Gold Coast
Australia’s Gold Coast is a modern city of glittering high-rise buildings, built around superb beaches, including the world renowned ‘Surfers Paradise’.
Australia’s sixth largest city, and the second largest in the state of Queensland, the Gold Coast is where the ‘bikini’ was born. Along with endless stretches of golden beaches, there are international theme parks, designer boutiques, luxurious spa retreats, world-class golf courses, award-winning restaurants, upmarket bars and lively nightclubs.
The ongoing buzz is continued through a series of festivals and events almost every month of the year showcasing some of Australia’s best sporting talent.
See surf life saving champions in action; join Australia’s iron men and women the ‘Coolangatta Classic’ ocean swim; and watch the world’s best surfers compete at the Quicksilver & Roxy Pro.
The Gold Coast is also the gateway to some of Queensland’s best natural attractions. Whale-watch, island-hop and discover the area’s Aboriginal culture. Travel west you’ll find one of Australia’s most biologically diverse regions, the lush rainforest-cloaked hinterland with World Heritage-listed national parks such as Lamington, Border Ranges, Main Range and Nightcap.
Head south to the Queensland-New South Wales border where you’ll find Coolangatta and Tweed Heads and the picturesque beauty of the Mt Warning National Park.
Take the Great Sunshine Way to Brisbane, Fraser Island and Bundaberg; or the Pacific Coast Touring Route from Brisbane to Cairns. Along the way you will soon discover the treasures that make this coast as precious as gold.
Brisbane
Discover Brisbane, Queensland’s subtropical capital city and the gateway to its many attractions.
Plan your Brisbane holiday using our three-day itinerary. Laze in the lush gardens of South Bank, check out the Brisbane shopping scene and day trip to sandy Moreton Island. For something different, take on adventure along the Brisbane River.
Learn about Queensland’s iconic places and the scenic journeys you can take there. Drive the Great Sunshine Way to the Gold Coast, Fraser Island and Noosa. Stretch your legs on the Gold Coast Great Hinterland Walk. Or follow the Pacific Coast Touring Route all the way north to Cairns and the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.
We’ve also got ideas to help you plan your Australian holiday from Brisbane. Sail through the Whitsundays, or hike through the primeval Daintree Rainforest. Fly to Sydney or drive southward along the Pacific Coast Touring Route via the new-age beach paradise of Byron Bay.
Sydney
Discover Sydney, Australia’s famous harbour city and the capital of New South Wales.
Plan your Sydney holiday using our three-day itinerary, which takes in the attractions around Sydney Harbour, beaches and inner-city precincts. Read up on the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains and the Six Foot Track bushwalk.
Learn about other places to visit in New South Wales and scenic journeys you can take from Sydney. Drive the Pacific Coast Touring Route north to Brisbane past the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens and bohemian Byron Bay. Or head south to Melbourne via the pure white beaches of Jervis Bay.
Check out Australia’s other cities and get ideas for the rest of your Australian holiday. Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road and Australia’s Red Centre are all possible in a three-week holiday from Sydney.
For more Sydney holiday ideas, read our articles on the Hunter Valley, Sydney’s sparkling beaches, the Bondi to Bronte walk and the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
Melbourne
Find all you need to know about Melbourne in Australia, the capital of Victoria and a vibrant hub of style, sport, culture and dining.
Plan your Melbourne holiday using our three-day itinerary, which includes Melbourne’s cultural attractions, the Yarra River and St Kilda Beach. Find out more about Victoria’s attractions you can visit from Melbourne, and the spectacular journeys you can take. Drive the Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles and Victoria’s world-class surf beaches. Challenge yourself on the mountainous Great Alpine Walk or drive the Great Alpine Road through the Australian Alps and Gippsland.
Learn about Australia’s other cities and get ideas for the rest of your Australian holiday. From Melbourne, you can fly or take the ferry to Tasmania, drive the Pacific Coastal route to Sydney or along the Great Ocean Road to Adelaide.
Finally, match your Melbourne travel plans with one of the city’s world-famous events, such as the Australian Grand Prix, the Australian Open Tennis or the Melbourne Cup.
