Hervey Bay
Tranquil Hervey Bay, at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, draws holidaymakers with sandy beaches and calm waters, just-caught seafood, easy access to UNESCO-listed Fraser Island, and some of the world’s best whale
Sydney
Big-name icons, global dining and laid-back living
Innovative yet casual, the city’s booming cafe culture spreads from specialty coffee shops to hip brunch spots, packed every weekend morning. Carefully crafted flat whites are served alongside smashed avocado, preferably outdoors by the water.
Quality food and drink take centre stage in Sydney, with an emphasis on creative dishes made with local produce, along with a plethora of authentic Asian cuisines, and of course, fresh seafood from the Sydney Fish Market.
Just outside the CBD, Sydney’s inner suburbs are the heartland of the city. Trendy eateries and art galleries dot Darlinghurst and Potts Point, while live music spills out of well-worn pubs in Glebe. Esteemed restaurants rub shoulders with popular watering holes in Surry Hills, reflecting the creativity of the area. Up-and-coming Chippendale continues to win locals over with its excellent street food, Asian dining and intriguing boutiques. The stylish new kid on the block, Barangaroo dining precinct is a hive of activity overlooking Darling Harbour.
Refreshing and uniquely Sydney, there’s nothing quite like strolling along the harbourfront soaking up the fresh air after a powerful thunderstorm. Waterfront paths wind around bays, leading to peaceful reserves. On a typical sunny day, a wander through the Botanic Gardens affords gorgeous views of lush native plants, blisteringly bright skies and the rippling harbour, to a soundtrack of trilling lorikeets and rowdy cockatoos overhead.
Invigorating in the early mornings, a swim at a harbour pool mixes exercise, waterside settings and friendly conversation with locals. Further afield are plenty of beaches, including world-famous Bondi, and quieter spots like Bronte and Balmoral, as well as many natural attractions, from the cliffs of the Royal National Park to the rolling Blue Mountains.
Discover also
Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley embodies many of the ingredients of the good life in Australia – fine wines from iconic vineyards, great farm-to-table cuisine and a wealth of outdoor activities – just a couple of hours from Sydney.
Magnetic Island
Day-trippers cross the Coral Sea from nearby Townsville to hit the pristine beaches and colourful reefs of this miniature paradise, but life on Magnetic Island proceeds undisturbed, deeply settled into its own distinctive rhythm.
Margaret River
On top of its exceptional wines, Margaret River offers a sublime blend of indulgence and adventure, with fine food, towering forests, stunning coastal walks and pounding surf, all just three hours from Perth.
