Fremantle (Perth), Western Australia to Melbourne

Once known as the gateway to Australia, Fremantle is the port for the capital of Western Australia, Perth. Covering almost one third of the landmass, or one million square miles, Western Australia (W.A.) is the largest of the Australian states. While the new, metropolitan capital is home to more than one million people, Fremantle has a population of just over 24,000. Due to Perth’s continuing growth, it is no longer possible to tell exactly where Fremantle ends and Perth begins.

Bordering the Indian Ocean, Geographe Bay’s Busselton has a Mediterranean style climate. The region features national parks, towering forests, caves, historic lighthouses and some of the best surfing beaches in the country. Other attractions include wineries and micro-breweries in the Margaret River wine region to the south. Busselton’s iconic jetty –at over 1.8 km the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere- has an ‘Underwater Observatory’ that descends 8 meters to the ocean floor via a spiral staircase to see tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates.

At 400 kilometres southeast of Perth, Albany is often overlooked in favour of the bigger city. This is of course a mistake as Albany and its gorgeous surrounding region have much to offer. The city is the oldest settlement in Western Australia, beating Perth and Freemantle by over two years (Albany was founded in late 1826, the others in June 1829). At the time of its foundation, the city was used as a military outpost as part of a plan to a prevent invasion, particularly by the French who had taken a shine to the region. With its excellent – and unusually deep – harbour, Albany was seen as the jewel of Western Australia and there are reminders of the city’s colonial past all over the city. The arrival of Europeans in the region led to Albany becoming a major player in the whaling industry. This only ceased in 1978 and the Historic Whaling Station, a museum dedicated to the city’s industrious past, now honours the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of a business that once supported an entire community. If that does not sound like your cup of tea, then do not miss a trip to the Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum for a glimpse of Albany’s ANZAC History at the excellent National ANZAC Centre. However, like much of Australia’s west coast, the real beauty of Albany lies in Mother Nature. Walk to the top of Mount Clarence and view the magnificent Kinge George Sound from above or take a stroll along the coastal path and enjoy vistas of some of Australia’s most rugged and spectacular scenery.

Esperance and the Recherche Archipelago sheltering Esperance Bay received their name in 1792, when a French expedition under d’Entrecasteaux looked for shelter from a storm. Ten years later Matthew Flinders took refuge at Lucky Bay, some 30 kilometers southeast of Esperance near Cape Le Grand, another feature named during the French visit. It was not until the 1860s that settlement began and by the 1890s Esperance was known as the “Gateway to the Goldfields” further inland. Today some 12,000 residents live in Esperance.

The town is southeast Western Australia’s only port and as such quite important for grain and mineral exports. Tourism is a major factor as Esperance and its surrounding area have such unusual attractions as a museum featuring debris from Skylab’s 1979 return to earth, a full-size replica of Stonehenge, the Pink Lake –which formerly used to be pink- an IBA for Hooded Plovers and Banded Stilts, several national parks and some of the whitest beaches in Australia. Lucky Bay is one of the iconic places, as kangaroos are regularly seen on the beach sunbathing.

Known as the seafood capital of Australia, Port Lincoln is a foodie paradise. Home to Australia’s largest fishing fleet, numerous seafood restaurants and a prized local wine region, this is one destination where it pays to travel with your taste buds. The city’s traditional name in Barngala is ‘Kallinyalla’ (pronounced Galinyalla), literally translating as ‘sweet waters’. That should give you some indication of how seriously the ocean is taken in these parts – it provides employment, entertainment and experiences that are just unseen in other parts of the country. View less

Add in contrasting coastal landscape that ranges from quiet coves to surf happy beaches to rugged oceanic coastline, and you’ll soon see why Port Lincoln is fast becoming one of Australia’s favourite places. The city is located on the lower Eyre Peninsula, on the shore of Boston Bay. Discovered by Matthew Flinders in 1802, Port Lincoln was once under consideration to become the state’s capital. However, a lack of freshwater mired that idea, forcing settlers to look 280 kilometres east, to Adelaide. While European discovery is fairly recent, historians should note that the region had been inhabited by Aboriginal groups including the Nauo (south-western Eyre), Barngarla (eastern Eyre), Wirangu (north-western Eyre) and Mirning (far-western Eyre) for over 40,000 years. For those who want to look beyond the city boundaries, Port Lincoln is home to some extremely diverse and abundant nature, and a trip to the National Park is well worth it.

For those of you that might think that Adelaide lacks behind its coastal counterparts in terms of culture and creativity, think again. Adelaide is a thriving urban city with bright, leafy alleys that beg to be explored. The city’s labyrinthine lanes and alleys are bursting with bars and eateries, serving everything from local craft beer to a modern Australian cuisine. Uber aware of their carbon footprint, Adeladians like to keep things close to home, so expect lots of local produce which is abundant, fresh and delicious. Unsurprisingly, Barossa wine from the neighbouring valley features prominently on wine lists everywhere. Naturally, a lot of life centres around the lovely beaches, which are home to surfers, sheltered waters and wide boulevards. The coast is blessed with acres of parkland, perfect for lazing the afternoon away. Many of Australia’s most beautiful (and historic) buildings can be found within the boundaries of the city including the handsomely-restored former Railway Building, numerous stately Colonial buildings, St. Peter’s Cathedral, the grand old Parliament Buildings and nearby Government House, which all make a worthy addition to any visit. Adelaide is of course known for its wide diversity of faiths, and as such carries its nickname “the city of churches” with pride. Contrary to other Australian penal settlements, Adelaide was a free settlement. This meant that it was also a state free from religious persecution, leading rise to the construction of many churches.

For those of you that might think that Adelaide lacks behind its coastal counterparts in terms of culture and creativity, think again. Adelaide is a thriving urban city with bright, leafy alleys that beg to be explored. The city’s labyrinthine lanes and alleys are bursting with bars and eateries, serving everything from local craft beer to a modern Australian cuisine. Uber aware of their carbon footprint, Adeladians like to keep things close to home, so expect lots of local produce which is abundant, fresh and delicious. Unsurprisingly, Barossa wine from the neighbouring valley features prominently on wine lists everywhere. Naturally, a lot of life centres around the lovely beaches, which are home to surfers, sheltered waters and wide boulevards. The coast is blessed with acres of parkland, perfect for lazing the afternoon away. Many of Australia’s most beautiful (and historic) buildings can be found within the boundaries of the city including the handsomely-restored former Railway Building, numerous stately Colonial buildings, St. Peter’s Cathedral, the grand old Parliament Buildings and nearby Government House, which all make a worthy addition to any visit. Adelaide is of course known for its wide diversity of faiths, and as such carries its nickname “the city of churches” with pride. Contrary to other Australian penal settlements, Adelaide was a free settlement. This meant that it was also a state free from religious persecution, leading rise to the construction of many churches.

Kangaroo Island is with 1,740 square miles the third largest island off the coast of Australia. It is 96 miles long and 34 miles wide, and known for its outstanding natural beauty. Due to its remote location, Kangaroo Island was less affected than the mainland by the impact of European development. To this day, the island is rich in diverse flora and fauna seldom found elsewhere. As one of the world’s last unspoiled wilderness places, about 30 percent of the island has been designated as National Parks. View less The most important one is Flinders Chase at the western end of Kangaroo Island, with Seal Bay Conservation Park following close behind. Its large sandy beach and dune area is home to Australian sea lions where they come to rest and nurse their young. Kingscote, formerly known as Queenscliffe, is the largest town on the island and its main supply depot. Tourism is a significant element in the local economy. A mix of attractive small townships, wildlife sanctuaries and fascinating wilderness areas guarantee a steady stream of visitors each year.

Mount Wellington’s looming, cloud-wisped form is an ever-present sight as you explore booming Hobart, the cosmopolitan capital of Australia’s most southerly state. A former British penal colony, nowadays Australia’s second-oldest city is a place to live the free and easy life. Encircled by dramatic cliffs, landscaped gardens and rolling vineyards, Hobart is also well stacked with cultural pursuits including museums, and respected – if controversial – galleries plastering new and old art to their walls. View less With fresh sea breezes and a fabulous location, Hobart is a creative place, where you can browse the produce of local artisans in Saturday’s massive Salamanca Market – which draws visitors from all across Tasmania and beyond. Eat at waterfront restaurants, or rise up Mount Wellington’s slopes to appreciate the remoteness of Hobart’s location. From this elevated platform, you can look down across views of flowing forests, undulating mountains and endless ocean swallowing up the city. Further away, animal sanctuaries introduce you to the island’s famous inhabitants, including the famous Tasmanian devil. Thirsty? Hobart has a long brewing tradition – so enjoy a refreshing ale poured from the country’s oldest brewery. The climate’s blend of generous sunshine and cool Antarctic breezes helps Hobart to produce its acclaimed wines, and thick clumps of pinot noir grapes hang from vineyards dotted along the valleys nearby. Taste the wines, accompanied by a platter of artisan cheese and sausage. Whiskey aficionados aren’t left in the cold either, with international award-winning distilleries close by.

Mount Wellington’s looming, cloud-wisped form is an ever-present sight as you explore booming Hobart, the cosmopolitan capital of Australia’s most southerly state. A former British penal colony, nowadays Australia’s second-oldest city is a place to live the free and easy life. Encircled by dramatic cliffs, landscaped gardens and rolling vineyards, Hobart is also well stacked with cultural pursuits including museums, and respected – if controversial – galleries plastering new and old art to their walls. View less With fresh sea breezes and a fabulous location, Hobart is a creative place, where you can browse the produce of local artisans in Saturday’s massive Salamanca Market – which draws visitors from all across Tasmania and beyond. Eat at waterfront restaurants, or rise up Mount Wellington’s slopes to appreciate the remoteness of Hobart’s location. From this elevated platform, you can look down across views of flowing forests, undulating mountains and endless ocean swallowing up the city. Further away, animal sanctuaries introduce you to the island’s famous inhabitants, including the famous Tasmanian devil. Thirsty? Hobart has a long brewing tradition – so enjoy a refreshing ale poured from the country’s oldest brewery. The climate’s blend of generous sunshine and cool Antarctic breezes helps Hobart to produce its acclaimed wines, and thick clumps of pinot noir grapes hang from vineyards dotted along the valleys nearby. Taste the wines, accompanied by a platter of artisan cheese and sausage. Whiskey aficionados aren’t left in the cold either, with international award-winning distilleries close by.

Melbourne is about the same size as Sydney, but there the similarity ends. Where Sydney is a jumble of hills and inlets, Melbourne spreads over a flat plain. Its pace, steadfast and sedate, contrasts with Sydney’s upbeat and brassy lifestyle. Tree-shaded parks and gardens, a quiet bay and a proud stateliness become this capital of culture and the arts. Grand municipal buildings and splendid Victorian edifices, which sprang up in the wake of the gold rush, stand proudly along broad avenues.