As the world’s 6th largest country – Australia offers some of the most diverse travel experiences available today – but the country can take months to explore – trekking through national parks, losing days on picture-perfect beaches and exploring the Australia’s extraordinary list of must see attractions. Things to consider are of course the two big natural attractions – the Great Barrier Reef and the Uluru rock. The cities are all worthy of exploration and you’ll find that each has its own distinct personality thanks to the waves of post-war immigration from both Europe and Asia. Head to Sydney and take in an opera in the iconic Sydney Opera House, and then take to Melbourne to indulge in the European-style cafe culture and the eye-catching St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Brisbane is a lively city with plenty to do including the illuminating Queensland Museum and the pretty City Hall – though nature lovers should take a trip to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to get up close and personal with a loveable Koala bear. Adelaide is charming and old fashioned while Perth in the west is somewhat isolated – don’t miss Swan Valley or the Pinnacles desert with its collection of limestone formations that rise from the sand, in the Nambung National Park. When the cities begin to run dry – take a drive down the The Great Ocean road for an unmatched coastal roadway which stretches from Torquay to Warrnambool and perhaps a look at the Daintree and Cape Tribulation National Park in Cairns and the aweinspiring Edith Falls where you can take a cruise down the scenic Katherine Gorge.

Time your visit to coincide with the Sydney Festival in January for three weeks of festivities that spread all over the city – from parks to theatres and cinemas to bars, or alternatively visit Brisbane for the biennial (even years) Brisbane Festival which sees the city host a vibrant and colourful collection of performing arts events, live music, food and drink and fireworks.

Read more on relatively simple Australian cuisine pairing European techniques with Pacific ingredients and tipping in Australia.