Destinations Australia and New Zealand
Shoreside cities
You may be as far from home as you could be, but you’ll never feel out of place ‘down under’. Cosmopolitan cities line the coast of Australia and New Zealand, welcoming visitors with stunning sights and sunny smiles.
Imagine being on board Captain Cook’s HMB Endeavour in 1770 as she approaches the east coast of Australia. You’re just 15 miles south of Sydney but there’s no sign of life. There are no beachfront cafés, no surfers or sailing boats, no skyscrapers and certainly no bustling city centres.
Jump forward 240 years and sailing into Sydney is a very different affair. There’s the Harbour Bridge silhouetted in the distance, the sparkling Opera House sails in the foreground and ashore, a relaxed way of life that’s reflected across both Australia and New Zealand. Aside from the obvious; the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Auckland’s Sky Tower and Brisbane’s river cruises, city life ‘down under’ has a fair few surprises up its sleeve.
Australia might be famous for kangaroos and koalas, but a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney should be a first stop for all nature lovers. Alongside the stunning flora and fauna, in the treetops the Grey-Headed Flying-Fox finds its retreat from the sun. As dusk arrives, these bats stretch their wings - that can span up to a metre - and take to the skies above Sydney.
On a warm day in Australia, join the residents of Brisbane as they flock to the South Bank Parklands. Laze on the sandy beach, wander through the gardens and browse the boutique shops.
Australia may still be in its infancy as far as the western world is concerned, but to the Aborigines, this sacred land has been their home for over 50,000 years. At Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park in Cairns, there’s the promise of a hands-on experience with traditional dance performances, canoe rides, didgeridoo demonstrations and boomerang throwing classes - a task not as easy as it looks!
New Zealand is a toddler in comparison. Discovered just one thousand years ago and is proud to be the youngest country on earth. For a fascinating insight into its colourful culture, visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum - you’ll discover the largest collection of Maori ‘taonga’ (treasures) in the world.
Time your visit well and you might just catch a performance of some traditional Maori songs and dances.
And if you fancy hanging out with a few multi-millionaires, be sure to visit Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour where wealthy yacht owners rub their designer-clad shoulders with locals and tourists over long leisurely lunches.
Today, the isles of the southern hemisphere offer all who sail into their ports a tempting blend of never-to-be-forgotten city experiences; however and whenever you choose to spend your time.
To learn a little more about all the antipodean attractions on offer visit: