Australia – the land down under. It is easy to say that most people would love to visit Australia. But where do you start? Most of us remember from our world geography studies that Australia is a huge country within its own continent. So – where should you visit? Here are a few suggestions.

Consider Sydney. Surely you have heard of the largest city in Australia. It is a top travel destination in the country too. Not only does this city have a world-famous harbor, but it also offers much to do. Sydney Harbor is a lovely sight by boat, car, and the restaurants that line the water. The Sydney Opera House is an architectural sight to see, as many of us have seen in photographs. Sydney also offers interesting history lessons for the traveler looking to learn while vacationing. The Rocks is a place to learn about Australia’s convict history. You will learn about the hangings and other things that went on in the early days of this city.

The Great Barrier Reef. This giant natural work of art is so large it can be seen from space. There are multiple ways to enjoy this beautiful area like snorkeling and scuba diving, beach going and boat trips. If you choose to use a boat, you can charter your own or hire a professional to captain the boat for you. These boats can take you to island resorts all along the reef, if you choose. A final option is to hire a helicopter to tour the Reef. This chance to see the beauty of the area from the air will amaze you.

Melbourne. Known as Australia’s culture capital, there is much to do in Melbourne. The Australian Ballet is based here. You can also visit the National Gallery of Victoria to view international art. Aboriginal heritage is also celebrated in Melbourne, and you can take an Aboriginal Melbourne walk. Melbourne’s sports scene is also bustling. Tennis, cricket and horse racing are among the multiple sports events going on at different times of the year in Melbourne. And of course you would not expect Melbourne to be considered a cultural capital without fine dining, excellent shopping and clubs for party goers. Melbourne offers all of these things, and offers them with flair.

Perth. This Western Australia city boasts over 3000 hours of sunshine a year and is tied for 8th on the list of the World’s Most Livable Cities. The business district of the city is located on the Swan River, which provides many opportunities for boating and water themed attractions. Speaking of water attractions, you can swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef in the Perth area. This is one of the only places to do this anywhere.

Of course, the vast size of Australia means that there is much more to see than is listed above. But if your interest is in the city life and history of the country, you may just find these attractions have what you are looking for – not to mention awesome beaches.