As hard as we all may try to focus our attention and efforts in what’s most important in life, it can seem as though modern living is dead set upon dragging our attention elsewhere. While our souls may yearn for companionship, travel, learning and real experience and edification, we’ve been conditioned by society to measure meaning in a different way. We’ve been trained to find meaning in the accrual of possessions, in the hunter gatherer simulum of shopping and the coddling cradle of capitalism. That’s not to say that we should all get rid of our possessions (although you’d be amazed how good you feel after a proper audit of your stuff), not does it mean that you should feel guilty after a well deserved shopping spree. It does, however mean that every now and then we should take a step back and focus on what really matters.

What is it that feeds our souls? Is it interaction with interesting people who can teach us, enlighten us and enrich our lives by guiding us through new experiences? Is it through art and music, theater and culture? Is it by learning about the history of our world and the many peoples who occupy it? Is it through engaging with the natural worlds and seeing the areas of phenomenal natural beauty that we’ve only seen before on National Geographic covers? Is it by interacting with animals and learning about the clever and inventive ways in which they form societies of their own?

One could argue that all of these things nourish the soul in their own way. But where in the world could you find a place that ticks all of these boxes? Most of us know Australia for its unique and beautiful ecosystem as well as man made wonders like Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House or Canberra’s expansive Parliament House. But these are just the tip of the iceberg. If an Aussie road trip has been on your bucket list for some time, these cities are well worth your consideration when calculating your route. Get yourself down to Bayswater Car Rental and make sure you have a full tank of gas because you’ll be putting in some serious miles to see all that these beauties have to offer. Here you will find some cities with the friendly locals and incredible attractions to nourish your soul and create a travel experience you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life…

Melbourne

Are you fueled by coffee, culture and good conversation. Do you yearn to visit a city that’s as cool as Brooklyn but without the self conscious hipster affectations with utterly unpretentious locals? If so, you’ll find a visit to Victoria’s capital as edifying as it is enjoyable. Melbourne is as cool and cultured as somewhere like Berlin without leaving you with the feeling that you’re not quite cool enough to be here that you might get wandering the galleries near Potsdamer Platz. Melbourne is a thriving multicultural hub offering a range of multi ethnic and fusion cuisines which will offer a round the world trip for your taste buds. Chinatown for those with a taste for all things Asian unless Vietnamese food is your jam in which case Richmond may be your better bet. If you’re happiest enjoying fine wine with a sumptuous pizza or pasta dish try Carlton.

After your meal, why not take in a stroll around the gorgeous galleries of the Victoria State Library or  if you want your tastes challenged try the more bohemian bohemian Anna Schwartz Gallery. If the visual arts are your jam catch a movie at the beautiful art deco Astor Theater while if you prefer your entertainment live, the Athenaeum Theater is a great place to catch all sorts of acts from live music to stand up comedy.

Brisbane

If you combine your love of culture and the arts with an abiding passion for animals and nature, Brisbane is the place for you. Not only is it home to some unique cultural experiences; such as the underground Spring Hill Reservoirs which is home to regular musical and operatic productions, it also has some spectacular natural experiences rarely found in such a thriving conurbation. Animal lovers, for example, will get a kick out of the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. This wonderful place allows these cuddly little fellas to live a happy and protected life in their natural habitat. You can even volunteer with the sanctuary. If you love messing about in boats, Moreton Bay is the place for you, but if you want a brisk walk with beautiful views of the city you can’t get much better than Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

Adelaide

Adelaide is an under appreciated jewel in Australia’s crown with all the cafe culture and arts facilities of its hipper cousin Melbourne but with the flora and fauna experiences to rival Brisbane. Animal lovers will enjoy the Adelaide zoo which is the only place in all of Australia where you can see giant pandas. If a quiet stroll amidst the wonders of nature’s engineering is more your speed a walk through the botanic garden will be an experience you’ll never forget. Ut what really put Adelaide on the map is its reputation as a surfer’s paradise. If you’re never more alive than when you’re catching a wave, you’ll find some of the best in Australia around Adelaide including Yorke Peninsula, Southport Beach and the aptly named Moana.

Perth

Perth is arguably Australia’s best kept secret. While it sees a lot of tourism from Aussie natives, few outside the country are as drawn to it as they are the big guns like Sydney or Canberra. This is a shame as it has a whole lot to offer including City Beach which has views to rival anything you’d see from Sydney Harbour, truly picturesque parks down by Elizabeth Quay and the Ku De Ta; a huge bar and restaurant inspired by the Balinese beach. Just a short boat ride away, however is Rottnest Island where you’ll find the world’s largest concentration of Quokka, adorable and friendly marsupials that look like a cross between a koala and a guinea pig.

All of this and more makes these 4 cities a worthy addition to even the most truncated of bucket lists.

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