Can’t decide between Australia’s two biggest cities? Then visit both for an unforgettable experience Down Under

Sydney and Melbourne boast plenty of drool-worthy food, festivals and culture. So clear your schedule and make a mental (or actual) note of these hotspots in two of the world’s top destinations! 

1. Festivals

Vivid Sydney

Watch the sails of the Sydney Opera House come alive with animated paintings during the annual Vivid Sydney festival, which runs over three weeks from May to June (26 May to 17 June 2017). Be dazzled by striking light and sound installations all across the city, and revel in cross-genre live music performances. 

White Night Melbourne

Experience visual art in every imaginable form in this dusk-till-dawn affair. For one night only, every February, museums open their doors after dark and buildings such as Flinders Street Railway Station become the backdrop for pyrotechnic displays and mixed media optical illusions.

2. Inner City Suburbs

Newtown, Sydney

Just a bus ride from Central Station, the hip inner suburb of Newtown is chockfull of boutiques, bakeries and bars. Taste one of Australia’s first-ever specialty brews at Campos, just off King Street, then pick up a crunchy cronut at the nearby Brewtown café. Coldplay's 'A sky full of stars' MTV was shot at Newtown featuring its Colourful street art and the famous 'I have a dream' wall mural. Don’t forget to pop into the area’s boutiques for some rare vintage finds and pre-loved paperbacks. 

Fitzroy, Melbourne

Easily accessible by tram or bus, Fitzroy is a popular inner city haunt with a creative edge. Tuck into house specialty dishes at Industry Beans, a café on the corner of Rose Street, which prides itself on keeping everything in-house. 

Have a field day rummaging through vinyl and vintage stores on nearby Gertrude Street. Wind down afterwards at Mr Wow’s Emporium on Smith Street, with its heady mix of cocktails and games. Ping pong and elderflower vodka, anyone?

3. Beaches 

Bondi Beach, Sydney

More than just a beach, Bondi is home to a vibrant local community. Take a walk on the promenade then re-energise at beachside venue The Bucket List, known for its quirky cocktails. On Sundays, skip over the road to the Bondi Markets to shop for vintage jewellery and fun beachwear. 

St Kilda Beach, Melbourne

There’s a flurry of beachside activity at St. Kilda’s Beach, just a short tram ride away from the central business district. Head to the breakwater as the sun sets for a chance to see some resident penguins. Or spend some time at St Kilda’s Esplanade Market, which stretches from Luna Park down the Esplanade, and browse an eclectic array of goods — from homemade sauces to original art and handcrafts.