Your Hit List for Australia’s Capital Cities

With a country this massive, any visit to Oz requires prioritization. In just 8 short months, I’ve traveled all 7 states and explored 6 of the 7 state capitals. Looking for suggestions of what to see and do in each? I’ve got you covered with all my favorites!

SYDNEY, New South Wales

1. Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, and slap on a hat (Slip! Slop! Slap!) to enjoy the views along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
2. Check off those bucket list views of The Opera House and Harbour Bridge in Circular Quay and The Rocks
3. Catch the ferry to Manly and spend the day on the beach and/or walking the Sydney Harbor National Park trails
4. Take a $2.50 round-trip Sunday train ride to the Blue Mountains for a day of hiking
5. Have a night out in ultra-hip Newtown with a stop at my favorite local spot, Earl’s Juke Joint

MELBOURNE, Victoria

1. Board the free City Tram for a tour of the city
2. Bar hop in Fitzroy, making sure not to miss Naked for Satan for its rooftop city views and infused vodkas
3. Shop for beautiful produce and local art at the Queen Victoria Market
4. Spend time getting lost among the lane ways – there’s much to be discovered
5. Tuck in to some of the best Asian cuisine in Australia

ADELAIDE, South Australia

1. Hire a FREE bike for the day…
2. …and check out the surrounding beaches
3. Take a day trip to Port Adelaide for the $8 dolphin cruise and warm beach
4. Visit one of the THREE neighboring wine regions: Barossa, Clare, McClaren Vale
5. Go for a day hike around Mt. Lofty

PERTH, Western Australia

1. Catch a ferry to Rottnest Island for the day or, better yet, spend the night and make it two days!
2. Enjoy another great day trip to little ol’ Fremantle for art, beer, beaches, and a bit of history, too
3. Spend a night out in the bars, restaurants and clubs of Northbridge
4. Taste the local wines and chocolate liquor (!) of Swan Valley
5. Go for a run along the river or lay out a picnic in Kings Park

HOBART & LAUNCESTON*, Tasmania

1. Stay for Saturday’s Salamanica Market
2. Hike to the top of Mt Wellington with killer views of Hobart
3. Devour your share of fish and chips at one of the many shops along Hobart’s harbor
4. Take a break from the city in Launceston’s Catarac Gorge
5. Observe the curious and all-too-human-like monkeys in Launceston’s City Park

*Technically speaking, Hobart is the capital of Tasmania, but Launceston has much to offer so I’ve included both!

BRISBANE, Queensland

1. Spend the day meeting the locals at the Australia Zoo
2. Go for a dip in South Bank’s lagoons or beach
3. Enjoy 360 views of the city and surrounding mountains from Mt. Coot-tha
4. Board the ferry to North Stradbroke Island for a relaxing day on this neighboring sand island
5. Sip cocktails in style from The Valley’s Eleven Rooftop Bar