Australia: City Highlights

When it comes to travel down under, people choose to visit for a wide variety of reasons. There's the weird and wonderful wildlife unique to the country, the beautiful beaches and rainforests and the awe-inspiring deserts. There are also a range of world-class cities, each with their own individual personality and vibe, and these cities are becoming more and more popular with travellers who want to experience the forefront of Aussie culture. If you're interested in seeing the cities of Australia, we've put together a guide to its city highlights, so grab that travel insurance and come on down, you're in for a real treat.

Perth

The westernmost city in Australia, and miles away from everything, Perth is a unique and beautiful city that is part modern, part colonial, and sunny almost every day f the year. The folks in Perth could be disheartened that they're often neglected for the Eastern cities of Sydney and Melbourne, but upon visiting you get the distinct impression that nobody really minds the fact that this gorgeous, clean city is a well-kept secret…in fact they're quite happy with things exactly the way they are! Whether you're watching the sun set over picturesque Cottesloe Beach or taking in some fine dining in the trendy inner-city suburb of Subiaco, Perth will amaze, delight and surprise you.

Darwin

If you're looking for the final frontier of true blue Aussie culture, you needn't look any further than Darwin. Sun-scorched locals, a strong indigenous influence, crocs, tropical storms, gorgeous beaches and jellyfish that'll kill you as soon as look at you, this is cowboy land, and while it functions as a modern city, there are elements of the wild that pervade every element of living there. Darwin is a frighteningly beautiful and unique part of the country, and one that offers countless rewards to the inquisitive traveller.

Brisbane

Although Brisbane is the third-largest city in Australia, it's often referred to as an oversized country town, so friendly and accommodating are the locals. After the recent floods that devastated the city, this mateship and camaraderie was on display for the whole world to see, and it is truly magnificent to see the city now, almost restored to its former glory, and resilient in its positive attitude.

Sydney

The biggest city in the country, Sydney is a vibrant, pulsing, thriving city that's rich in natural beauty. The beaches, bays, national parks and pleasant weather are all elements that strongly recommend the city to locals and tourists alike, but the real heart of Sydney is the harbour, the massive expanse of water that gives the city its identity and holds both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, both arguably the most iconic symbols of the city and indeed Australia. Take a Sydney Harbour cruise and find out what all the hype is about.

Melbourne

The constant competitor to Sydney and a city rich in cultural and artistic swagger, Melbourne is a delight for the senses. Whether you're into fashion, food, music or art, you'll be dazzled by the array of beautiful places to experience them in Melbourne. If Sydney is Australia's LA, then Melbourne is most definitely New York, and a visit to this southern gem is mandatory if culture is high on your agenda.

Hobart

Hobart, Tasmania's capital city, is a sleepy city, but a beautiful one. Quieter than the cities in mainland Australia, Hobart is all about the finer things in life; fresh produce, great food, great wine and beautiful scenery and architecture. As though from the pages of a Victorian novel, Hobart is at once shy and sassy, as long as you know how to experience it.

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