5 Cities to See When Traveling to Australia
Australia is a unique destination with so much to see and do. Whether you are traveling to this country for the first time or your tenth, there is something for everyone!
It is important to travel responsibly. This includes taking steps to stay healthy and prevent disease. Read the CDC’s travel health tips for Australia and pack a travel health kit.
Sydney
Sydney is a vibrant city that offers visitors an incredible range of things to see and do. Its iconic landmarks – from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Opera House – are well worth a visit, and there are many world-class museums in which to spend your time.
Whether you’re looking for an informative insight into Australia’s history or you want to explore the city’s modern art scene, there’s something for everyone in Sydney. Check out the Australian Museum, which has a great natural history collection, or take a look at one of the world’s best art galleries, the Art Gallery of NSW.
A day out in the surrounding natural beauty of New South Wales is another must, with the likes of the Jenolan Caves and the Blue Mountains easily accessible from the city. Or head out on a ferry or harbour cruise for a day of sun, sea and stunning scenery.
The most popular way to get around is on public transport, which is cheap and easy to use. You can purchase an Opal card (like the Oyster card in London) and tap it on and off when you board buses, trains or ferries. You can also get a local transport app to help you find your way and track your journey.
Getting around the city is simple, but you can also take in spectacular views by booking a Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Tour, which will let you speed through Luna Park, under the Harbour Bridge and around the Opera House. The tours are offered daily (except event days) and last about an hour.
For a less expensive and more in-depth look at the Opera House, you can opt for a guided tour that’ll take you on a walkthrough of the building’s outer perimeter. These tours are available on a regular basis, but you may have to book in advance.
There are a variety of festivals and events taking place in Sydney throughout the year. You can find out what’s on in Sydney by visiting the events section of the Tourist Information Centre, which is located near most major hotels.
Melbourne
With a bustling city center, plenty of cultural attractions and an abundance of events, Melbourne is a must-see destination for travelers who want to explore the Australian culture. From its street art and theatres to its restaurants, bars and clubs, the capital of Victoria offers a wide range of activities to make sure your trip is truly unforgettable.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Melbourne is the State Library, a Victorian-style building that’s a must-see for any tourist. The building was recently reopened after extensive renovations, and is home to a number of galleries devoted to various aspects of Australia’s history.
Another must-visit is the Melbourne Museum, a huge space with an incredible collection of historical and cultural artifacts. The encyclopedia-like museum features a variety of exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to Aboriginal culture and more, all spread out over several different galleries.
The museum also offers a fascinating look at the Yarra River, with a series of tours that cover the flora and fauna along the water’s edge. There’s also a Yarra River cruise, where you can enjoy some drinks and listen to the river rumble by.
While in the city, be sure to visit Old Melbourne Gaol, a Victorian-style prison that once housed many of Australia’s most notorious criminals. The building was built in 1842 and was used until 1929, when it was closed and turned into a museum.
There’s also the Royal Botanic Gardens in Southbank, where you can enjoy some leisure time in the company of beautiful flowers, exotic plants and animals, or wander through the eucalyptus grove. You can even catch a show at the Royal Botanic Garden’s IMAX theater or book a tour of the park.
If you love art, Melbourne is a hotspot for local and international artists alike. There are over 100 art galleries in the city, showcasing a range of styles and a diverse selection of works.
The National Gallery of Victoria is one of Australia’s premier collections of visual art. With over 80,000 works, it’s an essential stop for any art lover.
Gold Coast
Located on the coast of Australia, the Gold Coast is a holiday hotspot and one of the country’s fastest-growing cities. It’s a great destination for travelers looking to enjoy sun, surf, beaches and a rainforest hinterland.
It’s the perfect spot for families, and there are plenty of fun activities to keep the kids entertained while they’re here. From theme parks to water slides, the Gold Coast has a lot of options to make it a family trip that they will never forget!
The Gold Coast is also home to an abundance of wildlife, so if you love nature, be sure to visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. This outdoor park is home to a wide range of local and indigenous birds and animals, many of which were rescued from the wild. You can even take a tour to see their work in action (book in advance).
Travelers will find that the Gold Coast is incredibly tourist-friendly, making it easy for them to get around without spending too much money. The city is well-connected, and there are buses that will get them to all of the major attractions. Moreover, it is walkable, so you won’t have to worry about traffic.
If you’re planning to stay in the area for a while, you can rent a car or a bike to get around easily. Lastly, you can check out Bounce’s luggage storage facility to have your belongings safe and sound when you’re on the go!
As far as food goes, the Gold Coast has a sophisticated dining scene that offers foodies a wide range of options. From beachside eateries serving up world-class seafood to high-end restaurants in some of the city’s most luxurious hotels, there are plenty of eats for every taste.
For those who want to try their hand at a new cooking skill, the Gold Coast offers an abundance of cooking schools. The city also has a number of supermarkets where you can buy ingredients for your meals.
For those who like to party, there are several clubs and bars that will keep you grooving all night long. If you want to be more active, there are plenty of hiking trails and cycling paths in the area that will allow you to explore this vibrant city at your own pace.
Brisbane
Brisbane is one of Australia’s most visited cities. It is a tropical city with beautiful beaches and is a great place to spend your holiday. However, it is also a very popular tourist destination so you will want to book your accommodation in advance.
Getting around Brisbane is relatively easy and cheap using public transport. The city is split into eight different zones and the bus system is well organised. You can also buy a Go card, which will save you over 30% on your bus tickets.
There are also a number of trams in Brisbane, which are cheap and convenient for exploring the city centre. You can purchase a ‘Go Explore’ ticket for unlimited travel for 10 AUD per day, which will allow you to see many of the city’s attractions.
Another way to get around the city is by bike. This is a fantastic way to get around and will give you a great view of the city. You will find a number of cycling routes in the city centre as well as other places along the river.
Shopping in Brisbane is a treat with the Queen Street Mall offering a large selection of shops from high-end designer labels to local Aussie favourites. This shopping complex is a popular stop for tourists and locals alike, so it’s worth a visit.
The Botanic Gardens are a great place to take a break from the busy city and enjoy the natural beauty of Brisbane. They are also home to a number of museums and other cultural institutions.
Taking in the view from the Mount Coot-tha lookout is one of the best ways to enjoy a sunset in Brisbane. The lookout is located about a four-minute drive from the Botanic Gardens and offers panoramic views of the city.
There are also a number restaurants in the area that serve delicious meals to complement your visit. Some even offer special functions such as weddings and other events. The cheapest time to visit Brisbane is Autumn (March-May). This is the best time of year to visit because it is not peak season and you will save on accommodations and activities.
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