Harbour cities, surf beaches, world-class coffee and the great outdoors.
Australia's cities each have a distinct personality: iconic harbourside Sydney, laneway-and-coffee Melbourne, sunny riverside Brisbane, the theme-park-and-surf Gold Coast, and isolated, beachy Perth. Between them lie some of the world's best beaches, food and wildlife.
Best things to do in Sydney. Opera House, Bondi Beach, coastal walks, and harbour adventures. 77 handpicked spots.
View Sydney Guide →Street art capital, world-class galleries, live music every night, and architectural marvels.
View Melbourne Guide →World-class galleries, live music venues, and a thriving street art scene along the river.
View Brisbane Guide →Kings Park wildflowers, quokka selfies, whale watching, and encounters with Western Australia's unique wildlife.
View Perth Guide →57km of coastline from The Spit to Coolangatta. World-class surf breaks and patrolled swimming beaches.
View Gold Coast Guide →Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer mild weather nationwide. Remember the seasons are reversed: December-February is hot summer, ideal for the beaches and the south.
Given the distances, 10-14 days lets you pair two or three cities, for example Sydney and Melbourne, plus the Gold Coast, without spending all your time in transit.
Far, Sydney to Perth is a 5-hour flight. Domestic flights are the practical way to move between cities, so plan around two or three hubs rather than a road trip.