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 continents 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 planets largest population of humpback whales. Approaching the Kimberley Coast from the Indian Ocean, youll 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 worlds 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.

Exmouth is one of the few towns in Australia with a “range to reef” experience, featuring a marine and national park as neighbors. A charming small town of approximately 2,500, Exmouth has pristine beaches and breathtaking gorges, offering fun by both land and sea for its visitors.

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.