Australia is full of natural beauty and exciting events and attractions. This vast country is one of the most popular places to visit. Which cities must you check out when you travel here?
Sydney. This city attracts millions of visitors every year. You won’t be able to miss the Sydney Opera House, and you shouldn’t. Its unique design makes it a must-see for everyone, even those who don’t like opera. The best time to visit might be for the New Year, because of the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks. Full of culture and fun, Sydney also boasts beautiful beaches with scenic views. The City Centre features shopping and fine restaurants; Darling Harbour has restaurants, boardwalks, wildlife and museums; and the Eastern Suburbs boast the world-famous Bondi Beach. And these are only a few of the areas in this sprawling metropolis.
Melbourne. This city has a modern look and amenities but also features fine examples of Victorian-style architecture. Federation Square and the New Quay are good for shopping and dining. In fact, Melbourne is known as the country’s shopping capital, with excellent options for budget shoppers and designer-brand lovers. The Royal Botanic Gardens, with more than 12,000 species of plants and a natural sanctuary for native wildlife, is beautiful and considered one of the world’s finest. The area has recently become known for its impressive street art, which has become big business in many art galleries. Some areas to see the street art are Abbotsford, Brunswick, Richmond, South Yarra and Collingwood. The Arts Centre holds a Sunday market that showcases more than 150 stalls by the finest artisans. Also, Queen Victoria Markets have fresh fruits and vegetables as well as bargain clothes and bags.
Brisbane. Beautiful nightspots are what this city is known for. The year-round comfortable weather also makes it an attractive place to visit. You can spend your time checking out the museums and historic sites, and the South Bank Parklands is one of the major tourist areas. Cruise the Brisbane River and see the cute koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Brisbane’s urban villages each have a distinct vibe and are worth exploring. If you want nature and wildlife, you won’t be disappointed here. The City Botanical Gardens, D’Aguilar National Park or Kangaroo Point Cliffs are all great places to spend a few hours.
Cairns. This amazing tropical paradise is where you can see the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the world, and the Daintree Forest, one of the oldest rainforests on earth. The city is vibrant and relaxed, making it a great getaway destination. There are also many outdoor activities to do here: Kayaking, hiking, fishing and swimming are just a few. This city is proud of its cultural heritage and is compact and easy to navigate.
Hobart in Tasmania. Tasmania is the most mountainous region of Australia. Hobart is the harbour capital, which has a mix of historic and contemporary art and culture. Salamanaca Place has 19th-century waterfront warehouses with cafes, restaurants, galleries and art studios. The Salamanaca Market, held every Saturday, is well known and wonderful. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and the world-famous MONA are great spots for checking out art. In case you’re wondering, tokoney.com are the experts in shipping artwork to such well-known museums.
Perth. Perth, the sun capital of Australia, is remote from the rest of the country but still worth a visit. Enjoy the beaches, coastline and the sunny weather. Also shop, catch a show or enjoy delicious dining. The Botanic Garden is one of the biggest inner-city parks in the world. Indigenous cultural tours are also available. And, the Swan Bells fill the air with sounds from one of the largest musical instruments in the world.
So, are you ready to plan a trip? Visiting northern Australia between April and August, when airfares are lower and weather is good along the Great Barrier Reef, is recommended. The summer months of January and February are good times to visit the southern states.
About the Author: Kamala Gola lived in Australia for five years and visits often. She loves British TV, noodles and outdoor adventures.
