What to do in Eastern Australia

Regularly listed as one of the greatest architectural works of the 20th century, the Sydney Opera House sits right on Sydney Harbour, and is listed as a World Heritage Site. The Opera House has several major resident companies including: Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Over 1 million people come here to enjoy performances each year, while millions more come just to admire the building, a symphony in itself.

Circular Quay is situated in the small inlet of Sydney Cove, the official landing site of the First Fleet. Scottish political reformer Thomas Muir once had a cottage here, and for decades it was the city’s main shipping port. Today, it’s best known as the place to catch one of Sydney's iconic ferries, which travel all over the harbor. It’s also a great spot to take in incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

The idea for the Sydney Harbour Bridge dates back to 1815, but work didn’t start until 1923. Famous for its distinctive arch and enormous pylons, the bridge was completed in 1932. This was the world’s widest long span bridge until 2012, and Sydney’s tallest structure until 1967. It contains over 6 million hand-driven rivets and, for each repainting, requires 7,925 gallons (30,000 liters) of paint.

Whether you come to the Rod Laver Arena to see a tennis match during the Australian Open, cheer on another sports game or sing along with your favorite band under its retractable roof, you will be impressed by this top-of-the-bill events venue.

The Cairns Esplanade is the tree-lined boardwalk along the foreshore in the city of Cairns. It overlooks the Trinity Inlet and the Coral Sea on one side, and is lined with restaurants and gardens on the other. It has bike paths and walking trails, playgrounds, barbecues, exercise areas and a salt-water lagoon.

Find out where sports history is made when you visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), known affectionately as “the G” to its regular revelers. The MCG has provided the setting for some of the most momentous events in Melbourne’s long and rich sporting heritage. Check out a match or a sports event at the immense stadium and explore the National Sports Museum. Take a tour and enjoy the views from one of the G’s bars and cafés.

Take a swim, surf the waves, get your kicks on a jet-boat ride, spot whales, browse the market and shops, and then join the crowds for a drink at one of the night clubs or pubs. Compact Surfers Paradise has accommodation, shopping, nightlife and the beach all within walking distance.