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,,☝☝👀 11 the best cities to visit in Australia👀''
Australia has countless cities and towns that offer visitors something special, and any list of twenty top destinations will only omit twenty more that are just as deserving of inclusion. But needs must! Start your research with this list of fabulous urbs.
1. Sydney
Think of Australia’s first city and many iconic landmarks spring to mind: the magnificent harbor, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks historic precinct, Sydney Tower, and a plethora of golden, soft-sand beaches. Cosmopolitan yet chilled, endlessly popular yet lacking pretension, the New South Wales capital attracts over 30 million visitors annually. There’s so much to see and do here, and whether you’re a culture vulture, a sand-surf-and-sun seeker, a foodie, or a fashionista, you’ll find a wealth of experiences on offer.
2. Melbourne
Chic, sophisticated and always on trend, Melbourne is a mecca for city slickers and is renowned as the country’s cultural capital. Browse the vast collections of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), The Ian Potter Centre (for contemporary art), Melbourne Museum, and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). Enjoy the Victorian capital’s thriving live music scene and packed calendar of festivals and elite sporting events. Shop ’til you drop, party at a plethora of trendy rooftop bars, then revive with the best damn coffee you’re likely to find anywhere on the planet. That’s Melbourne.
3. Canberra
Nominated by Lonely Planet as one of the ten must-visit cities in the world in 2018, Canberra has stepped up to take its place among Australia’s top travel destinations. The purpose-built federal capital has changed beyond all recognition over the past three decades. What was once largely a bureaucratic enclave occupied by a transitory workforce, is now a dignified, refined and leafy city — home to 420,000 people and packed with world-class cultural institutions and monuments that reflect the country’s national pride.
4. Brisbane
Brisbane enjoys glorious sunshine for most of the year, but it’s not just the great weather that makes the Queensland capital such a fabulous place to visit. From an amazing arts scene and evolving laneway culture, to slick and sophisticated eateries, vibrant nightlife and world-class shopping — the River City has become one of Australia’s most dynamic travel destinations. Urban renewal projects like the South Bank Parklands and Howard Smith Wharves have revolutionised how the city engages with its eponymous river.
5. Adelaide
During the annual Adelaide Festival and Fringe, the South Australian capital fills with people and pop-ups. However, don’t let that fool you into thinking that Adelaide is only fun during festival season. There’s a huge amount to see and do throughout the year. A vibrant street art and street food scene has breathed new life into the urban landscape in recent years, while a small-bar revolution is enlivening the city’s nightlife. Add to that the sensational beaches, vineyards and wildlife viewing opportunities that are within easy reach, and you have all the makings of a top holiday.
6. Perth
Basking by the silky indigo waters of the Swan River, and blessed with an idyllic turquoise coastline, the natural beauty of Perth is unquestionable. However, the capital of vast Western Australia isn’t simply resting on its sun, surf, and sand laurels. There’s been a strong push in recent years to bring quality entertainment, top-notch dining, and cultural kudos to the city. The result is a captivating mix of innovative urban experiences and a revitalized CBD that has oodles to offer visitors. The state-of-the-art WA Museum — Boola Bardip — has reopened after a four-year redevelopment process.
7. Hobart
Tried booking a hotel in Hobart recently? Rooms are as rare as a hen’s dentures on weekends, so our first piece of advice is book early. It seems everyone wants a piece of the Tasmanian capital these days — and with good reason. A rich history to explore, revitalized cultural agenda, robust festival calendar, and sensational food and wine scene are just some of the many attractions. The city also makes a great base for exploring further afield, including stunning natural landscapes like Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula.
8. Darwin
There are two things that hit you as you arrive at Darwin’s bustling airport — the heat and the relaxed vibe. Welcome to the Aussie city that’s closer to Bali than it is to any of Australia’s other key urban centres. As such, you’ll find things are done a little differently in the Northern Territory capital. P.S. The dress code is strictly boardies, Havianas and Akubra-style hats!
9. Cairns
Sitting pretty in Tropical North Queensland, Cairns has undergone an extraordinary transformation in recent decades. What was once the last stop on an all-points east coast tour of Australia for visiting backpackers, is now a must-visit destination in its own right for a broad cross section of travellers — thanks in part to the city’s unique location on the edge of two of the world’s most iconic natural landscapes — the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree rainforest. It may be hot, but Cairns is one of the most chilled-out urban centres in the country and a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude imbues the lifestyle. However, with a raft of world-class attractions, eateries and shopping options on offer, the once-sleepy outpost is all grown up and impressively cosmopolitan.
10. Gold Coast
The Gold Coast — better known by locals as ‘the Goldie’ — is considered by many to be the home of Australia’s best beaches. The region is located an easy hour’s drive south of Brisbane in South East Queensland, and has long been known as a surfing hotspot and for its theme parks. It offers a relaxed, laid-back vibe that attracts holidaymakers from across Australia and beyond. Some never leave (the Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in the country), and it’s not hard to work out why given the great weather, spectacular coastline and endless attractions.
11. Sunshine Coast
South East Queensland’s Sunshine Coast lives up to its name with ease. Fringed with golden beaches and bathed in glorious sunshine for most of the year, the somewhat ‘quieter’ of the coasts either side of Brisbane attracts flocks of contented holiday makers. From upscale tourist mecca Noosa at one end to relaxed Caloundra at the other, there’s a holiday option in between to suit every taste and budget.