Staggering beauty and heart-pumping thrills await in the resort town of Queenstown, which is also known for its Hobbits—much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Queenstown for the kayaking, bungee jumping, jetboating, white-water rafting, hiking and skiing. More mild-mannered adventurers can take a quiet cruise through nearby Milford Sound, part of the Fjordland National Park World Heritage area, or sample South Island pinot noir from one of the region's 75 wineries.

Christchurch, the Garden City, and the Canterbury region are the perfect destination for daredevils. From northern Kaikoura to Waimate in the south, Canterbury is an adventure sports paradise. Hangliding, helibiking, bungee jumping, snowboarding, jetboating, rafting and skydiving get the adrenaline going. Golfing, flightseeing, swimming with dolphins and soaking in thermal pools are more laid-back temptations. Christchurch, a city of parks and gardens, is the country’s third largest urban area.

Perched on Tasmania’s southeastern coast, the lively city of Hobart is a unique mash-up of the 19th and 21st centuries. The waterfront cafes, restaurants and studios of the largest city in Tasmania are housed in centuries-old converted warehouses that overlook a harbour bustling with yachts and fishing boats. An active arts scene, vibrant nightlife and leisurely daytime pace add to the city’s charm.

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.

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.

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.

History lovers rejoice! Mudgee is about to become your favourite holiday destination. Explore the heritage of this New South Wales town through expertly restored Gold Rush-era buildings and an extensive selection of artifacts at the Gulgong Pioneers Museum. Nature enthusiasts will love the moss-covered rocks and oversized ferns in Ferntree Gully, while would-be artists will want to check out the bold canvases and handmade ceramics by local artisans. Prefer exploring by bike? This region offers everything from gentle rides through the countryside to dirt back roads made for mountain biking.