Australia Travelers Recommend

With its show-stopping architecture, iconic harbor and legendary nightlife, there’s no place like Sydney to sample big city life in Australia. But don’t just stay in the city – Sydney is a great base for exploring all of New South Wales, including the dramatic Blue Mountains, the Hunter Valley wineries and the historic capital of Canberra. Year-round mild weather means any time is a good time to visit, but the Aussie summer (December to February) is the most popular season, especially with celebrations like New Year's Eve and Australia Day drawing huge crowds to the city. Whenever you plan to visit, there’s no time like the present to book your trip. With the Australian dollar falling, US and European travelers have even more reason to book soon and take advantage of the favorable exchange rates. Ready to start planning? Get ready for can't-miss attractions such as Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and the Blue Mountains!

From the Great Barrier Reef and the wild rain forests of the far north to the glorious beaches of the Gold and Sunshine coasts, Queensland is Australia's adventure playground. Travelers can cruise to a tropical island; learn to surf or scuba dive; check skydiving off the bucket list; or treat the kids to a day at a theme park. Due to Queensland's tropical climate and searing summer temperatures, the best time to visit is during the autumn and winter months from May to October. It's still possible to visit in summer, but be prepared for high humidity and greater water restrictions due to box jellyfish. Whenever your visit, there's no time like the present to book your trip. With the Australian dollar falling, US and European travelers should book soon to take advantage of the favorable exchange rates. Why not cruise the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns? You can also explore the great outdoors on Fraser Island or take a journey by train through lush tropical climate to Kuranda.

Sydney, the Harbour City - sunny, welcoming, familiar - and why wouldn't it be with all those famous icons? The Opera House , that sparkling harbor , breathtaking views, cutting-edge dining, and vibrant nightlife - there's no shortage of things to do. Still, there’s no reason to be daunted by it all. If you’re a newcomer to the city and wondering what to see, consider taking a tour of the town. Be it a foot or bicycle tour, or one of the many Harbour Ferry tours, a good overview of the city will help you get your bearings. Or see the city from above! Nab a bird's-eye view from the Sydney Skywalk, or plan it out your trip over dinner and drinks, while absorbing the stunning 360 degree view. Still confused? Don’t be. If you’ve got three days, we’ve got you covered.

From Yarra Valley's idyllic vineyards to the sweeping vistas of the Great Ocean Road, Victoria serves up an endless slideshow of postcard-worthy landscapes. It's not all about getting back to nature, either — the region is also renowned for its gastronomy and the cultural hub that is Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city. With mild weather even in winter, any time is a good time to travel to Victoria, but it's at its best during the sunny spring and summer months, when Melbourne hosts a number of lively festivals. Whenever you plan to visit, there's no time like the present to book your trip, and with the Australian dollar falling, US and European travelers have even more reason to book soon and take advantage of the favorable exchange rates.

The Blue Mountains offer a unique opportunity to explore Australia’s natural beauty and historic past without having to travel the distance. Spend a day visiting the park and its attractions, another wandering the streets of Katoomba and Leura and round out the stay with a bit of adventure. Pack a lunch and start the day with an easy hike from Leura Cascades to Bridal Veil Falls, where stunning views of natural waterfalls provide a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing picnic. Next, embark on the more challenging Echo Point Trail, where a Giant Stairway leads to the valley where Three Sisters stands. Start your day in Leura, a town nicknamed “The Jewel of the Mountain’s Crown”. Enjoy breakfast at one of Leura Mall’s cafes, then wander through the high-end shops and local galleries that line its halls. Next, head into town and explore the private gardens that line this historic town’s idyllic streets and stop by the Toy and Railway Museum.

Though it's easy to be overwhelmed by its size, the good news is that many of Sydney's most popular sights can be seen in a single day since they are housed in central Sydney. You may as well begin at one of the iconic spots: the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Wake up with Sydney as you climb to the top of the bridge on a Sydney BridgeClimb at dawn, and witness the sunrise and panoramic views from the top of this Australian landmark. Mosey over to Circular Quay to take a morning walking tour of the city's highlights. Take in the beautiful views of the harbor and Sydney's most iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House. You can also board the decks of a Sydney Harbour cruise and watch the city fade behind you, opt for a guided tour of the famous Sydney Opera House, or visit Taronga Zoo. In the evening, prepare yourself for the ultimate view of Sydney atop the Sydney Tower. Dine on a delicious buffet of fresh seafood and prime meats for dinner before heading to see a

Melbourne's city center is a beguiling mix of Victorian-era buildings, avant-garde architecture and mysterious laneways. The International features international works and a relaxing sculpture garden, while the Ian Potter Centre (located in Melbourne's award-winning architectural centerpiece, Federation Square) focuses on Australian art. Time for a refreshment? This city has a dizzying array of laneway bars, quality coffeehouses and great restaurants; locals make a sport of finding the latest hot spot. Tuck into tapas in a tiny bar, snack on yum cha in Chinatown, fine dine with river views at Southbank, or browse the stalls and taste some samples at Queen Victoria Market. Top off the day with an evening of theatre or a nightcap at one of the famous rooftop bars. Eating in Melbourne is also a joy, so bring your appetite! Inventive chefs abound and a culinary mix of European, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines.

Larapinta Trail The Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory is as expansive in its wilderness as the Overland Track, though the scenery is vastly different. Great Ocean Walk The Great Ocean Walk in Victoria follows the coastline west from Apollo Bay to the Cape Ottway Lightstation. Hike along clifftops that rise high above the pounding ocean as seabirds wheel above. The Arkaba Walk The Arkaba Walk takes four days, and crosses South Australia’s ancient Flinders Range from Wilpena Pound to the historic Arkaba Woolshed. Bay of Fires Lodge Walk. On the east coast of the island of Tasmania, the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk is a four-day trek on sandy beaches and rocky shoreline. Cradle Mountain Huts Walk The Cradle Mountain Huts walk in Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania, offers two options – a six day walk or a four day walk.