Australia

From parched and pristine wilderness to lush manicured vineyards, vibrant cities to lazy beaches, wildlife to nightlife, the land, the people and ever present sun combine to make Australia one of the places the serious traveller just has to see, as Carol Driver reports.

The Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House, Ayres Rock – with iconic attractions like these, it’s little wonder that Oz attracts 2.7 million visitors each year. Whether it’s enjoying the thrill of the outdoors, viewing breathtaking architecture, getting closer to wildlife or lazing on one of the country’s 10,000 beaches, the choice of what to do once you arrive is limitless.

With a population of 21 million and a covering of 2.9 million sq miles, Australia spreads across three time zones and is surrounded by the Southern, Pacific and Indian oceans. Divided up over six states and two territories, the most difficult choice you have to make is which part to visit. With Emirates flying direct from Birmingham Airport to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, that decision is now even easier.

Sydney: Situated on the south-east coast of New South Wales, Sydney is the country’s largest and most famous city. Your first port of call has to be the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Connecting the business district and the North Shore, the National Heritage site is considered the world’s greatest arch bridge – for amazing panoramic views, climb the 200 steps to the Pylon Lookout or daredevils can book a bridge climb – it takes three and a half hours to reach the summit, a dizzying 134 metres above waters of Sydney Harbour. From the bridge, you’re afforded a fine view of Sydney’s other iconic landmark – the Opera House. Situated at Bennelong Point, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most famous performing arts centres in the world. To experience it fully, see an opera, take in a tour to find out about its fascinating history or enjoy a meal at one of its restaurants. For a dining experience to remember, reserve a table at award-winning Guillaume at Bennelong where you can enjoy culinary delights - courtesy of French chef Guillaume Brahimi - and striking views across the harbour.

Travel from the Opera House across Sydney Cove to The Rocks – the birthplace of Australia. Framed by the sparkling waters of the harbour, the quay is where the first fleet landed in 1788, carrying convicts, soldiers and officials. Today, it boasts museums, boutique shops, arts galleries, hotels, entertainment and cafe-style restaurants in which to sit back and sip a beer or two. But don’t get too relaxed – Sydney is about enjoying the outdoors…

Why not kayak or sail a yacht on Sydney Harbour, or horse ride around Centennial Park? Water babies will be spoilt for choice when deciding which of Sydney’s beaches to visit. Manly Beach is a mile of golden sand close to the harbour with waves perfect for surfing.

Bondi, at about 1km long, is one of Australia’s most famous beaches. It takes 45 minutes to get there from Sydney and it’s best to take public transport as parking is limited. As an alternative (although 41km away) Palm Beach is a great day out. Here you can visit Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park or take in a rugby match at the Careel Bay Ovals Complex.

Any visit to Sydney wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens. In the oasis of 30 hectares and 18 stunning gardens, you can discover rare and indigenous plants. For a weekend trip, visit the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. Beginning about 50km west of Sydney, the area is dissected by gorges of 760 metres deep and 1,190 metres above sea level. You can enjoy a bushwalk, or dangle suspended 270 metres above ancient ravines and waterfalls in a glass bottomed cable car, or experience Jenolan Caves – one of the oldest in the world.

Melbourne: Heading 712km south of Sydney, you’ll find the vibrant Melbourne – Australia’s most populated city - sitting on the Yarra River at Port Phillip Bay.

Fashionistas will be in heaven – as will wine connoisseurs and food lovers. Shop ‘til you drop in the historic maze of hidden laneways and arcades where there is a mix of unique boutique stores. Whether it’s for high fashion or fine art, there are bargains to be had at Melbourne Central, QV and GPO precincts and Cathedral Arcade. Or, if it all seems far too complicated, book a place on one of the popular shopping tours and let someone else do the hard work for you. Just before you do finally drop, take the time to enjoy a drink on the bohemian St Kilda promenade and watch the sunset – a spectacular sight.

Make your way to Richmond for authentic Vietnamese dishes that won’t break the bank – or to Carlton for Italian flavours, whilst Fitzroy boasts Spanish tapas at eateries such as Kanela Flamenco Bar, where you can enjoy delicious meals whilst being entertained by fiery flamenco dancers. You can soak up some of the city’s culture at one of its more than 100 art galleries or museums. Head to the Southbank precinct for the Victorian Arts Centre and the National Gallery. For a real taste of the city’s past, book a place on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk or explore the Melbourne Museum. Make sure you also visit the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building, the site of the first Commonwealth Parliament in 1880.

Adrenaline junkies will also be able to find their fix in Melbourne. On the Kaykaze Adventure Experience you can rock climb, abseil, kayak, canoe and cave. Book a paddling tour for a less intense twilight kayak through the Australian bush, where you’ll get to meet flying foxes, koalas, parrots and water rats. Or why not try kite-boarding at St Kilda Marina? The bay-side suburb is popular with tourists, boasting boutique hotels along what is the city’s most trendy beach.

Further south along the bay is the upmarket Brighton. The coastal area is largely unspoilt, save for the famous sweep of colourful beach huts. Just 5km south lies the secluded Hampton Beach which has a protected bay and looks out over the marina. It has a narrow stretch of sand and the crystal-clear water is shallow making it perfect for windsurfing.

To get even further away from city life, drive one-hour south to the Mornington Peninsula. Here you can swim with dolphins or take in cliff-top walks. Choose to discover the remote area on one of the region’s topical tours, such as adventure, arts and culture, golf or food and wine.

Perth: If it’s the country’s wineries that appeal, book a holiday in Perth – the capital of Western Australia. From here, WA’s oldest wine region is just a boat ride away along the Swan River, on which you will take in lush bush land and stunning waterfalls before arriving in Swan Valley. Lunch cruises start with a Clydesdales-pulled coach-and-wagon ride around local shops, where you can try ice-cream and chocolate and buy premium wines. You then have a chance to try the homemade produce at some of the wineries, such as the historic Waters’ Edge Winery, home of the region’s first vine. Before heading home, visit Caversham Wildlife Park to feed kangaroos and see koalas, or stop at Lake Yakine’s bird sanctuary.

Discovering the centre of Perth is easy. Take the free bus around the city, jumping off at attractions such as the Swan Bell Tower or Perth Art Gallery. Perth’s real attraction is that it lacks the chaos of other cities – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do. It’s a sophisticated city with myriad bars, restaurants and shops. Head to Kings Park for a picnic lunch with stunning views. Or visit Rottnest Island to bike ride to secluded beaches and kayak to secret bays.

For dining, enjoy fish and chips on the wharf of Fishing Boat Harbour, head to Northbridge for international cuisines or for million-dollar views of Swan River and the city skyline, reserve a table at C Restaurant, which is set atop St Martin’s Tower and has a revolving floor.

The city is also famous for having some of the best beaches in the world. With 12,000km of pristine coastline overlooking the gleaming Indian Ocean, there is something to suit every need.

Lined with Norfolk pines and buzzing with cafes and pubs, Cottesloe Beach is a destination for all ages, especially for swimming and surfing. Or hop on a ferry for 25 minutes over to The Basin at Rottnest Island - the top choice for snorkelling and diving. Here, the sheltered, turquoise lagoon houses colourful schools of tropical fish and 20 species of coral.

For an experience to remember, drive 40 minutes south of Perth to Palm Beach in Rockingham. Here you can swim with wild dolphins or see them glide under your feet from the watch vessel. You can also take a ferry out to Penguin Island to get up close to 1,200 little fairy penguins.

Brisbane: For the ultimate diving experience, your first port of call in Australia is on the other side of the country, in Brisbane, Queensland. From here, book a three-day live-aboard trip to the esteemed Lady Musgrave Island – a four-hour journey from the city - and explore one of the seven natural wonders of the world – The Great Barrier Reef. The 35-acre coral cay site is surrounded by 3,000 acres of reef. It has exceptional visibility and divers can expect to see turtles, dolphins, humpback whales and magnificent colour corals and pristine reefs.

For an adventure closer to home explore the submerged wreck of HMAS Brisbane, an Australian navy destroyer sunk as a dive attraction. At 133 metres long and covered with oysters and barnacles, the wreck lies at 27 metres. Being located about 100km north of Brisbane, the site is easily accessible and you’re guaranteed to see angler, lion and snapper fish, eagle rays and octopuses.

As Brisbane is located on the Sunshine and Gold coasts, don’t spend all your holiday underwater – there’s more to explore above the surface. The city is a fascinating mix of old and new. Book a bike trip through the City Botanic Gardens and then ride around the centre, discovering the sandstone castles and Queenslanders - classic houses on stilts. To quench those cultural cravings, visit the Queensland Cultural Centre on the South Bank – the largest modern art gallery in Australia, which boasts the new Gallery of Modern Art and opens on to the Brisbane River.

To really get the heart pumping, abseil down Kangaroo Point in the heart of the city’s business district. The 20 metre cliff adventure is suitable for beginners and you will enjoy fantastic views and a thrilling ride. However, it’s beaches that are Brisbane’s speciality and there are 20 on which you can sunbathe, cycle or dine. For scenery, opt for a day at Nudgee Beach which offers stunning views across Moreton Bay – it’s a popular destination, so it’s often busy.

For a more traditional seaside experience, Sandgate has coastal walking trails and shops, while Coolum Beach is an undeveloped haven and is within easy driving distance from Brisbane. Families with young children are well catered for and it’s the perfect spot to play beach games or to spend a day shopping.

Brisbane also has more than its fair share of fine dining establishments. Find Asian and European dishes at West End, cafes and delis at New Farm and quaint eateries in Queenslanders in Toowong and Paddington. Or enjoy an indulgent breakfast in one of Fortitude Valley’s colourful cafes and then browse the boutique shops at Brunswick Mall.

You needn’t bring any souvenirs home with you – a holiday in Australia really will be an experience to remember. From stunning scenery, untouched beaches and adventures waiting to be had, booking a winter break Down Under is, as the Ozzies would say, a ‘no brainer’. And all of its attractions, coupled with the fact the world’s largest island is drenched in sunshine at the same time us Brits are getting ready for gloomy winter nights, means it’s not a case of ‘if’ you go, but‘when’.