Sydney is Australia''s showcase: the oldest settlement, the largest and most thriving city, the cultural melting pot. It curves around idyllic Port Jackson, where sandstone cliffs and bright islands complement the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Wander the cobbled colonial streets of the historic Rocks quarter, or tour the mansions of Watson''s Bay.
Nestled between the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, laid-back Brisbane makes the most of its magnificent beaches, offering an ideal blend of Aussie ease and urban energy. Wander in the lush Botanical Gardens, shop in the Queen Street Mall, or enjoy the countless cafes and restaurants along the banks of the Brisbane River.
The Great Barrier Reef city of Cairns is the northernmost city of Queensland and is located amidst endless stretches of white sandy beach, attracting visitors from around the world. Although Cairns is the scuba-diving capital of the Great Barrier Reef, you can also wander along the Esplanade, with its remarkable views over Trinity Bay, or explore the Heritage Walk with its fascinating insights into the city's history.
Named after evolutionist Charles Darwin, this tropical city on the top end of Australia is a former frontier town with a rough-and-tumble past. Darwin's growth was achieved back in 1871 with the discovery of gold at Pine Creek, and today a number of historic buildings from that era remain. Darwin is also the center of the aboriginal community, the world's oldest culture. From here, you can visit Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage Site renowned not only for its Australian wildlife but Aboriginal rock art.
A rare discovery awaits the traveler who ventures onto this remote island of Komodo. Walking through the dense vegetation, hearing and seeing a variety of bird and animal life, you may feel you've landed in another epoch. Indeed, the last vestiges of long-gone dinosaurs survive here, in the form of the legendary, giant lizards called Komodo Dragons.
Tiny Broome sits in the windswept "Far Corner" of western Australia, on the scenic, arid shores of the Indian Ocean. It became famous early in the century for its pearls and mother of pearl, some of Australia's finest. Pearls are still important here, but tourist attractions -- including the dramatic pearl fishermen's cemetery, and superb ten-mile-long Cable Beach - are Broome's greatest wealth.
Exmouth is a popular tourist destination because of it's year round fishing and beach weather, not to mention the great diving conditions. Some of the world's finest and most accessible coral reef exploration can be done here. This is because Exmouth is situated alongside the Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef Marine Park. While there, you may have the opportunity to see a whale shark.
Fremantle is a busy commercial cargo port on the southwestern shore of Western Australia. This sheltered, all weather port has two active harbors in operation. The Inner Harbor was opened on May 4 1897 and is located at the mouth of the Swan River adjacent to the historic City of Fremantle. The Outer Harbor, opened on January 11, 1955, is a deepwater bulk port located 20 kilometers south of the inner harbor on the Cockburn Sound. It was specifically developed to service the Kwinana industrial area that expanded rapidly in the 1960s and 70s.
Fremantle is a busy commercial cargo port on the southwestern shore of Western Australia. This sheltered, all weather port has two active harbors in operation. The Inner Harbor was opened on May 4 1897 and is located at the mouth of the Swan River adjacent to the historic City of Fremantle. The Outer Harbor, opened on January 11, 1955, is a deepwater bulk port located 20 kilometers south of the inner harbor on the Cockburn Sound. It was specifically developed to service the Kwinana industrial area that expanded rapidly in the 1960s and 70s.
Albany, Australia is home to the first deepwater port in Western Australia, Princess Royal Harbor, which happens to be the largest natural harbor on the entire south coast of the Australia mainland outside of Melbourne. Albany has become popular with retirees, with inhabitants enjoying the fresh air, clean beaches, and fine views over the Southern Ocean, while still proving a thriving regional center. Albany's many industries consist of tourism, fishing and agriculture. In addition to the quality of life the residence enjoy, Albany is a clean power society. The Western Power Wind Farm provides 75% of the town's electricity usage with its 12 turbines driven by the strong southerly winds.
The city of Adelaide is sophisticated and cosmopolitan with a population in the millions. Pride in its heritage and traditional values are prevalent here. There is also a comfort and convenience about Adelaide that is rarely found in cities of its size. The streets contain many lively cafes and restaurants that reflect the huge diversity of its ethnic communities. Visitors of all nations can feel at home here.
Australia's "Garden City" rejoices in its greenery, from the Fitzroy Gardens to the magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens. Hiding behind the sky-scrapers along the Yarra River are the graceful 19th-century mansions of the city's Gold Rush years. Sample one of the sixty different international cuisines, which make Melbourne the food capital of Australia.
Located on the island of Tasmania and Australia's second-oldest city, Hobart is famous for its Georgian buildings, picturesque harbor, and fine galleries and gardens. Nearby are the ghostly ruins of Port Arthur, the infamous penal colony, with its Isle of the Dead cemetery. Or, visit one of the perfectly preserved colonial villages nearby.
Located on the island of Tasmania and Australia's second-oldest city, Hobart is famous for its Georgian buildings, picturesque harbor, and fine galleries and gardens. Nearby are the ghostly ruins of Port Arthur, the infamous penal colony, with its Isle of the Dead cemetery. Or, visit one of the perfectly preserved colonial villages nearby.
Sydney is Australia''s showcase: the oldest settlement, the largest and most thriving city, the cultural melting pot. It curves around idyllic Port Jackson, where sandstone cliffs and bright islands complement the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Wander the cobbled colonial streets of the historic Rocks quarter, or tour the mansions of Watson''s Bay.