Lonely Planet Discover Australia

Australia is a wildly beautiful land, a vivid collusion of red outback sands, golden beaches and brightly coloured reefs all of which set the stage for sophisticated urban indulgences and soulful Indigenous encounters.

Most Australians live along the coast, and most of these folks live in cities. It follows that urban life here is a lot of fun! Sydney is the glamorous poster child with world-class beaches and a glorious harbour. Melbourne is all arts, alleyways and stellar food. Brisbane is a subtropical town on the way up; Adelaide has festive grace and pubby poise. Boomtown Perth breathes West Coast optimism and Canberra showcases the nation's cultural treasures. Darwin on the tropical northern frontier and the chilly southern sandstone city of Hobart couldn't be more different.

Australia's landscapes are just as diverse, from lush tropical and temperate rainforests to the remote rocky outcrops of Uluru, Kakadu and the Kimberley. Beset with islands and deserted shores, Australia's coastline is wild and wonderful. Animating these splendid places is wildlife like nowhere else on the planet: kangaroos, crocodiles, wombats, wallabies, platypus, crocodiles, dingoes and 700-plus bird species.

Hungry yet? Australia plates up a multicultural fusion of European techniques and fresh Pacific-rim ingredients aka 'Mod Oz' (Modern Australian). Seafood plays a starring role, though you'll always find beef, lamb and chicken at Aussie barbecues. To wash all it down, Australian beers, wines and whiskies are world-beaters.

Australia's iconic city is beachy and beautiful

Sydney's big-ticket sights the Sydney Opera House, the Rocks and Sydney Harbour Bridge top most people's lists. But to really catch Sydney's vibe, spend a day at the beach. Stakeout some sand at Bondi Beach and plunge into the surf; or hop on a harbour ferry to Manly for a swim, a surf or a walk along the sea-sprayed promenade to Shelly Beach.