Ashes Destination Guide

Discover the gardens, sandstone cathedrals, classic Queenslander houses on stilts and skyscrapers that make Brisbane such a fascinating mix of old and new.  Cruise down the Brisbane River, ride a bike through the City Botanic Gardens and abseil the cliffs of Kangaroo Point. Laze in the lush riverside gardens or swim in the lagoon of South Bank. When culture cravings hit, head to the nearby Queensland Cultural Centre or the Powerhouse arts centre.  Explore the boutiques and bars of urban villages such as Fortitude Valley and Paddington. Just on Brisbane’s doorstep, Moreton Bay beckons with all kinds of water-based adventure.

This elegant city is known for its colonial stone architecture, expansive parklands, lively festivals and incredible sense of space. Explore the museums and libraries of North Terrace, dine on dedicated ‘eat streets’ or picnic in gardens that sprawl over almost half the city.  Go bike riding in Botanic Park or row past rose gardens in Rymill Park. Swim with dolphins or learn to sail in Glenelg or fish from the jetty in Henley. Just beyond the city centre you’ll find the picturesque Adelaide Hills and the world-class wineries of the Barossa Valley.

Bask in the sunshine in Perth’s alfresco restaurants, friendly pubs and clean and uncrowded beaches. Cruise the Swan River past parks and skyscrapers to Swan Valley vineyards or the Perth Zoo. Explore the bushland, landscaped gardens, lakes and lookouts of huge Kings Park. Then bike ride or kayak to Rottnest Island’s secluded beaches and bays. Feast on seafood and soak up the carnival atmosphere in historic Fremantle. Swim, surf, fish, windsurf and sail at Cottlesloe or Scarborough Beach, then skip between the boardwalks, beaches and marinas of the Sunset Coast.

Melbourne boasts famous shopping precincts, a passion for food and wine and a fabulous arts scene. In the maze of hidden laneways, you’ll find cute cafes, swanky bars, secret art spaces and off-the-beaten-track boutiques. Shop till you drop from Chapel to Brunswick Streets, watch the sun set over the St Kilda promenade and dance till dawn in Fitzroy.  Soak up the aroma of good coffee in the gothic cobblestone laneways and visit the city’s landmark cultural space of Federation Square. Then hit the sporting grounds and savour a multicultural cosmos of cuisines.

You’ll love Sydney’s spectacular harbour, seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. See a performance of opera, ballet or theatre at the world famous Opera House. Wander the cobblestone streets of The Rocks, the harbourside quarter where modern Australian settlement began. Kayak under the Harbour Bridge, walk the winding, sea-sculpted cliffs from Bondi to Bronte or visit Manly’s beaches, bars and restaurants by ferry.  Sydney also offers fabulous fusion food, world-class shopping and a lively nightlife. For a day trip, the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley vineyards lie just beyond the city fringes.