Travel Smart heads down under, taking a trip to Australia. In this episode, Annabel Grossman and Ben Parker show you the delights of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and more besides.In Melbourne, Ben Parker explores the Royal Botanic Gardens and European city vibe that the south coast city harbours with hipster food spots and trams running up and down the streets. While in Sydney, Annabel Grossman takes a look at the food and drink options available before taking a trip out west to Perth to discover it's delights.Follow Travel Smart to make the most of your holiday with Independent TV.
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00:00Welcome to TravelSmart Weekly, the insider's travel guide from Independent TV.
00:05This is the series where we share our take on the best destinations to visit across the globe,
00:10as well as advice on how to make the most of your trip.
00:14In this episode, we're heading down under to dive into some of the incredible cities that can be found across Australia,
00:21sharing hints and tips on the best things to do to make sure you have an amazing urban stay.
00:30We're starting off down in Victoria, in Australia's capital of cool, Melbourne.
00:43The vibrant southern city is a captivating jumble of eclectic architecture and lanes filled with colourful street art.
00:54Natural beauty comes in the form of the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Yarra River,
00:59which cuts through the city behind the iconic Flinders Street station.
01:03Fitzroy still reigns as the hipster hub, while the suburb of St Kilda offers a fun seaside escape.
01:09There's a distinctly European feel to Melbourne, fuelled by a long history of immigration from places such as Greece and Italy,
01:16the latter explaining why great espressos are easy to come by.
01:21To really experience the best of the city, make the most of its truly mesmerising food scene.
01:26It's a tapestry of flavours, ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to cult street food joints,
01:31plus incredible foodie markets to explore.
01:34The city's laneways are home to trendy cafes and hole-in-the-wall haunts, so follow your nose to find your favourite spots.
01:41My recommendation would be to head to Flinders Lane and visit Chin Chin, and feast on modern, south-east Asian dishes.
01:49Melbourne really is a go-to for a laid-back, cosmopolitan city break.
01:56500 miles north of Melbourne, on Australia's Pacific coast, is Sydney.
02:01Perhaps more than any other city, Sydney is the place that captures the imagination of travellers,
02:06with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge icons of the country.
02:13Beyond these sights, Sydney is all about deep dives into its neighbourhoods.
02:18The bohemian charm of Newtown, the historic allure of the rocks, and the sun-drenched beaches of Bondi.
02:25Start your day with a coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee, where turquoise waters meet golden sands.
02:32Check out the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and unwind with cocktails at one of the many rooftop bars overlooking the sparkling water.
02:42For those who want an Aussie surf experience, you're spoilt for choice.
02:47Manly for consistent waves and chilled vibe, Maroubra works for seasoned riders looking for more challenging breaks,
02:54and the gentle waves at Cronulla are more forgiving for beginners.
02:59And for a different perspective on things, climb the iconic bridge for unparalleled views across the city.
03:05It's not one for the faint-hearted.
03:09On the western coast is Perth, which after Honolulu in Hawaii, is the world's most remote city,
03:21despite being on the same landmass as all the other Australian cities,
03:25which is a testament to just how big the Great Southern Land really is.
03:30Perth is where the Indian Ocean meets a modern, sophisticated city that merges the urban with natural beauty.
03:37Stroll through Kings Park, a botanical wonder with sweeping views of the Swan River,
03:42or explore Fremantle's historic streets, alive with markets and maritime history.
03:48For a taste of Perth's wild side, visit Rotnest Island, where clear bays are perfect for snorkelling,
03:55and quokkas, small mammals in the same family as kangaroos and wallabies, roam free.
04:01And Perth is also a gateway to Australia's vast and untamed landscapes, with adventure unfolding in every direction.
04:08Head north to the Pinnacles Desert, where ancient limestone spires rise from golden sands,
04:13or journey south to Margaret River, known for its world-class vineyards and rugged coastline.
04:19The Swan Valley also offers a taste of local wines, while further afield,
04:23the striking red gorges of Kalbarri are filled with hiking trails.
04:30Adelaide is often overlooked as a city break, but it would be a shame to miss out on the capital of South Australia.
04:36Its nickname, the City of Churches, relates to the many historic buildings,
04:41but there's a lot more to its refined charm and quiet elegance.
04:45The city is sandwiched between beautiful rolling hills and a pristine coastline.
04:50Wide boulevards lined with sandstone buildings contrast with street art and contemporary galleries,
04:56creating a blend of old-world grace and modern creativity.
05:01Wine lovers can head out into the Barossa Valley to make the most of the region,
05:06or if you'd prefer to stay within city limits,
05:10For a real buzz, explore the Adelaide Central Market,
05:14where the city's multicultural heart comes alive in every bite.
05:20That's it for this episode of Travel Smart Weekly.
05:23You'll find our next one out soon, which you can watch online on the Independence mobile app or on your smart TV.
05:28And for all the latest travel news,
05:30head to our website at travelsmart.co.uk.
05:33And for all the latest travel news, reviews and advice,
05:36be sure to check in to independent.co.uk forward slash travel,
05:40as well as listening to Simon Coulter's daily podcast.
06:03Transcribed by ESO, translated by —