Visit Melbourne for the vibrant culture and destination dining; for the gritty laneways and sun-soaked rooftop bars; for the endless shopping and crammed events calendar; for the absolute love of this world-class city brought to a devastating standstill in 2020.

Just two hours from Sydney, the once working-class city is now home to smart cafes, pubs and bars, fantastic boutique shopping, and a vibrant creative scene, which has ‘cosmopolitan’ written all over it.

The city’s culinary scene is a delicious celebration of local produce.Drink connoisseurs will be satiated by local craft beer and whisky. And what is a trip to Hobart without a visit to MONA? Love it or be perplexed by it, the Museum of Old and New Art is quirky at the very least.

A hotel boom, burgeoning dining scene and growing events schedule has helped complete this coming of age story and now the River City is holding its own alongside the usual big-ticket capitals. Packed with cafes, restaurants, bars and event spaces, and alight with atmosphere, Brisbane’s new multi-million-dollar lifestyle precinct, Howard Smith Wharves, could deliver a magic itinerary on its own.

While Victoria’s second-largest city, Geelong has long been seen as a handy launch pad for the magical Great Ocean Road and Bellarine Peninsula, it’s also worth exploring in its own right.

Adelaide isbursting with culture, flavour, world-class events, and an atmosphere that is only bolstered by those long summer days.The city’s dining scene is hyped for a reason and a visit to the beachside suburb of Glenelg is a must. You can also feel the sand between your toes at The Moseley Bar & Kitchen’s Beach Club.

The icons hardly need introducing, but here we go: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Royal Botanic Garden, Darling Harbour.Head to the centre of town and you can tick most of these off, but you could also spend your break in the grungier Inner West, the picturesque Northern Beaches, the trendy Eastern Suburbs and be spoilt for choice when it comes to first-rate dining, culture and events.

The sand and surf blend effortlessly with the city’s urban energy, where restaurants, bars and creative arts thrive.As far as beaches go, Cottesloe is the star and The Cottesloe Beach Hotel will sort you out with a crisp summer schooner.