Make the most of Sydney: stroll Circular Quay and the waterfront, admire the Opera House, explore the historic Rocks under the Harbour Bridge, head to the Blue Mountains for the world's steepest railway, meet Australian wildlife at Koala Park Sanctuary, and finish with a drink at a traditional Aussie pub.

Make the most of Sydney: stroll Circular Quay and the waterfront, admire the Opera House, explore the historic Rocks under the Harbour Bridge, head to the Blue Mountains for the world's steepest railway, meet Australian wildlife at Koala Park Sanctuary, and finish with a drink at a traditional Aussie pub.

Queensland's capital, Brisbane, is a sun-drenched city with a spectacular riverfront, lush gardens and a huge range of international cuisines. At South Bank, relax on Streets Beach while viewing the sparkling "Brissie" skyline. Stroll past jacarandas, flame trees and bougainvillea to the Cultural Precinct and the Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art. Nearby attractions include Australia Zoo, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.

Soak up Airlie Beach's laid-back tropical vibe, with palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks, and alfresco dining. Stroll Shute Harbour Road, the town's main street, lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars. Airlie Beach is also the gateway to the Whitsundays-74 pristine islands in Queensland's Great Barrier Reef-where you can enjoy luxury resorts, poolside cocktails, sunbathing, and spa relaxation.

Townsville, a lush tropical city in northern Queensland and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, offers plenty nearby: ferry to Magnetic Island's coral-fringed beaches and trails; stroll the seaside esplanade's cafes, galleries and boutiques; visit Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium; see Australian wildlife at Billabong Sanctuary; and hike Castle Hill for panoramic city views.

Cairns, a laid-back Far North Queensland city, is the gateway to two World Heritage treasures: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Cruise by luxury catamaran to a pontoon on the Outer Reef, or ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over lush jungle and explore the world's oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest. In Cairns ("cans"), stroll the Esplanade, swim in the saltwater lagoon, and visit the Botanic Gardens, Cairns Aquarium, shops, and cafes.

Along the coast of the Northern Territory lies Darwin, a city isolated by the vast Australian desert. The area was sought by the French, Dutch and British, and was established as the town of Darwin in 1869. In 1942, the city was under the threat of a Japanese attack, so a major Australian military base was established. Today Darwin is the largest city of the Northern Territory, offering sights from its colonial past and excellent shopping and dining opportunities.

Indonesia's isolated Komodo Island is a natural wonder of tropical savanna and scrubland, home to the famed pre-historic Komodo dragon. Komodo National Park is the only place on earth that they can be found in the wild. The island of Komodo itself is about 60 squares miles in area with dramatic landscapes of 2,000 foot craggy mountains, canyons, Savannas and monsoon rain forests in the valleys. Human habitation is therefore limited to only one settlement in Slawi Bay.

Discover a hidden-gem island where tranquility meets natural wonders. Dive into the azure waters of Lembar Strait, explore coral reefs, relax on Selong Belanak Beach, and trek Mount Rinjani for breathtaking sunrise views. Experience Sasak culture in Sade and Ende, where artisans craft textiles and pottery by hand, and savor authentic cuisine from spicy sambal to grilled seafood.

Benoa's charms are most evident in Nusa Dua, one of the most beautiful beaches in already-legendary Bali. In this land of rice terraces, spectacular volcanoes and over 20,000 temples, the main destination is the stunning 17th-century royal temple complex of Pura Taman Ayun in nearby Mengwi, surrounded by a lotus-filled moat, giving it the feel of a garden sanctuary. Another favorite is the Sunset Temple, Tanah Lot, and don't miss the batik factories for that perfect gift or souvenir.

Benoa's charms are most evident in Nusa Dua, one of the most beautiful beaches in already-legendary Bali. In this land of rice terraces, spectacular volcanoes and over 20,000 temples, the main destination is the stunning 17th-century royal temple complex of Pura Taman Ayun in nearby Mengwi, surrounded by a lotus-filled moat, giving it the feel of a garden sanctuary. Another favorite is the Sunset Temple, Tanah Lot, and don't miss the batik factories for that perfect gift or souvenir.

This island nation at the end of the Malaysian peninsula offers rich culture, history, and cuisine. Explore Chinatown, the Arab Quarter, and Little India; take in harbor views at Boat Quay; shop along Orchard Road; enjoy a night safari at Singapore Zoo; relax in Bukit Timah Nature Preserve; wander futuristic Gardens by the Bay; and unwind with a Singapore Sling at the iconic Raffles Hotel.

This island nation at the end of the Malaysian peninsula offers rich culture, history, and cuisine. Explore Chinatown, the Arab Quarter, and Little India; take in harbor views at Boat Quay; shop along Orchard Road; enjoy a night safari at Singapore Zoo; relax in Bukit Timah Nature Preserve; wander futuristic Gardens by the Bay; and unwind with a Singapore Sling at the iconic Raffles Hotel.