Great Barrier Reef

Sydney belongs to the exclusive club of cities that generate excitement. At the end of a marathon flight there's renewed vitality in the cabin as the plane circles the city, where thousands of yachts are suspended on the dark water and the sails of the Opera House glisten in the distance. Blessed with dazzling beaches and a sunny climate, Sydney is among the most beautiful cities on the planet.With 4.6 million people, Sydney is the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia. A wave of immigration from the 1950s has seen the Anglo-Irish immigrants who made up the city's original population joined by Italians, Greeks, Turks, Lebanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thais, and Indonesians. This intermingling has created a cultural vibrancy and energy—and a culinary repertoire—that was missing only a generation ago.Sydneysiders embrace their harbor with a passion. Indented with numerous bays and beaches, Sydney Harbour is the presiding icon for the city, and urban Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the 11-ship First Fleet, wrote in his diary when he first set eyes on the harbor on January 26, 1788: "We had the satisfaction of finding the finest harbor in the world."Although a visit to Sydney is an essential part of an Australian experience, the city is no more representative of Australia than Los Angeles is of the United States. Sydney has joined the ranks of the great cities whose characters are essentially international. What Sydney offers is style, sophistication, and great looks—an exhilarating prelude to the continent at its back door.

Experience a slice of paradise on an Eden cruise. This tiny town is located along the Sapphire Coast of Australia with a population of just 3,000. Here, you’ll find a scenic stretch of land with nearly 250 miles of waterways and over 150 beaches to discover, each more beautiful than the next. During an Australia cruise, explore Eden’s pristine coast while on a kayak. Hike around its lush national parks, where you’ll find historic landmarks and hundreds of different species of birds. Soak in the laid-back charm and enjoy unbeatable views from this quaint fishing village in New South Wales, where you’ll eat some of the freshest oysters you’ve ever tried.

One of the best departure points for excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach is extremely popular with backpackers, yachtsmen and other lovers of the tropical lifestyle. Sailing among the calm, protected waters of the Witsunday Islands is a must-do on the wish lists of many travelers. Charming shops, exhilarating skydives over the shoreline, and everything in between is going to make this a memorable visit.

Cairns is located in tropical North Queensland. To the north, west, and south, it is surrounded by lush, tropical rainforest. And to the east lies the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef. Apart from being the gateway to magnificent natural attractions, this waterfront city offers an abundance of possibilities, including the opportunity to safely spot crocs.

Cruise to Port Douglas and you’ll find a miraculous blend of coral reefs and subtropical rainforest, which means it’s an easy destination to find fun things to do in nature. For the beachy and the active, sunbathing on Four Mile Beach or diving the Great Barrier Reef awaits. For the athletic traveler, head into the heart of Daintree Rainforest to hike, zipline, or simply enjoy the beauty of the jungle. Stop in at the Wildlife Habitat for the chance to see koalas, kangaroos, and other native Australian species. Of course, Port Douglas isn’t all natural beauty. It’s also a popular resort and marina town where travelers can enjoy life’s simple pleasures, from a plate of freshly shucked oysters straight from the marina to a dip in a glittering five-star resort pool. On cruises, Australia makes for an ideal destination for every energy level. During your time in port on Port Douglas cruises, you’ll see a brand new side of Queensland, Australia.

Sydney belongs to the exclusive club of cities that generate excitement. At the end of a marathon flight there's renewed vitality in the cabin as the plane circles the city, where thousands of yachts are suspended on the dark water and the sails of the Opera House glisten in the distance. Blessed with dazzling beaches and a sunny climate, Sydney is among the most beautiful cities on the planet.With 4.6 million people, Sydney is the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia. A wave of immigration from the 1950s has seen the Anglo-Irish immigrants who made up the city's original population joined by Italians, Greeks, Turks, Lebanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thais, and Indonesians. This intermingling has created a cultural vibrancy and energy—and a culinary repertoire—that was missing only a generation ago.Sydneysiders embrace their harbor with a passion. Indented with numerous bays and beaches, Sydney Harbour is the presiding icon for the city, and urban Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the 11-ship First Fleet, wrote in his diary when he first set eyes on the harbor on January 26, 1788: "We had the satisfaction of finding the finest harbor in the world."Although a visit to Sydney is an essential part of an Australian experience, the city is no more representative of Australia than Los Angeles is of the United States. Sydney has joined the ranks of the great cities whose characters are essentially international. What Sydney offers is style, sophistication, and great looks—an exhilarating prelude to the continent at its back door.