Australia Travelers Recommend

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.

Kick off your time in Cairns with a dose of cuteness by heading to the Koala Café at Cairns Tropical Zoo for breakfast. It overlooks a lake where water-birds, turtles, dragons, pelicans and ducks cruise. Afterward you can see pelicans being fed, take an endangered exotic species walk, hand-feed kangaroos and, yes, cuddle a koala. Saddle up for an action-packed day trip where you'll take the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns, go shopping in the Kuranda Markets, ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, soar over the Great Barrier Reef on a scenic helicopter tour, take a lunchtime cruise on the reef, then spend the afternoon swimming, snorkeling or diving before cruising back to Cairns. Wow! Don't forget your camera! It's your last day and you cannot miss out on one of the absolute 'must-do' activities in this area – taking a hot air balloon ride. You'll never forget the wonder of a sunrise in Tropical North Queensland.

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!

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.

Cardrona, on the South Island of New Zealand, often gets press for being a great beginners mountain. Lots of green and blue slopes for those not too advanced and who like to take it a bit easy on the runs. Still, they boast a great overall mountain, stunning views typical of New Zealand, and with a new express chair lift and half-pipe run, there’s plenty for everybody. In New South Wales, you’ll probably find yourself heading to Thredbo for its diverse array of both winter and summer sports, as it boasts the steepest overall terrain of any Australian resort. Summertime has everybody flying down the mountain by way of mountain bikes – a relatively new and very popular way to enjoy the mountain in summertime, and as exciting an adventure as you’re likely to come by. Perisher, another Aussie mainstay, is widely loved for its European-style accommodation and for being the largest ski resort in Australia. Encompassing four mountains in one resort, at Perisher.