Australia & Asia: Melbourne & Bali

Explore a compact, fascinating city-state that’s truly global. A onetime British trading post, its diverse past is reflected everywhere, from its old Chinese quarter and colourful Hindu temples to its modern skyscrapers and common language, English. Take a short cruise along the Singapore River or a pedicab ride through town, or enjoy the quiet at the National Orchid Garden. Interested in Asian medicine? A special medicinal restaurant can prescribe just the menu to help you feel your best.

Surabaya is a bustling port city on the island of Java with a stunning combination of modern and colonial architecture. Visit the Heroes Monument that commemorates the Battle of Surabaya and stop by the 10th November Museum inside. Step inside some local industrial history at the House of Sampoerna tobacco museum. For an easy ride to panoramic views of the city, stop by the Al-Akbar Mosque to ride the elevator to the top of its minaret.

This exquisite island is known for terraced rice fields, beautiful beaches and volcanic mountains. Its lush countryside is home to iconic stone temples and mischievous monkeys. Historic sites like the Cliffside Uluwatu Temple mesmerize visitors. Soak up the atmosphere of villages filled with beautiful arts and crafts. From scenic vistas to cultural performances, there’s bound to be something to invigorate your mind and body.

Tucked along the coast of Gulf St. Vincent, Adelaide is South Australia ‘s cosmopolitan capital. While touring the city’s renown museums or attending one of its many vibrant festivals, be sure to visit Tandanya – Australia’s oldest Aboriginal-owned and managed multi-arts centre – to learn about the region’s original inhabitants. Wine enthusiasts shouldn’t leave without tasting Australia’s best known wine, Grange, which is made right in Adelaide.

Kangaroos, koalas, wallabies and fur seals and are some of the residents you may encounter while visiting Australia’s third largest island. In addition to diverse wildlife, Kangaroo Island features diverse landscapes for exploration and numerous outdoor adventures and relaxation. The island is also home to anglers and farmers that produce gourmet foods that shouldn’t be missed. You’ll come for the wildlife and natural beauty and stay for the local arts and cuisine.

Once the richest city in the world thanks to a gold rush, Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital with striking architecture, chic galleries and boutiques. Wave at a wallaby or get close to a koala at a wildlife park. Feel closer to the land on a ride on the Puffing Billy steam locomotive through the mountains and countryside. Back in the city, explore a different culture and visit Chinatown – the oldest one in the West.

A community of artisans on the northwest coast of Tasmania, Burnie has long a history as a community that makes things, with locally crafted European-style cheeses, fine papers, ceramics and single-malt whisky. Surrounded by accessible wilderness areas, in Burnie you can still get a glimpse of little penguins and the platypus, a duck-billed mammal, in the wild. The vibrant shopping district spills onto the beach where you can sit down at a café and watch the world slow down for a little while.

The town’s name reflects what you will indeed find in Eden – a beautiful natural wonderland. Situated on the rugged coastline of Australia’s New South Wales, Eden is nestled among national parks, wilderness areas and enticing beaches. It’s considered one of Australia’s best locations for oyster farming, so bring your appetite. Eden and its surrounding landscapes offer an abundance of outdoor activities on the water and by land.

Sydney’s harbour is the hub from which there’s much to see and do. You’ll want to explore this area, home of the iconic Opera House. Admire the skyline, swim at a harbour beach or cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Want to see surfing? Grab your sunblock and towel and spend the day on world-famous Bondi Beach, or take a scenic walk on the coast from Bondi to Coogee Beach. The Rocks district is a shopper’s mecca offering a wide variety of goods, from woodcrafts and unique art to outback fashions.