Sunny, seductive Sydney is a high contender for the title of the world's most ideal city. It is slick and smart, the streets are clean, the neighbourhoods and busy pedestrian precincts pristine, the parks sublime, the water in the huge harbour blue, and the landmark buildings breath-taking. Sydney's population is approaching five million, but it is easy to leave the frenetic urban pace behind with just a simple ferry ride to the North Shore for a bush walk, enjoy a stroll along the harbour beaches or take any one of a number of daytrips to explore the 'real' Australia on the city's doorstep.

Australia's third largest city has a relaxed, easy-going ambience that is well suited to its moniker 'The City of Sundays'. As the capital of the state of Queensland, however, it has a serious side too and despite it's laid-back aura it is filled with the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of a major urban hub. Brisbane has several interesting districts, a good street cafe vibe, a wonderful riverside park, a very full cultural calendar and a vibrant nightlife. Arts and culture vultures head for the South Bank, where one finds the Queensland Museum with its interactive displays; the Queensland Art Gallery with its magnificent collection of works; and the Performing Arts Centre, where international theatre companies and performing artists take to the stage. There is plenty to keep shopaholics busy too, with the designer boutiques and department stores of Queens Street Mall ready to welcome visitors and numerous bustling markets dotted around the city. The city is easy to explore on foot, and being at the centre of the region's favoured tourist attractions it provides the perfect base from which to make daytrips to surrounding areas.

Australia's Gold Coast stretches south from Queensland's capital, Brisbane, along 45 miles (70km) of coastline into northern New South Wales. The stunning array of beaches along this coast are a major drawcard, and where once only the surf graced the shoreline today there is a plethora of high-rise accommodation, giant theme parks, exotic nightlife and countless restaurants. The sun shines here 300 days out of the year, and the beach resort towns with their alluring names all offer soft golden sand, rolling waves and the chance to gain a perfect suntan.

Australia's second-largest city, Melbourne, capital of Victoria, is the most European in style with trams rattling through streets past Victorian buildings, parks and outdoor cafes. The city centre is laid out in a simple grid pattern, the long, wide north-south streets gently sloping down to the Yarra River, crossed by a mix of narrow lanes, and the main shopping streets such as Bourke and Collins Streets. The CBD is easily navigable by foot, and if a rest is needed after a session of sightseeing or shopping there are numerous parks nearby, such as the Royal Botanical Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and Carlton Gardens. Alternatively, you can take one of Melbourne's signature attractions, a tram. The burgundy-coloured City Circle tram is free, and is a good way to get your bearings as well as explore the inner city, while for those wanting to go further afield the tram network extends about 10 miles (15km) into the Melbourne suburbs.

The city is characterised by numerous waterways, green parks and a compact central business district. There is plenty to occupy visitors in Perth, from touring the city by tram or bus, enjoying watersports on the Swan River or just sipping a glass of the famous local wine in a riverside or beachside restaurant. Perth has more restaurants per capita than any other Australian city. Not far from the city is Western Australia’s oldest wine-growing region, Swan Valley, which welcomes tourists to visit the many award-winning family-owned wineries, which offer alfresco and restaurant meals and cellar tastings.