POLAND

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This Glamorous New Hotel Is Putting an Underrated European Capital on the Map

The city once derided as Kraków's gloomy Soviet sister has become Eastern Europe's next up-and-coming destination with the addition of Raffles Europejski Warsaw, a stately, meticulously restored 1857 property located next to the Presidential Palace in the heart of the old town. Inside, the design is something of a love letter to the city: in the lobby, art installations evoke local landmarks and Poland's past, and a series of galleries feature art and photos from the hotel's previous incarnations. Upstairs, the 106 rooms and suites—the largest you'll find in Warsaw—are furnished with bespoke pieces by local craftspeople. Even the bathrooms have a sense of place: the marble paneling is patterned after the city's skyline.

 Cafes and bars in the Old Town market square in Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw Old Town Market Square.Allan Baxter/Getty Images
The hotel offers a new entry point to Warsaw's surprisingly cosmopolitan appeal. Start your day with a cup of single-origin coffee at Ministerstwo Kawy or Niezłe Ziółko, cafés in the quirky Plac Zbawiciela neighborhood.

Then take in some culture, beginning with a visit to the Warsaw Uprising Museum, honoring the 1944 Polish-resistance-led insurrection to drive out the Nazis. Head next to Wilanów Palace, the 17th-century royal residence. At the little-known Fotoplastikon, a stereoscope theater built in 1905 projects street scenes from turn-of-the-century Warsaw in 3-D. For a more modern brand of nostalgia, there's the Neon Museum, which has floor-to-ceiling displays of neon signs, colorful relics of the Cold War.

Warsaw's blossoming culinary scene challenges the notion that Poles eat only pierogi and borscht. At new food courts like Hala Gwardii and Hala Koszyki, you can sample vegan Palestinian dishes, Georgian khinkali, Italian cheeses—and yes, pierogi and borscht. Save room for a nightcap at Kita Koguta, where mixologists conduct a brief interview ("Gin or vodka? Classic or experimental?") before making drinks to individual tastes.


Krakow Travel Guide: Poland’s Second City with a Mythical Feel

Krakow travel guide for first time visitors will prove beneficial in a lot of ways.

Most European cities bustling with life, have beautiful architecture and interesting stories to tell. However very few cities can so palpably transcend through time, like Krakow does. A city that has been the nucleus of myths from time immemorial, Krakow holds close to its beautiful traditions and tales.

While Warsaw is the capital of Poland, Krakow has always been the capital of kingdoms and their dynasties over the centuries, making it the cultural capital of the country. Since commercialization has not swapped the city from its tradition, Krakow has a lot to offer that distinguishes it from other European cities. Krakow also happens to be one of the only cities not decimated by Nazi Germany, unlike Warsaw, allowing it to retain most of its cultural edifices.

Historically known as the mythical city, its mystical power (hidden in a stone at the heart of the Wawel Hill) is said to have kept many invaders away. The myths don’t stop here. They resonate from every nook and corner, like the air is full of mystery dating back to centuries.

Krakow’s tourist spots are quiet safe for women as they constantly patrolled by police. There’s a lot you can explore in the city on your own or with a guide. However, racism (not more than that of any other European city) is present in pockets. It’s safe to tour the city quiet late in the nights, as long you’re on the main roads.

Brazil

21 Things You Should Know Before You Visit Brazi

1. You may need a tourist visa before you visit Brazil

As an Australian, I had to fill out a visa application form (which I accessed online) and send it to the Brazilian Embassy in Canberra along with supporting documentation.

Check this site to find out if you need to apply for a Brazilian tourist visa.

If so, you will have to provide details about your itinerary, accommodation and how much money you have to support yourself along with your form of payment.

I think I paid around $45 via post office cheque.

2. Brazil is massive and so diverse, you’ll need at least a month to see it properly

Before arriving in Brazil make sure you take into account how big it actually is and how long it takes to travel from destination to destination.

It took us a month to see the state of Rio de Janeiro alone (and we didn’t even see all of it).

Also, from north to south and east to west, environments and climates change quite dramatically.

Be prepared for cooler climates in the southwest and a lot of humidity in the north.

One side of Rio de Janeiro - Copacabana Beach
One side of Rio de Janeiro
Scenery and world tattoo in Sana, Rio de Janeiro
A whole other side to Rio de Janeiro
3. Religion is an important part of culture in Brazil

Much like Buddhism is a significant aspect of culture in countries like Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, Christianity is a huge part of culture in Brazil.

In fact, over 80% of the population in Brazil belong to the Roman Catholic church.

Just keep this in mind when you travel to Brazil because this is their culture and it should be respected just like we respect religions we are less knowledgeable about throughout other parts of the world.

4. Brazilian people are generally very out-going and talkative

Brazilian people are definitely the loudest people I have met but they are also very generous and loving.

Often I hear people (including Dan) speaking on the telephone and it sounds like they are having a full on argument, but most of the time it’s nothing of the sort…

They are just very enthusiastic and get excited easily!

Older women also tend to make you eat… a lot.

5. Beans and rice are the staple ingredients in most meals

Just because Brazil seems exotic, don’t expect to try too many crazy flavours or spicy foods.

While the food is delicious, most meals generally consist of meat, beans (feijão), Brazilian style rice and sometimes salad.

Brazilians love to barbecue (churrasco) and often spend whole afternoons sharing around and slowly eating different meats on social occasions.

To have a true Brazilian culinary experience I have heard that the best places to go are in the northeast.

There also happens to be a huge Japanese influence in Brazil after a large mass of people escaped from Japan during World War II, so if you love Japanese food, Brazil knows how it’s done.

Temaki, a Brazilian take on Japanese food, is like one big sushi roll in the shape of a cone and filled to the brim with rice and your choice of fish – don’t leave Brazil without trying one (or two, or ten).

Brazilian food in Rio de Janeiro
A typical Brazilian style dish
6. English isn’t all that widely spoken

If you visit Brazil after traveling in places like Southeast Asia and Western Europe you might get a bit of a shock.

Communicating in English isn’t going to be as easy and you will have to make an effort to learn some Portuguese (and sign language).

Oh yeah, that’s right… They speak Portuguese in Brazil, not Spanish, like many people think for some reason.

7. Brazil loves coffee (of the filtered sort)

Every household I’ve been into in Brazil so far has had some sort of thermal filled with coffee sat on the kitchen table waiting to be sipped on over a slice of cake (another thing they love).

Even some supermarkets have them, just in case customers feel withdrawal symptoms coming on halfway through their weekly grocery shop.

It’s nothing fancy, just plain old filtered coffee, but they love it.

Don’t expect to find a well made cappuccino in too many places though.

8. The seat-belt rule isn’t particularly obliged to

Jumping into the backseat of the car and being the first to buckle up my seat-belt seems hilarious to my Brazilian friends.

Apparently no-one wears seat-belts in the backseat here?

Honestly, I feel naked without having one strapped across me, not to mention, seat-belts save lives people!

It is still a law to wear seat-belts in Brazil however, so buckle up, whether they laugh at you or not.

9. Catching the bus often turns into a full-on whirlwind adventure

I swear bus drivers in Brazil think they’re Formula One racers.

Not all of them, but most. Nearly every bus we jumped on in Rio turned into what felt like a rally race all the way to our next stop.

They also pile as many people on the buses as possible (like 3 times the seated amount), which makes it rather uncomfortable when you’re getting thrown from one side of the bus to the other.

If you do happen to find a seat, make sure you stand up and let young, elderly and pregnant people sit down when it’s necessary.

The yellow seats are also specifically for these people and are not to be sat on in any other case.

tourists catching a bus in Rio de Janeiro
Bus riding with our luggage
10. Electricity… the voltage varies from state to state

For some reason, the electricity voltage changes from state to state in Brazil, which can make it quite confusing and annoying.

I come from Australia where the voltage is 220-240V/50Hz so while all of my electronics ran at half the power in Curitiba (where the voltage is 110-127V/60Hz), they then ran at a higher power in Brasilia (where the voltage is 220-240V/60Hz).

Be careful because you could end up blowing up all of your electronics!

It would be very handy to purchase a universal adapter and converter kit before arriving.

Here is a helpful graphic:

world-voltage-map
Image source: http://220-electronics.com
11. Brazil can be expensive

Brazil is not as cheap as you might be expecting.

A bed in an average hostel dorm will probably cost you around $12 – $15 per night and supermarkets work out to be almost as expensive as the one’s in Australia or the UK.

Also, anything like clothing, electronics or beauty products that are imported into Brazil are taxed heavily, sometimes making it more expensive to purchase goods than in countries like the United States.

Local bus fares are around $1.50 and a taxi might cost you $20 for a half an hour (or a bit less).

12. There’s a fine line between rich and poor in Brazil

You might have read about or seen pictures of the fine line between poverty and wealth in Brazil, perhaps you’ve even seen this one from São Paulo:

fine line poverty and wealth
Image source: http://lsecities.net
It’s true and you see it everywhere in Brazil.

Even when we stayed in Chapéu Mangueira, a favela located on the hill behind the beaches of Copacabana and Leme, we were literally able to see into the expensive hotels below us.

And if you walk 5 minutes outside of a favela, it is quite common to stumble across a block of million dollar apartments.

13. A 10% service charge is usually included in restaurant bills

While in many countries the amount you tip is optional, a 10% service charge is normally included on the bill in Brazil.

However, by law, you can still choose not to pay this if you weren’t satisfied with the service.

14. The best time to visit Brazil is March – November

During the months of March through to November, the temperature in Brazil is slightly cooler and less humid.

During the months of December through to the end of February Brazil receives a lot of heavy rain.

Apparently it rains almost every New Years Eve in Rio de Janeiro but only in short episodes.

Botanical Gardens, Curitiba, Brazil
Curitiba, Brazil, where the weather is slightly dryer and cooler
15. There are mosquito’s – bring repellent

If you’re like me, a delicious treat for mosquito’s, then you’ll need to keep mosquito repellent on you, particularly at sunset and during the night.

Apparently, if you head into the Amazon, where it’s very humid almost all year round, the mosquito’s are a huge problem.

We knew someone who did a survival style trip through the Amazon for two weeks, sleeping in rain flooded hammocks by night.

There was one particular night where he woke up to his back itching like crazy so he swiped his hand down the back of his hammock only to find hundreds of mosquito’s feasting on him!

16. Some favelas are safe for tourists to enter

If you do your research beforehand, you’ll find notice that some of the favelas, particularly in the region of Rio de Janeiro are now fully pacified with the introduction of Pacifying Police Units and social services programs.

This means that many now have a lower crime rate and are safer to enter.

Chapéu Mangueira favela, Rio de Janeiro
A beautiful day in Chapéu Mangueira
17. Brazil is home to some of the best beaches in the world

Of course you have the iconic beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro but it gets a lot better than that.

Head down to the south and you have Florianopolis, a city comprising of 42 beaches and plenty of amazing surf spots.

And then you have the northeast, where parts of it look identical to the Caribbean.

Need I say more?

Sunset at Ipanema Beach from Arpoador, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Ipanema Beach by sunset
18. A welcome and goodbye kiss on the cheek is a normal social custom

It is quite normal for someone you barely know to greet you with a kiss on the cheek in Brazil.

After a while you get used to it and find yourself kissing everyone you meet, although apparently there are still a few guidelines on who and who not to kiss (I haven’t figured that one out yet).

If you’re heading to Rio, they tend to kiss twice (one on each cheek) and if you’re a man greeting another man, a handshake and a tap on the shoulder will do.

19. Brazil has one of the most varied and diverse cultures

Brazil is a bubbling hotpot consisting of many different nationalities which makes Brazilian culture very unique and complex.

Over 50% of the population are white, composing of Europeans (Portuguese, Italian, German, etc) who have been settling in Brazil for centuries bringing innovation, ideas and belief systems that have shaped what Brazil is today.

40% of the population are mixed and 10% are black, as a result of the African migrants who were brought to Brazil as slaves.

The national language spoken is Portuguese (although there are still some indigenous people and immigrants who speak in their own tongue) and Samba is the “national rhythm”.

20. You are a gringo

The word for tourist or foreigner in Brazil is “gringo” or “gringa” for females.

You will probably hear people calling you a gringo while travelling in Brazil but don’t take offense to it, it’s nothing personal!

21. Brazil is an incredible country – prepare to be in awe most of the time

With it’s strong European and African influence, Brazil is colourful, quirky and vibrant, not to mention the unbelievable natural beauty.

soure https://storyv.com/21-things-to-know-before-you-visit-brazil/

Brazil really has it all – stunning beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, unique desert landscapes and the world’s largest tropical rainforest.

What more could you ask for?

Germany To

Lido de Paris

Spend an evening immersed in a Paris cabaret with a 3-course dinner at the new Lido de Paris "Paris Merveilles"® show. Make your way to the club on the Champs-Elysées, and settle in for a menu of French specialties while you watch the famous Bluebell girls kick up their heels onstage. Enjoy one of the city's newest cabaret productions, complete with music and a dazzling light show, and upgrade your ticket to include dinner in a private box with personalized service. Please note that the Lido de Paris is free for children under 11, with the exception of holidays. Highlights Spectacular cabaret show at the Paris Lido on the Champs-Elysées Choice of Champagne and show, or dinner, 

champagne and show Choose between an early or late show with Champagne Enjoy one of three delicious 3-course gourmet meals in the dinner and show options Upgrade to the VIP option to include dinner and Champagne in a private box after the show What You Can Expect Be entertained with a fabulous new Lido show! The "Paris Merveilles"® show at the city's famous Lido de Paris cabaret club made its debut in April 2015 as one of the most impressive new cabaret shows in a city that's known for them. Enjoy a performance of the show that's still drawing crowds, and complete the evening with a delicious 3-course dinner. The Lido de Paris sits on Paris' grand Champs-Elysées, and has been entertaining and titillating audiences since it opened in 1946. Director Franco Dragone's work has been seen around the world with Cirque du Soleil, and he's brought his unique vision to Parisian cabaret. Using the city of Paris as his inspiration, Dragone has created a show in which 


fantasy and fiction blend marvelously. Audiences are transported from reality through the ornate costumes, beautiful sets, and uplifting music. The dancing Bluebell girls are the icing on the cake. Choose either a 9pm or 11pm show and enjoy a half-bottle of Champagne while you watch the show. For an even more comprehensive experience, upgrade to a gourmet 3-course dinner plus Champagne before the show begins. Savor a meal put together by the club's talented team of 35 cooks. Select one of the following options: Lido show and a half-bottle of Champagne  Settle into your seats at the club and sip on French bubble while you take in the dazzling 1.5-hour show, complete with water features and special effects. It's an experience you'll never forget. 3-course meal, half-bottle of Champagne, followed by Lido show Arrive at the club in time to dine in style on a 3-course menu of French specialties, prepared by Chef Philippe Lacroix and the Lido's wonderful kitchen. The chef has created a menu that honors French culinary traditions while bringing them firmly into the present. Choose from three dinner menus, which range from standard to deluxe (sample menus listed below), and after


 you've finished dinner and your Champagne you'll have a chance to dance until the theater lights dim at 8:30pm for the 9pm show. VIP evening Enjoy a 3-course meal from the Soirée Triomphe menu (found in the Itinerary section below) in a private box after the show, complete with personalized service and a half-bottle of Champagne. Please Note: This performance contains partial nudity, and may not be appropriate for all audiences. Lido de Paris is free for children under 11, with the exception of special nights like Christmas and New Year's Eve. For Soirees Etoile, Champs Elysees, and Triomphe, beverages are not included in children menu. Itinerary Spring/Summer 2018 Menus Menus valid from April 1st to 30th September 2018 Soirée Étoile Starter (Choice of one) : Prawns with red pesto and tomato, chilled Niçoise vegetable soup  Gravlax-style marinated salmon, colourful pickles in balsamic vinegar and egg mimosa Main course (Choice of one) :  Sea bream with an aniseed shellfish coulis, quinoa with summer vegetables and Rougail tomato sauce  Guinea fowl supreme with rosemary, courgette aïoli and polenta with black olives Dessert (Choice of one) : Chocolate and apricot duo with a light almond cream  Strawberry dome Drinks : A glass of champagne + 1/2 bottle of wine Soirée Champs-Élysées Starter (Choice of one) : Green asparagus panna cotta, fraîcheur of crab with basil  Foie gras with pistachio crisp and chocolate nibs, strawberries confit in balsamic vinegar  Shrimp in lemon oil, colorful tomatoes and mozzarella rosette and a spicy gazpacho Main course (Choice of one) :  Cod curry with coconut milk and exotic risotto with squid spiced with Espelette pepper  Caramel-glazed duckling fillet, peaches with verbena and a potato rosette  Roast veal with Herbes de Provence, stuffed courgette and gnocchi with olives 


and pine nuts Dessert (Choice of one) :  Chocolate-raspberry summer millefeuille  Vacherin cake with strawberry coulis, basil whipped cream and crisp meringue  Creamy semolina pudding, cherries jubilee and almond crunch Drinks : 1/2 bottle of champagne Brut 1er cru Soirée Triomphe (Menu served for VIP options) Appetizer :  Bouillabaisse gelée with saffron and tobiko pearls Starter (Choice of one) : Pan-fried foie gras with melon and smoked duck breast shavings and a Banyuls jus  Lobster medallion, avocado and watermelon tartare, light tangy bisque with sherry Main course (Choice of one) : Sea bass stuffed with herbs and lemon confit with a Meunière jus, caramelised artichoke and fennel  Roast fillet of beef, sauce vierge provençale with chanterelle mushrooms, thin-crust tart with aubergine caviar and sweet bell peppers  Dessert (Choice of one) : Apricot soft cake, compote and coulis  Strawberry parfait with strawberry compote, hint of candied ginger and warm Madeleine sponge cake Drinks : 1/2 bottle of champagne Ruinart or Taittinger Soirée Plume  Starter (Choice of one) : Prawns with red pesto and tomato, chilled Niçoise vegetable soup  Gravlax-style marinated salmon, colourful pickles in balsamic vinegar and egg mimosa Main course (Choice of one) : Sea bream with an aniseed shellfish coulis, quinoa with summer vegetables and Rougail 

tomato sauce  Guinea fowl supreme with rosemary, courgette aïoli and polenta with black olives Dessert (Choice of one) : Chocolate and apricot duo with a light almond cream  Strawberry dome No drinks included Menus subject to change without prior notice.  Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume with moderation.

Read more about Lido de Paris Cabaret "Paris Merveilles" Show with Drinks 2018 at: https://www.viator.com/tours/Paris/Lido-de-Paris-Cabaret-Paris-Merveilles-Show/d479-5091LIDOPARIS?pub=vcps

Sweden

Sweden Travel Guide And 10 Things Not to Do When You Travel to Sweden

Sweden Travel Guide And 10 Things Not to Do When You Travel to Sweden

Sweden Travel Tips

 

You won’t be able to pronounce the names of places, but that’s okay.

Every time we thought we had the pronunciation of a word correct, we still managed to butcher it when talking to locals. Thankfully, even if you can’t wrap your tongue around the Swedish language, you can still travel easily in Sweden.

Outside of native anglophone countries, Sweden consistently have one of the largest and most fluent English speaking populations in Europe! Thanks to early-education English courses and the popularity of English speaking movies and television shows, communication becomes much easier than you might expect traveling in a foreign country.

 

Island-hopping is a must.

Sweden’s coast is dotted with thousands of islands that can either be reached by car or ferry. For many travelers, hopping through the islands is a great way to enjoy not only the amazing scenery but also to experience the quaint peace of the local hamlets.

Sweden Travel Tips 

 

There is an alcohol monopoly.

If you’re looking to buy alcohol (above about 3%) outside of a restaurant or bar, you’ll have to find the nearest Systembolaget — a government owned and run retail chain that is the only legal option for buying take-home booze in Sweden. This system of alcohol sale was enacted in 1905 during the prohibition movement to reduce both price gouging and overconsumption.

We definitely missed the closing hours of these stores a few times during our trip (some close at 6pm) and there can be a long line, depending on when you go. Our advice? Plan ahead and bring some alcohol from home. It will be less expensive and you won’t have to search for one of these stores when you should be enjoying your vacation.

 

Floating saunas are awesome!

Not sure whether to go for a swim or head to the spa? Why not both? Sweden’s floating saunas are steam rooms built on pontoon-like barges, allowing you to spend a relaxing day on the lake, ocean, or river in style. These steam rooms have become incredibly popular in Sweden and bring an all-new level to your island-hopping vacation.

 

Tap water is better than bottled water.

It’s the social, ecological, and financial norm to drink water straight from the tap. Sweden’s water supply is well filtered and incredibly clean, so the majority of the environmentally-conscious country’s citizens choose to pass on drinking water from plastic bottles. The same goes for using both plastic and paper bags at the grocery, so if you want to avoid having to pay for them, bring your own bag.

 

The speed limits change constantly!

In 2008, Sweden introduced new speed signs to their roads and highways. While before this year the standard speeds were 30, 50, 70, and 110km/h, the areas between these speed changes had even-interval halfway km/h signs added to encourage a more gradual change in speed. Keep your eyes open for these signs, as they change often.

 

There’s no shortage of seafood.

As a coastal and island-heavy country, Swedes love their fish! Caviar, lutfisk, herring, surstrӧmming—a number of fishy specialties make Sweden a smorgasbord for seafood lovers. If you’re not an adventurous eater, don’t worry — the variety means you’ll still find something you like. Come with an open mind and you’ll leave with a full stomach.

When we travel, we love to craft our journey with different kinds of food, and this means trying almost anything. Sweden definitely allowed us to be adventurous when it came to the cuisine. I’m not normally a huge fan of fish so having fish every day felt a little strange at first, but all of the fish dishes tasted extremely fresh.

Our favorite meal of the trip included baked cod smothered in a carrot puree and a light shellfish sauce. Even if you don’t love fish, I highly recommend trying it in Sweden.

 

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Germany

Best Time to Travel Germany | Best Season to Visit Germany |

  
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Mexico

Wide, wild and wonderful there’s a lot of Australia to cover – and it pays to be prepared. If you only have a few weeks to make your way around, don’t worry: here are three 14-day itineraries kicking off from Sydney, Perth and Melbourne that will let you experience the very best of this island nation. 

If you’re flying into… Sydney

Explore the city (five days)

For all its harbour landmarks, Australia’s most populated city may feel familiar but there are plenty of once-in-a-lifetime places around town you haven’t seen plastered on a postcard. Easily tackled with a half day, explore the harbour beyond its busy port of Circular Quay – take a kayak out or venture to the sleepy sands of Balmoral. Pop into Paddington, an inner city suburb lined with charming heritage townhouses sliced between cafes and fashion boutiques (Ellery and Scanlan Theodore have homes here), for a classic gastropub grub.

You could also settle onto the sand at one of Sydney’s less crowded coastal stretches such as Red Leaf or Freshwater and pretend you’re a resident.

Then escape to the sleepy north (three days)

Byron Bay – and the glistening green sprawl of hinterland that hugs it – still openly flaunts its bohemian roots while managing to establish itself as a destination du jour for big city dwellers (Chris Hemsworth calls Byron home and Margot Robbie quietly tied the knot in Newrybar) aching for a break. This is not so much about touristy sightseeing but experiencing a different pace of life: surf, coffee, surf some more. Palm-fringed spa stays and farm-to-table eateries flush with organic options are happy neighbours to boutiques spruiking crystals surf wax. Take a turn about the nearby character towns of Bangalow and Newrybar and that seachange fantasy is certain to strengthen.

Stop into a little island paradise (three days)

From Brisbane airport – two and a half hours drive north of Byron Bay – board a one hour and 50-minute flight to the World-Heritage-listed jewel of Lord Howe Island and prepare for island life (small island life). Wanderers, as well as water sports and nature enthusiasts, will be captivated by the untouched wilderness that reaches to every edge of the island, with lush tropical tangles hugging craggy cliffs and coral reefs crowded with vibrant marine life. Hire a bike or simply explore by foot: the only clock you’ll need on Lord Howe (which is a manageable 15 square kilometres) is the rising and setting of the sun. Heading back to Sydney is only a two-hour flight away.

Take a trip out of the city (two days)

If your spirit of adventure is still strong, consider spending a few days ‘out of town’, as the locals do. The Hunter Valley region – three and a half hours’ drive north of Sydney – is a collection of quaint towns and rolling vineyards, perfect for a two or three-day jaunt for a sample or two of award-winning plonk.

If you’re flying into… Perth

Get to grips with Perth (four days)

Left to its own devices on the rippling west coast, what Perth lacks in big city swagger it makes up for with its own brand of coastal cool. Window-clear water can only be confirmed as real by dipping a toe, the growing craft beer scene begs for a willing sampler and there are increasing examples of Australia’s serious food scene (the wine-heavy Tiny’s is a great place to start), you’ll find plenty to do in a clutch of five or so days. Perth’s best beaches – such as Scarborough, Trigg and Cottesloe – are great half-day excursions and any time you can dedicate to walking a portion of the Bibbulman Track that hugs the coast is time well spent.

Make friends with wildlife (one day)

From Barrack Street Jetty in Perth’s main harbour, it’s a 90-minute journey to Rottnest Island, where the colour of the coast defies imagination and the locals are furry and friendly. The effervescent quokka is native to the island and you’ll want to keep an eye out for their smiling faces.

Discover Australia’s wonders:

SEE ALSO: Australia’s Best Secret Beaches

Meet the mighty whale shark (four days)

The dotted whale shark suffers from a bit of misbranding – this gentle giant isn’t a shark at all, it’s actually the world’s biggest fish. Its non-shark status hardly diminishes the wonder of wading through the pristine waters of Ningaloo Reef next to one with an open gaping mouth, however: this encounter remains one of the most exhilarating in the country. You’ll find them bobbing an hour and half hour’s drive south of Exmouth – which is less than two hours flying time from Perth. 

Sip on the state’s best (four days)

The south-west corner of Western Australia has a cluster of wine regions waiting to be languidly explored. It’s less than three hours drive south of Perth, for instance, before you’ll stumble upon Margaret River – a coastal clique of vineyards that benefit from the cool temperatures blowing off the Indian Ocean. Make this area your base, or venture further afield: there are equally great drops to be found in Swan Valley and Southern Forests areas.

If you’re flying into… Melbourne

Get lost in a maze of laneways (four days)

A bird’s eye view of Melbourne suggests it’s a city of order and constraint but exploring its grid-like laneways and covered passages is another story. Melbourne is one of few cities where getting lost is the actual aim – you just never know what new alleyway mural or secret bar you might happen upon. Prepare your wallet for a workout too: boutique shopping in Melbourne is world-class and many a beloved label, such as Toni Maticevski and Macgraw makes its base. It’s also a great starting point for day trips to the Mornington Peninsula, where any level of hikers can find a path to meander.

Wander through wine country (two days)

A well-rounded wine culture runs strong through the veins of the state’s capital and it’s little wonder, considering its doorstep is flush with plonk producing gold. The Yarra Valley, in particular, has some spectacular scenery with its hills blanketed in vineyards of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir. 

Tick off that bucket list (three days)

Stately and stoic despite consistent exposure to the thrash of elements, the Twelve Apostles (in name, no longer in nature) are the crowning glory of the Great Ocean Road. Certainly, their imposition is striking but it’s their choice of standing ground – littered parallel to the blunt edges of Victoria’s south coast. Take an ambling three days to make your way back to the big smoke via the great road itself – stepping through the wild surrounds of the Great Otway National Park or trying out your surfing skills on the shores of Lorne.

See another side (five days)

Separate in both geography and landscape, the rugged reaches of Tasmania appears to have more in common with our neighbour New Zealand than the desert-strewn mainland. A flight across to Hobart from Melbourne takes a touch over an hour. Here, a seemingly sleepy city will carefully unfold its unusual secrets: MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) is already a national institution, for one, a quietly riotous food scene and some natural beauty within easy reach should you feel the (nearby Mount Wellington affords some spectacular views).