Nestled between the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, laid-back Brisbane makes the most of its magnificent beaches, offering an ideal blend of Aussie ease and urban energy. Wander the lush Botanic Gardens, shop the Queen Street Mall, or enjoy the countless cafés along the banks of the Brisbane River.

Bordering the Whitsunday Passage where famed British explorer James Cook sailed in 1770, today this thriving resort town is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday isles. A relaxed, tropical vibe fills its palm-fringed lagoon, beachfront parks, and assorted shops, restaurants and cafés. Situated nearby is Conway National Park, home to a lush, tropical rainforest and pristine waterfalls.

Welcome to Cairns [cans], where the weather and hospitality are warm. Tropical Cairns is Queenland's most northerly city, and is framed by two features of such pristine beauty and incomparable value that they have been listed by the World Heritage Society. Located at the point where the Great Dividing Range and Great Barrier Reef curve gently to the shoreline, Cairns is graced with inspiring natural attractions in all directions. Beyond the coast are mountains, rainforests, eucalyptus, waterfalls, lakes, rugged ravines and grazing farmlands fed by freshwater streams. Above all, two of the most wonderful assets are the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforests. Cairns, the colorful, sophisticated capital of the tropical north, is alive with life and charm. At hand and beckoning for your discovery are elegant boutiques, markets, art galleries and museums.

Welcome to Cairns [cans], where the weather and hospitality are warm. Tropical Cairns is Queenland's most northerly city, and is framed by two features of such pristine beauty and incomparable value that they have been listed by the World Heritage Society. Located at the point where the Great Dividing Range and Great Barrier Reef curve gently to the shoreline, Cairns is graced with inspiring natural attractions in all directions. Beyond the coast are mountains, rainforests, eucalyptus, waterfalls, lakes, rugged ravines and grazing farmlands fed by freshwater streams. Above all, two of the most wonderful assets are the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforests. Cairns, the colorful, sophisticated capital of the tropical north, is alive with life and charm. At hand and beckoning for your discovery are elegant boutiques, markets, art galleries and museums.

Tucked just below the equator on the eastern shores of New Guinea (the other half belongs to Indonesia), the island nation of Papua New Guinea is home to beautiful tropical landscapes, azure waters, intricate coral reefs, exotic sealife and the wrecks of ships and aircraft that plunged into watery depths during World War II. From here, expeditions to the nearby isles of Samarai, Fergusson and Goodenough offer chances to delve further into history and spot wildlife amid unspoiled terrain.

Australia's northernmost city lies between the sun-bleached Outback and the Arafura Sea on Australia's "Top End," as tropical northern Australia is familiarly called. Chic yet casual, the Northern Territory capital has grown into a modern, mellow mini-metropolis, with a comfortable tropical climate and some of Australia's most fascinating natural highlights – the abundant wildlife and many waterfalls of Litchfield National Park, and beautiful Adelaide River and its famed jumping crocodiles.

Many of Komodo Island's residents are descendants of convicts, who like the early inhabitants of Australia, were sent to the island to live in exile. And, like Australia, Komodo Island has a population of strange and wondrous wildlife, the most renowned of which is the Komodo dragon. The world's largest lizard, this ferocious predator enjoys full protection on the island. Both Komodo Island and nearby Rinca Island are part of a national park system that allows the dragon to sunbathe on the river banks and amble past curious visitors without fear of being harmed. Actually, it is the human that should be wary: in spite of their clumsy stride and apparent nonchalance, the Komodo dragon can run as fast as a dog and is capable of killing and eating a human being. But visitors to the island need not worry. Calm and capable park service guides are on hand to escort onlookers to a kind of reverse zoo, where the people gather in a protective enclosure while the dragons patrol the area, making…

Bali is so beautiful that the natives believe heaven will be just like home, and touring this island paradise, it's easy to see why. Here are mysterious volcanic lakes and jungle-shrouded volcanoes, wondrous ancient temples, fabulously creative painters and wood-carvers, and the legendary dancers who re-enact the stories of their Hindu deities.

Bali is so beautiful that the natives believe heaven will be just like home, and touring this island paradise, it's easy to see why. Here are mysterious volcanic lakes and jungle-shrouded volcanoes, wondrous ancient temples, fabulously creative painters and wood-carvers, and the legendary dancers who re-enact the stories of their Hindu deities.