With its intense summer heat, abundance in wildlife and a wealth of things to see and do, Australia has been a revered holiday destination for decades. Being able to swim alongside shawls of tropical fish on the Great Barrier Reef, battle against gravity during a bungy jump or simply having a BBQ on Christmas day are all experiences you will never forget. But where are the places to stay during your Australian holiday? Here are the top 4 cities the country down under can offer you.

We begin the list Sydney, the largest city in the country and certainly the most popular, being recognised in the list of top ten cities to live in the world. It is the sight of the striking opera house, one of the famous landmarks of the country. This cosmopolitan city has a population made up from countries all around the world, including the UK, Vietnam and Lebanon. It is a city of celebration, being one of the greatest sights to welcome in the New Year, as fireworks costing thousands explode from the Harbour Bridge.

Next we move on the Melbourne, the slightly smaller but still colossal brother of Sydney. It is a cultural treasure chest, with swanky bars and restaurants, world class art museums and one of the best theatre circuits in the country; with famous playwrights such as Andrew Lloyd Webber showcasing his productions in the city. It is also a hot spot for sports, being the home of the Presidents Cup golf tournament and the annual Australian Grand Prix.

The city of Cairns is the place to experience the Australian adventure at its best. The capital of Queensland is a hub of alternative activity, snorkel along the natural marvel of the Great Barrier Reef or hike through the dense rainforests of the Wet tropics. It is also among the only sites in the country where you can do a bungee jump; the 50ft freefall gives an incredible adrenaline rush and the ultimate test of nerves.

Finally we move onto Canberra, the capital city of the land down under. The city is substantially smaller than the giants of Sydney and Melbourne, but gives a great insight into the history of this great nation. This is portrayed excellently through the memorial of The Dultroon House; a preserved building from the 1920’s giving an accurate representation of life in Canberra during that period. Its wealth of museums, heritage buildings and landmarks such as the Royal Australian Mint and Parliament House are perfect for tourists in search of culture.