Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby.

Once considered the “country cousin” among Australian cities, Brisbane is today the nation’s third-largest metropolis – and one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Lying on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands. Brisbane is also your gateway to uniquely Australian adventures, be it the theme parks of the Gold Coast or Queensland’s dazzling beaches. The beaches south of Brisbane form Queensland’s Gold Coast. Travel tip: Brisbane is pronounced “Bris-bin.”

Willis Island is part of Australia’s Coral Sea Islands Territory, a group of small and mostly uninhabited tropical islands and reefs scattered some 420 kilometres east of Cairns beyond the Great Barrier Reef. It is the southernmost of a trio of tiny isles collectively known as the Willis Islets, and is an important nesting ground for birds and turtles.

The picturesque town of Yorkey’s, dominated by its dramatic headland, is your gateway to Cairns, one of Australia’s hottest vacation destinations, which basks in tropical sunshine with balmy breezes that waft in from Trinity Bay.

The quirky outpost of Darwin boasts museums, botanical gardens and the Adelaide River home to the famous jumping crocodiles. It’s a place where memories are born and adventure is a given. Closer to Indonesia than any other Australian city, Darwin is the capital of the region known locally as the “Top End,” the vast Northern Territory. Darwin is home to more than half of the territory’s population, and the city and its people reflect the rugged individualism that comes from living in the harsh Outback.

Located in the northern part of Western Australia, Kimberley is one of the continent’s earliest settled regions, dating as far back as 40,000 years. But although its mainland has been inhabited for centuries, its over 8,000 miles of ruggedly beautiful coastline remain so unspoiled that the Kimberley Coast has been identified as one of the least impacted marine environments in the world. Healthy reefs and incredible biodiversity make the Kimberley Coast a prime spot for marine wildlife viewing, from sea turtles to blue crabs, manta rays and the planet’s largest population of humpback whales. Approaching the Kimberley Coast from the Indian Ocean, you’ll make out dramatic red cliffs that stand out in stark contrast to the aquamarine waters of the fringing reefs below. More than 2,600 islands are scattered beyond the reefs, serving as nesting grounds to a variety of seabirds, including cormorants, giant Australian pelicans and Red-footed Boobies. The islands also provide breathtaking scenery in one of the world’s most extensive coastal wilderness areas – and the best way to take it all in is from the sea!

In the 1870s, pearl fishermen discovered the rich waters of Roebuck Bay. A decade later, Broome was founded as a base for the pearl trade and was soon described as “the pearling capital of the world.” Japanese, Chinese and Aborigine divers toiled in arduous, dangerous labor to harvest oysters from the seabed. For all its importance to the pearling industry, Broome remained a remote outpost on Australia’s Kimberley Coast until its discovery as a travel destination. The legacy of its pearling days can be seen in the town’s colorful mix of 19th- and early 20th century buildings. Broome also boasts Cable Beach – a 13-mile strand of white-sand that stretches along the azure waters of the Indian Ocean.

An alluring mix of natural and historic attractions, the south-west Australian city of Geraldton-Greenough is carpeted with wildflowers in spring and boasts a multi-million-dollar rock lobster industry. Visit one of the lovely waterfront restaurants to sample the local seafood. Geraldton is also home to Western Australia’s two northernmost wineries. Just offshore lies the world’s most southerly reef – enjoy snorkelling or dive the nearby South Tomi wreck.

Lying at the mouth of the Swan River, historic Fremantle – founded in 1829 – is your gateway to Perth, the capital of Western Australia. Situated on the banks of the Swan River some 15 miles upriver from Fremantle, Perth is a bustling city where soaring high-rises co-exist with elegant sandstone buildings from the colonial era. Life here moves at a slower pace, so during your visit, relax and savor the bounties of Western Australia, from the wonders of the bush to the wineries of the Swan Valley, from excellent shopping to a leisurely cruise on the Swan River.

This vibrant coastal city is a laid-back charmer with an enticing array of natural wonders and active pursuits. Just steps from the mile-long Jetty are glistening white sand beaches and sun-drenched seaside villages. Yet the magic of the Margaret River area beckons with 120 premium wineries; ancient caves boasting a subterranean world of jaw-dropping stalactite, stalagmite, helictite and shawl formations; a fascinating Aboriginal culture rooted in ancient history; and a picture perfect landscape of meandering country roads and spectacular scenery.

Originally a penal colony, it was renamed Albany in honor of the Duke of York and Albany in 1832 with the first European settlement. And thanks to its superb natural harbor, Albany quickly became a busy port. The town served as a coaling station for steam ships, a commercial outlet for farmers, and a base for the whaling industry. Today, this small city of some 25,000 offers a wealth of restored historic buildings, museums, theaters and restaurants, as well as the natural beauty of its coast and scenic harbor.

Southern Australia’s most graceful city lies nestled on the coastal plain between Gulf St. Vincent and the Adelaide Hills. Adelaide is a metropolis of over one million people, boasting wide, tree-lined boulevards, superb Victorian and Edwardian architecture, tranquil parks, world-class shopping, and the highest number of restaurants per capita of any city in Australia. Adelaide is also your gateway to the beautiful Limestone Coast

Melbourne is a huge, sprawling city with something for everyone—culture, art, fashion, and friendly Australians. It is also Australia’s financial and commercial center. Easy to explore, at the heart of the city is the Golden Mile, the city’s governmental and business corridor, home to hotels, shops, restaurants and theaters.

Located on Bass Strait, Burnie is Tasmania’s fourth-largest city and a major port. Burnie, surrounded by prime productive farmlands is the gateway to scenic northwest Tasmania, an area rich in picturesque old villages, homesteads and historic homes. Inland lies the rainforest and wilderness of Cradle Mountain National Park, a World Heritage Site.

Hobart is Australia’s second oldest city and state capital of Tasmania. Home to more than 90 National Trust buildings, Hobart combines colonial character with a metropolitan lifestyle. It is the gateway to Tasmania’s other scenic attractions and a range of shore activities lets you experience the best of both worlds. Explore the historic core at the colonial village of Battery Point, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, as well as Theatre Royal, the country’s oldest theater. There’s also wine-tasting and pub-hopping to enjoy. Tasmania’s capital has much in common with Sydney. Founded but a few years later, Hobart also owes its origins to the establishment of a penal colony. It has a dramatic setting like Sydney. Seen from its fine deep-water harbor, Hobart spills over the lower reaches of the Derwent Valley as Mt. Wellington towers in the background. You will find much of the city’s heritage centered on the waterfront. North of the city stretches the vast parkland of the Queen’s Domain.

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby.