The countries of Australia and New Zealand are regions of extremes: silent fiords and thundering waterfalls; buzzy cities and abundant wildlife. These are some of the most ancient Indigenous lands in the world, and some of the youngest cities.
From the proud Aboriginal and Maori heritage, to the thriving wine and food scenes, there is something for every type of traveller across the landscapes of Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand..
EASTERN AUSTRALIA
The eastern shores of Australia are the most populated and include the capital city of Canberra as well as the country’s three largest cities: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Sydney’s urban attractions include Harbour Bridge, the iconic Sydney Opera House and Taronga Zoo. Don’t miss some sunshine on the white sands of Bondi Beach or seeing the magnificent rock formations of the Blue Mountains. In Melbourne, spend the day meandering down art-adorned laneways, eat dim sum in Chinatown and shop along Chapel Street. South Bank is the cultural heart of Brisbane, located right near where many cruise ships dock. This riverside precinct features beautiful parklands, restaurants, and cultural venues. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is one of Brisbane’s signature attractions and has been a must-do for more than 70 years. This area also leads you to the Gold Coast: miles of silky sand in shades of white and gold bordering the rushing waves of the Pacific Ocean.
NORTHERN TERRITORY & THE KIMBERLEY
Along the northern coast of Australia, in the aptly named Northern Territory lies Darwin, a city isolated by the vast Australian desert. The area was sought after by the French, Dutch and British and established as the town of Darwin in 1869. Today Darwin is the largest city of the Northern Territory. For those who want to explore remote locales, head to the rugged region known as The Kimberley for winding gorges, sandstone cliffs and Australia at its wildest. A major attraction is Montgomery Reef, where at tide’s drop, the reef is revealed from the surf. As the reef rises from the ocean, it becomes a habitat for countless seabirds, fish, and marine creatures. A hub of culture and history, the ancient landscape of Boome has long held travellers spellbound. Here, you can venture into the oldest and most remote of Australia’s nine regions and explore the depth of the land shaped by more than 84 Aboriginal communities.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Western Australia occupies roughly one-third of the total area of the continent, and the state’s capital city of Perth is one of Australia’s most beautiful and isolated capital cities. You can explore the bustling city centre or venture to Kings Park, one of the world’s largest inner-city parks, which houses a collection of native Western Australian flora in its botanical gardens. The historic port of Fremantle, just a short drive away, enchants visitors with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture. The nearby Swan Valley wine region offers world-class wineries and gourmet experiences, while Rottnest Island, accessible by ferry, delights visitors with its car-free environment, secluded bays, and the chance to meet adorable quokkas (a small marsupial about the size of a cat). Serene coastal waters make Exmouth a special destination, along with its proximity to the Ningaloo Reef Cape Range National Park. Experience eco-park adventures, glass bottom boats, game fishing and mud crabbing. Internationally renowned as a “surfing” destination, Geraldton lets your adventurous spirit run free in the Indian Ocean with windsurfing, wave-riding, wreck diving, kitesurfing, fishing and swimming.
TASMANIA
Tasmania is well known for its abundant wildlife, including the elusive Tasmanian devil. Take a nature walk or safari through one of the many national parks and spot kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and other local fauna. Perched on Tasmania’s northwest coast, Burnie, a self-described ‘city of makers and creators’ has a proud industrial history, access to dramatic nature reserves and produces delicious locally made cheese and whiskey. Head inland to the picturesque Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area and a wildlife park for encounters with iconic Australian fauna like wombats, sugar gliders and, of course, Tasmanian Devils. Keep an eye out for one of nature’s most unique creatures at the nearby Fern Glade Platypus Reserve, or travel to true wilderness at the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. In Port Hobart, stroll the quaint streets, explore Salamanca Place with its markets and galleries, or take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Wellington for panoramic views. The second-oldest city in Australia is encircled by dramatic cliffs, and rolling vineyards. Tasmania is also home to some of Australia’s most important Aboriginal heritage sites including rock art dating back 20,000 years at the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and stone huts at the Port Arthur Historic Site.
NEW ZEALAND
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city is a vibrant urban experience, and often the first or last port of call on a journey here. The port city of Tauranga is next to picturesque Pilot Bay with easy access to explore the city of Tauranga, and the wider Bay of Plenty’s beaches, hiking trails and coastal communities. New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington is a great place to explore with a vibrant arts scene, plenty of shopping and a well-known culinary scene. Ride the Wellington Cable Car and visit the Botanic Garden. Dunedin‘s Otago Peninsula hosts the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross, as well as other unique species. The foundation of New Zealand’s architectural heritage was built here during the gold rushes of the 1860s, and today Victorian and Edwardian buildings can still be seen at every turn. Discover nature’s wonders among the expansive seal colonies of Kangaroo Island and Milford Sound, the crown jewel of New Zealand’s fjords.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world and these colourful and lively coral reefs include an enormous variety of sea life—approximately 10 per cent of the world’s total fish species live here, as well as sharks and sorts of other types of marine life. Known as one of the seven wonders of the natural world, this UNESCO World Heritage site can be accessed via Cairns via cruises, snorkel, dive or scenic flight.
Kangaroo Island, Australia
Kangaroo Island lies off the mainland of South Australia, southwest of Adelaide. More than a third of the island is protected as nature reserves, and is home to loads of native wildlife including sea lions, koalas and diverse bird species. Flinders Chase National Park is known for penguin colonies and striking coastal rock formations like the sculpted Remarkable Rocks and the stalactite-covered Admirals Arch.
Milford Sound, New Zealand
This fiord is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and famous for its towering granite peaks. It’s probably one of the world’s most spectacular cruise destinations, and well worth a journey through Fiordland National Park to experience its varied landscapes.
Set Off on an Unforgettable Journey to Australia & New Zealand
Our expert travel advisors specialize in creating luxurious, tailor-made adventures across the breathtaking landscapes of Australia and New Zealand.
From the iconic shores of Sydney to the fjords of Milford Sound, the Great Barrier Reef to vibrant Māori culture — we’ll take care of every detail, so you can relax, explore, and experience the wonders of the South Pacific in style.
