Melbourne is about the same size as Sydney, but there the similarity ends. Where Sydney is a jumble of hills and inlets, Melbourne spreads over a flat plain. Its pace, steadfast and sedate, contrasts with Sydneys upbeat and brassy lifestyle. Tree-shaded parks and gardens, a quiet bay and a proud stateliness become this capital of culture and the arts. Grand municipal buildings and splendid Victorian edifices, which sprang up in the wake of the gold rush, stand proudly along broad avenues.

Known for the migrating whales that cruise through its waters between May and November, Eden sits in New South Wales’ scenic Twofold Bay. While the whales are now protected and cherished here, the town was initially founded as a whaling centre and has many fascinating stories to tell. Namely, a unique symbiotic relationship with the killer whales. Rewarded with the tongues from freshly caught whales, the orcas would help to round up baleen whales in the bay, making it easy for humans to land them. This mutually beneficial exchange came to be known as The Law of the Tongue. Find out more about it, and the area’s whaling past, at Eden Killer Whale Museum – where you can see the skeleton of the most famous orca accomplice, Old Tom. A yearly whale festival now celebrates the return of the magnificent whales to these waters. Head into Ben Boyd National Park for amazing bird watching, and to see the arches of soaring rock formations rising beside fire-red cliffs. View the glorious coastal scenery of frothing aqua-seas and rugged headlands, from the viewing deck on top of Boyds Tower. Initially devised as a lighthouse, it would later be used as a lookout to spot whales breaching the bays waters, and to see Old Tom splashing his tail to alert the whalers. Travel through more glorious scenery and tangled rainforest, to the verdant promontory of Green Cape Lighthouse. Jutting out into the South Pacific Ocean, the pearly-white lighthouse caps crumbling cliffs and offers sweeping views of the jagged cliffs and wave-thrashed rocks. The wrecks that lie offshore attest to the respect these sometimes-punishing waves demand.

With its glorious harbour, lavish golden beaches and iconic landmarks, Sydney is Australias showpiece city. Creative and curious, discover the world-class cuisine, indigenous culture, and irresistible beach life that make Sydney one of the world’s most dynamic, exciting destinations. Sydney’s sparkling harbour is the heart of a richly cultural city. Overlooked by the metallic curves of the masterpiece of an Opera House, and that grand arched harbour bridge. Take it all in from the water, and admire the iconic landmarks, which are set before the city’s gleaming skyline backdrop. View less If you’re feeling adventurous, take the legendary climb up the smooth curve of the bridge – nicknamed the Coathanger – to soak in the shining city’s spread from a unique perspective. Spread out to tan on one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand – Bondi Beach. Restaurants and bars burble away in the background, while the sun beams down, and surfers curl and leap over pure rollers. Swim in spectacular salty ocean pools, or wander the beautiful Bondi to Coogee coastal walk for more of this sun-gorged stretch of prime coastline. Leaving the thrills of Australia’s largest city behind is surprisingly simple – take to the skies to be flown above skyscrapers and rippling ribbons of waves, out to majestic peaks, sheer cliffs and iconic rock formations – like the Three Sisters of the Blue Mountains. Or, drop in on wildlife sanctuaries caring for the country’s animals – from hopping kangaroos to adorably cute, cuddly koalas.

Newcastle with a population of 250,000 is the second largest city in New South Wales, located at the mouth of the Hunter River. Founded as a penal colony, coal deposits quickly led to Newcastle becoming an important center for shipping and commerce by the 1860s. Industrialization increased after iron and steel mills were built in 1915. Today, Newcastle is an attractive destination full of historic buildings and also known as the gateway to the Hunter Valley. The city is the commercial, administrative and industrial center of the region and has the largest export harbor (by tons) in the Commonwealth. Attractions include numerous beaches, a rich heritage of Victorian architecture and a fabulous lookout at Mount Sugarloaf.

They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing, and Brisbane’s modern metropolis fully exploits its sun-blessed location, basking in Queensland’s generous year-round glow. The envied climate makes Brisbane a city of outdoor adventure, activity and relaxation, where days drift by surfing rollers, or relaxing in the shade of swaying palms. While Brisbane may play second fiddle to Sydney and Melbourne at times, it radiates a creative and contemporary energy, offering visitors a refreshing combination of laidback waterfront luxury and urban sophistication. Sandy islands nearby provide scenic diving and oceanside relaxation opportunities, while the citys animal santuaries offer opportunities to meet unbearably cute koalas and kangaroos. Brisbane’s impressive skyline of metallic cylinders rises high above the broad Brisbane River below, which curves lazily through downtown. The rolling waves of the Pacific are close by, but there’s something special about relaxing on soft sand in the very heart of the city, on the beautifully executed South Bank Parklands man-made beach. With golden sand and shallow lagoon waters to cool off in, it’s a dreamy spot to lie back with a book, amid the landscaped gardens. Nestled in a river meander of its own, Brisbane Botanic Park glows with colour, tropical plants and wading ibis birds, and is easily walkable from the Parklands. The South Bank is the cultural hub of city, and houses the celebrated Queensland Gallery of Modern Art – a surreal and vibrant jaunt through contemporary Australian art. The city’s award-winning restaurants also serve up elite food, matched with generous splashes of wine, direct from the nearby Granite Belt’s wine regions.

They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing, and Brisbane’s modern metropolis fully exploits its sun-blessed location, basking in Queensland’s generous year-round glow. The envied climate makes Brisbane a city of outdoor adventure, activity and relaxation, where days drift by surfing rollers, or relaxing in the shade of swaying palms. While Brisbane may play second fiddle to Sydney and Melbourne at times, it radiates a creative and contemporary energy, offering visitors a refreshing combination of laidback waterfront luxury and urban sophistication. Sandy islands nearby provide scenic diving and oceanside relaxation opportunities, while the citys animal santuaries offer opportunities to meet unbearably cute koalas and kangaroos. Brisbane’s impressive skyline of metallic cylinders rises high above the broad Brisbane River below, which curves lazily through downtown. The rolling waves of the Pacific are close by, but there’s something special about relaxing on soft sand in the very heart of the city, on the beautifully executed South Bank Parklands man-made beach. With golden sand and shallow lagoon waters to cool off in, it’s a dreamy spot to lie back with a book, amid the landscaped gardens. Nestled in a river meander of its own, Brisbane Botanic Park glows with colour, tropical plants and wading ibis birds, and is easily walkable from the Parklands. The South Bank is the cultural hub of city, and houses the celebrated Queensland Gallery of Modern Art – a surreal and vibrant jaunt through contemporary Australian art. The city’s award-winning restaurants also serve up elite food, matched with generous splashes of wine, direct from the nearby Granite Belt’s wine regions.

Fraser Island, off Australia’s eastern Queensland coast, is the worlds largest sand island, stretching over 120km. Panoramic viewpoints include Indian Head, a rocky outcrop on the islands easternmost tip, and the Cathedrals, a cliff famous for sculpted ribbons of coloured sand. Its a camping and ecotourism destination, with beaches and swimming sites at Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby and other freshwater pools.

Founded in 1864, Townsville is one of the focal points of North Queensland. A pleasant climate and relaxed lifestyle rank among the towns great attractions. Townsville is the port for the agricultural and mining production of the vast inland region of North Queensland as well as the starting point of the main road to the Northern Territory.

Willis Island is the only permanently inhabited island in the Coral Sea Islands Territory,It is the southernmost of the Willis Islets, a group of three islands which with their associated sandy cays stretch in a NNE to SSW line for about 12

As recently as ten years ago, Port Douglas was a sleepy fishing village. Today, however, this small town is one of the “in” destinations in Australia. Known as the Port by locals, the town with its old Queensland timber buildings retains an authentic feel, despite the growing presence of modern resorts and hotels. Some of the developments include a multimillion dollar Sheraton Mirage resort, where President Clinton stayed during his recent visit, golf course, heliport, marina and a shopping complex – all ingredients to attract the rich and famous. While the town offers itself as a charming locale for strolling along streets lined with interesting little shops and outdoor sitting areas, it is the proximity to the Barrier Reef and the Rainforest Habitat that makes Port even more attractive to the scores of visitors who pride themselves on discovering this gem in northern Queensland.

It wasnt that long ago that Cairns (pronounced Cans), the heart of the remote Australian area known as “The Deep North,” was a sleepy little outpost in the midst of the tropics. Founded in 1876 as a port for inland gold fields, Cairns is a tribute to the first surveyors who cleared just enough scrub land to set up their tents before mapping out streets wide enough for a future city. Later, Cairns was a railhead from which produce grown on the fertile Atherton Tableland and sugar cane from the coastal plains was transported to other parts of the country.