Brisbane is Queensland’s thriving capital city offering the best of many worlds. Indulge in Brisbane’s flourishing dining scene with a smorgasbord of award-winning restaurants to choose from. Make it a rooftop rendezvous and hop between the city’s many vibrant sky-high bars, or settle in at charming hidden laneway gems. Embrace Brisbane’s iconic blue skies and balmy nights – abseil cliffs, hike to hidden waterfalls, wander exclusive art exhibitions, island-hop or picnic by boat. Or simply relax poolside at one of Brisbane’s luxury hotels. Stay a little longer and explore the Scenic Rim’s World Heritage rainforests or the stunning Moreton Bay filled with pristine islands and wildlife just an hour from the city. Start planning your Brisbane getaway now.

Sun-drenched and built for fun, Australia's Gold Coast hugs Queensland's southeast coastline with beaches, shimmering high rises, and epic surf breaks. Though it's hedonistic at heart, there's also plenty of opportunities for adventure and family-friendly attractions beyond its well-known party scene.

Magical Mooloolaba is the perfect combination of sophisticated serenity and vibrant energy. The beach gleams under the pulsing sun, and sparkling sapphire water beckons swimmers, surfers, bodyboarders and casual waders alike. Snorkelers and jetskiers will delight in the beautiful waters, while those who prefer even racier adventures can dive with sharks and mingle with undersea creatures. Plus, "Mooloolaba" is awfully fun to say.

Bordering Australia’s New South Wales' coast, just north of Sydney, sunny-natured Newcastle is anchored in indigenous and convict history. Surfing beaches, hand-cut sea pools, a coastal fort, and contemporary bars skirt the city’s harbour, while museums, artisanal restaurants, and microbreweries lie at its heart.

The Blue Mountains are named for the delicate azure haze that lingers along the region, which is actually a fine cloud of oil emitted by eucalyptus trees. The mystical mountains are a labyrinth of plateaus, gorges and gum trees. Check out the Katoomba Scenic Railway (the steepest railway in the world), the Jenolan Caves and the Giant Staircase nature walk.

City slickers, culture vultures and beach bums alike fall in love with Sydney. Hang ten at famed Bondi Beach or stroll the calmer sands of Coogee.  Cash burning a hole in your pocket? You’ll find great shopping in the Rocks district and along George and Pitt Streets. Climb to the top of the Harbour Bridge or take a skywalk on Sydney Tower for a 360-degree view of the city. But whatever you do, don’t leave town without cuddling the koalas in the Taronga Park Zoo—they’re ridiculously adorable.

With more than 50 runs served by 14 lifts, Thredbo is patterned after a European ski village, complete with shopping, nightlife and lodging. One hundred and sixty acres for all skill levels are featured, with Friday Flat for beginners. The longest runs in Australia are here too, including a two-mile run with a 2,200-foot vertical drop.

Lovely, laid-back Melbourne has something for everyone: family fare, local and international art, haute boutiques, multicultural dining, Australian and Aboriginal history, spectator sports, and pulsing, swanky nightlife. Cruise on the free City Circle Tram loop to check out unique attractions like the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Healesville Sanctuary, which buzzes with local animal species.

Fremantle (Freo), Perth’s maritime center, offers a pleasant change of pace from the nearby state capital. From the Victorian Fremantle Markets to the convict-built History Museum to the strikingly modern Maritime Museum, Fremantle is an elegant and energetic spot. Head south and enjoy patio dining on the Cappuccino Strip, famous for its great beaches and boisterous nightlife.

Metropolitan Manila encompasses six cities and 12 towns. Located on Manila Bay in the South China Sea, and bisected by the Pasig River, the capital of the Philippines is historic and modern, rich and poor. A popular sight is the Intramuros, a walled area that was the capital during Spanish rule. Intramuros has retained old dungeons and gunpowder rooms but added art galleries and theatres. The city is filled with museums, shops, parks and churches, plus enough nightlife to last until dawn.

Soak up the sun and some Vietnamese culture on Phu Quoc Island, where white sands and tropical waters entice beachgoers from all over the globe. Snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing are the most popular water sports here, though jet-skiing, wind sailing and squid fishing—yes, squid fishing—are also at your holiday-making fingertips. Check out the early-morning Duong Dong Market for an authentic local experience.