AUSTRALIA

A luxurious cruise on the harbor is a wonderful, relaxed way to soak in the beauty of Sydney’s sites—the Opera House, the Harbor Bridge and Fort Denison—and to catch a glimpse of its gorgeous waterfront homes, parks, beaches and marinas.

Home to a collection of world-class wineries, a visit to the hunter valley is a must for oenophiles. Cycling among the vineyards and eucalyptus-shaded lanes is a wonderful way to link together your tastings. Hot air balloon tours offer stunning views of the scenic valley.

Of course no trip to the tropical north is complete without an excursion to the reef itself. Day trips from the mainland, island resorts or multiple-night private yacht charters are all possibilities for exploring the world’s longest contiguous tropical reef system.

Located near Uluru, this cluster of enigmatic rock outcroppings seems to rise out of nowhere, creating an otherworldly ambiance imbued with ancient mythology. For a unique exploration, saddle up a camel for a tour led by an Aboriginal guide.

This lovely green city is known for its Victorian architecture, numerous parks and as being a haven for lovers of art, culture and sport. Electric tramcars traverse every major street, providing a fun and convenient way to get around.

Geographic isolation from the mainland has allowed native wildlife to flourish here, away from highways and predators. Come see the Australian sea lions, kangaroos, echidnas, fur seals, black cockatoos, koalas, platypuses and fairy penguins. Many of the animals are unafraid of humans and allow close approach.

To truly experience the romance of the vast, remote deserts of Western Australia, climb aboard this luxury train for a three-day journey across stark Nullarbor Plain from Perth to Adelaide. Springtime brings an unexpected profusion of colorful wildflowers to the scrub landscape.