If beautiful white sandy beaches, azure waters and stunning landscapes are your idea of a perfect vacation then look no further than the land down under because Australia has it all.

The Opera House and Harbour Bridge are undoubtedly Sydney's most famous attractions however no visit is complete without a trip to the breathtaking Blue Mountains, spectacular Manly Beach and exquisite Hunter Valley Vineyards. Eating out has never been easier, whether it's finger-licking fish and chips on the pier, mouth watering oysters and champagne at a trendy wharf-front restaurant or authentic Aussie cuisine at Centrepoint Tower's revolving restaurant which offers stunning 360 views of the city and delicacies such as crocodile, emu and kangaroo.

Once you've had your fill of city life why not head north to tropical Queensland. Cairns is perfectly situated to explore the tropics with easy access to island cruises, hot air ballooning, the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. Nightlife in Cairns ranges from pubs, wine bars, restaurants and sidewalk cafs to the exclusive Reef Casino and popular night markets. A definite must is a visit to Cairns Tropical Night Zoo at Palm Cove. You will enjoy a traditional Aussie BBQ and a guided tour of the nocturnal animals where you can get up close and personal with the koalas, possums and wombats and visit the enormous salt water crocodiles whose eyes glow in the dark. Enjoy a cup of billy' tea and some damper' (sweet bread) around the campfire with a bushman and a group kangaroos who love to be hand fed the damper. Round off the evening with some traditional bush dancing and a bush-band sing-a-long.

Mossman Gorge which is just 80km north of Cairns is well worth a visit. The road to Mossman winds through lush sugarcane farmlands which border the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest and its mist-covered mountains. Mossman Gorge is a haven of tropical rainforest with crystal clear waters that cascade over huge granite boulders. There is a 2.7km circular walk that winds through the rainforest and includes a nail-biting walk across a swing-bridge (definitely not for the feint-hearted but well worth the effort).

I'd recommend a visit to the Daintree Rainforest (also known as the Garden of Eden'). The towering palms and twisting vines canopy the rainforest providing a perfect haven for its animals and plant life. Cape Tribulation rests on the edge of the rain forest and has several resorts ideal for exploring the area and relaxing in tranquil surroundings. The nature trails and croc-spotting excursions are fascinating but for me the horse riding trip was a truly memorable experience. The trail takes you through the rainforest onto an unspoiled white sandy beach where you can canter through the surf of the Coral Sea with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. It's nothing short of spectacular. Evenings in Cape Tribulation are relaxing and tranquil. There is nothing more relaxing than watching the sun set over a perfect horizon and the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea whilst sipping a glass of wine and listening to the soothing sounds of the rainforest.

It's impossible to see everything that Australia has to offer in one trip but once you've delighted in the many wonders of this land down under, no one would blame you for wanting to stay forever!

Learn more about this author, Chloe X.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Best vacation destinations?
We want to hear your view. Write now!