The smells of freshly ground artisan coffees fill the streets of this hip youthful city which is generously sprinkled with fine dining establishments art galleries and absorbing museums. With an airy outdoor lifestyle Melbourne is a vibrant global hub of fashion fun and festivities. Multicultural and diverse Victoria’s capital is crisscrossed by narrow alleys and splashed with street art. It’s fair to say Melbourne’s bearded baristas take their coffees seriously. Settle in to sample the unique coffee culture that is an essential part of Melbourne life. Looking for something a little stronger? The city’s rooftop bars come alive with clinking cocktails as the sun sets. A world leader in culinary arts take your seat at award-winning restaurants and sample world foods alongside delicious wines cultivated in the vineyards of the surrounding valleys. Savour a glass while cruising the arching Yarra River for an unbeatable introduction to Melbourne. An outdoor city it’s no surprise that Melbourne is one of Australia’s sporting giants. The vast bowl of Melbourne Cricket Ground serves as the city’s sporting cathedral – squeezing in over 100 000 fans and hosting various sports on its hallowed oval turf. Whether it’s the rumble of hoofs during the Melbourne Cup revs of engines during the Formula One or thwacks of tennis balls during the Australian Open - few places can boast such a comprehensive list of high-profile sporting appeals.

Your first sight of Phillip Island's prize asset - its parade of adorable penguins skipping across the sand - will be just one of many unforgettable experiences from your time on this stunning island. Located just to the south of cultured Melbourne, the southern ocean’s rollers have hewn a rugged, dramatic shoreline here, and you’ll be itching to explore as soon as you lay eyes upon it. History The first visitors to Phillip Island were the Bunurong people, who would visit to hunt migrating birds and feast on their eggs. Sealers followed shortly after the arrival of the famous European explorer, George Bass, and the area’s seal colony still lives just off-shore, at Seal Rocks. A new bridge from the mainland opened the island up to more visitors in 1971. Previously, anyone wanting to visit had to get off and walk across the rickety old bridge from the mainland. Things to See and Attractions Undoubtedly, the main draw to Phillip Island is its gang of miniature penguins, who stock up their energies plundering the ocean, before bouncing back to their sandy shelters. Prime-penguin watching time occurs at sunset, when you should head to Summerland Beach to take advantage of the tiered seating, and glass viewing station. You’ll soon see the world's smallest penguin species, fairy penguins, skipping by, before burrowing into the sand dunes for the night. The penguins may steal the show, but the wildlife elsewhere is no less thrilling, whether you’re resisting the urge to hug unbearably cute koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre, or listening to the howls and barks of clapping seals on the craggy offshore rocks. The island’s wonderfully wild beaches also beg to be strolled, and you can watch squabbling pelicans, and silver gulls ducking and diving as you walk, before sitting to spot surfers weaving over cresting rollers. The wooden walkway at The Nobbies is also primed for invigorating walks, watching as charcoal-black rocks are bombarded by crashing and booming waves. Museums The soaring landscape here has long inspired artists, and there are plenty of galleries to explore - from the carefully sculpted and shaped glasswork of the Artfusion Gallery - to the curious, imported cuckoo clocks of Bass River Reds and Cuckoo Clock Farm. The National Vietnam Veterans’ Museum is a deeply moving look at one of history’s most divisive conflicts. The effects it had on the people who fought in it is brought into crystal clear relief through extensive memorabilia and immersive 3D films. The museum’s volunteers are deeply, knowledgeable - be sure to ask them any questions you have. Hotels and Restaurants Sleep to the lullaby of crashing waves each night, in this stunning coastal location. Silverwater Resort is one of the best places to stay, consisting of an ultra modern collection of self-catering apartments, where you can unwind on outdoor decking, dip in the pool, or loosen your shoulders on the attached golf course. The sea view at The Cape Kitchen restaurant is irresistible, while The Shearing Shed serves up delicious local produce, and characterful wines. Victoria's cooler climate produces some intensely flavourful wine grapes - sip your way along the wineries of South Gippsland and the Bass Coast during your stay. The Estate Chardonnay of Phillip Island Vineyard and Winery is a must try while you're here. Shopping Whether you want to buy fishing supplies to try your luck in the ocean, colourful mosaics depicting seaside scenery, or tropical flowers that glow with colour, Phillip Island's diverse collection of quirky and characterful shops are ripe for an afternoon of pleasant pottering.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Known as the seafood capital of Australia, Port Lincoln is a foodie paradise. Home to Australia's largest fishing fleet, numerous seafood restaurants and a prized local wine region, this is one destination where it pays to travel with your taste buds. The city’s traditional name in Barngala is ‘Kallinyalla’ (pronounced Galinyalla), literally translating as ‘sweet waters’. That should give you some indication of how seriously the ocean is taken in these parts – it provides employment, entertainment and experiences that are just unseen in other parts of the country. Add in contrasting coastal landscape that ranges from quiet coves to surf happy beaches to rugged oceanic coastline, and you’ll soon see why Port Lincoln is fast becoming one of Australia’s favourite places. The city is located on the lower Eyre Peninsula, on the shore of Boston Bay. Discovered by Matthew Flinders in 1802, Port Lincoln was once under consideration to become the state’s capital. However, a lack of freshwater mired that idea, forcing settlers to look 280 kilometres east, to Adelaide. While European discovery is fairly recent, historians should note that the region had been inhabited by Aboriginal groups including the Nauo (south-western Eyre), Barngarla (eastern Eyre), Wirangu (north-western Eyre) and Mirning (far-western Eyre) for over 40,000 years. For those who want to look beyond the city boundaries, Port Lincoln is home to some extremely diverse and abundant nature, and a trip to the National Park is well worth it.

Kangaroo Island is with 1,740 square miles the third largest island off the coast of Australia. It is 96 miles long and 34 miles wide, and known for its outstanding natural beauty. Due to its remote location, Kangaroo Island was less affected than the mainland by the impact of European development. To this day, the island is rich in diverse flora and fauna seldom found elsewhere. As one of the world’s last unspoiled wilderness places, about 30 percent of the island has been designated as National Parks. The most important one is Flinders Chase at the western end of Kangaroo Island, with Seal Bay Conservation Park following close behind. Its large sandy beach and dune area is home to Australian sea lions where they come to rest and nurse their young. Kingscote, formerly known as Queenscliffe, is the largest town on the island and its main supply depot. Tourism is a significant element in the local economy. A mix of attractive small townships, wildlife sanctuaries and fascinating wilderness areas guarantee a steady stream of visitors each year.

For those of you that might think that Adelaide lacks behind its coastal counterparts in terms of culture and creativity, think again. Adelaide is a thriving urban city with bright, leafy alleys that beg to be explored. The city’s labyrinthine lanes and alleys are bursting with bars and eateries, serving everything from local craft beer to a modern Australian cuisine. Uber aware of their carbon footprint, Adeladians like to keep things close to home, so expect lots of local produce which is abundant, fresh and delicious. Unsurprisingly, Barossa wine from the neighbouring valley features prominently on wine lists everywhere. Naturally, a lot of life centres around the lovely beaches, which are home to surfers, sheltered waters and wide boulevards. The coast is blessed with acres of parkland, perfect for lazing the afternoon away. Many of Australia’s most beautiful (and historic) buildings can be found within the boundaries of the city including the handsomely-restored former Railway Building, numerous stately Colonial buildings, St. Peter's Cathedral, the grand old Parliament Buildings and nearby Government House, which all make a worthy addition to any visit. Adelaide is of course known for its wide diversity of faiths, and as such carries its nickname “the city of churches” with pride. Contrary to other Australian penal settlements, Adelaide was a free settlement. This meant that it was also a state free from religious persecution, leading rise to the construction of many churches.

For those of you that might think that Adelaide lacks behind its coastal counterparts in terms of culture and creativity, think again. Adelaide is a thriving urban city with bright, leafy alleys that beg to be explored. The city’s labyrinthine lanes and alleys are bursting with bars and eateries, serving everything from local craft beer to a modern Australian cuisine. Uber aware of their carbon footprint, Adeladians like to keep things close to home, so expect lots of local produce which is abundant, fresh and delicious. Unsurprisingly, Barossa wine from the neighbouring valley features prominently on wine lists everywhere. Naturally, a lot of life centres around the lovely beaches, which are home to surfers, sheltered waters and wide boulevards. The coast is blessed with acres of parkland, perfect for lazing the afternoon away. Many of Australia’s most beautiful (and historic) buildings can be found within the boundaries of the city including the handsomely-restored former Railway Building, numerous stately Colonial buildings, St. Peter's Cathedral, the grand old Parliament Buildings and nearby Government House, which all make a worthy addition to any visit. Adelaide is of course known for its wide diversity of faiths, and as such carries its nickname “the city of churches” with pride. Contrary to other Australian penal settlements, Adelaide was a free settlement. This meant that it was also a state free from religious persecution, leading rise to the construction of many churches.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Breathe in deep – here in Burnie you’re tasting untouched air that is some of the cleanest anywhere in the world. Nearby Cradle Mountain once registered some of the world’s purest air - and the breezes here are purified by miles of uninterrupted ocean stretching south to Antarctica. Tasmania itself is a place of sweeping National Parks soaring granite mountain ranges and lakes reflecting spectacular scenery in glass-smooth surfaces. With dense eucalyptus forests coating the hills and hikes rewarding with deserted sandy beaches it’s no surprise that Burnie life revolves around getting outdoors and exploring the natural splendour of this shield-shaped island state of Australia. Visit Fern Glade Reserve to see the spade-like beaks of platypuses gliding through the waters or the Little Penguin Observation Centre where Burnie’s own colony of adorable penguins waddle playfully. West Beach’s golden sand is also close by perfect for lying back and soaking up some sun or for watching on as surfers skip across the curling waves. Great food is also on this maker’s city’s agenda - feast on freshly shucked oysters and award-winning cheeses. Later you can toast the artisan spirit of Burnie with a glass of cool climate wine or by swirling a nightcap of single malt – some of the world’s best whiskeys are produced here.

Mount Wellington's looming cloud-wisped form is an ever-present sight as you explore booming Hobart the cosmopolitan capital of Australia's most southerly state. A former British penal colony nowadays Australia’s second-oldest city is a place to live the free and easy life. Encircled by dramatic cliffs landscaped gardens and rolling vineyards Hobart is also well stacked with cultural pursuits including museums and respected - if controversial - galleries plastering new and old art to their walls. With fresh sea breezes and a fabulous location Hobart is a creative place where you can browse the produce of local artisans in Saturday's massive Salamanca Market - which draws visitors from all across Tasmania and beyond. Eat at waterfront restaurants or rise up Mount Wellington's slopes to appreciate the remoteness of Hobart's location. From this elevated platform you can look down across views of flowing forests undulating mountains and endless ocean swallowing up the city. Further away animal sanctuaries introduce you to the island's famous inhabitants including the famous Tasmanian devil. Thirsty? Hobart has a long brewing tradition - so enjoy a refreshing ale poured from the country's oldest brewery. The climate's blend of generous sunshine and cool Antarctic breezes helps Hobart to produce its acclaimed wines and thick clumps of pinot noir grapes hang from vineyards dotted along the valleys nearby. Taste the wines accompanied by a platter of artisan cheese and sausage.

Mount Wellington's looming cloud-wisped form is an ever-present sight as you explore booming Hobart the cosmopolitan capital of Australia's most southerly state. A former British penal colony nowadays Australia’s second-oldest city is a place to live the free and easy life. Encircled by dramatic cliffs landscaped gardens and rolling vineyards Hobart is also well stacked with cultural pursuits including museums and respected - if controversial - galleries plastering new and old art to their walls. With fresh sea breezes and a fabulous location Hobart is a creative place where you can browse the produce of local artisans in Saturday's massive Salamanca Market - which draws visitors from all across Tasmania and beyond. Eat at waterfront restaurants or rise up Mount Wellington's slopes to appreciate the remoteness of Hobart's location. From this elevated platform you can look down across views of flowing forests undulating mountains and endless ocean swallowing up the city. Further away animal sanctuaries introduce you to the island's famous inhabitants including the famous Tasmanian devil. Thirsty? Hobart has a long brewing tradition - so enjoy a refreshing ale poured from the country's oldest brewery. The climate's blend of generous sunshine and cool Antarctic breezes helps Hobart to produce its acclaimed wines and thick clumps of pinot noir grapes hang from vineyards dotted along the valleys nearby. Taste the wines accompanied by a platter of artisan cheese and sausage.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Known for the migrating whales that cruise through its waters between May and November Eden sits in New South Wales’ scenic Twofold Bay. While the whales are now protected and cherished here the town was initially founded as a whaling centre and has many fascinating stories to tell. Namely a unique symbiotic relationship with the killer whales. Rewarded with the tongues from freshly caught whales the orcas would help to round up baleen whales in the bay making it easy for humans to land them. This mutually beneficial exchange came to be known as The Law of the Tongue. Find out more about it and the area’s whaling past at Eden Killer Whale Museum – where you can see the skeleton of the most famous orca accomplice Old Tom. Head into Ben Boyd National Park for amazing bird watching and to see the arches of soaring rock formations rising beside fire-red cliffs. View the glorious coastal scenery of frothing aqua-seas and rugged headlands from the viewing deck on top of Boyd's Tower. Initially devised as a lighthouse it would later be used as a lookout to spot whales breaching the bay's waters and to see Old Tom splashing his tail to alert the whalers. Travel through more glorious scenery and tangled rainforest to the verdant promontory of Green Cape Lighthouse. Jutting out into the South Pacific Ocean the pearly-white lighthouse caps crumbling cliffs and offers sweeping views of the jagged cliffs and wave-thrashed rocks.

With its glorious harbour, lavish golden beaches and iconic landmarks, Sydney is Australia's showpiece city. Creative and curious, discover the world-class cuisine, indigenous culture, and irresistible beach life that make Sydney one of the world’s most dynamic, exciting destinations. Sydney’s sparkling harbour is the heart of a richly cultural city. Overlooked by the metallic curves of the masterpiece of an Opera House, and that grand arched harbour bridge. Take it all in from the water, and admire the iconic landmarks, which are set before the city’s gleaming skyline backdrop. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the legendary climb up the smooth curve of the bridge - nicknamed the Coathanger - to soak in the shining city’s spread from a unique perspective. Spread out to tan on one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand - Bondi Beach. Restaurants and bars burble away in the background, while the sun beams down, and surfers curl and leap over pure rollers. Swim in spectacular salty ocean pools, or wander the beautiful Bondi to Coogee coastal walk for more of this sun-gorged stretch of prime coastline. Leaving the thrills of Australia’s largest city behind is surprisingly simple - take to the skies to be flown above skyscrapers and rippling ribbons of waves, out to majestic peaks, sheer cliffs and iconic rock formations - like the Three Sisters of the Blue Mountains. Or, drop in on wildlife sanctuaries caring for the country’s animals - from hopping kangaroos to adorably cute, cuddly koalas.