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.”

Heavily influenced by its French history, Noumea’s gracious tropical boulevards and European chic are unmistakable. Here, continentally-inspired culture is interwoven with fine architecture and vibrant markets.

The second-largest city of Fiji, Lautoka is located in the west, on the island of Viti Levu. It is nicknamed The Sugar City due to its expansive sugarcane plantations producing the island’s most important crop. Its soft-sand beaches are fringed with swaying palm and coconut trees reflected in the crystalline turquoise waters. A drive through the city center allows glimpses of tree-lined streets, colonial houses, colorful markets and a vibrant local culture.

The Fiji archipelago is at the crossroads of the South Pacific, with 333 islands for an exciting adventure or peaceful repose. The northwest region, where the sun shines almost every day and a tropical shower ends as quickly as it began, is home to the majority of the resorts. Built around a reef protected natural harbor, Suva, with its colonial buildings nestled alongside modern commercial venues, parks and a residential sprawl, is the home of nearly half of Fiji’s urban population.

The people of Fiji are the most multi-racial and multi-cultural of all South Pacific island countries — this being reflected in churches of all denominations, mosques, temples and shrines. It is an exotic and fascinating culture filled with legends and rituals. Witness firewalkers, Kava Ceremonies, tribal drumming, dance and song.

Dravuni Island is a dramatically rugged volcanic island in the scenic Kadavu group of islands, part of Fiji. The island is home to a couple of hundred friendly Fijians, concentrated in a charming village that shelters beneath tall palm trees. The island is known for its glorious, pristine beaches and fine weather.

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.”