9 Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" xmlns:fb="http://ogp.me/ns/fb#" lang="en"> <head><script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/bundle-playback.js?v=HxkREWBo" charset="utf-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/wombat.js?v=txqj7nKC" charset="utf-8"></script> <script>window.RufflePlayer=window.RufflePlayer||{};window.RufflePlayer.config={"autoplay":"on","unmuteOverlay":"hidden"};</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/ruffle/ruffle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> __wm.init("https://web.archive.org/web"); __wm.wombat("http://travel.usnews.com:80/Rankings/Best_Australian_and_Pacific_Vacations/","20140921194956","https://web.archive.org/","web","/_static/", "1411328996"); </script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/banner-styles.css?v=S1zqJCYt" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/iconochive.css?v=3PDvdIFv" />  <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8"/> <meta name="msvalidate.01" content="4D2B8C9BB7938C711BBB29550803EA0C"/> <meta name="y_key" content="48e0c2982f4e85c8"/> <meta property="fb:app_id" content="196654250458879"/> <meta name="keywords" content="Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific"/> <meta name="description" content="We rank the 9 Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific. See which places our readers like the best, and vote for your favorites."/> <meta name="title" content="9 Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific | U.S. News Travel"/> <meta name="usn-stitial-fact" content="The world's population is expected to pass 9 billion by 2050."> <title>9 Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific | U.S. News Travel</title> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956cs_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/css/yahoo_global_reset.css"/> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956cs_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/css/travel_template.rr62.css"/> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956cs_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/css/tag_dest_deals.rr18.css"/> <link type="text/css" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956cs_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/css/jQuery/jquery-ui-1.10.4.custom.min.css" rel="stylesheet"/> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956cs_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/css/ads.rr22.css"/> <link type="image/ico" rel="shortcut icon" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/favicon.ico"/> <link href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956cs_/http://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Oswald:300,400" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/js/jquery-1.11.1.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/js/jquery-ui-1.10.4.custom.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/js/jquery.leanModal.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/js/jquery-extras.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/js/jquery.cookie.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/js/jquery.textbox-hinter.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/js/jquery.cluetip.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/js/gmaps.rr11.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/js/trvlutl.rr5.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/js/hotelcr.rr1.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/js/tdoubleClick.rr15.js"></script>  <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956cs_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/js/leaflet-0.5.1/leaflet.css"/>  <script src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/js/leaflet-0.5.1/leaflet.js"></script> <script src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://www.tripadvisor.com/partners/js/ewapi.js" type="text/javascript"></script>  <script type="text/javascript"> var g_quantSegs=""; function qc_results(result) { for (var i = 0; i < result.segments.length; i++) { g_quantSegs += "qcseg=" + result.segments[i].id + ";"; } } </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://pixel.quantserve.com/api/segments.json?a=p-efoP1AkkGV9EU&callback=qc_results"></script>  <script type="text/javascript"> // TA check rates popup function checkRates_popup(hotel_id){ if (hotel_id == undefined) { return;} var hotel_popup_id = '#hotel_popup_' + hotel_id; var hotel_name = $(hotel_popup_id).children('a.hotel-name').html(); cr_popup(hotel_id, hotel_name, '.cr-map-btn', 42, -153, 'bottom'); }; //TA Popup under var ta_pop_w; function ta_flightwiget(f_dest) { ta_popund_call('FLIGHTWIDGET',null,f_dest); } function ta_popund_call(f_pt,f_q,f_dest) { var f_mcid; var l_referrer = ''; if ( f_pt != 'FLIGHTWIDGET') { if ( l_referrer.indexOf('usnews.com') > -1 || l_referrer == '') { if (f_pt == 'DESTINATION_PROFILE') { f_mcid = 19176; } else if (f_pt == 'HOTEL_PROFILE') { f_mcid = 19180; } else if (f_pt == 'HOTEL_LIST') { f_mcid = 19178; } } else { if (f_pt == 'DESTINATION_PROFILE') { f_mcid = 19175; } else if (f_pt == 'HOTEL_PROFILE') { f_mcid = 19179; } else if (f_pt == 'HOTEL_LIST') { f_mcid = 19177; } } } else if (f_pt == 'FLIGHTWIDGET') { f_mcid = 19174; } else { return; } if (f_q != undefined) { ta_pop_w = TA_create_exit_window(f_mcid,{q:f_q}); } else if (f_dest != undefined) { ta_pop_w = TA_create_exit_window(f_mcid,{dest:f_dest}); } } </script> <script> //global map variables //Google variables var gl_g_markers; var gl_g_map; var gl_g_infoWindow; //OpenstreetMap variables var gl_o_map; var gl_o_markers; </script> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956cs_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/css/main_rankings.rr39.css"/> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/js/tag_rank_vote.rr4.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/js/jquery.form.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://www.google.com/recaptcha/api/js/recaptcha_ajax.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> var RecaptchaOptions = {theme : 'clean'}; var ranking_id = 981; $(document).ready(function(){ setupComments(); setupMap(); }); function getCommentCount(){ var the_url = '/ajax/get_comment_count/981/'; $.ajax({ url: the_url, type: 'POST', success: function(data) { for (i=0; i<data.length; i++){ var link_div = '#dest-' + data[i]['d_id'] + ' .comment-link'; $(link_div).removeClass('add-comment').addClass('show-comments').html('Comments (' + data[i]['count'] + ')'); } } }); } function setupComments() { $("a[rel*=leanModal]").leanModal({top: 100, overlay: 0.45}); $('body').delegate(".add-comment", "click", function (){ clearPopup(); populatePopup($(this).attr('name')); getCommentForm(); }); $('body').delegate(".show-comments", "click", function (){ clearPopup(); populatePopup($(this).attr('name')); $('#comment-window .loading').show(); var dest_id = $(this).attr('name').split('-')[1]; getComments(dest_id, '981'); }); $('body').delegate(".add-comment-link", "click", function (){ $('.all-comments').hide(); $('.add-comment-link').hide(); $('#add-comment-form').fadeIn(); showRecaptcha(); initForm(); $('#add-comment-form .cancel-comment').show(); }); $('body').delegate(".cancel-comment", "click", function (){ $('#add-comment-form').hide(); $('.add-comment-link').fadeIn(); $('.all-comments').fadeIn(); }); $('body').delegate(".flag-comment", "click", function (){ c_id = $(this).attr('id').split('-')[1]; flagComment(c_id); }); $('body').delegate(".submit-comment", "click", function (){ if ($('.comment-popup .comment').val() == 'Leave a comment'){ $('.comment-popup .comment').val(''); } if ($('.comment-popup .name').val() == 'Name'){ $('.comment-popup .name').val(''); } var c_vote = 3; if ($('#comment-window .vote-box .voted-up').is(":visible")){ c_vote = 1; } else if ($('#comment-window .vote-box .voted-down').is(":visible")){ c_vote = 0; } var dest_id = $('#comment-window .vote-box').attr('id').split('v')[1]; submitComment(dest_id, '981', c_vote); }); $('.comment-popup .close').click(function(){ $('#lean_overlay').hide(); $(this).parent().hide(); }) } function showRecaptcha() { Recaptcha.create("6Lci2r4SAAAAANLuZ0o06YdWP5-PCt9UZ_a4b97l", 'recaptcha', { theme: "clean", callback: function(){ $('#recaptcha_response_field').tbHinter({text: 'Please enter the two words you see above.', styleClass: 'gray-text'}); } }); } function getCommentForm(){ the_url = '/ajax/get_comment_form/'; $.ajax({ url: the_url, success: function(data) { $('#ajax-update').html(data); $('#add-comment-form').show(); showRecaptcha(); initForm(); } }); } function getComments(dest_id, rank_id){ the_url = '/ajax/get_comments/' + dest_id + '/' + rank_id + '/'; $.ajax({ url: the_url, success: function(data) { $('#ajax-update').html(data); $('.all-comments').show(); $('.add-comment-link').show(); } }); } function submitComment(dest_id, rank_id, vote){ var comment_div = "#link-" + dest_id; var the_url = '/ajax/submit_comment/' + dest_id + '/' + rank_id + '/' + vote + '/'; var data = $('#add-comment-form').serialize(); $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: the_url, data: data, success: function(data) { $('#ajax-update').html(data); var user_name = $('#add-comment-form .name').val(); $.cookie("u_name", user_name, { path: '/', expires: 90 }); if ($('.all-comments').is(":visible")){ if ($(comment_div).html() == "Add Comment"){ $(comment_div).html('Comments (1)').removeClass('add-comment').addClass('show-comments'); } else { count = $(comment_div).html().slice(10, -1); $(comment_div).html('Comments (' + (++count) + ')'); } } else { showRecaptcha(); var the_comment = $('#add-comment-form .comment').val(); initForm(); if (the_comment){ $('#add-comment-form .comment').val(the_comment).removeClass('gray-text'); } } } }); } function flagComment(comment_id){ the_url = '/ajax/flag_comment/' + comment_id + '/'; $.ajax({ type: 'POST', url: the_url, success: function(data) { alert('This comment has been flagged for review. Thanks for your help.'); } }); } function initForm(){ $('#add-comment-form .comment').val(''); if ($.cookie("u_name")){ $('#add-comment-form .name').val($.cookie("u_name")); } else { $('#add-comment-form .name').val(''); } $('#add-comment-form .comment').tbHinter({text: 'Leave a comment', styleClass: 'gray-text'}); $('#add-comment-form .name').tbHinter({text: 'Name', styleClass: 'gray-text'}); $('#add-comment-form .name').keydown(function (e) { var code = e.keyCode || e.which; if (code == '9') { e.preventDefault(); $('#recaptcha_response_field').focus(); } }); $('#add-comment-form .cancel-comment').hide(); } function clearPopup(){ $('#comment-window .dest-img').attr('src',''); $('#comment-window .ranking').html(''); $('#comment-window .vote').html(''); $('#comment-window .vote-box').remove(); $('#comment-window .form-error').remove(); $('.all-comments').hide(); $('.add-comment-link').hide(); $('#add-comment-form').hide(); $('#comment-window .one-comment').remove(); $('.title.add-comment').hide(); } function populatePopup(div_id){ var img_src = $(div_id + ' .dest-bg img').attr('src'); var name = $(div_id + ' .dest-name a').html(); if (!name){ name = $(div_id + ' .dest-name').html(); } var rank = $(div_id + ' .rank-number span').html(); var vote_id = '#' + $(div_id + ' .vote-box').attr('id'); $('#comment-window .dest-img').attr('src',img_src); $('#comment-window .ranking').html(name + ' is ranked <span><sup>#</sup>' + rank + '</span>'); $('#comment-window .vote').html('Does ' + name + ' belong on this list?'); $(vote_id).clone().appendTo('#comment-window .dest-info'); $('#comment-window .dest-info ' + vote_id).removeClass('orig'); } function setupMap(){ var firstClick = true; $('#map').hide(); $.cookie("map_expanded", null, { path: '/'}); $('#map-expand').click(function() { $('#map').slideDown('slow'); $(this).hide(); if ($.cookie("map_expanded") != 'true' && firstClick ){ initializeMap(); firstClick = false; } $.cookie("map_expanded", 'true', { path: '/', expires: 90 }); $('#map-collapse').show(); }); $('#map-collapse').click(function() { $.cookie("map_expanded", 'false', { path: '/', expires: 90 }); $('#map').slideUp('slow'); $(this).hide(); $('#map-expand').show(); }); } function initializeMap(){ var locations = [ { "name" : "Fiji", "lat" : -17.819189, "lng" : 177.981995, "url" : "/Fiji/", "icon" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/1_rank.png", "iconWidth" : 22, "iconHeight" : 28, "iconAnchor" : 8, "iconAnchorX" : 8, "iconAnchorY" : 28, "shadow" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/har_shadow.png", "shadowWidth" : 30, "shadowHeight" : 17, "shadowAnchor" : 0, "popupAnchorX" : 3, "popupAnchorY" : -28, } , { "name" : "Bora Bora", "lat" : -16.500509, "lng" : -151.739105, "url" : "/Bora_Bora/", "icon" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/2_rank.png", "iconWidth" : 22, "iconHeight" : 28, "iconAnchor" : 8, "iconAnchorX" : 8, "iconAnchorY" : 28, "shadow" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/har_shadow.png", "shadowWidth" : 30, "shadowHeight" : 17, "shadowAnchor" : 0, "popupAnchorX" : 3, "popupAnchorY" : -28, } , { "name" : "Sydney", "lat" : -33.873459, "lng" : 151.207901, "url" : "/Sydney_Australia/", "icon" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/3_rank.png", "iconWidth" : 22, "iconHeight" : 28, "iconAnchor" : 8, "iconAnchorX" : 8, "iconAnchorY" : 28, "shadow" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/har_shadow.png", "shadowWidth" : 30, "shadowHeight" : 17, "shadowAnchor" : 0, "popupAnchorX" : 3, "popupAnchorY" : -28, } , { "name" : "Great Barrier Reef", "lat" : -16.925449, "lng" : 145.777603, "url" : "/Great_Barrier_Reef_Australia/", "icon" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/4_rank.png", "iconWidth" : 22, "iconHeight" : 28, "iconAnchor" : 8, "iconAnchorX" : 8, "iconAnchorY" : 28, "shadow" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/har_shadow.png", "shadowWidth" : 30, "shadowHeight" : 17, "shadowAnchor" : 0, "popupAnchorX" : 3, "popupAnchorY" : -28, } , { "name" : "Queenstown", "lat" : -45.03093, "lng" : 168.661896, "url" : "/Queenstown_New_Zealand/", "icon" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/5_rank.png", "iconWidth" : 22, "iconHeight" : 28, "iconAnchor" : 8, "iconAnchorX" : 8, "iconAnchorY" : 28, "shadow" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/har_shadow.png", "shadowWidth" : 30, "shadowHeight" : 17, "shadowAnchor" : 0, "popupAnchorX" : 3, "popupAnchorY" : -28, } , { "name" : "Brisbane", "lat" : -27.47081, "lng" : 153.026505, "url" : "/Brisbane_Australia/", "icon" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/6_rank.png", "iconWidth" : 22, "iconHeight" : 28, "iconAnchor" : 8, "iconAnchorX" : 8, "iconAnchorY" : 28, "shadow" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/har_shadow.png", "shadowWidth" : 30, "shadowHeight" : 17, "shadowAnchor" : 0, "popupAnchorX" : 3, "popupAnchorY" : -28, } , { "name" : "Melbourne", "lat" : -37.81295, "lng" : 144.961197, "url" : "/Melbourne_Australia/", "icon" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/7_rank.png", "iconWidth" : 22, "iconHeight" : 28, "iconAnchor" : 8, "iconAnchorX" : 8, "iconAnchorY" : 28, "shadow" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/har_shadow.png", "shadowWidth" : 30, "shadowHeight" : 17, "shadowAnchor" : 0, "popupAnchorX" : 3, "popupAnchorY" : -28, } , { "name" : "Auckland", "lat" : -36.853161, "lng" : 174.761597, "url" : "/Auckland_New_Zealand/", "icon" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/8_rank.png", "iconWidth" : 22, "iconHeight" : 28, "iconAnchor" : 8, "iconAnchorX" : 8, "iconAnchorY" : 28, "shadow" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/har_shadow.png", "shadowWidth" : 30, "shadowHeight" : 17, "shadowAnchor" : 0, "popupAnchorX" : 3, "popupAnchorY" : -28, } , { "name" : "Tahiti", "lat" : -17.62952, "lng" : -149.457993, "url" : "/Tahiti_French_Polynesia/", "icon" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/9_rank.png", "iconWidth" : 22, "iconHeight" : 28, "iconAnchor" : 8, "iconAnchorX" : 8, "iconAnchorY" : 28, "shadow" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/map_icons/har_shadow.png", "shadowWidth" : 30, "shadowHeight" : 17, "shadowAnchor" : 0, "popupAnchorX" : 3, "popupAnchorY" : -28, } ]; gl_g_markers = []; g_displayMapsWithLinks(locations,'lmap-canvas'); } </script>  <script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; var pluginUrl = '//web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://www.google-analytics.com/plugins/ga/inpage_linkid.js'; _gaq.push(['_require', 'inpage_linkid', pluginUrl]); _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-11338984-1']); if ('Ranking list') { _gaq.push(['_setCustomVar',1,'Section','Ranking list',3]); } _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/https://ssl' : 'https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); function wt_track_pageview(f_tracking_url) { if (f_tracking_url != "") { _gaq.push(['_trackPageview' , f_tracking_url ]); } else { _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); } } function wt_track_event(event) { if('label' in event) { _gaq.push(['_trackEvent', event.category, event.action, event.label]); } else { _gaq.push(['_trackEvent', event.category, event.action]); } setTimeout(null,100); } </script>   <script type="text/javascript"> var _qevents = _qevents || []; (function() { var elem = document.createElement('script'); elem.src = (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/https://secure" : "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://edge") + ".quantserve.com/quant.js"; elem.async = true; elem.type = "text/javascript"; var scpt = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; scpt.parentNode.insertBefore(elem, scpt); })(); _qevents.push({ qacct:"p-efoP1AkkGV9EU" }); </script> <noscript> <div style="display:none;"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-efoP1AkkGV9EU.gif" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt="Quantcast"/> </div> </noscript>   <script type="text/javascript">document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + (document.location.protocol == "https:" ? "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/https://sb" : "http://b") + ".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js' %3E%3C/script%3E"));</script> <script type="text/javascript">COMSCORE.beacon({ c1:2, c2:"11307981", c3:"", c4:escape(window.location), c5:"", c6:"travel", c15:"" });</script><noscript> <div><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://b.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&c2=11307981&c3=&c4=&c5=&c6=travel&c15=&cj=1" alt="comScore"/></div></noscript>   <script type="text/javascript"> var _vis_opt_account_id = 25361; var _vis_opt_url = typeof(_vis_opt_url)=="undefined" ? document.URL : _vis_opt_url; var _vis_opt_protocol = (('https:' == document.location.protocol) ? 'https://' : 'http://'); document.write('<s' + 'cript src="' + _vis_opt_protocol + 'dev.visualwebsiteoptimizer.com/deploy/js_visitor_settings.php?v=1&a='+_vis_opt_account_id+'&url=' +encodeURIComponent(_vis_opt_url)+'&random='+Math.random()+'" type="text/javascript">' + '<\/s' + 'cript>'); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof(_vis_opt_settings_loaded) == "boolean") { document.write('<s' + 'cript src="' + _vis_opt_protocol + 'd5phz18u4wuww.cloudfront.net/vis_opt.js" type="text/javascript">' + '<\/s' + 'cript>'); } // if your site already has jQuery 1.4.2, replace vis_opt.js with vis_opt_no_jquery.js above </script> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof(_vis_opt_settings_loaded) == "boolean" && typeof(_vis_opt_top_initialize) == "function") { _vis_opt_top_initialize(); vwo_$(document).ready(function() { _vis_opt_bottom_initialize(); }); } </script>  </head> <body> <div class="global-wrapper"> <script> $(document).ready(function() { try { $.cookie('d-maptype',null,{path:'/'}); } catch (ex){} }); </script>  <script type="text/javascript">var _kiq = _kiq || [];</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/ki.js/13866/2wY.js" async="true"></script>  <div id="fb-root"></div> <script> ord = Math.random() * 10000000000000000; (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); } (document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); </script> <div class="header"> <div class="header-global-wrap"> <div class="header-global"> <ul> <li class="usn-home"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://www.usnews.com/">U.S. News Home</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://www.usnews.com/news">News</a></li> <li class="dropdown-label"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://www.usnews.com/rankings"><span>Rankings & Advice</span></a> <ul class="dropdown"> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://www.usnews.com/education"><span>Education</span></a></li> <li><a class="health" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://health.usnews.com/"><span>Health</span></a></li> <li><a class="money" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://www.usnews.com/money"><span>Money</span></a></li> <li><a class="travel" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://www.usnews.com/travel"><span>Travel</span></a></li> <li><a class="cars" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://www.usnews.com/cars"><span>Cars</span></a></li> <li><a class="law" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://bestlawfirms.usnews.com/"><span>Law</span></a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="header-logo-wrap"> <div class="header-logo"> <div class="header-title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://www.usnews.com/"><img width="170" height="40" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/header/usn_logo.png"></a> <a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/" data-text="Travel">Travel</a> </div> <div class="header-tagline"> <ul> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/https://www.facebook.com/pages/US-News-Travel/108383375906117" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/https://twitter.com/USNewsTravel" target="_blank" class="tw">Twitter</a></li> </ul> <span class="tagline">Travel Rankings & Advice</span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="header-nav-wrap"> <div class="header-nav"> <ul class="main-nav"> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/">Home</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/">Best Vacations</a> <ul class="dropdown"> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/USA/">USA</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Canada/">Canada</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Mexico/">Mexico</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Caribbean/">Caribbean</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Central_South_America/">Central & South America</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Europe/">Europe</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Africa_The_Middle_East/">Africa & Middle East</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Asia/">Asia</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Australia_The_Pacific/">Australia & The Pacific</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/">Best Hotels</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/cruises/">Best Cruises</a></li> <li class="last"> <a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Travel-Rewards/">Rewards Programs</a> <ul class="dropdown"> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Travel-Rewards/hotel-rewards/">Hotel Rewards Programs</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Travel-Rewards/airline-rewards/">Airline Rewards Programs</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956cs_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/css/destination_finder.rr9.css"/> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956js_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/js/destination_finder.rr5.js"></script> <div id="dest-finder"> <input id="finder-search" type="text" onkeyup="matchWords(event);"/>  <ul class="destination"> </ul> <div id="finder-submit" class="btn">Search</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ad-Out-of-page" id="adv-7" style="display:none"> <script type="text/javascript"> // Double Click variables - TODO - These need to be set properly var adParameters = 'kw=travel;kw=bestvacations'; var sitename = 'usn.bestvacations'; renderDoubleClickDynamic(7, adParameters, sitename,g_quantSegs); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> adValidator("adv-7"); </script> </div> <div id="breadcrumbs-sm"> <div class="breadcrumbs"><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/">Rankings</a> <span>></span> <a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Australia_The_Pacific/">Australia & The Pacific</a> <span>></span> Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific</div> </div> <div id="cr" class="new"> <div class="cr-close" onclick="close_popup();">X</div> <div class="cr-dates"> <div class="cr-header">Find the Best Price</div> <input type="text" class="checkin-date calendar" name="checkin-date-popup" value="Check In"/> <input type="text" class="checkout-date calendar" name="checkout-date-popup" value="Check Out"/> <a id="update-dates" class="show-prices btn">Show Prices</a> <a class="change-dates btn">Change Dates</a> </div> <div class="cr-iframe"> <iframe src="/web/20140921194956if_/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Best_Australian_and_Pacific_Vacations/" width="405" height="400" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div> <div class="cr-arrow"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> function cr_popup(ta_id, ta_name, btn, top, left, position){ var checkin_date; var checkout_date; if($.cookie("checkin_date") != null){ checkin_date = new Date(parseInt($.cookie("checkin_date"))); $(".checkin-date").datepicker("setDate", checkin_date); } if($.cookie("checkout_date") != null){ checkout_date = new Date(parseInt($.cookie("checkout_date"))); $(".checkout-date").datepicker("setDate", checkout_date); } $('.cr-dates').attr('id', 'taid_' + ta_id); $('.cr-iframe').html(''); $('#cr').removeClass(); $('#cr').addClass('new'); if (checkin_date != null && checkout_date != null){ var checkin = checkin_date.getFullYear() + "-" + (checkin_date.getMonth()+1) + "-" + checkin_date.getDate(); var checkout = checkout_date.getFullYear() + "-" + (checkout_date.getMonth()+1) + "-" + checkout_date.getDate(); var iframe_src = "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://www.tripadvisor.com/WidgetEmbed-cdshotelmeta?partnerId=1BC939997ADF43248096C8FF7D34EA0B&display=true&locationId=" + ta_id + "&checkin=" + checkin + "&checkout=" + checkout; var the_iframe = '<iframe src="" width="360" height="350" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src=""></iframe>' $('#cr .cr-iframe').html(the_iframe); $('#cr .cr-iframe iframe').attr('src', iframe_src); } else { $('#cr .change-dates').hide(); $('#cr #update-dates').css('display','block'); $('.cr-header').show(); $('#cr').addClass('no-dates'); } var cr_btn_top = $(btn).offset().top + top; var cr_btn_left = $(btn).offset().left + left; $('#cr').addClass(position); $('#cr').css('top',cr_btn_top); $('#cr').css('left',cr_btn_left); $('#cr').fadeIn('fast'); if ($('#cr').hasClass('no-dates')){ $('#cr .cr-dates .checkin-date').datepicker('show'); } } function close_popup(){ $('#cr').hide(); $('.cr-iframe').html(''); } $(document).ready(function(){ $('#cr #update-dates').click(function (){ if ($.cookie("checkin_date") != null && $.cookie("checkout_date") != null){ if( $('#cr').hasClass('no-dates') ){ $('#cr').removeClass('no-dates'); $('#cr .change-dates').css('display','block'); $('#cr #update-dates').hide(); $('.cr-header').hide(); } var in_date = $(this).parent().children(".checkin-date").datepicker("getDate"); var out_date = $(this).parent().children(".checkout-date").datepicker("getDate"); var checkin = in_date.getFullYear() + "-" + (in_date.getMonth()+1) + "-" + in_date.getDate(); var checkout = out_date.getFullYear() + "-" + (out_date.getMonth()+1) + "-" + out_date.getDate(); var ta_id = $('.cr-dates').attr('id').split('_')[1]; var iframe_src = "https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://www.tripadvisor.com/WidgetEmbed-cdshotelmeta?partnerId=1BC939997ADF43248096C8FF7D34EA0B&display=true&locationId=" + ta_id + "&checkin=" + checkin + "&checkout=" + checkout; var the_iframe = '<iframe src="" width="360" height="350" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src=""></iframe>' $('#cr .cr-iframe').html(the_iframe); $('#cr .cr-iframe iframe').attr('src', iframe_src); } }); }); </script> <div id="content"> <div class="ad-728x90" id="adv-1" style="display:none"> <script type="text/javascript"> // Double Click variables - TODO - These need to be set properly var adParameters = 'kw=australiathepacific;kw=travel;kw=bestvacations;kw=bestplacestovisit'; var sitename = 'usn.bestvacations'; renderDoubleClickDynamic(1, adParameters, sitename,g_quantSegs); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> adValidator("adv-1"); </script> </div> <div id="page-heading"> <div class="share"> <span>Share:</span> <a class="fb" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=http%3A//travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Best_Australian_and_Pacific_Vacations/%2F%3Fsrc%3Dusns_fb" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a class="tw" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://twitter.com/share?text=Best%20Places%20to%20Visit%20in%20Australia%20and%20The%20Pacific&via=USNewsTravel&url=http%3A//travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Best_Australian_and_Pacific_Vacations/%2F%3Fsrc%3Dusns_tw" target="_blank">Tweet</a> <a class="gp" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/https://plus.google.com/share?url=http%3A//travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Best_Australian_and_Pacific_Vacations/%2F%3Fsrc%3Dusns_gp" target="_blank">Google+</a> </div> <h1>Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific</h1> <p>Australia and its Pacific neighbors are home to cosmopolitan cities like Sydney as well as awe-inspiring scenes like those found along the Great Barrier Reef. But costly airfare and plenty of time en route can be a deterrent for some travelers. Should you decide to make the trek, it's useful to know the best spots to visit in the region — that's where we come in. <a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/">U.S. News</a> ranked the top destinations in Australia and the Pacific based on factors like tourist-friendly accommodations, dining options, accessibility and diversity of attraction offerings. We also took into account user votes and expert opinions to compile the list below. Help us determine next year's ranking by voting for your favorite spots.</p> </div> <div id="map" style="display:none"> <div id="lmap-canvas"></div> </div> <img id="map-expand" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/rank_list_map_expand.gif" alt="Expand Map"/> <img id="map-collapse" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/rank_list_map_collapse.gif" alt="Expand Map"/> <div id="main"> <div id="dest-291" class="rank-element"> <div class="dest-image-rank"> <div class="rank-number "><sup>#</sup><span>1</span></div> <div class="dest-bg"> <a class="dest-image" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Fiji/Pictures/"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/destinations/291/main_image_-_cropped_116x130.jpg" alt=""/></a> <a class="more-photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Fiji/Pictures/">Photos<span>»</span></a> </div> </div> <div id="v291" class="vote-box orig"> <div class="notvoted votes"> <div class="title">Belongs on list?</div> <div><a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('up', 291, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_btn.gif"/></a> <a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('down', 291, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_btn.gif"/></a></div> <div class="count"><span>86</span> <span>7</span></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-up votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_btn.gif"/></div> <div class="count"><span class="up">86</span> <span class="down">7</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-291" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-down votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> </div> <div class="count"><span class="up">86</span> <span class="down">7</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-291" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="dest-name silver-badge"> <a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Fiji/">Fiji</a> </div> <p class="links"> <a class="photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Fiji/Pictures/">See Photos</a> <span>|</span> <a class="hotels" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/Fiji/">Best Hotels</a> <span>|</span> <a rel="leanModal" id="link-291" name="#dest-291" href="#comment-window" class="add-comment comment-link">Add Comment</a> </p> <p class="dest-description"><strong>Why go: </strong>This collection of islands offers more than the simple beach resort destination. There are mountains to hike, reefs to explore and a native culture to experience. Plus, Fijians are notoriously welcoming to foreign travelers, and their easygoing attitudes will imbue your vacation with a relaxed atmosphere ideal for R&R.; <a class="see-more" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Fiji/">Read More<span>»</span></a></p> <p><strong>Read On: </strong><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Fiji/Things_To_Do/">Top Things to Do in Fiji</a></p> </div> <div id="dest-289" class="rank-element"> <div class="dest-image-rank"> <div class="rank-number "><sup>#</sup><span>2</span></div> <div class="dest-bg"> <a class="dest-image" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Bora_Bora/Pictures/"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/destinations/289/fiji_main_image_-_cropped_116x130.jpg" alt=""/></a> <a class="more-photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Bora_Bora/Pictures/">Photos<span>»</span></a> </div> </div> <div id="v289" class="vote-box orig"> <div class="notvoted votes"> <div class="title">Belongs on list?</div> <div><a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('up', 289, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_btn.gif"/></a> <a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('down', 289, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_btn.gif"/></a></div> <div class="count"><span>102</span> <span>12</span></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-up votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_btn.gif"/></div> <div class="count"><span class="up">102</span> <span class="down">12</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-289" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-down votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> </div> <div class="count"><span class="up">102</span> <span class="down">12</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-289" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="dest-name silver-badge"> <a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Bora_Bora/">Bora Bora</a> </div> <p class="links"> <a class="photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Bora_Bora/Pictures/">See Photos</a> <span>|</span> <a class="hotels" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/Bora_Bora/">Best Hotels</a> <span>|</span> <a rel="leanModal" id="link-289" name="#dest-289" href="#comment-window" class="add-comment comment-link">Add Comment</a> </p> <p class="dest-description"><strong>Why go: </strong>This doubly-named island is especially popular among honeymooners and other travelers searching for once-in-a-liftime vacations. Here, you'll discover matchless vistas of cerulean waves, lush jungles and towering volcanoes. Though, travelers should note that a trip to this picturesque island comes with a high pricetag. <a class="see-more" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Bora_Bora/">Read More<span>»</span></a></p> <p><strong>Read On: </strong><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Bora_Bora/Things_To_Do/">Top Things to Do in Bora Bora</a></p> </div> <div id="dest-290" class="rank-element"> <div class="dest-image-rank"> <div class="rank-number "><sup>#</sup><span>3</span></div> <div class="dest-bg"> <a class="dest-image" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Sydney_Australia/Pictures/"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/destinations/290/main_image_2_116x130.jpg" alt=""/></a> <a class="more-photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Sydney_Australia/Pictures/">Photos<span>»</span></a> </div> </div> <div id="v290" class="vote-box orig"> <div class="notvoted votes"> <div class="title">Belongs on list?</div> <div><a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('up', 290, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_btn.gif"/></a> <a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('down', 290, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_btn.gif"/></a></div> <div class="count"><span>124</span> <span>14</span></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-up votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_btn.gif"/></div> <div class="count"><span class="up">124</span> <span class="down">14</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-290" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-down votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> </div> <div class="count"><span class="up">124</span> <span class="down">14</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-290" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="dest-name silver-badge"> <a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Sydney_Australia/">Sydney</a> </div> <p class="links"> <a class="photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Sydney_Australia/Pictures/">See Photos</a> <span>|</span> <a class="hotels" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/Sydney_Australia/">Best Hotels</a> <span>|</span> <a rel="leanModal" id="link-290" name="#dest-290" href="#comment-window" class="add-comment comment-link">Add Comment</a> </p> <p class="dest-description"><strong>Why go: </strong>Sydney offers both the fast-paced vacation of a world-class metropolis and the laid-back attitude of a beach town. Sunbathe at Bondi, explore the museums of Darling Harbour or stroll along Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney offers a bevy of entertaining attractions, most famously the glamorous Opera House, awaiting exploration. <a class="see-more" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Sydney_Australia/">Read More<span>»</span></a></p> <p><strong>Read On: </strong><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Sydney_Australia/Things_To_Do/">Top Things to Do in Sydney</a></p> </div> <div class="ad-468x60" id="adv-8" style="display:none"> <script type="text/javascript"> // Double Click variables - TODO - These need to be set properly var adParameters = 'kw=australiathepacific;kw=travel;kw=bestvacations;kw=bestplacestovisit'; var sitename = 'usn.bestvacations'; renderDoubleClickDynamic(8, adParameters, sitename,g_quantSegs); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> adValidator("adv-8"); </script> </div> <div id="dest-362" class="rank-element"> <div class="dest-image-rank"> <div class="rank-number "><sup>#</sup><span>4</span></div> <div class="dest-bg"> <a class="dest-image" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Great_Barrier_Reef_Australia/Pictures/"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/destinations/362/main_116x130.jpg" alt=""/></a> <a class="more-photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Great_Barrier_Reef_Australia/Pictures/">Photos<span>»</span></a> </div> </div> <div id="v362" class="vote-box orig"> <div class="notvoted votes"> <div class="title">Belongs on list?</div> <div><a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('up', 362, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_btn.gif"/></a> <a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('down', 362, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_btn.gif"/></a></div> <div class="count"><span>117</span> <span>7</span></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-up votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_btn.gif"/></div> <div class="count"><span class="up">117</span> <span class="down">7</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-362" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-down votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> </div> <div class="count"><span class="up">117</span> <span class="down">7</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-362" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="dest-name "> <a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Great_Barrier_Reef_Australia/">Great Barrier Reef</a> </div> <p class="links"> <a class="photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Great_Barrier_Reef_Australia/Pictures/">See Photos</a> <span>|</span> <a class="hotels" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/Great_Barrier_Reef_Australia/">Best Hotels</a> <span>|</span> <a rel="leanModal" id="link-362" name="#dest-362" href="#comment-window" class="add-comment comment-link">Add Comment</a> </p> <p class="dest-description"><strong>Why go: </strong>The Great Barrier Reef stands with the Grand Canyon as one of the world's most astounding natural wonders. Its sheer size and diversity of life continuously wows travelers. You can't explore the entire reef in a single trip, but just visiting a portion will instigate a deep appreciation for this underwater marvel. <a class="see-more" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Great_Barrier_Reef_Australia/">Read More<span>»</span></a></p> <p><strong>Read On: </strong><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Great_Barrier_Reef_Australia/Things_To_Do/">Top Things to Do in Great Barrier Reef</a></p> </div> <div id="dest-293" class="rank-element"> <div class="dest-image-rank"> <div class="rank-number "><sup>#</sup><span>5</span></div> <div class="dest-bg"> <a class="dest-image" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Queenstown_New_Zealand/Pictures/"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/destinations/293/main_image_cropped_116x130.jpg" alt=""/></a> <a class="more-photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Queenstown_New_Zealand/Pictures/">Photos<span>»</span></a> </div> </div> <div id="v293" class="vote-box orig"> <div class="notvoted votes"> <div class="title">Belongs on list?</div> <div><a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('up', 293, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_btn.gif"/></a> <a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('down', 293, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_btn.gif"/></a></div> <div class="count"><span>73</span> <span>12</span></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-up votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_btn.gif"/></div> <div class="count"><span class="up">73</span> <span class="down">12</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-293" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-down votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> </div> <div class="count"><span class="up">73</span> <span class="down">12</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-293" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="dest-name "> <a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Queenstown_New_Zealand/">Queenstown</a> </div> <p class="links"> <a class="photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Queenstown_New_Zealand/Pictures/">See Photos</a> <span>|</span> <a class="hotels" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/Queenstown_New_Zealand/">Best Hotels</a> <span>|</span> <a rel="leanModal" id="link-293" name="#dest-293" href="#comment-window" class="add-comment comment-link">Add Comment</a> </p> <p class="dest-description"><strong>Why go: </strong>New Zealand's adventure capital boasts a daredevil spirit with opportunities to bungee jump, river raft and sky-dive. You can also experience a calmer side of the city with a dip in the Onsen Hot Pools or a tasting at Peregrine Wines. And from a Skyline Gondola, you'll admire the majesty of Queenstown from above. <a class="see-more" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Queenstown_New_Zealand/">Read More<span>»</span></a></p> <p><strong>Read On: </strong><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Queenstown_New_Zealand/Things_To_Do/">Top Things to Do in Queenstown</a></p> </div> <div id="dest-332" class="rank-element"> <div class="dest-image-rank"> <div class="rank-number "><sup>#</sup><span>6</span></div> <div class="dest-bg"> <a class="dest-image" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Brisbane_Australia/Pictures/"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/destinations/332/riverlife_adventure_centre_kayak_main_116x130.jpg" alt=""/></a> <a class="more-photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Brisbane_Australia/Pictures/">Photos<span>»</span></a> </div> </div> <div id="v332" class="vote-box orig"> <div class="notvoted votes"> <div class="title">Belongs on list?</div> <div><a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('up', 332, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_btn.gif"/></a> <a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('down', 332, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_btn.gif"/></a></div> <div class="count"><span>71</span> <span>24</span></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-up votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_btn.gif"/></div> <div class="count"><span class="up">71</span> <span class="down">24</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-332" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-down votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> </div> <div class="count"><span class="up">71</span> <span class="down">24</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-332" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="dest-name "> <a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Brisbane_Australia/">Brisbane</a> </div> <p class="links"> <a class="photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Brisbane_Australia/Pictures/">See Photos</a> <span>|</span> <a class="hotels" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/Brisbane_Australia/">Best Hotels</a> <span>|</span> <a rel="leanModal" id="link-332" name="#dest-332" href="#comment-window" class="add-comment comment-link">Add Comment</a> </p> <p class="dest-description"><strong>Why go: </strong>Brisbane is perhaps the best place to get acquainted with Aussie culture. It's a humble city with a modest skyline, quaint neighborhoods and a friendly populace. Yet Brisbane possesses the urban allure of a large metropolis with a substantial music scene and numerous world-class museums. <a class="see-more" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Brisbane_Australia/">Read More<span>»</span></a></p> <p><strong>Read On: </strong><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Brisbane_Australia/Things_To_Do/">Top Things to Do in Brisbane</a></p> </div> <div id="dest-292" class="rank-element"> <div class="dest-image-rank"> <div class="rank-number "><sup>#</sup><span>7</span></div> <div class="dest-bg"> <a class="dest-image" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Melbourne_Australia/Pictures/"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/destinations/292/main_image_cropped_116x130.jpg" alt=""/></a> <a class="more-photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Melbourne_Australia/Pictures/">Photos<span>»</span></a> </div> </div> <div id="v292" class="vote-box orig"> <div class="notvoted votes"> <div class="title">Belongs on list?</div> <div><a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('up', 292, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_btn.gif"/></a> <a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('down', 292, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_btn.gif"/></a></div> <div class="count"><span>68</span> <span>18</span></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-up votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_btn.gif"/></div> <div class="count"><span class="up">68</span> <span class="down">18</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-292" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-down votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> </div> <div class="count"><span class="up">68</span> <span class="down">18</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-292" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="dest-name "> <a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Melbourne_Australia/">Melbourne</a> </div> <p class="links"> <a class="photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Melbourne_Australia/Pictures/">See Photos</a> <span>|</span> <a class="hotels" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/Melbourne_Australia/">Best Hotels</a> <span>|</span> <a rel="leanModal" id="link-292" name="#dest-292" href="#comment-window" class="add-comment comment-link">Add Comment</a> </p> <p class="dest-description"><strong>Why go: </strong>Australia's events capital puts on a show for visitors. You can't miss the Australian Open, an annual sporting competition that brings a contagious enthusiasm to the city. Also make sure to visit<span> with Melbourne's penguins</span> on Phillip Island (and at the Melbourne Zoo). <a class="see-more" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Melbourne_Australia/">Read More<span>»</span></a></p> <p><strong>Read On: </strong><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Melbourne_Australia/Things_To_Do/">Top Things to Do in Melbourne</a></p> </div> <div id="dest-295" class="rank-element"> <div class="dest-image-rank"> <div class="rank-number "><sup>#</sup><span>8</span></div> <div class="dest-bg"> <a class="dest-image" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Auckland_New_Zealand/Pictures/"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/destinations/295/main_image_-_cropped_116x130.jpg" alt=""/></a> <a class="more-photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Auckland_New_Zealand/Pictures/">Photos<span>»</span></a> </div> </div> <div id="v295" class="vote-box orig"> <div class="notvoted votes"> <div class="title">Belongs on list?</div> <div><a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('up', 295, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_btn.gif"/></a> <a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('down', 295, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_btn.gif"/></a></div> <div class="count"><span>57</span> <span>38</span></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-up votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_btn.gif"/></div> <div class="count"><span class="up">57</span> <span class="down">38</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-295" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-down votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> </div> <div class="count"><span class="up">57</span> <span class="down">38</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-295" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="dest-name "> <a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Auckland_New_Zealand/">Auckland</a> </div> <p class="links"> <a class="photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Auckland_New_Zealand/Pictures/">See Photos</a> <span>|</span> <a class="hotels" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/Auckland_New_Zealand/">Best Hotels</a> <span>|</span> <a rel="leanModal" id="link-295" name="#dest-295" href="#comment-window" class="add-comment comment-link">Add Comment</a> </p> <p class="dest-description"><strong>Why go: </strong>This cosmopolitan city boasts a diverse population that brings unique flavors and traditions to the local culture. This fusion has resulted in nightlife venues, eclectic architecture and an excellent food scene. Add Auckland's natural allure — black-sand beaches and volcanic peaks — and you've got a great destination. <a class="see-more" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Auckland_New_Zealand/">Read More<span>»</span></a></p> <p><strong>Read On: </strong><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Auckland_New_Zealand/Things_To_Do/">Top Things to Do in Auckland</a></p> </div> <div id="dest-288" class="rank-element"> <div class="dest-image-rank"> <div class="rank-number "><sup>#</sup><span>9</span></div> <div class="dest-bg"> <a class="dest-image" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Tahiti_French_Polynesia/Pictures/"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/destinations/288/main_image_-_blues_purples_and_oranges_-_cropped_116x130.jpg" alt=""/></a> <a class="more-photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Tahiti_French_Polynesia/Pictures/">Photos<span>»</span></a> </div> </div> <div id="v288" class="vote-box orig"> <div class="notvoted votes"> <div class="title">Belongs on list?</div> <div><a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('up', 288, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_btn.gif"/></a> <a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('down', 288, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_btn.gif"/></a></div> <div class="count"><span>61</span> <span>20</span></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-up votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_btn.gif"/></div> <div class="count"><span class="up">61</span> <span class="down">20</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-288" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-down votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> </div> <div class="count"><span class="up">61</span> <span class="down">20</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-288" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="dest-name "> <a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Tahiti_French_Polynesia/">Tahiti</a> </div> <p class="links"> <a class="photos" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Tahiti_French_Polynesia/Pictures/">See Photos</a> <span>|</span> <a class="hotels" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/Tahiti_French_Polynesia/">Best Hotels</a> <span>|</span> <a rel="leanModal" id="link-288" name="#dest-288" href="#comment-window" class="add-comment comment-link">Add Comment</a> </p> <p class="dest-description"><strong>Why go: </strong>Tahiti may not be completely covered in white-sand beaches, but if you can get past your love of smooth shorelines, this rugged island can be a dream destination. Providing an uncommon level of isolation, Tahiti features deep valleys, tall mountains and black beaches. Plus, the French cuisine complements the atmosphere. <a class="see-more" href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Tahiti_French_Polynesia/">Read More<span>»</span></a></p> <p><strong>Read On: </strong><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Tahiti_French_Polynesia/Things_To_Do/">Top Things to Do in Tahiti</a></p> </div> <script type="text/javascript">getCommentCount();</script> <div class="also-consider"> <h3>Also Consider for Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific...</h3> <div class="rank-element first-rank-element"> <div class="dest-image-rank"> <div class="dest-bg"> <a class="dest-image"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/destinations/333/main_image_-_cropped_116x130.jpg" alt=""/></a> <a class="more-photos">Hamilton Island</a> </div> </div> <div id="v333" class="vote-box"> <div class="notvoted votes"> <div class="title">Belongs on list?</div> <div><a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('up', 333, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_btn.gif"/></a> <a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('down', 333, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_btn.gif"/></a></div> <div class="count"><span>65</span> <span>24</span></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-up votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_btn.gif"/></div> <div class="count"><span class="up">65</span> <span class="down">24</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-333" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-down votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> </div> <div class="count"><span class="up">65</span> <span class="down">24</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-333" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="rank-element "> <div class="dest-image-rank"> <div class="dest-bg"> <a class="dest-image"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/destinations/361/bird_with_spread_wings_-_cropped_116x130.jpg" alt=""/></a> <a class="more-photos">Perth</a> </div> </div> <div id="v361" class="vote-box"> <div class="notvoted votes"> <div class="title">Belongs on list?</div> <div><a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('up', 361, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_btn.gif"/></a> <a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('down', 361, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_btn.gif"/></a></div> <div class="count"><span>93</span> <span>26</span></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-up votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_btn.gif"/></div> <div class="count"><span class="up">93</span> <span class="down">26</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-361" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-down votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> </div> <div class="count"><span class="up">93</span> <span class="down">26</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-361" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="rank-element "> <div class="dest-image-rank"> <div class="dest-bg"> <a class="dest-image"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956im_/http://static.travel.usnews.com/images/destinations/294/main_image_cropped_116x130.jpg" alt=""/></a> <a class="more-photos">Kakadu National Park</a> </div> </div> <div id="v294" class="vote-box"> <div class="notvoted votes"> <div class="title">Belongs on list?</div> <div><a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('up', 294, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_btn.gif"/></a> <a href="#" onclick="return voteRank('down', 294, 981);"><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_btn.gif"/></a></div> <div class="count"><span>67</span> <span>23</span></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-up votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_btn.gif"/></div> <div class="count"><span class="up">67</span> <span class="down">23</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-294" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> <div class="voted voted-down votes" style="display:none;"> <div class="voted title">Thanks for voting!</div> <div><img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_yes_disabled_btn.gif"/> <img src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/images/vote_no_disabled_selected_btn.gif"/> </div> <div class="count"><span class="up">67</span> <span class="down">23</span></div> <div><a class="title add-comment" rel="leanModal" name="#dest-294" href="#comment-window">Tell us why</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="comment-window" class="comment-popup"> <span class="close">X</span> <div class="dest-info"> <img class="dest-img" src="/web/20140921194956im_/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Best_Australian_and_Pacific_Vacations/"/> <p class="ranking"></p> <p class="rank-list">in Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific</p> <p class="vote"></p> </div> <div id="ajax-update"></div> </div> </div> <div id="rail"> <div id="promo-area" class="widget-top"> <h3>You may also be interested in:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Best_Asian_Vacations/">Best Asian Vacations</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Best_Caribbean_Vacations/">Best Caribbean Vacations</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Best_Central_and_South_American_Vacations/">Best Central and South American Vacations</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="ad-300x250" id="adv-2" style="display:none"> <p class="advertisement">advertisement</p> <script type="text/javascript"> // Double Click variables - TODO - These need to be set properly var adParameters = 'kw=australiathepacific;kw=travel;kw=bestvacations;kw=bestplacestovisit'; var sitename = 'usn.bestvacations'; renderDoubleClickDynamic(2, adParameters, sitename,g_quantSegs); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> adValidator("adv-2"); </script> </div> <div class="widget-top widget-flight"> <h4 class="widget-title">Check Flights</h4> <div class="comment">See best fares from Orbitz, Expedia, Kayak & more!</div> <span style="display:none" id="hdn-afw-label">rankings list</span> <form class="flight-form" name="flight-booking" target="_blank" method="POST" action="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://rd.bookingbuddy.com/src/?s=31570"> <div class="search-type"> <span><input type="radio" name="search_type" value="roundtrip" checked="checked"/> Round Trip</span> <span><input type="radio" name="search_type" value="oneway"/> One-Way</span> <span><input type="checkbox" name="non_stop" value="1"/> Non-stop Only</span> </div> <div class="left"> <label>From:</label> <input type="text" id="depart" name="departure_city_lbl"/> <input type="hidden" id="depart-hdn" name="departure_city"/> </div> <div> <label>To:</label> <input type="text" id="arrive" name="arrival_city_lbl"/> <input type="hidden" id="arrive-hdn" name="arrival_city"/> </div> <div class="left"> <label>Departing:</label> <input type="text" id="departure_date" name="departure_date"/> </div> <div> <label> </label> <select class="time" name="departure_time"> <option value="anytime">Anytime</option> <option value="morning">Morning</option> <option value="afternoon">Afternoon</option> <option value="evening">Evening</option> <option value="0">12 am</option> <option value="1">1 am</option> <option value="2">2 am</option> <option value="3">3 am</option> <option value="4">4 am</option> <option value="5">5 am</option> <option value="6">6 am</option> <option value="7">7 am</option> <option value="8">8 am</option> <option value="9">9 am</option> <option value="10">10 am</option> <option value="11">11 am</option> <option value="12">12 pm</option> <option value="13">1 pm</option> <option value="14">2 pm</option> <option value="15">3 pm</option> <option value="16">4 pm</option> <option value="17">5 pm</option> <option value="18">6 pm</option> <option value="19">7 pm</option> <option value="20">8 pm</option> <option value="21">9 pm</option> <option value="22">10 pm</option> <option value="23">11 pm</option> </select> </div> <div class="left"> <label>Returning:</label> <input type="text" id="return_date" name="return_date"/> </div> <div> <label> </label> <select class="time" name="return_time"> <option value="anytime">Anytime</option> <option value="morning">Morning</option> <option value="afternoon">Afternoon</option> <option value="evening">Evening</option> <option value="0">12 am</option> <option value="1">1 am</option> <option value="2">2 am</option> <option value="3">3 am</option> <option value="4">4 am</option> <option value="5">5 am</option> <option value="6">6 am</option> <option value="7">7 am</option> <option value="8">8 am</option> <option value="9">9 am</option> <option value="10">10 am</option> <option value="11">11 am</option> <option value="12">12 pm</option> <option value="13">1 pm</option> <option value="14">2 pm</option> <option value="15">3 pm</option> <option value="16">4 pm</option> <option value="17">5 pm</option> <option value="18">6 pm</option> <option value="19">7 pm</option> <option value="20">8 pm</option> <option value="21">9 pm</option> <option value="22">10 pm</option> <option value="23">11 pm</option> </select> </div> <div class="left"> <label>Class:</label> <select name="service_class"> <option value="no_preference">No Preference</option> <option value="economy_coach">Economy</option> <option value="business">Business</option> <option value="first_class">First Class</option> </select> </div> <div> <label>Travelers:</label> <select class="travelers" name="num_travelers"> <option value="1">1</option> <option value="2">2</option> <option value="3">3</option> <option value="4">4</option> <option value="5">5</option> <option value="6">6</option> </select> </div> <input id="price-button" class="btn" type="submit" value="Find Best Price" onclick="ta_flightwiget($('#arrive-hdn').val());"/> <span id="error-msg">Please enter missing information</span> </form> </div> <div class="widget-top dest-deals"> <h4 class="widget-title">Top Deals for Sept. 21, 2014</h4> <table> <tr> <td class="footnote" colspan="2"><span class="taxes-fees">*taxes and fees not included</span><span class="deals-by">Deals by BookingBuddy</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="price first"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://deals.bookingbuddy.com/delivery/click?ruuid=dhYR4EHIEeS1qDZg6C6xQA&cid=2710537&pid=70&d=186338&p=43699&y=3&x=3&m=0&t=0&s=1009&aid=16469193&agid=4854&c=4870&l=1&e=3&f=60763&av=2072&g=0308c820b7&j=6&sig=4810e522730414838bfaabbe777e62a7" target="_blank">$176+</a></td> <td class="deal first"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://deals.bookingbuddy.com/delivery/click?ruuid=dhYR4EHIEeS1qDZg6C6xQA&cid=2710537&pid=70&d=186338&p=43699&y=3&x=3&m=0&t=0&s=1009&aid=16469193&agid=4854&c=4870&l=1&e=3&f=60763&av=2072&g=0308c820b7&j=6&sig=4810e522730414838bfaabbe777e62a7" target="_blank"><span class="title">Central NYC Hotels Up to 25% Off</span> | trivago</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="price "><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://deals.bookingbuddy.com/delivery/click?ruuid=dhYR4EHIEeS1qDZg6C6xQA&cid=2710537&pid=70&d=186338&p=43699&y=3&x=3&m=0&t=0&s=1009&aid=16556813&agid=4755&c=4771&l=2&e=3&f=60763&av=4&g=1949bcd1bc&j=6&w=624442&sig=6f66776cd55843639e0f7a5950a8ca7d" target="_blank">$199</a></td> <td class="deal "><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://deals.bookingbuddy.com/delivery/click?ruuid=dhYR4EHIEeS1qDZg6C6xQA&cid=2710537&pid=70&d=186338&p=43699&y=3&x=3&m=0&t=0&s=1009&aid=16556813&agid=4755&c=4771&l=2&e=3&f=60763&av=4&g=1949bcd1bc&j=6&w=624442&sig=6f66776cd55843639e0f7a5950a8ca7d" target="_blank"><span class="title">Stylish Boutique Hotel on 5th Avenue + Free Wi-Fi</span> | BookIt.com</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="price "><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://deals.bookingbuddy.com/delivery/click?ruuid=dhYR4EHIEeS1qDZg6C6xQA&cid=2710537&pid=70&d=186338&p=43699&y=3&x=3&m=0&t=0&s=1009&aid=16585464&agid=4804&c=4820&l=3&e=3&f=60763&av=2099&g=70a227ad7b&j=6&sig=9351a897d3596b11343349fcd8a45194" target="_blank">$1,355+</a></td> <td class="deal "><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://deals.bookingbuddy.com/delivery/click?ruuid=dhYR4EHIEeS1qDZg6C6xQA&cid=2710537&pid=70&d=186338&p=43699&y=3&x=3&m=0&t=0&s=1009&aid=16585464&agid=4804&c=4820&l=3&e=3&f=60763&av=2099&g=70a227ad7b&j=6&sig=9351a897d3596b11343349fcd8a45194" target="_blank"><span class="title">WestHouse New York: 2 Queens Package for 4 Travelers</span> | Luxury Link</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="price "><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://deals.bookingbuddy.com/delivery/click?ruuid=dhYR4EHIEeS1qDZg6C6xQA&cid=2710537&pid=70&d=186338&p=43699&y=3&x=3&m=0&t=0&s=1009&aid=16608477&agid=4752&c=4768&l=4&e=5&f=60763&av=9&g=b2e0a1008d&j=6&w=93545&sig=bc7ae2de08f8f8216399f3b6ffc50383" target="_blank">$496</a></td> <td class="deal "><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://deals.bookingbuddy.com/delivery/click?ruuid=dhYR4EHIEeS1qDZg6C6xQA&cid=2710537&pid=70&d=186338&p=43699&y=3&x=3&m=0&t=0&s=1009&aid=16608477&agid=4752&c=4768&l=4&e=5&f=60763&av=9&g=b2e0a1008d&j=6&w=93545&sig=bc7ae2de08f8f8216399f3b6ffc50383" target="_blank"><span class="title">3.5-Star New York City Sale! 3 Nts + Air Fr $496</span> | Expedia</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="price "><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://deals.bookingbuddy.com/delivery/click?ruuid=dhYR4EHIEeS1qDZg6C6xQA&cid=2710537&pid=70&d=186338&p=43699&y=3&x=3&m=0&t=0&s=1009&aid=16562037&agid=4633&c=4649&l=5&e=1&f=60763&av=241&g=8acb88b2e6&j=6&sig=11a68bb6e8152a3a4fa8987f78eaae91" target="_blank">$195</a></td> <td class="deal "><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://deals.bookingbuddy.com/delivery/click?ruuid=dhYR4EHIEeS1qDZg6C6xQA&cid=2710537&pid=70&d=186338&p=43699&y=3&x=3&m=0&t=0&s=1009&aid=16562037&agid=4633&c=4649&l=5&e=1&f=60763&av=241&g=8acb88b2e6&j=6&sig=11a68bb6e8152a3a4fa8987f78eaae91" target="_blank"><span class="title">Cheap Flights from Chicago</span> | DealBase.com</a></td> </tr> </table> </div> <div class="ad-300x250" id="adv-4" style="display:none"> <p class="advertisement">advertisement</p> <script type="text/javascript"> // Double Click variables - TODO - These need to be set properly var adParameters = 'kw=australiathepacific;kw=travel;kw=bestvacations;kw=bestplacestovisit'; var sitename = 'usn.bestvacations'; renderDoubleClickDynamic(4, adParameters, sitename,g_quantSegs); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> adValidator("adv-4"); </script> </div> <div class="widget widget-top"> <h4 class="widget-title">Travel Inspirations</h4> <ul class="widget-bottom widget-list"> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/gallery/Slideshow-8-Places-to-Tap-Into-Your-Inner-Cowboy/">Slideshow: 8 Places to Tap Into Your Inner Cowboy</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/gallery/Slideshow-Americas-Best-Fall-Bike-Rides/">Slideshow: America's Best Fall Bike Rides</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/gallery/Slideshow_8_Under-the-Radar_Foodie_Cities/">Slideshow: 8 Under-the-Radar Foodie Cities</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/gallery/Slideshow-Make-the-Most-of-Your-Fall-Vacation/">Slideshow: Make the Most of Your Fall Vacation</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="ad-728x90" id="adv-5" style="display:none"> <script type="text/javascript"> // Double Click variables - TODO - These need to be set properly var adParameters = 'kw=australiathepacific;kw=travel;kw=bestvacations;kw=bestplacestovisit'; var sitename = 'usn.bestvacations'; renderDoubleClickDynamic(5, adParameters, sitename,g_quantSegs); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> adValidator("adv-5"); </script> </div> </div> <div id="footer"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/">Best Hotels</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/cruises/">Best Cruises</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/Things_To_Do/">Best Things To Do</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/aboutUs/">About Us</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/methodology/">How We Do Our Rankings</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/contactUs/">Contact Us</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://www.usnews.com/">U.S.News Home</a></li> </ul> <p>Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our <a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/termsOfService/">Terms and Conditions of Use</a> and <a href="/web/20140921194956/http://travel.usnews.com/termsOfService/">Privacy Policy</a>. Copyright 2014 © U.S.News Rankings and Reviews.</p> </div>  <script type="text/javascript">document.write(unescape('%3Cscript type="text/javascript" src="'+document.location.protocol+'//web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://dnn506yrbagrg.cloudfront.net/pages/scripts/0010/9297.js"%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E'))</script>   <script type="text/javascript"> var _kiq = _kiq || []; (function(){ setTimeout(function(){ var d = document, f = d.getElementsByTagName('script')[0], s = d.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = '//web.archive.org/web/20140921194956/http://s3.amazonaws.com/ki.js/13866/2wY.js'; f.parentNode.insertBefore(s, f); }, 1); })(); </script> </div> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

9 Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific | U.S. News Travel