Australian Cities

While flop-and-drop beach resort holidays offer lazy and luxurious breaks, a trip to one of Australia’s beautiful cities could rejuvenate you in a way like no other. For those who enjoy a little more stimulation on their getaway, consider one of our nation's great metropolises; whatever your interest, whatever your curiosity, you should be able to find it in our cities.

Australia's capital cities are bold, beautiful and bursting at the seams with attractions, events, sophisticated art galleries and museums. There are also zoos, monuments, amazing shopping and exciting nightlife and entertainment options. Of course, you can also choose to relax, as our cities are in picturesque locations and feature abundant parklands and waterways.

Canberra is the nation's capital and home of power and politics. This architecturally planned city is found on the shores of beautiful Lake Burleigh Griffin and offers such revered attractions as the National Museum of Australia, Old Parliament House and the incredible Australian War Memorial.

Sydney Harbour flickr By apdk

Our oldest and most recognisable city, Sydney is the economic powerhouse of the nation, built on the spectacular Sydney Harbour and filled with world-famous icons, glittering beaches, fantastic shopping, superb dining and lots of 'bling'. All of this combined with the city's laid-back outdoor lifestyle and natural beauty make Sydney a real pleasure to visit.

Melbourne is the stylish capital of Victoria. Set on the shores of the Yarra River, the city has something to excite everyone, from buzzing laneway cafes and trendy bars, to high-end fashion stores and bargain seconds shopping. There are also elegant gardens, Victorian-era streetscapes, world-class sports stadiums, New York-style skyscrapers, film and food festivals, galleries and opulent theatres.

Brisbane is a city of sunshine, built along the serpentine banks of the Brisbane River. It is a progressive, modern city with contemporary urban form, great restaurants, parklands, islands and an exciting nightlife. Out from the CBD the landscape is dominated by undulating hills where the city's distinctive 'timber and tin' Queenslander homes were built on stilts to catch the breeze along the ridges.

Adelaide Oval flickr By Rikx

The capital of South Australia, Adelaide is elegant, cultural, architecturally breathtaking and filled with activity. The city features beautiful churches, stunning botanic gardens, extensive walking and cycle paths, fabulous markets, trendy shops, wide cafe-lined streets and notable restaurants. Adelaide also holds a reputation as the wine and festival capital of Australia, so it's easy to plan your holiday around an exciting event.

Perth, Western Australia's capital, is renowned for its warm and sunny climate, pristine coastline, magnificent parklands, vibrant nightlife and marine adventures. The great outdoors are truly a way of life for the locals here, with yachting, surfcat-riding, surfing and parasailing popular activities throughout the year. Enjoy a bike ride along the lovely Swan River or take a dip at one of the city's many beautiful beaches.

Beautiful Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is a community of more than 50 different cultures, with Asian, European and Aboriginal cultures combining to create a quintessential multi-cultural Australian feel. Nature abounds in this easy-going city, where al-fresco dining is a good way to soak up the atmosphere. Don't miss mixing with the locals at the dry season's famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.

Hobart flickr By Aschaf

Tasmania's capital city, Hobart is a wonderful fusion of heritage and lifestyle, beautiful scenery and vibrant culture. Enjoy the markets of Salamancaand the view of the Harbour, or immerse yourself in the cultural scene of art, music and theatre. A wonderful selection of accommodation, restaurants, markets and gourmet festivals also abound.