When you think of a trip to Australia what is the first image that comes to mind? Maybe it is the Sydney Opera House overlooking the Harbour, or Bondi Beach? Those are must-sees, of course, but there is far more to see in some of Australia’s most interesting cities. Sydney is now synonymous with laid-back outdoor living, making it one of the coolest world destinations. This place is stylish, sporty and has a zest for living that sums up the Australian image across the globe. The best Hotels in Sydney offer a base for the top place to spend New Year, with a bird’s eye view of the Midnight Fireworks display.

When you visit Melbourne you may be surprised to find that the city was planned in a grid system, like New York. But this does not inhibit the city’s creativity and it makes it easy to find your way around: you will find that the Yarra River runs right through the centre, giving plenty of chances to take romantic riverside walks. Hotels in Melbourne include the excellent Medina Grand, with a facade that reminds me of a top Fifth Avenue hotel.

Brisbane is a city with an enviable sub-tropical lifestyle and plenty of attractions that are less well known to visitors from overseas. Its dozens of galleries and creative workshops will keep you busy for days, and there are a number of top vineyards within a short drive from the centre. Among the top Hotels in Brisbane is the Five Star Stamford Plaza, located at the corner of Edward Street and Margaret Street, this hotel is one of the most prestigious landmarks as you can see from the photograph. Situated just an hour’s flying time from Sydney, the weather attracts Australiand to visit for a winter break in the sun.