Sydney, the largest and oldest city, is famous for its harbor, but it also offers many cultural activities, diverse architecture, beaches and national parks. Cultural opportunities include performances at the Australian Ballet, Sydney Dance Company and Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The Sydney Opera House, a well-known landmark, is a world-class site for opera and drama. You can surf, sail and water ski off the coast.
Queensland, known as the Sunshine State, is home to beaches, tropical islands, rain forests and the Outback. The Great Barrier Reef -- the largest coral reef system in the world -- stretches more than 1,400 miles along the coast and contains a variety of sea creatures, such as sea turtles, dolphins and porpoises. It is also a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Fishing in Queensland is a popular activity, and you can find water stocked with catfish, yellow belly and silver perch, according to Queensland's Outback Web site.
Australia's largest state, Western Australia makes up one-third of the country. You can enjoy the wineries in the Margaret Wine River Region, swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef and catch a glimpse of humpback whales along the coast. In the capital city of Perth, you can enjoy marine experiences, nightspots and camping. The Armdale Reptile Center offers more than 200 reptiles, while Broome Crocodile Park houses more than 1,000 saltwater crocodiles.
Canberra is the capital, and at the Parliament House you can witness the proceedings at the House of Representatives or Senate. The Namadgi National Park makes up almost half of the land area of the Australian Capital Territory, and here you can go camping, cycling, horseback riding, rock climbing, skiing and fishing. The territory is also home to the Australian National Botanic Gardens, where 78,000 plants of more than 6,300 species are grown. Walking trails and guided tours are available.
South Australia is known for the wine-growing regions of the Barossa, Clare Valley, Coonawarra and McLaren Vale. You can visit Blue Lake, a crater of an extinct volcano, and shop at Adelidade Arcade in the capital city of Adelidade. The arcade offers more than 100 shops, including cafes, shoe stores and clothing outlets. At Kangaroo Island, you can visit animals native to the area, including dingoes, foxes and rabbits.
