Australia's cities are all about lifestyle. The cities are cosmopolitan, with great food and entertainment, fabulous shopping, friendly people and fantastic city beaches.

With modern architecture among natural settings it's easy to get caught up in the Australian way of life.

Dine at top-class restaurants on gorgeous seafood while sipping award-winning wines, take a dip in the ocean before breakfast, or see a play at one of the many theatres.

Lose yourself in the city laneways looking for bargains in the boutique stores, take to the skies in a seaplane, helicopter or hot air balloon or mix with the locals at one of the many events and festivals hosted throughout the year.

The Emigrant
by Julia Carroll

We live here in Brisbane. We migrated from the UK 34 years ago, never regretted it. Almost every day here in Queensland the sun shines out of a blue sky and the winters - we have the world's best! Roar of the Lions
by Dave Middleton

I visited friends in Brisbane in 2003, and went to the Gabba for an AFL game. The roar of about 30,000 passionate Brisbane AFL fans in that remarkable stadium was something quite special slummin' it!
by theresa mcalister

my sister and i went to Oz 2 years ago to travel up the east coast. a definite stop off is Brisbane, it was the most amazing city we went to. we stayed in a hostel called the tin whistle, its here where we met the best travelling companions. we just got up one morning and decided to head to cairns to learn how to surf-ended up stayin a month there! brilliant!!! Sea going days
by Peter Hodge

My first visit to Australia was in 1950 when I was a Junior officer on RMS Orontes of the Orient Line. We had called at Fremantle, Adelaide and Melbourne before going on to Sydney. I will never forget our arrival off Sydney Heads where we embarked the Pilot to take us in to our berth at Pyrmont. It was a beautiful Summer's morning and I could not believe the fantastic scenery and the welcome we received. Truly a wonderful country. Sydney
by Sean Collinson

Sydney is the most magical place on earth. So friendly and welcoming yet all the convienience of a major city. Full of things to see and do, you can't get bored in this city!! Sydney
by Moray Angus

The ferry across the harbour from Mossman to the Rocks in Sydney must be the best commute in the world. I did this trip daily for six months as young man in 1972 and have never forgotten the experience: sunshine, ozone and a sparkling sea made for a dazzling experience. What a great way to start the working day. Sydney Day Out
by Warren King

When you have taken in the multitude of sights in Sydney, spend a day in Manly. Take the ferry from Circular Quay between the Bridge and the Opera House to Manly - seven miles from Sydney and a thousand miles from care! From the harbourside ferry terminal take the short walk along the Corso to the ocean beach - full of people, shops and activity. Savour an icecream sitting under the huge pine trees lining the broad beach. Make your way to North Head and imagine the tall sailing ships of the First Fleet entering the harbour in 1788. Eventually tear yourself away from Manly for the relaxing return ferry trip across the harbour. We did, and the memory will stay forever! Sydney New Years Eve
by James Reed

Watching the fireworks at midnight on New Years Eve in Sydney sitting on the Bennelong Lawn behind the opera house was breathtaking. The best moment of an unbelievable honeymoon. First meet up with Aunt in50 yrs.
by Eileen Morgan

My Aunt was like a Mum to me, so when she left the UK when I was 16 it left a big gap in my life. My cousins were 6 and 8 yrs old.
Having had a back problem for years (a legacy from the Nursing profession) I was unable to travel such a long way, however, an opportunity arose for me to fly to Perth and sail back from Sydney.
Perth is a wonderful city and it was great to meet up with my cousin and Aunt again. We went everywhere and I spent a wonderful 2 weeks with them before flying over to Sydney for 6 days-staying in a youth hostel-very good, would recommend it to anybody. Great place Sydney and I enjoyed going to the Blue Mountains etc.
I boarded the ship and sailed to Brisbane and then on to the Barrier reef. My only regret was that I was unable to see Ayers Rock and if I ever get to Oz again, that will certainly be on the itinerary.
If I had my time again, Australia would be a place where I would love to live, but I am afraid I am too 'long in the tooth' now-unfortunately!!
I hope to return one day, just hope my Aunt will still be alive when that day comes. Sydney - the other side of the City
by Anthony Pogrund

Why not try walking through the unknown areas of the City of Sydney. You will discover the real history and get the real feel of the City. It's safe and really interesting and you will find out why Sydney is the best and most magical city in the world. Our wedding!
by Nina House

We were married in the Perth Registry WA on 27th August 2004. We had a reception in the Aboriginal lookout in beautiful Kings Park overlooking stunning Perth, it was magical! We got really hungry later that night and in true Aussie laid back style had a McDonalds ( Macca! ) in Perth city centre.
As an amazing reminder our proudly framed marriage certificate has a kangaroo and emu on it....brilliant! We did it all!
by Cyril Cowley

Australia holds a certain magic for us. We toured it extensively as a retirement treat visiting Perth, Ayers Rock, Cairns, the Barrier Reef and rain forests, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide..
Melbourne had a particular fascination as I applied for an assisted passage way back in the '50s. had a medical and was offered an administrative appointment with Victorian Railways. I chickened out at the last minute but seeing Melbourne during our tour left me with sincere regrets.
However, the city that really made a lasting impression was Perth - it had everything. - ambience, beauty and climate.
Age no problem - we'll be back! Odd One out
by Derek Richards

I made a trip to Brisbane for a day which happened to be the day of the deciding Rugby League SOO game. I thought it would be a great idea to watch the SOO game in a city pub. Only snag was I was the only one not supporting the Maroons (Queensland).
Also being a Pommy made it more fun. Just to make it worse NSW had the audacity to win the game. However by that time we we'd all had too much of a laugh and too much beer to really care.
If you get the chance watch a SOO game while in there. Naturist B&B - Sydney
by Colin Jeffrey

Best place to stay for travelling naturists, right on the harbour.try Sydney Naturally. Quite wonderful and amazingly convenient, within walking distance of the oldest pie shop in Australia Sydney Harbour
by Keith Appleyard

Sydney Harbour has to be the most beautiful City in the world - been there 6 times, and am never disappointed I want to see the rest of Australia!
by David Mosley

I attended the Rugby World Cup Final in Nov 2003. I loved Sydney but only spent a week there. The people were very friendly. It is possible to tour central Sydney on foot, with many tourist attractions. Their monorail system & buses work well [though there was a spider on one bus which could prop for Wallabies!] I did fly in to Sydney via Brisbane and out via Perth, so confirm awe of a huge country with amazing scenery... and efficient, cheap internal airline connections. I really would like to see the rest of Australia! The Best Day I Ever Spent on my Own
by Tim Waterfield

In July 2003, with my new-fangled Ipod playing the soundtrack, I walked from the Four Seasons Hotel over the Harbour Bridge and back, then explored the Opera House and bought a ticket, then walked through the Botanical Gardens, then up the Sydney Tower, did some souvenir shopping, then to Darling Harbour, bought some RWC2003 memorabilia in the marquee on the quay, then saw two movies at the Imax cinema, then ate "al fresco" at Cockle Bay as the sun set, then walked back to my hotel, changed, walked to the Opera House to see "Proof" at the theatre, then coffee on the quay and back home to bed. A fabulous city! Sydney
by Gerald Schultz

What an amazing city! It's got everything: The climate, the food, the people, the sea. If I was younger I would have certainly considered living there! Sydney Harbour Bridge
by Arthur Moorre

I was priviledged to meet Sorolea who was a principle engineer building the sydney Harbour bridge and went to many lectures given by him on the construction & problems that occurred and some hilarious anecdotes he experienced. A beautiful city, in the true sense of the word...
by Heather White

I visited Australia in February 2005. Not only does Oz offer fantastic weather and beaches but great cities too, if Sydney was anything to go by. It’s such a busy, bustling, modern metropolis and so very clean in comparison to cities in the UK. The people have real pride in their surroundings and don't seem to have anything like our “ned culture” in the UK. The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is a must and Taronga Zoo was outstanding!! Sydney is a wonderful, friendly place that ticks all the right boxes for modern day living. A must see for any traveller. Sydney
by Graham Briggs

Nothing is as astounding as the view of the harbour from Quay West especially the night scene. Unforgettable! Melbourne & Sydney
by Gordon Brodie

I went there in 2002/03. Two fantastic cities with so much to do I ran out of time. Can't wait for opportunity to return & see it again with Boxing Day test at MCG a must! An Olympic Swim
by Christine Barraclough

Before going to visit my daughter in Sydney,in August, I had heard that the place to swim is the Old Olympic Pool on the edge of the harbour, open air, with glass panels thoughtfully protecting the less than hardy.
After a brisk walk across the harbour bridge, and
the climb down to the poolside achieved, forgetting that 50 metres is a long way, I set off to do 20 lengths: no problem in my 17m gym pool!
When I got out, I nearly fell over, but even my daughter's Ozzie friends were impressed with my efforts. Quarantine Station near Sydney
by Jim Cleary

Visiting the Quarantine Station near Sydney was a wonderful experience. It's a short ferry ride & walk, and you're so close to the city but so isolated. Reading the passenger lists, seeing the dates and hunting for familiar names brings the history alive. Then you can walk to the Heads & look at the open Ocean - you feel how far away you are from the UK. A Decent Proposal
by Steven Lynch

Early in 2005 I was sitting on the steps of the Sydney Opera House with a glass of wine, watching the sun sink down behind the Bridge on a wonderful warm evening, and thinking that all that was missing to complete the scene was a beautiful girl, and that it would be a great place to propose marriage. A year later I was there again - and this time there WAS a beautiful girl, and she said yes ... we're hoping to be back in Sydney in 2008 with our new baby son, Daniel New Years Eve
by Molly Tideman

Celebrating my 60th birthday with my son and Australian daughter-in-law, on December 31st on a boat in Sydney harbour was unforgettable. The firework display was the best I have ever seen and the memory will stay with me for ever . Sydney New Year 2005
by Rebecca English

What a fab city; spent the week after Xmas in Sydney in 2005 but would love to go back and see more. The highlight was spending New Years Eve on a boat sailing around the Harbour beneath the amazing fireworks. Sydney Harbour Bridge
by Val Pownall

If you're lucky enough to get to beautiful Sydney, make sure you don't miss Harbour Bridge Climb. The view from the top is absolutely breath-taking and is definitely a 'must-do'. It isn't difficult at all, you're very safely fastened on, and can not fall off! If I can do it, anybody can! Honeymoon
by Gary Shaw

Visited Sydney and Cairns for our honeymoon. A trip of a lifetime! Perth
by Michael Barlow

Lovely weather, great beaches, good transport links, great dining. Super Sydney
by David Kershaw

Our Son has lived in Sydney for the last 5 years with his family including our only 2 grandchildren,whom my wife and I have visited 3 times. We still get a buzz flying in over the city,and the drive up to his home in East Lindfield, The Bridge Climb, a concert at the Opera house with Bryn Terfel and the Sydney Symphoney Orchestra, the Sydney Test, all memories never to be forgotten. New year's eve in Sydney
by Ray Turner

In July 2000 I asked an Aussie women, at a test match in England, which restaurant I should choose for new year's eve in Sydney. Forget the restaraunt - book a boat, was her advice. We did and it was an unforgettable experience. Being at the centre of things with a constantly shifting perspective, the crowds, the harbour, the fireworks - just magic. Life in Sydney
by Orla Dove

My husband and I lived in Sydney for 4 years. It was the most amazing experience of our lives. Sydney has everything to offer, its fantastic beaches, wonderful restaurants and so close to the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley. There's so much to do and see. The things we would recommend on a visit to the city is a trip to the Blue Mountains, visit the Northern Beaches, Taronga Zoo with its fabulous view is a must and of course, no visit to Sydney would be complete without a bridge climb. Although its a big city, it doesn't have that "big city" feel like London or Paris has. Its incredibly relaxed and very easy to get round. The public transport system is second to none and its incredible reasonably priced. A trip of a lifetime, indeed! ADD-ON Australia
by Chris Wiseman

Add on Australia said the brochure, planning a fortnight in the Indian Ocean and had an opportunity to visit Perth for a week whilst we were "out that way”. So after a 7 hour flight from our relaxing beachside hotel we arrived late in the night at Scarborough beach. Waking next morning on floor 20 to a superb Ocean view. We tried and used to great effect the integrated transport system, friendly people and SO much to do. Wildlife, History, Sightseeing there is so much in just one of 4 states that you cannot just say “Add On Australia”. I miss you sydney!
by Sarah Isbell

Sydney is a wonderful, vibrant, social city. Fantastic night life and amazing people from all over the world who are really friendly. Eclectic, creative, sporty . Dinner by the waterfront at Watsons bay and watching the stars in the early morning sitting on Bondi beach, or coffee at 5 am in some wonderful coffee shop with friends after a great night, not to mention the great breakfast venues - Highly recommend. Sydney I miss you !!!!! Unexpected wedding guests
by Emma Underhill

Seeing my best friend get married in Perth, Western Australia, then spending the afternoon reception at Matilda Bay Restaurant overlooking the swan river and the cityscape beyond. Halfway through photos being taken, three dolphins swam up near the shoreline where all the guests were standing. A perfect image of nature so close to the city and wonderful moment that silenced us all during the most joyful day. Western Australia
by Peter Geach

Perth was an ideal location to get over jet lag. Then it was a couple of Pinnacles coach tours, one was the inland route to Albany, then via wineries along the coast to Perth. The second was to Monkey Mia and back via the Pinnacles. Both super tours giving an overview of Western Australia. We spent the last fortnight in holiday rental with hire car in Kalamunda in the Western Hills near our son and grandchildren a few miles from Perth. Magic!
We had previously met one of the hostesses in a winery when she had been on holiday at Cowes the pevious year during Cowes Regatta Yachting Week, how spooky is that! Sunset market
by Gemma Keogh

I couldn’t believe the heat in Darwin. My husband and I had just done a mammoth drive and rolled into the city dying for a swim. After a dip in the hotel pool we got talking to the locals and were told we should go to the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. It was a wonderfully colourful and culturally diverse place. Thai, Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese, Malaysian, Greek and Portuguese meals and snacks were all available and people began arriving at around dusk. We bought a rug with us and settled to watch the sunset as we tucked into our food. Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
by Timothy Hazard

What an experience to have Sydney Harbour at my feet when I recently undertook the BridgeClimb. I was able to do it on a glorious day with hardly a cloud in the sky. We could see the ocean in one direction and the Blue Mountains in the other. The traffic below seemed like matchboxes. We admired the sheer scale of the Bridge and its engineering. This was an experience not to be missed and the realisation of a long held ambition. The Magic of Melbourne
by James Akeroyd

Melbourne, the city of beautiful gardens, amazing architecture and superb restaurants by the Yarra ruiver. The closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne was magical. The atmosphere was incredible - thousands of friendly people enjoying the spectacle. Fireworks, music and everyone having a great time. Australia has everything - can't wait to go back.