Australia

Gold Coast

Explore sunny Queensland and the magnificent Gold Coast where the main attraction is its beaches, which stretch across 57kms of coastline, including the world-famous beach at Surfers Paradise. Besides the beaches, you’ll find world-class theme parks, laid-back neighbourhoods and a growing food scene. Don’t miss a trip into the subtropical hinterland for rainforest walks and waterfalls including the world-heritage listed Gondwana Rainforest. For your adrenaline fix at the theme parks, water lovers can enjoy the extreme waterslides at Wet ‘n Wild, meet their favourite cartoon characters at Warner Bros Movie World, enjoy a day with the family at Sea World, while DreamWorld is the one for adventure seekers with the Big 9 Thrill Rides.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable whale watching experience with guaranteed daily sightings then Whales in Paradise provide you with the most memorable encounter with humpback whales.

Hire a bicycle at Surfers Paradise and ride 20 minutes to trendy Broadbeach where you will find plenty of restaurants and the major shopping centre Pacific Fair. Continue along to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can feed a kangaroo, get up close to a crocodile or cuddle a koala.

Melbourne

It’s no surprise that Melbourne is regarded as one of the world’s most livable cities, as with the exciting mix of style, sport, culture, shopping and dining, there is something for everyone.

Stroll down the CBD’s cobbled laneways with coffee shops and unique shopping boutiques. Start at Flinders Street station, wander down Degraves Street, and explore the city’s beautiful arcades, or enjoy the best views from the 297 metre high Eureka Skydeck. Get amongst the hustle and bustle of the Queen Victoria Markets, the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere.

Find out why Melbourne is regarded as the world's sporting capital when you take a tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Vibrant arts and culture come to life with a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Australia’s oldest gallery.

The Melbourne Zoo and Royal Botanic Gardens are a must for lovers of flora and fauna, as is a trip to see the fairy penguins come out at dusk at Phillip Island and a visit to the Healesville Sanctuary for close-up encounters with Australian wildlife. Include time on your itinerary for day trips along the Great Ocean Road to see the 12 Apostles, lunch and wine tasting at famous wineries in the Yarra Valley and early morning Hot Air Ballooning.

Cairns

While visiting Queenland’s tropical north be sure to spend time on the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, made up of 3000 coral reefs, 600 continental islands and 300 coral cays. If you’re there for a few days, then consider doing a three-day liveaboard dive and snorkelling cruise.

Explore the rich history of the world’s oldest living culture — dating back more than 40,000 years — at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Here you will have the opportunity to experience authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through theatre, guided bush walks and didgeridoo shows.

The World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest about two hours drive north of Cairns can be seen on a day trip from the city or over the course of two days, staying overnight in one of its lodges. The mountain village of Kuranda is tucked within the tropical rainforest, and is known for its vibrant arts community. Local markets sell jewellery, leather goods and Aboriginal art. The journey to and from Kuranda on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a highlight, as it glides above the rainforest canopy then slopes deep into its heart. On your way back to Cairns, you can travel on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. The two-hour train journey crosses dense rainforest, winds past rugged mountains, tumbling waterfalls and Barron Gorge.

Sydney

Relax on unspoilt beaches, discover amazing restaurants and shopping and enjoy the combination of nature, arts and culture and harbour views in this cosmopolitan city. While in the city, indulge yourself on a Showboat Dinner Cruise and take in the skyline at night; pop into Darling Harbour where you will find the Madame Tussauds wax museum and the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

Visit the animals at Taronga Zoo, a quick ferry ride from Circular Quay. The Zoo houses more than 4,000 animals from various exotic and native species. Experience what the Sydney Opera House has to offer with more than 40 performances each week. Climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Walk or cycle across, but book a BridgeClimb for the opportunity to get to the summit and enjoy unbeatable panoramic views.

Relax and enjoy a swim in the ocean at the iconic Bondi Beach or enjoy a family day out at Manly, on Sydney’s north side, which is renowned for surf breaks and scenic walks.

Just under a two-hour drive from Sydney you’ll find the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains, famous for its rock formation known as the Three Sisters. Here you can explore 2.5 million acres of forests, sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and bushland, either mountain biking, abseiling or on foot.