Which Australia Is Right for You?

As part of our collaboration with Qantas, we put together a list of the many reasons to make sure your next destination is Australia. It wasn't easy to narrow the list. There's a lot to do Down Under.

There's so much to do in Australia it's almost hard to know where to begin. At Fathom, we like to start by filling in the blank: I Travel for the _____. Whatever your answer, there's an Australia that fits. Why do several places show up more than once? Because there's more than one way to live a place.

I TRAVEL FOR THE SCENERY

Sydney ✈ Ayers Rock (Uluru) ✈ Cairns

Watch the sun rise over one of Sydney's amazing beaches, like Bondi. Befriend a koala at Sydney's Taronga Zoo.

Ayers Rock, aka Uluru, is a place of timeless folklore, rich indigenous culture, and great spirituality. Depending on the time of day, the sky shifts color from pink to blood red to mauve.

So many natural wonders in Cairns. Topping the list are the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest reef, and Daintree Rainforest.

Book this trip on Qantas.com.

I TRAVEL FOR THE FOOD

Sydney ✈ Melbourne ✈ Adelaide ✈ Perth ✈ Ayers Rock (Uluru)

Hunter Valley in New South Wales is just a two-hour drive from Sydney and has more than 120 vineyards to visit.

Gaining entry into Melbourne's hidden laneway bars isn't usually a problem. You just have to find them.

So many wine regions to choose from: Yarra Valley in Adelaide, Margaret River in Perth.

With Sound of Silence, you dine under the desert stars at Ayers Rock while a storyteller shares tales as told in the stars.

Book this trip on Qantas.com.

I TRAVEL FOR THE CHILL

Sydney ✈ Cairns ✈ Gold Coast ✈ Exmouth

If you're not up for surfing at Bondi Beach in Sydney, go for a swim in the ocean or at one of the seaside pools.

The Great Barrier Reef in Cairns is indescribably beautiful. Snorkel, scuba, swim. Here, fishy fishy.

Australia's Gold Coast is known for pristine beaches, surfing, and seafood. They call Queensland "the Sunshine State" for good reason.

At Western Australia's North West Cape, the desert meets the sea and the snorkeller meets sharks the size of whales on Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth.

Book this trip on Qantas.com.

I TRAVEL FOR THE CULTURE

Sydney ✈ Melbourne ✈ Hobart, Tasmania

Sydney is the ultimate Australian town for everything from global cuisine and cutting-edge style to stunning beaches and a thriving arts scene. The annual VIVID festival sets the skyline aglow with light, music, and ideas.

Melbourne's eateries, boutiques, and galleries are a little edgier, especially the art scene in the city's laneways.

There's a lot to recommend Tasmania, the island south of Australia. Like Salamanca Place in Hobart, where Georgian warehouses have been converted into art galleries and restaurants.

Book this trip on Qantas.com.

I TRAVEL FOR THE KIDS

Sydney ✈ Cairns ✈ Melbourne ✈ Darwin ✈ Adelaide

Sydney's Taronga Zoo makes for a great introduction to Australia's weird and wonderful native animals. Sea Life Aquarium takes a trip under the sea.

Queenland's Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest continuously surviving rainforests. Come to zip-line, hike, explore, and camp.

No, there's quite possibly nothing cuter on earth than the Fairy Penguin Parade at Phillip Island near Melbourne.

Head to Darwin to marvel at the number and variety of birds at Mamukala and Yellow Waters wetlands.

Kangaroo Island, just off Adelaide, is known for its wildlife: koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and more.

Book this trip on Qantas.com.

I TRAVEL FOR THE ROMANCE

Sydney ✈ Melbourne ✈ Broome ✈ Darwin

Nothing makes for quality time with a honey like a road trip through a picturesque setting. When in Sydney, head inland to the Blue Mountains. When in Melbourne, The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's great drives. Make sure you have the right playlist.

Camel rides at sunset on Cable Beach are an unforgettable way to end the day in tropical, laid-back Broome.

In Darwin, visit Kakadu National Park to get lost in nature and Mindil Beach Markets at twilight to buy each other sweet little presents.

Book this trip on Qantas.com.

I TRAVEL FOR THE THRILL

Sydney ✈ Cairns ✈ Ayers Rock ✈ Broome ✈ Darwin

Leave Sydney and go have a canyon and climbing adventure in the Blue Mountains.

A typical day in Daintree Rainforest looks like this: sunrise kayak, afternoon on the zip line, falling asleep to the sound of the rainforest.

Try to count the many shades of red you'll see at sunrise and sunset on Uluru.

Want to hold a baby croc? Get to Darwin in Northern Territory.

Book this trip on Qantas.com.

MORE ON FATHOM

The Incredible Travel Adventures of Alvie and Joey
Australia: The Top 12 Checklist
Australia Guide

This post was sponsored by Qantas.