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.

Remote and intriguing, Willis Island is a tiny coral cay in the Coral Sea, best known for its long-running weather station and its setting amid the brilliant blues of the Great Barrier Reef. This isolated speck of land offers a true sense of the South Pacific wilderness, where seabirds, tropical waters and untouched horizons create a memorable scenic highlight on your voyage.

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.

Often called the pearl of Western Australia, Broome is the coastal gateway to the Kimberley. See the Horizontal Falls, powered by huge Indian Ocean tides; relax on Cable Beach, with camel rides and views of dinosaur footprints at Gantheaume Point; and explore Dampier Terrace's pearl strip, home to luxury brands selling South Sea pearls sourced from Broome.

Exmouth is located in Western Australia. Formerly, a military base, today its serene coastal waters are make Exmouth a special destination because of its proximity to the Ningaloo Reef Cape Range National Park. Dive into the underwater paradise with vibrant, aquatic life that will take your breath away. Experience eco-park adventures, glass bottom boats, game fishing and mud crabbing. Lose yourself in the turquoise haven and renew your lease on life.

Geraldton is a renowned surfing destination with Indian Ocean adventures like windsurfing, waveriding, wreck diving, kitesurfing, fishing, and swimming. Its coastline offers panoramic views, rolling hills, and a landscape that shifts from calm to wild. Explore indigenous art in museums and maritime memorials, then finish with a spectacular sunset over the sea.

Fremantle, the state's capital, is located in Western Australia at the mouth of the Swan River. The city was named after Charles Fremantle, an English naval officer who established the camp at the site and pronounced possession of Western Australia. During World War II, Fremantle was the 2nd largest base for Allied submarines operating in the Pacific Theater. Up to 125 U. S., 31 British and 11 Free Dutch Submarines operated out of Fremantle, until the Americans moved forward to the Philippines.

Albany is the largest regional city in Western Australia, and was once the home of the Menang Noongar people. They called the area "Kinjarling," meaning "the place of rain." Albany is also the oldest continuous European settlement in Western Australia, and was founded in 1826, three years before the state capital of Perth. The King George Sound settlement was a hastily-dispatched British military outpost, intended to forestall any plans by France for settlements in Western Australia.

This graceful and enchanting city lies nestled on the coastal plain between Gulf St. Vincent and the Adelaide Hills. A metropolis of over one million people, Adelaide boasts tree-lined boulevards, superb Victorian and Edwardian architecture, tranquil parks, world-class shopping, gastronomy and outdoor activity. Indulge your adventurous palate at a nearby wine region like the famed Barossa Valley to pick up a drinkable souvenir.

Penneshaw, located in Southern Australia is renowned for its wildlife. Take the famous nocturnal tours or walk amidst sea lions, see penguins, seals and more. Penneshaw also has its famous cellar door wineries, national parks and hill caves. Its bays, lagoons, coves and white sand beaches make it a peaceful retreat. Other attractions include a honey farm, eucalyptus distillery and more.

Split by the Yarra River, this European-leaning Australian city blends obvious and hidden charms. The CBD is easy to explore by tram and on foot, especially historic Collins Street with Gothic buildings and skyscrapers. Visit Fitzroy Gardens, learn its gold-rush past at Melbourne Museum, browse Queen Victoria Market, and duck into laneways for cafes and shops. Its diversity shines in places like St Kilda, Carlton's Lygon Street, and Richmond's Vietnamese eateries.

Hobart is regarded by guests as one of the region's most friendly, exciting and diverse destinations. In the State of Tasmania, Hobart is Australia's second oldest city. It is rich in character and history, nestling next to one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world and at the base of Mount Wellington, which rises 3,600 feet from the sea. The working harbor is unique with Antarctic supply vessels and fishing boats coming and going throughout the year.

Formerly a whaling hub in the 19th century, Eden is the southernmost town in New South Wales, nestled between two glorious bays and perched on rolling hills bounded by dramatic cliffs and expansive sandy beaches. Eden's whaling legacy lives on in its exciting whale-watching opportunities and the fascinating Killer Whale Museum. At the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre, towering lighthouses and the scenic coastline keep the focus firmly on the ever-changing sea.

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.