Regions - Australia
Darwin and Kakadu National Park
Along Australia's northern coast, Darwin, a city of 70,000 people, is the gateway to the stunning and wild Kakadu National Park. This is Crocodile Dundee country, if the legend is to be believed, and Kakadu delivers on the natural wonders that make up the Australian Outback. Fantastic rock formations, waterfalls, aboriginal art, crocs and other wildlife – this is a great place to explore for a good dose of adventure.
Great Barrier Reef
The longest barrier reef in the world stretches north from the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands past Cape York, and is home to a stunning array of aquatic wonders. Visitors can take day trips from the coast for snorkeling or diving on the reef, or stay out on an island in order to get a closer to what the reef has to offer. Do note that the reef area can be affected by rain and cyclones from December through March.
Tropical North
Along the mainland coast, parallel with the Great Barrier Reef, are a series of towns, beaches, nature preserves and rainforests which make up what we fondly call the "Tropical North". Cairns is the hub for most activity here (including many flights out to the Barrier Reef Islands), and is a lively city with nightlife, shopping and beaches. Further north is the relaxed beach town of Palm Cove, home to a variety of nice beachfront hotels and resorts. Port Douglas is another popular town with golf courses, beaches, and good restaurants. Still moving north, you'll find the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest on earth, and a must for those interested in eco-activities. Cape Tribulation is where explorer Captain Cook met his maker, and is an adventurous day trip from the beaches to the south. For a little bit of culture, you can take the "sky tram" to Kuranda, enjoying the treetops and the art and crafts produced by local artisans.
The Red Center
Uluru, or Ayer's Rock, is located near the very center of the country, and is worth a look for a couple nights if you have time to spare. It's interesting to observe the rock at different times of day, as the sun casts different shadows and highlights a multitude of colors. One can climb the rock, however local aboringal people prefer that you don't given it's a sacred site for them. The adventurous can opt for a daytrip to gorgeous King's Canyon. Many people also visit the town of Alice Springs, which provides a window on outback living, as well as access to activities such as quad biking and exploration of frontier history.
Sydney
Sydney is often the motivator for a trip to Australia, and deservedly so: this world-class city shines at every turn, from its gleaming Opera House and majestic Bay Bridge, to its colorful neighborhoods and lively beaches. One can spend days exploring Sydney and not see everything – there are just too many excellent restaurants, art galleries, cultural activities, nightlife venues, and beautiful sights to visit. Musts include a performance at the Opera House, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Taronga Zoo, a stroll through the historic Rocks District along the water, and perhaps even a helicopter tour!
Hunter Valley
A little over two hours by car from Sydney is the Hunter Valley, the oldest commercial wine-producing region in Australia. There are more than 100 vineyards in the area, and many offer complimentary tastings and tours to visitors. Expect to enjoy varietals such as Semillon, Shiraz, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and pinot noir. In addition to excellent wine, a gastronomic dining scene is emerging. Pair this with countryside relaxation, hot air ballooning and a round or two of golf, and you have a great place for a long weekend.
Blue Mountains
About two hours from Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer a natural escape. This is a place where the city's residents come to beat the summer heat and humidity, do a bit of hiking, and enjoy the lush scenery. While tour buses often make the obligatory stop to see the lovely Three Sisters rock formation, those who spend a bit more time can unlock a maze of dense forest, deep canyons, sheer cliffs, and the cool little towns located within. The mountains get their name from the blue haze that is caused by light refracting through droplets of eucalyptus oil that evaporates from the trees.
Melbourne
In perpetual rivalry with internationally-renowned Sydney, Melbourne has every reason to hold its head high as a destination unto itself. Bisected by the Yarra River, this is a scenic city, with origins dating back to a gold rush in the 1850s. With such history comes lovely Victorian architecture, including narrow laneways and covered arcades that house unique shops, restaurants, and many a café. The feel is reminiscent of Europe, with trolleys plying the streets, boats cruising along the river, and open green space such as the Royal Botanical Gardens. A trip up the Eureka Skydeck 88 gives a great view of the city, while centrally located Federation Square is not to be missed – museums, restaurants, galleries and ongoing cultural events abound.
Barossa Valley
Just one hour from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is another of Australia's important wine regions. Known for its sunny climate, visitors to Barossa are treated to scenic hills full of vines and long dry grasses among which kangaroos can be seen. Pleasant German architecture and a number of good restaurants round out a stay in the Barossa.
Kangaroo Island
A short flight from Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is often called "Australia's Galapagos" with good reason: the animal life here is wonderful, unique and diverse. You will, of course, find the namesake kangaroos, but visitors can also observe penguins, sea lions, fur seals, thousands of koalas, more than 500,000 wallabies and more than 250 species of birds. The island is only home to about 5000 people, and the island is still somewhat off the beaten path when it comes to tourism. The scenery here is also fantastic – expansive beaches, seaside caves, stunning cliffs, dense forests and open pastures. While parts of the island are set aside as a national park, the other part is also home to a thriving sheep industry. There are a handful of very nice lodges on the island, making is a lovely place to spend 3 or 4 nights.
Tasmania
Off the southern coast of Australia lies the unspoiled island of Tasmania. It has a somewhat tragic past as a dumping ground for British convicts, ultimately leading to the eradication of the native aboriginal people from disease and maltreatment. Today it is a tranquil destination, ideal for several days of meandering by car, like one might do in New Zealand. The ruins of its historical settlements are fascinating to visit, as are the 10,000 year old rock and cave paintings forged by its aboriginal peoples. Many visitors come for the island's natural beauty, including mountain peaks, fertile meadows, dense rainforests, immense lakes and eucalyptus stands. While Tasmanian Devils are endemic, they are under significant threat, and their numbers are dropping rapidly.
