Melbourne to Sydney

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.

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.

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.

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.