Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, which means it's about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the USA and 50 percent larger than Europe.  Nonetheless, it has the lowest population density in the world - only two people per square kilometer.  Australia is the only nation to govern an entire continent and its outlying islands. The mainland is the largest island and the world’s smallest, flattest continent and boasts a vibrant history of battlers, bushrangers and brave soldiers, sporting heroes, working heroes and plucky migrants. It’s all about a fair go, the great outdoors and a healthy helping of irony. Today Australia also defines itself by its Aboriginal heritage, vibrant mix of cultures, innovative ideas and a thriving arts scene.

If you're looking to get a taste of Australia on your next vacation, here are some of our favorite country highlights:

Sydney Harbor luncheon cruise - enjoy sailing on the world’s most beautiful harbour while enjoying first class views, food, wine and service.  There are a variety of cruises available -go whale watching or sightseeing, have lunch on board the boat, or catch a ferry to a local shopping destination.  You can even arrange for private cruises and many of the boats offer the possibility to get off the boat and explore certain parts of the city and finish your trip later on.  Cruises leave approximately every 45 minutes.
Tour of Sydney Opera House - Sydney Opera House presents over 450 exciting performances that take place at the venue every year.  If you don't have time to stay and see a performance, another way to get to know the opera house is to take a tour.  See inside the world's most recognisable sails and experience this miracle of architecture and engineering. The opera house is a work of art that came into existence against impossible odds, and it has become one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world.  Working with new, rich audio-visual components, where images are projected onto the fabric of the building - guides will take you on an emotional journey, engrossing you in a story to rival any opera plot with its dramatic twists and turns.

Great Barrier Reef cruise - The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 3,000 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia.  Discover a paradise of remote and uninhabited islands, become a lazy beachcomber or an inquisitive adventurer. The starkness of the remote and unique coral cays will fascinate you. Go snorkelling and coral viewing amongst the brilliant corals and teeming fish life on the fringing reefs of Lizard Island and Pelorus Island (exclusive to Coral Princess Cruises), or linger over the top of the spectacular platform reefs, all abundant with marine life and dancing corals.
Kuranda Scenic Railway - the world famous railway experience is a must-do when visiting Cairns and Tropical North Queensland, Australia. You will discover the pioneering history of the tropical north from way back in the late 1800's, be astounded by a magnificent engineering feat and explore some of the great characters involved in the construction of this great railway.   There are a variety of tours available including luxury tours, rainforest and wildlife tours, classical tours and history related tours.  Queensland Rail's scenic rail services in North Queensland provide the ultimate means of travelling through particularly remote and unique natural landscapes. These include the lush, world heritage listed rainforest and cascading waterfalls of the Barron Gorge and the unexplored, rustic terrains of Queensland's Gulf country.
National Wine Center, Adelaide - enjoy wine and winemaking from the ground up. The Wine Center's interactive Wine Discovery Journey and exhibition showcases the complete wine experience. The Concourse Café offers fine Australian wines to taste and purchase or enjoy a meal from the seasonal à la carte menu while overlooking the stunning views of the Botanic Gardens.  The National Wine Centre is an architectural treat but what it holds inside is the real attraction. Situated on the edge of Adelaide's stunning Botanic Gardens it is a combination of eye-catching architecture and smooth functionality. The Centre provides a superb alternative to a standard venue for any event and is an exciting tourism venue which showcases the entire Australian Wine Industry.

Melbourne City Tour - Experience the beautiful city sights of Melbourne, such as Fitzroy Gardens with a tour of Captain Cooks Cottage, Parliament House, Shrine of Remembrance, Rod Laver Arena and the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground. This Melbourne tour visits the heart of the downtown area including popular Bourke Street Mall which is popular for shopping. See Crown Casino located on the banks of the Yarra River and drive along the impressive Westgate Bridge.  If you're looking for a do-it-yourself solution, Smart Visit Solutions offer a 2, 3 and 7 day See Melbourne & Beyond pass, which is an all inclusive pass with free entry to over 60 attractions in Melbourne and Victoria. Perfect for Melbourne city breaks and for touring the Great Southern Touring Route and Melbourne's South East Touring Route. Offering great value & unbeatable convenience, cardholders can start to save after visiting as few as two Melbourne tours or attractions per day.  The Melbourne Tours and City Sights pass allows visitors to experience the best attractions in Melbourne and the surrounding regions including Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne River Cruises, Melbourne Zoo, Sovereign Hill, Flagstaff Hill and a Glow Worm Tour. Each See Melbourne & Beyond Card comes with a free guidebook highlighting all the attractions and activities on offer in Melbourne & the surrounding regions.

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