Where to Go

Cairns

Cairns has traditionally been one of the most popular destinations during the mid-semester break.  The beautiful beaches, rainforests, and the Great Barrier Reef make it an excellent vacation spot. While Cairns has no beach in the actual city it is a jumping off point for many natural wonders. The rainforest and the reef are accessed through Cairns, as is Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation. Scuba diving, snorkelling, skydiving, bungee jumping and a plethora of other adventure activities make this tourism hotspot a must see for many visitors.

Whitsunday Islands

This cluster of Islands on the southern edge of the Great Barrier Reef is a popular holiday spot. There are two ways to visit the Whitsundays—stay in a hotel on one of the larger islands or take a boat cruise around all of the islands. Hamilton Island is the largest and most popular island with hotels, restaurants and attractions catering to a tourist’s every need. Yachts, catamarans and sailboats depart from Airlie Beach and offer two to five day excursions with meals, accommodation and activities aboard the boat.

Melbourne

Melbourne lives up to its reputation as Australia’s culture capital. It is also Sydney’s rival city and the two cities are constantly in competition. In Melbourne you will find heaps of museums and galleries, outdoor markets and a passion for Australian Rules Football. Bourke Street Mall and Collins Street—the two main shopping districts—feature stores ranging from upscale boutiques and massive department stores to small discount stores. Melbourne is a city of laneways and locals urge visitors to walk down the dingiest ally to find the coolest bar or boutique.

Brisbane

The capital city of Queensland has done a major image makeover in recent years. It’s a small city but has great nightlife and lots of shopping and adventure activities. The Australia Zoo, the late Steve Irwin’s zoo, is just outside Brisbane and can be seen in half a day.

 

 

 

The Great Ocean Road

Built during the depression, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is a short drive from Melbourne and one of the world’s most scenic roads.  The scenery and rock formations like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge make for spectacular stops along the way.

 

 

 

Ayers Rock (Uluru)

You will be in awe of the colors of the rock and surrounding terrain, at this sacred Aboriginal site.  Accommodations range from four-star, luxury hotels to more affordable hostels and campgrounds. Some tours run out of Alice Springs and take you to the Rock as well as lesser known but equally spectacular Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta.

 

 

 

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a paradise with one continuous secluded beach, rainforests, dingos, shipwrecks, lakes, and wonderful people.  Traveling to Fraser Island requires extra effort —but is well worth it.

 

 

 

Darwin

The beach is beautiful with some of the best sunsets in the world. Darwin is a four hour plane trip . Most people suggest getting out of the city and into Kakadu National Park, the Kimberly’s or Litchfield Park.

 

 

 

Byron Bay

Renowned for its beaches and hippie community, Byron Bay is eleven hours by bus or a quick one hour plane ride. Hippies, surfers, and backpackers contribute to Byron Bay’s relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Perth

Situated on the West Coast, Perth is a six-hour plane ride with fabulous beaches and its own wine country just north of the city. North of Perth is a reef, which some argue equals or even surpasses the Great Barrier Reef. Few travelers make it to Perth but those who do rave about it. The Indian Pacific Train runs from Sydney to Perth stopping in various towns and cities along the way. It is the longest straight train in the world.

 

Tasmania

A visit to Tasmania is a short plane ride and perfect for a long weekend or Spring Break week. Fly into Hobart and sign up for a tour to see Tasmania’s rainforests, unspoiled country, and historic Port Arthur.

New Zealand

Two islands make up New Zealand and they can be visited separately or together. There are many ways to travel around New Zealand and the tourism industry is booming after The Lord of the Rings and King Kong made the landscape famous. Auckland and Christchurch are the two largest cities in New Zealand but there are many other places to go and things to see. World-renowned skiing is on offer during the colder months in New Zealand especially on the South Island. Queenstown is further south on the South Island and the adventure capital of New Zealand.