Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific

Travel Guide
Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific
Relax under a palm tree on a tiny island, soak in thermal hot springs with views of snow-covered mountains and explore a vast, red desert in this continent of extremes.

Oceania comprises the two big islands that make up New Zealand, the vast continent of Australia and the small island nations that belong to Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia. As well as being incredibly varied in nature, these South Pacific nations are known to be easy-going, relatively undeveloped and super friendly.

Australia immediately stands out because of its sheer size and fame. The image of the rugged “Land Down Under” with hopping kangaroos, cuddly koalas and jumping crocodiles is certainly true, but Australia is about much more. Artistic, wealthy and modern state capital cities such as Sydney and Melbourne are among the most liveable in the world.

Between the tropical north and the temperate south of Australia, there are lush forests, fertile farmlands, sun-kissed wine regions and vast desert plains to explore. The laid-back “Aussies” are always happy to chat.

Meanwhile, their neighbors in New Zealand, the “Kiwis," have mastered the art of inventing thrilling adventure sports that allow you to explore their stunning country from all possible angles. Soar above, delve into, jump down from or bounce along rugged cliffs, thermal landscapes, turquoise lakes, snowcapped peaks, lush forests and rolling hills to experience the best of the South Island. While less dramatic, the North Island looks every bit as mystical as pictured in The Lord of the Rings movies.

To fulfil your fantasy of relaxing on a far-flung South Pacific island, try the likes of Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia. The friendly locals will make you feel right at home. Samoa, the Cook Islands and Tonga are up-and-coming destinations with equally lovely people and cultures. To get off the beaten track, visit tiny idyllic nations such as Kiribati and Tuvalu.

Popular cities in Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific

Melbourne
Melbourne
Known for Dining, Shopping and Museums
Australia’s capital of style artfully blends the elegance and grace of yesteryear with the bold new world of modern design and culture.

Reasons to visit

  • SEA LIFE Melbourne
  • Melbourne Museum
  • Princess Theatre
Sydney which includes skyline, a bridge and night scenes
Sydney
Known for Dining, Ports and Shopping
Blessed with more than 100 beaches and buzzing with youthful vitality, when it comes to the good life it’s hard to beat the Harbour City.

Reasons to visit

  • Star Casino
  • SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
  • Sydney Lyric Theatre
Kangaroo Point featuring a bay or harbour, a city and night scenes
Brisbane
Known for Dining, Shopping and Rivers
Sunny Queensland’s laid-back capital city is the perfect base from which to explore riverside parks, subtropical islands and rugged mountains.

Reasons to visit

  • South Bank Parklands
  • Queensland Performing Arts Centre
  • Eagle Street Pier
Perth
Perth
Known for Dining, Shopping and Family-friendly
Unwind in Australia’s most remote state capital, set in a lush valley along a picturesque river and surrounded by great beaches, historic harbors and vast deserts.

Reasons to visit

  • Elizabeth Quay
  • Murray Street Mall
  • St George's Terrace
Devonport showing skyline, a city and a river or creek
Auckland
Known for Dining, Shopping and Ports
Nature experiences abound in this city surrounded by harbors and rain forest. Go island hopping, dine out on the water or peer into the crater of a volcano.

Reasons to visit

  • Sky Tower
  • Auckland Ferry Terminal
  • New Zealand Maritime Museum
Adelaide
Adelaide
Known for Dining, Shopping and Family-friendly
Nestled between the ocean and the Adelaide Hills, the South Australian capital is a hive of creativity, historical wonder and culinary delights.

Reasons to visit

  • Adelaide Oval
  • Glenelg Beach
  • Rundle Mall