Once considered the “country cousin” among Australian cities, Brisbane is today the nation’s third-largest metropolis – and one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Lying on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands. Brisbane is also your gateway to uniquely Australian adventures, be it the theme parks of the Gold Coast or Queensland’s dazzling beaches. The beaches south of Brisbane form Queensland’s Gold Coast. Travel tip: Brisbane is pronounced “Bris-bin.”

Welcome to an undiscovered paradise of white-sand beaches, crystal waterfalls and volcanic mountains. And if you’ve come for history, you’ll find that, too. This peaceful town was the site of fierce fighting during World War II. Today, it’s a peaceful retreat offering the vacationer plenty of time to relax and connect with nature. Beyond the city you’ll find a tropical rainforest full of birds of paradise and a laid-back ease worth discovering.

Kitava is one of the four major islands in the Trobriand Islands archipelago group of the Solomon Sea, located in Milne Bay Province of southeastern Papua New Guinea.

Rabaul, the capital of New Britain Island in the Bismark Archipelago, is the largest of Papua New Guinea’s islands. Rabaul, the former provincial capital, is located in the Gazelle Peninsula on the southern side. Covered by tropical rain forests and surrounded by a colorful coral reef, Rabaul is also sprinkled with World War II relics. Decimated during World War II, Rabaul was rebuilt following the war, only to be ravaged again by the eruptions of volcanoes Tavurvur and Vulcan on September 19, 1994. Rabaul’s capital is now in Kokopo, about 15 miles to the southeast. While most of Rabaul has not yet fully recovered to its glory days, the city is living up to its history of rebirth. Hotels are operating, the market continues to trade, stores are open, and the harbor is still an impressive site.

Kiriwina is the largest of the Trobriand Islands, with an area of 290.5 km². It is part of the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea. Most of the 12,000 people who live in the Trobriands live on Kiriwina.

The Conflict Group is an atoll in Papua New Guinea. The group was sighted in 1879 by HMS Cormorant, by moonlight; it was named in 1880 by Bower, captain of HMS Conflict. Irai Island is the center of population of the group.

Once considered the “country cousin” among Australian cities, Brisbane is today the nation’s third-largest metropolis – and one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Lying on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands. Brisbane is also your gateway to uniquely Australian adventures, be it the theme parks of the Gold Coast or Queensland’s dazzling beaches. The beaches south of Brisbane form Queensland’s Gold Coast. Travel tip: Brisbane is pronounced “Bris-bin.”