Sustainable tourism is a growing trend globally, with many destinations taking significant steps to minimise their environmental impact, support local communities, and promote responsible travel practices. These destinations serve as inspiring examples of how sustainable tourism practices can protect natural resources, support local communities, and create meaningful travel experiences for visitors.

Here are some destinations around the world that are leading in sustainable tourism efforts:

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is often praised for its commitment to sustainable tourism. The country has a vast network of national parks and protected areas, promoting biodiversity conservation and ecotourism. Visitors can experience sustainable practices firsthand through eco-lodges, wildlife reserves, and community-based tourism initiatives.

Norway

Norway is known for its stunning natural landscapes and strong environmental policies. The country emphasises sustainable travel through eco-friendly accommodations, responsible wildlife tourism, and eco-conscious transportation options such as electric cars and bicycles.

Bhutan

Bhutan follows a unique approach to tourism. The country focuses on low-impact tourism, limiting the number of visitors and requiring a daily sustainable tourism fee for all tourists. Bhutan prioritises cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and equitable economic development.

New Zealand

New Zealand is renowned for its pristine natural beauty and sustainable tourism practices. The country promotes eco-friendly accommodations, conservation efforts in national parks, and activities that foster a deeper connection to the environment, such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching.

Sweden

Sweden is committed to sustainability across various sectors, including tourism. The country encourages responsible travel through eco-certified accommodations, sustainable transportation options like trains and bicycles, and initiatives promoting local food and culture.

Palau

Palau, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, has taken bold steps to protect its marine environment and promote sustainable tourism. The country established one of the world’s first shark sanctuaries and implemented the Palau Pledge, requiring visitors to commit to environmental conservation upon entry.

Ecuador

Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for their unique biodiversity. Sustainable tourism practices are enforced to protect the fragile ecosystem, including visitor limits, conservation fees, and strict regulations for tour operators.

Kenya

Kenya is a leader in wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism in Africa. The country’s national parks and reserves support local communities through revenue-sharing programs, community-based tourism initiatives, and sustainable wildlife management practices.

Denmark

Denmark promotes sustainable tourism through initiatives such as eco-friendly accommodations, bike-friendly cities, and renewable energy projects. The country’s capital, Copenhagen, is particularly known for its commitment to sustainability and green urban planning.

Ever since the mid-1800s, when Melbourne eclipsed Sydney with its gold wealth, there has been a (friendly) rivalry between the two Australian cities. Be it the sport (Sydneysiders play rugby, while the Melburnians invented Aussie Rules football), the food scene, the cultural events, or even the weather, one city is constantly trying to better the other.

While I lived in Melbourne for a few years, at the same time, I wrote a travel guidebook on Sydney and beyond, and therefore spent plenty of time in both cities. I find them quite different in their vibe and atmosphere, and love both cities, yet would always prefer to live in Melbourne and visit Sydney. But just like the debate of London vs. Paris, many people would choose it exactly the other way around.

Here are some of the main differences and similarities, some personal observations, and reasons as to why I think one might be preferable over the other, hopefully giving you enough information to choose for yourself if you plan to visit Melbourne or Sydney one day.

Sydney vs Melbourne: 7 Key Differences You Should Consider

To quickly learn about the differences check out this slideshow or read on to learn about them in more detail:

1. Size And Population

Sydney, the capital of New South Wales in the southwest of Australia, has a population of 5.3 million, while Melbourne, capital of Victoria, a bit farther along the south coast, is home to 5 million people. Very similar right now, but forecasts expect Melbourne to overtake Sydney in the next 5–10 years when it comes to population. One of the reasons behind that forecast is that Melbourne has been voted the “World’s Most Liveable City” for 6 years in a row, and even though it’s now toppled off the top spot, it continuously beats Sydney in the ranking.

But being a liveable city does not necessarily make it a city that tourists flock to, and while Melbourne has plenty of worthwhile places to see, Sydney is indubitably the winner when it comes to tourist attractions. If you are coming to visit Australia and have only time to see one of the two big cities, make it Sydney. If, however, you want to immigrate and live in one of them — you might want to visit Melbourne.

Pro Tip: Keeping the size of the cities in mind, consider staying in the so-called CBDs, the Central Business Districts. These tend to be the central areas of most interest to visitors to Sydney or Melbourne.

2. Getting Around To See The Sights

Both cities are sprawling, but luckily, as happens so often, most of the top sights are located in and around the old city centers and within relative proximity to each other.

In Sydney, the easiest and quickest way to get around is by train, especially the City Circle Line, which takes in a lot of the sights, from Circular Quay to the Townhall, with the rest easily accessed on foot. That said, the most fun way to get around is definitely by the local commuter ferries, some of which take you across the harbor all the way to Sydney Opera House or Manly. Others will take you to the various hotspots along the way. A great bus line to ride is bus B, which takes you from Circular Quay to Bondi Beach. There, you can also visit the urban hiking trail which is one of the best in the world.

In Melbourne, there are the iconic trams, which are fun and take you everywhere within the city and even outside the inner-city limits. If you want to get to Brighton Beach, hop on the Sandringham train at the iconic Flinders Street Station.

Pro Tip: For ease of use, in Sydney, get an Opal Card which you can pick up in newsagents and kiosks. The Melbourne equivalent to the Opal Card is the Myki — the same idea, and easy to use across different public transport options.

3. The Weather

Before I even landed in Melbourne, I had heard about the “Four Seasons in one Day.” I thought it was a joke, but no. Melbourne’s weather is as fickle as they come, and you learn to dress in layers, and carry sunglasses and an umbrella every time you leave the house. On paper, Sydney gets more rain, but it tends to happen on consecutive days in the winter rather than a bit at a time, like in Melbourne. Sydney is rightly famous for its sunshine with more than twice the number of clear sunny days than Melbourne.

Pro Tip: Remember that Australia is in the southern hemisphere and has its seasons the other way around from most of us. Summer starts in December and Christmas tends to be celebrated with a barbecue in the garden or on the beach, while winter — and snow — occurs in July.

4. The Beaches – Sydney vs Melbourne, Who Wins?

Australian beaches are famous around the globe, and even the cities are blessed with some stunners within easy reach of the CBD. Sydney, on the Pacific Coast, has the famous Bondi Beach, and is a city with definite surfer vibes and a distinctive beach culture. Both sides of the natural harbor have a good selection of beaches, open for swimming and surfing. In contrast, Melbourne’s beaches border Port Phillip Bay, a near-circular secluded bay that opens to the Bass Straight, making the beaches less surfable, but safer for swimming. And Melbourne’s Brighton Beach has the iconic Victorian bathing boxes, adding a splash of color to the seaside.

Pro Tip: There are occasional shark attacks in Australia, but they are rare. To be safe, stay within the flagged stretches of beach, where lifeguards are always on the lookout and warn swimmers if there is a sighting.

5. Eating And Drinking

One thing to note, Australia has a superb eating culture, with local as well as international cuisines represented in top restaurants. Both Sydney and Melbourne have highly-rated restaurants that have been awarded Top Hats, a local equivalent to the Michelin Guide.

When I’m up for a drink, my favorite rooftop bar is at the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel but there are plenty of bars with a view in Sydney.

Melbourne is famous for its coffee culture, with no Melburnian drinking anything but the best-sourced and expertly made coffee. The baristas are so dedicated, it can take a long wait even to get a simple black coffee. One night, I waited for half an hour.

Equally, Melbourne breakfast, simply called brekkie, is superb: from scrambled eggs with thyme-flavored mushrooms on sourdough to eggs Benedict. This is the place to get a hearty, late breakfast or brunch on the weekend. Sydney, as well as Melbourne, has a large choice of celebrity chef restaurants, and some great eateries for special treats.

When in Australia, try the local specialties, such as kangaroo, a superbly lean meat that is totally sustainable; the barramundi, an estuarine white meat fish you’ll find on every menu and even in burgers; and the lovely Moreton Bay bugs, which are not insects but small lobsters.

And then there is, of course, the wine. The three main wine regions of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia offer an enormous variety of choices to pair with your dishes.

Pro Tip: Get yourself a Time Out magazine of Sydney and/or Melbourne to read about the hottest new restaurants, and to locate those serving modern Australian cuisine. The listings are always up-to-date and honest. You can also always ask the locals what they would recommend on doing in Melbourne or Sydney.

6. Shopping

Shopping in Australia is a double-edged sword. There are some superb places to splash the cash in Sydney and Melbourne alike, but Australia is unbelievably pricey, so always keep the exchange rate in mind as you browse. If the budget allows, in Sydney, head straight to the beautiful Queen Victoria Building at the bottom of George Street, and then work your way up. Don’t forget to pop into the little covered arcades, such as the Strand Arcade, as you head toward The Rocks, where you can get gorgeous souvenirs.

Melbourne is famous for its tiny “laneways,” narrow alleyways decorated with street art and brimmed with small individual boutiques and shops, and countless cafes and restaurants. All interconnected by historic arcades and small malls, it is quite easy to get lost, so why not go on a guided shopping tour, allowing someone local to show you the best spots?

Pro Tip: To save some money, you can claim some tax back at the airport before you leave or read some tips on how to experience Sidney on a budget.

7. Outside Of The City Limits

All of Australia is worth seeing, but visitors often just get a snapshot of what this country-continent has to offer. So, when in a city, it is always worthwhile looking outside its limits for other must-see sights on the doorstep. Both Sydney and Melbourne have superb nature and attractions within easy day trips. In Sydney, a visit to the Blue Mountains, with its Jenolan Caves and the Scenic World at Katoomba, with a fun funicular is a must. Wine lovers ought to visit the Hunter Valley, a brief drive north of Sydney.

Melbourne is hemmed in by wine regions on three sides, from the Yarra Valley to the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas. You can combine vineyards with some iconic Australian wildlife at the Healesville Sanctuary; while the must-see Phillip Island has stunning scenery and a colony of the cutest penguins. For horse racing, visit the Flemington Racecourse.

Lots to see outside of both cities, but for me, Melbourne is the winner in the Sidney or Melbourne debate.

Pro Tip: In both cases, there are plenty of guided coach tours available with established outfits such as ATT Kings, but you are much more flexible in a rental car. Just remember: The Aussies drive on the left, and at dusk, the roos often sit in the middle of the road, refusing to budge.

Say what you want about Sydney, but the list of the sights goes on and on. When travelers are asked about what landmarks they most look forward to seeing, they’d be hard-pressed to say “Melbourne!” However, as a beating heart of Australia, Melbourne is still a fantastic place to visit.

FAQs

Which City Is Better for Culture and Arts, Sidney or Melbourne?

Melbourne. It depends on how you define culture, but if it comes down to the arts scene, Melbourne is the definite winner in this regard. It is touted as the “cultural capital” of Australia because of its top-class art galleries and museums as well as street art. On the other hand, Sydney is far from lacking culturally with its famous Sydney Opera House. Unfortunately, the city plays second fiddle to Melbourne on this subject because every new play, show, or musical will most probably have a run in Melbourne first.

Which City Has Better Nightlife, Sidney or Melbourne?

Melbourne is the clear winner these days though it might have been different In times past. Sydney once had a nightlife worth writing home about, but due to violence in the city. and lockout laws over the last few years, that reputation has been lost. Melbourne’s nightlife, on the other hand, is certainly something worth boasting about. If you’re a fan of cocktails, CBD is the place to be. In Melbourne’s city center, you’ll find pubs, clubs, and rooftop bars with a full view of the city.

What’s the Biggest Difference Between Sydney and Melbourne?

Apart from Sydney’s actual size, the biggest difference between the two cities is what they are best at. Melbourne is all about the original experience and the chance to relax and unwind. Sydney, on the other hand, treats visitors to spectacular views like the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House and has massive festivals and fireworks. So, you’d do best to choose according to your own personality.

Is Sydney or Melbourne Better for Families?

Sidney is a better destination for families with its kid-friendly activities and the advantage of the city’s waterfront location. Going to beaches where kids can learn to surf, whale watching, and visiting zoos and aquariums, are different things that will fascinate your kids. Melbourne is also known to be a very family-friendly place to visit, but the stress is on culture and art with museums and galleries. There is the Legoland as well.

Which City is Better for Students to Visit?

Both Sydney and Melbourne are fantastic places for students to Visit. Students just love the energy and outdoor activities in Sidney. They come from everywhere not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment. On the other hand, Melbourne is among the best student cities in Australia because of its creative culture, music, and art scene.

These are America’s most dangerous tourist attractions!

You will find a wide variety of tourist attractions in the United States ranging from quirky places to iconic landmarks and natural wonders. Here, we will give you a virtual tour to some of America’s most perilous attractions. If you decide to visit, exercise caution, as some tourists have faced deadly hazards.

1. Yellowstone, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

Yellowstone National Park, famous for its rugged landscapes and abundant hot springs, can be treacherous for visitors. It’s not to be taken lightly, as lack of preparation can have deadly consequences. The dangers in Yellowstone are diverse, ranging from scalding geysers and hot springs, often disregarded by tourists despite warning signs, which can result in severe burns or fatalities. Additionally, accidents occur on steep hiking trails, during mountain climbing, and in the park’s numerous water holes, making vigilance essential for a safe visit.

2. Great Dunes National Park, Colorado

Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado boasts scenic dunes and trails, but extreme weather poses risks. In scorching heat, sand temperatures exceed 150°F, risking burns, shoe damage, dehydration, and heatstroke. Hikers also face hazards like quicksand and pitfalls, sometimes with fatal consequences. This makes it a challenging destination.

3. Half Dome, California

Yosemite’s Half Dome offers intense, long hikes with challenging climbs. Despite over 60 fatalities, millions still visit for the breathtaking views. The trail’s cable wires offer some help, but caution is essential. Those who brave it and reach the summit are rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas of Yosemite Valley, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

4. Corbet’s Couloir, Wyoming

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort lures top skiers worldwide with Corbet’s Couloir, among the world’s most perilous slopes. Despite its steepness and numerous obstacles, including trees and sharp turns, it’s renowned as America’s scariest ski run. Skiers need Ski Patrol permission to attempt it.

5. Appalachian Trail, Tennessee

Hiking the entire Appalachian Trail typically takes 5 to 7 months and requires significant experience. However, even a day trip can turn deadly due to the presence of viruses, parasites, and pathogens commonly found in the area. If they enter your bloodstream, they can cause permanent damage or be fatal.

6. Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico is known for its stunning icicle-shaped mineral deposits, and attracts thousands of visitors each year for cave tours and bat flight/star parties. However, a hidden threat has emerged. Despite the labyrinth of rooms, getting lost isn’t the main danger; it’s the occasional release of poisonous gasses, including radon, which has been associated with deadly diseases. These gasses, originating deep within the cave, can affect visitors when they reach the caverns.

7. Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming

Visiting Wyoming’s Grand Prismatic Spring hot spring is safe when visitors heed warning signs and follow Park Rangers’ advice. However, the disregard for safety, fueled by the quest for the perfect photo on social media, has led to many fatalities. Tragically, all that happened involved individuals falling into the scalding waters.

8. Sedan Crater, Nevada

Nevada’s Sedan Crater, formed by a 1962 underground nuclear explosion, is the largest man-made crater in the United States that manages to draw around 10,000 tourists annually. Although considered safe, concerns remain about lingering radiation from past tests. Visitors are welcome, but caution is advised.

South Africa’s unparalleled natural beauty is a blessing from nature. It truly is a photographer’s dream country because it provides such an enormous variety on such a large canvas. From the heights of the misty Drakensberg Mountain Range to the wild, colourful wildflowers of Namaqualand and its distinct cultural heritage against the backdrop of its landscape, each has an unparalleled and unique story to tell. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 10 picturesque places in South Africa every photographer must visit.

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer hoping to get that perfect shot for your Instagram feed or just a casual photographer searching for that ideal moment to share on social media, this list of the top 7 scenic spots in South Africa is sure to transport you to a world of wonder and discovery.

1. Drakensberg Mountain Range

The Drakensberg mountain range boasts a plethora of smaller ones, like the foothills, thunderous waterfalls, and serene rock pools, which are perfect for amateur photographers.

There are thought to be about 35,000 San rock paintings in the cultural and heritage sites’ treasure trove. This website is among the wealth of resources. By using your camera, you can get a glimpse of the spirit of bygone eras.

2. Tsitsikamma National Park

Tsitsikamma National Park is a multi-dimensional destination with dramatic coastal scenery, reefs, rivers, lush forest and delicate Fynbos. A hiking and water sports paradise, this region forms the top section of the magnificent Garden Route National Park. This is the perfect location for photographers and instagram aficionados alike.

Take in the views of dolphins and more splashing around in the Indian Ocean. Proceed to the Storms River Bridge by strolling along the boardwalk at the mouth of the Storms River and winding through the forest.

3. Cape Point

The Cape of Good Hope is situated in the corner of Africa nestled within the part of Table Mountain National Park. A must visit Instagram worthy location, Cape Point which is a protrusion of the Cape Peninsula offering mountain views and picturesque landscapes including lush green hills, stunning bays, majestic cliffs and much more.

4. The Blyde River Canyon

The Blyde River Canyon now known as the Motlatse Canyon is one of the world’s greatest views amongst canyons across the globe. For those who are seeking to test your limits and get your heart racing, Blyde River Canyon Adventure Centre provides that opportunity to enjoy some amazing adventure experiences. You can go geckoing, white river rafting, or quad biking. Set out to record this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.

5. West Coast National Park

With the arrival of spring and the multicolored wildflowers on its borders, the West Coast National Park will truly become a photography mecca for the city.

Only in August and September does the Postberg region of the West Coast National Park provide breathtaking views of flowers and wildlife, making it ideal for photographing the fleeting beauty of nature.

6. Namaqualand

Throughout the Flower season, Namaqualand’s drab uninspiring area switches into a vivid picture of colors, a view that is exclusively just for photographers to capture. Discover the Namaqua National Park, Goegap Nature Reserve, and Skilpad Wildflower Reserve to appreciate the vast expanse of desert in full bloom.

7. Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands is not only about beautiful wineries, but also nature’s breath-taking beauty, ancient architecture and art. Hazendal Wine Farm is positioned amongst the Bottellary Hills and opened daily to the public for tastings. It may be the best place to take a perfect Instagram photo. Along the Simonsberg Mountains, a must visit winery, Quoin Rock is one of the best places to take a sip of South African delicacy wine varieties taking the fanciest photos for your Instagram page.and photography.

8. Augrabies Falls

Augrabies Falls National Park is a national park located around the Augrabies Falls, about 120 km west of Upington in the Northern Cape Province. The Orange River Gorge is a 18 km deep trench of rocky scenery and it is a place where the indigenous people refer to this place as Aukoerebis which means a place of Great Noise. Here, the Orange River Gorge amplifies reverberations of a magical and mystical tone as the water, which displays power yet regains its sense of peace, flows into a natural canyon.

9. Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive, also referred to as “Chappies,” is among the most picturesque driving routes in the world, comparable only to Australia’s Great Ocean Road. This coastal drive offers fantastic views of South Africa’s dramatic Atlantic coastline as it winds along steep cliffs and beaches. Chappies is the starting point to other beautiful places like Hout Bay, the Cape of Good Hope, and the creative country town of Noordhoek, in addition to being a fantastic Instagram location in and of itself. We’ll do a thorough tour of the Cape Peninsula on Day 11 of our South Africa adventure, which includes a road trip along Chapman’s Peak Drive to these locations before spending the evening in Cape Town!

10. Table Mountain

The famous Table Mountain in Cape Town has to be the most Instagrammable spot in South Africa. Table Mountain is picturesque from every aspect; however, if hiking isn’t your thing, you can also take the cable car up. The clouds will part in the sky like cotton candy, giving you breathtaking views of the Mother City that will leave you speechless.

South Africa is an extremely stunning and heterogeneous country and those seven places are just the tip of the iceberg. Photography enthusiasts and adventure seekers are welcome to submit their stories, memories and experience the magic of South Africa. You should be ready to give the main places an accent to show the character of South Africa in each photo you take.