudly displayed in the city’s Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Tropical plants are set amid a beautifully landscaped area at the Darwin Botanic Gardens, where the Plant Display House has a collection of tropical palm and various species of plants from the Asia/Pacific region.

The city played a major role in defending Australia during the Second World War and the city displayed memorabilia of that important period in history at the East Point Military Museum and the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre. Fannie Bay Gaol Museum on the other hand shows a collection of old gallows used in 1952.

Without going further inland, you would be able to experience the tropical diversity of Darwin at the Territory Wildlife Park. Birds of prey, fish feeding at the underwater aquarium and pelican feeding are some of the attractions at the park. If you want to see crocodiles and witness feeding times up close, the best place to do this is at the Darwin Crocodile Farm. Reef ecosystem is explained in full, together with demonstrations at the Indo Pacific Marine.

Eighty kilometers away from the city are Melville Islands and Bathurst. These areas are great places to understand and experience the culture of Tiwi Aborigines. Tiwi crafts are available for sale.

With the vastness of the Northern Territory, some of the best places to see in Darwin are a distance from the city. The Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage Site is 200 kilometers away from Darwin. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty of Australia’s wilderness. Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls are park attractions, so too, the crocodile shaped Gagudju Crocodile Hotel. Beautiful rock formation sculpted by nature, rocky escarpments, ancient rock art and large wetlands will satisfy your thirst for adventure.

Things to do in Darwin

Visit the Aquascene in Doctors Gully Road and have some fantastic time hand-feeding different types of fish like bream, mullet, catfish and milkfish that the tide bring in. Feeding times vary depending on the tide so check beforehand. You would surely have a pleasurable three-hour stay at this facility.

If you are feeling adventurous, the Litchfield National Park is just two hours away from Darwin. It is a fantastic place at the Top End (Northern Territory) where waterfalls, rocky cliffs, rainforests and safe swimming holes filled with very clear and cool water would keep you occupied.

You might not believe to see a charming and bustling city in the heart of the Red Centre of Australia. The surrounding area might be wild but the city exudes a cosmopolitan charm, where residents have a great sense of humor. This is Australia’s outback, a cultural center for Australian Aborigines and the gateway to the wonders of the biggest rock in the world, Uluru and the myriad of attractions in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Places to See in Alice Springs

The remote place is definitely not forgotten. At Head Street is the city’s School of the Air where students get their lessons via two-way radios. A video presentation on how the school operates is available to visitors. You could also listen in to live lessons while you are there.

You do not have to venture away from the city to be able to sample the desert environment of Alice Springs. The Alice Springs Desert Park, which is just a few minutes away from the city center, features endangered and rare species of animals and birds. The park also maintains the world’s largest nocturnal houses.

Things to Do in Alice Springs

You could ride a camel and get a taste of what it’s really like to live in the Outback, with the wind and the sun heating and drying your face. View the city after climbing Anzac Hill. Frontier Camel Farms and Tours have a camel museum as well as a display of arid Australian reptiles. A tour provides you with an informative talk on the history of the camels in the country, a camel ride and a viewing of the reptiles.

Even if Alice Springs is in the Red Centre, which is desert territory, it does have a fine winery and vineyard. Taste local wines when you visit The Winery – Alice Springs on Petrick Road. The winery also has a fine restaurant.

Enjoy Aboriginal culture through a photographs and light and sound presentation at the Strehlow Research Centre right smack at the corner of Memorial Avenue and Larapinta Drive. Nearby is the Araluen Centre for Arts and Entertainment where you could have a taste of the local culture in the center’s art galleries, restaurant, bar and a 500-seat theater.

Sign up with a local tour service group and get to sample local treats such as Bush Tucker and Outback desserts.

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