Sydney
Sydney's secret was revealed to the world at the 2000 Olympic Games. The secret? That Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is one of the most dramatic, sophisticated, diverse, and fun-loving cities in the world. From its world famous Opera House to its pristine beaches, Sydney truly has something to offer everybody.
Sydney is Australia's largest city, with over four million people calling it home. While it covers over seven hundred square miles, it is remarkably easy to get around town. Buses, trains, ferries, taxis, water taxis, and even a monorail are all available to you.
Sydney's cultural highlights include a handful of museums and art galleries. The Australian National Maritime Museum is phenomenal, as is the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Tourists marvel at the world-renowned Sydney Aquarium, and many have undertaken the challenge of climbing the Harbour Bridge.
The city reveals its true magnificence when the sun goes down. The harbor positively sparkles, and the town crackles with energy. There are plenty of fine restaurants to choose from, and the nightlife gives as much as you're willing to take.
Because you are on such a limited time budget, you probably won't have much occasion to leave the downtown and harbor areas, unless you squeeze in a trip to the beach. If this is your first visit to Sydney, then that will probably suffice. But because there is so much to see and do in Sydney, you'll probably end up plotting your next visit before you leave!
Melbourne
Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, trailing only Sydney. Over three million people call Melbourne home, and the city's welcoming climate has attracted people from all over the world to this city on the southeast coast of Australia.
Melbourne and Sydney enjoy a healthy rivalry, but even Sydneysiders cannot argue that Melbourne is Australia's shopping king. If you have been saving up for shopping armageddon, this is your chance! Melbourne also boasts of some of the best restaurants, music, and fashion in the country.
Much of Melbourne's boom can be attributed to the gold rushes of the 19th Century. Gold was found in the city's surrounding hills. The Ballarat and Bendigo gold rushes fueled the city's rise to prominence, as people from all over the world came to Melbourne to seek their fortune. In recent years, another wave of immigration has transformed the city into an international hub.
The city can be easily broken up into smaller neighborhoods. You will most likely spend the majority of your time in the City Centre, an area bordered by Latrobe and Flinders Streets to the north and south, and Spring and Spencer Streets to the east and west. Chinatown is nearby, with Carlton to the north, where you'll find the University of Melbourne. The Yarra River runs through Melbourne, affording opportunities to stop for a picnic lunch along the banks.
All in all, you'll find Melbourne to be one of Australia's most dynamic and diverse cities, with more than enough activities to keep you busy during your stay.
Hobart
The southern region of Tasmania is a spectacle of natural beauty. At the forefront of this gorgeous area is the city of Hobart. With a rich maritime history and a lovely deep-water port, Hobart is known throughout Australia and the South Pacific as a tranquil city with gorgeous sights and engaging activities. This is the capital of Tasmania, and the second oldest city in the state. Straddling the Derwent River and set right in front of Mount Wellington, Hobart's location could not be more ideal. The city was founded in 1804, and has experienced its share of ups and downs since. Currently, the city is quietly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in greater Australia. Tasmania is the only island state that is owned by Australia, and the culture of Hobart greatly differs from that of the mainland.
Hobart's population is 185,000, and the locals adore their city by the sea. It is free of pollution, there is never any traffic congestion, and the community is close-knit and has a very low crime rate. The temperature here is fabulous all year long, and the harbor is the only area in town that is fast-paced and busy. Every day, items are being imported and exported around the clock, and it is busiest during the fall when apple season is in full effect. The apples here are delightful, and annually Hobart exports tons to Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of the world. There are a number of great restaurants and fine shopping facilities in the city, and if you enjoy marvelous seafood, you have come to the right place. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is a stunning establishment, loaded with extravagant paintings and gorgeous works of art. Golfing here is a tremendous experience, and the nightlife is relatively tame yet still quite enjoyable.
Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, one of the six provinces that make up Australia. Covering an area slightly larger than Texas, 1.4 million people call South Australia home, with most of them concentrated in Adelaide. That means lots of open space. The South Australian Outback is gorgeous, with tiny towns scattered all around the dry, hot land.
Adelaide has retained some small-town charm, even though it is now home to one million people. The River Torrens runs through town, and the city layout is very simple, so tourists can find their way around with no problem at all. The people of Adelaide are fairly cosmopolitan, with the city having welcomed people from all over the world since its foundation. Its German population in particular has added to Adelaide's allure by bringing their world-class winemaking skills with them from Europe. As a result, South Australia produces some of the world's best wines, with vineyards in the Barossa Valley constantly coming home with top honors from international wine competitions.
Adelaide has more restaurants per capita than anywhere in Australia, so you won't be left wanting for variety when it's time for dinner. Visit the central market, pick up some fresh food and take it to the botanical gardens in the center of the city for a picnic lunch. Or take a short field trip to the Barossa Valley, but make sure you have a designated driver for the ride back. However you spend your time in Adelaide, you're sure to enjoy the temperate climate and laid-back atmosphere.
Singapore
Singapore is a wonderfully exciting destination that is full of relaxing activities, great architectural sites, and outstanding dining experiences. The shopping is world-class, and the nightlife is vibrant, as well. The abundance of water sports will please all of you looking for a physically challenging activity or two. The islands neighboring Singapore are gorgeous, making them ideal for an afternoon excursion. The protected park areas and nature reservations are beautiful, and there are a number of interesting attractions, especially in the historic district, that are of excellent for sightseeing and exploring.
Singapore may be a small island, geographically speaking, but it is tremendously popular with tourists. The locals are quite pleased with their home, as Singapore features some of the lowest violent crime rates of anywhere in the world. It is a very safe city for the whole family. The numerous religious factions represented in such close proximity in Singapore coexist peacefully and respect one another. This is one of the most visited places in all of Southeast Asia. If an exotic cruise destination with extraordinary scenery and a friendly society sounds good to you, then look no further. Singapore features all this and much more.
The region is so diverse that you will have no problem enjoying a completely different type of cuisine for every meal. The Chinese Opera plays in Singapore, and they are dynamite. In a single neighborhood, you will observe Muslim mosques, Chinese temples, Christian churches, and Hindu worship sites. The government of Singapore runs a tight ship, and this is probably why it is such a thriving, safe community. As a result, be wise and observe all local rules and regulations, because the law is relatively strict.
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