Tropical beaches, wide open spaces, diverse landscapes, and rich wildlife — these are some of the reasons why Australia is a marvellous place to visit. There are so many experiences to be had in the Land Down Under that the list could go on and on. To help you craft your best Australian holiday, we handpicked our favourites and curated them for your ultimate getaway in Australia’s iconic cities.
Turn your travel dreams into reality and embark on your next best Australian holiday through RCI’s list. Check out our guide below.
Surfer’s Paradise is one of the most popular attractions in Gold Coast. The large stretch of this beach boasts of golden sands and large swells that earned the place its name. Surfer’s Paradise is synonymous with bustling nightlife, relaxing al fresco dining, and towering skyscrapers that attract visitors of all ages.
If you want to step back from the busy beaches of Gold Coast, the Hinterland is the place to go. The Hinterland boasts of luscious foliage and offers a vast selection of national parks, vineyards and farmer markets. This area is also home to arts & crafts, local produce, and scenic drives.
Gold Coast is home to beautiful seascapes. To cap off a long day, go on a cruise at Broadwater together with your loved ones. Broadwater has calm waters, which lets you enjoy a leisurely cruise while you sit back and relax on a luxury yacht. For the best views, we recommend going during sundown so you can watch the iconic Gold Coast sunset if the weather permits.
With Gold Coast having direct access to some of Australia’s freshest and finest catch in the ocean, it’s no wonder that the seafood in this city is of the highest quality. Feast on a fresh Australian seafood menu when you dine in Omeros Bros Seafood Restaurant while you enjoy laidback waterfront views.
For meat that can meet your expectations, look no further than Glenelg Public House in Mermaid Beach. Known for their perfectly cooked steak, Glenelg Public House is a tribute to the traditional English pub. If you’re feeling ravenous, we highly recommend their bone-in sirloin and Wagyu bavette. Complement your fare with their vast selection of craft beers, cocktails, and wine.
Aside from seafood and steak, Gold Coast is also known for its Italian cuisine. Italian restaurants are aplenty in this city, but our personal favourite is Orzo on Broadbeach. This coastal Italian restaurant brings a modern flair to traditional Italian cooking while making use of the freshest local produce. When in Orzo, don’t skimp on their scampi orzo pasta coated in a roasted shell sauce with leek and mascarpone. Don’t forget to complement your meals and choose from their extensive list of wines and spirits.
Wyndham Hotel offers a contemporary yet tranquil beach escape in Surfer’s Paradise, Gold Coast. Staying at this hotel brings you to the centre of Gold Coast’s tourist hub. Each room is spacious and stylish and offers magnificent views of the ocean, river, and hinterland.
Address: 3018 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Relax after a day of soaking up some sun at Golden Shores Holiday Club. Located in Broadwater (Gold Coast’s fishing and boating Mecca), Golden Shores offers stylish two-bedroom apartments that surround the pool and spa. Each unit also has its own private balcony that overlooks the tranquil waters of Broadwater.
Address: 210 Marine Parade, Labrador QLD 4215, Australia
Jadon Place sits only a stone’s throw away from Broadbeach, one of Gold Coast’s most famous beaches. This resort offers one to two-bedroom apartments that overlook the beach, a landscaped courtyard, and a heated pool and spa.
Address: 31 Hooker Boulevard Broadbeach 4218, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
Unlock a world of possibilities and have a holiday experience like no other with these destinations! Check out our RCI website www.rci.com for available resorts and begin planning and gaining access to over 600,000+ world-class affiliated hotels, resorts, and more.
Since its establishment in 1973, Sydney Opera House defined Australian culture as it became one of the most iconic attractions in the country. But aside from being a monumental architectural milestone, Sydney Opera House is also a world-class functional opera house that hosts ballet performances, theatre and symphony dances, and opera productions.
Your Sydney experience won’t be complete without visiting the world-famous Bondi Beach. Bondi Beach offers a 1-kilometre glimmering stretch of white sand, sparkling ocean waves, and laid-back beachside restaurants and bars. Whether you’re up for some surfing lessons or planning to sunbathe for some tan, Bondi Beach is the perfect place for you to relax at.
Enjoy the Sydney skyline by visiting Sydney Tower Eye, the tallest building in the city. Located 250 metres above ground, the Sydney Tower offers visitors a 360- view of the bustling city below, including some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Luna Park.
Taste fresh oysters and a wonderful degustation menu at Sails in Lavender Bay. This award-winning restaurant offers a contemporary menu that makes use of local produce and fresh seafood, with an emphasis on classic French techniques. While dining here, you’ll also be rewarded with postcard views of Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
With Sydney having a thriving diverse culinary scene, it’s no surprise that locals love their sushi. Enjoy mouthwatering sushi in the city from Raw Bar in Bondi Beach. Established in 1995, Raw Bar pioneered Sydney’s Japanese restaurant scene and is popular for their authentic sushi, sashimi, and dinner bento boxes.
If modern Australian cuisine is more up to your palate, we highly recommend dining at Black Bird Café. Black Bird’s contemporary menu brings Sydney cuisine to life with their grain-fed rib eye steaks, fresh salmon fillets, gourmet salads, and desserts. This café also offers diners a wonderful view of Darling Harbour. When the sun goes down, be sure to check out their bespoke cocktails while you enjoy the glimmering night lights of the harbour.
Witness the heart of Melbourne at Federation Square, the city centre’s public square. Federation Square is home to world-class galleries, art installations, and diverse dining options all year round.
The Yarra River is one of Melbourne’s most iconic waterways. This river serves as one of Melbourne’s cultural landscapes, as the waterways possess cultural significance to the Aboriginal communities. You can opt to walk along the long expanse of Yarra River for a peaceful sundown, or traverse it in the morning and discover other Melbourne attractions along the way like the Royal Botanical Gardens and Herring Island Park.
Complete your Melbourne experience by exploring the city’s creative laneways. The city laneways are abuzz with boutique cafés, vibrant street art, and quirky restaurants.
Melbourne is home to a diverse food and dining scene, and this includes Chinese cuisine. One of our personal favourites is China Bar, which has been feeding locals with delicious asian flavours since its establishment in 1996. Whether it’s BBQ pork roast or scrumptious rice bowls, China Bar does them best. Our personal recommendation are their Shanghai dumplings which will have you asking for seconds.
If you’re craving vegan options, try the vegetarian pizza at D.O.C Pizza at Mozarella Bar. This pizzeria makes their pizzas the way Italians do — no frills, brilliant combinations of fresh ingredients without overloading the crust. We especially love their pizza vegana, which is topped with yellow tomato, housemade roasted vegetables, and vegan cheese.
Melbourne is home to some of the world’s best baristas and most inventive coffee innovations that everywhere you go, you’re bound to find a café that will pour you coffee that’s unlike any other. Our personal favourite is Seven Seeds Café, which is popular for pioneering the third wave coffee culture in the city. Seven Seeds has a vast selection of house blends and single origins that will keep you delighted and awake.