Guide to Travelling to Australia’s Major Cities

Australia is a striking country famed for its wildlife and rugged landscapes. Its cities can also present wonderful discoveries for travellers. Visitors on their first journey to Australia are pleasantly surprised by the unique combination of urban living and the Aussie laid-back lifestyle on offer in Australia’s ultra-modern cities. In this quick guide, we look at some of Australia’s major cities and their highlights.

1. The Gold Coast

One of the perennially popular travel destinations in all of Australia for local and international travellers, the Gold Coast is a must-see place that plays host to millions of visitors every year. At the heart of this stunning coastal hub is Surfers Paradise, one of the top places to experience the unique vibe of the Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise accommodation can offer fantastic levels of luxury and convenience close to Surfers Paradise beach and other Gold Coast beaches.

Surfers Paradise forms the most popular hub for international travellers on the Gold Coast. For accommodation, travellers won’t do much better than staying at one of the Surfers Paradise apartments close to the beach. Don’t forget to explore surrounding beach districts such as Main Beach, Mermaid Beach and Miami, Burleigh Heads, and Broadbeach. Further out are the famous theme parks, the Gold Coast hinterlands, nature reserves, wildlife parks, and Brisbane City.

2. Brisbane

Brisbane is the largest city in Queensland, followed by the Gold Coast. With a population of over two million people, this sunny, bustling city is a gem built rigt on the shimmering Brisbane River. Along with a lively CBD and atmospheric satellite suburbs, the city offers lots of live music, fine dining, and cafes.

Brisbane is also well located and close to other major Queensland attractions:

• Gold Coast – around 2 hours by car.
• Sunshine Coast – around 2 to 3 hours drive.
• Fraser Island – 4 1/2 hours by car.
• Moreton Island – 2 1/2 hours drive.

3. Sydney

The harbour city is the oldest and most populous city in Australia, with over 4 million inhabitants set on an area of just over 4,500 square miles. Fast-paced and cosmopolitan, visitors to Sydney can enjoy a cruise on the world-famous harbour, a visit to Taronga Zoo, or enjoy the city’s numerous shopping and dining opportunities followed by a relaxing winding down at any of its 70 plus city beaches.

4. Melbourne

One hour’s flight from Sydney, Melbourne is the second largest city by population in Australia. Situated in the south-east of the continent, Melbourne is known as the country’s cultural and sporting capital, with an abundance of cutting-edge architecture, European-style cafes and bars, and a lively arts and culture scene. Melbourne plays host to a number of international sporting tournaments every year.

Further out afield from Melbourne are the famed Great Ocean Road drive and Philip Islands, making Melbourne a place well-worth exploring for any visitor.

5. Canberra

Canberra is the capital city of Australia, located in the Australian Capital Territory south of Sydney. With national monuments, museums, art galleries, and the nation’s most important buildings such as Parliament House, Canberra is a must-see if you’re interested in history and knowing more about Australia. The city’s attractions also include outdoor cycling, wonderful gardens, parks, and reserves.

6. Adelaide

Known as the city of churches, Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia. This sedate and cultural city offers lots of opportunities for fine dining, casual cafés, and boutique shopping. It’s also close to the famous wine regions including Barossa Valley, Mclaren Vale, and Clare Valley.

7. Perth

Perth is the capital of Western Australia. With a population of 1.7 million people, Perth has some of the best city beaches in the country. While the CBD is just as vibrant as the other capitals, one of the best things about Perth is its proximity to nature. Biking, walking, cycling, surfing, and swimming are all popular activities for travellers.