Sydney

Sydney is built around one of the world's most beautiful harbors, and life here revolves around the water. The soaring white sails of the Opera House and the great steel arch of the Harbour Bridge frame the scene, best appreciated from a cheap and cheerful ferry ride across the bay. Sunny, relaxed, and outdoorsy, the city makes a natural first stop in Australia.

Beach culture is central to its identity. Golden Bondi is the famous one, linked to Coogee by a spectacular clifftop coastal walk, while quieter sands ring the harbor itself. The historic Rocks district holds the city's colonial origins beneath the bridge, and neighborhoods like Surry Hills and Newtown bring the cafés, bars, and dining that fuel Sydney's easygoing social life.

Seasons run opposite to the Northern Hemisphere, so the warm, beach-friendly summer falls between December and February. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant year-round drawcards, and even the winters stay relatively gentle.