Pop quiz: What is the capital of Australia? Sorry, it is not Sydney despite having the country’s most recognizable national landmarks like the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, but Canberra. Located inland, just off the southeast coast and sandwiched between Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra is often seen as the boring cousin to big neighboring cities. However, Canberra is surrounded by national parks Brindabella and Namadgi, is home to Australia’s top cycling circuit (Canberra Centenary Trail, which covers more than 100 miles of urban and rural trails), and is a top destination for culture with a plethora of Indigenous art galleries, proving itself worthy of more than just a quick stopover when Down Under.

Eclectic, buzzy, and vibrant neighborhoods are what make Canberra cool right now. Barton and Kingston are neighborhoods for foodies, with super-popular Chairman & Yip for elevated Cantonese food, Ostani for late-night drinks, and Onzieme for both food and nature-wine explorations.

Rather than confining yourself to the city, get out and explore the bush. A short 15-minute drive takes you to Fyshwick, a Williamsburg-esque neighborhood known for Fyshwich Fresh food markets, Big River gin distillery, and coffee guys Lonsdale Roasters, who offer indoor basketball with your daily caffeine fix. Further afield, you’ll find The Apple Thief Cider House, luxury hotel Baltana Farm, and popular wineries including Mount Majura Vineyard, Pialligo Estate, and Helm Wineries, which is considered the king of Rieslings in the area.

There are hotels for every kind of traveler in Canberra. From chic designer property, Ovolo Nishi, to the luxury Midnight Hotel. There’s also Jamala Wildlife Lodge for those who want to explore the Aussie Bush without sacrificing life’s little luxuries, e.g., room service!

Much of New Zealand’s reputation as an adventure travel hot spot is attributable to Queenstown—even its genesis: The first commercial bungee jumping site opened on the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge in 1988. Today, the chance to get a thrill in a magnificent alpine landscape still abound—not just bungee jumping, but also whitewater rafting in the Kawarau Gorge, and mountain biking or hiking in the Kawarau Mountains.

When not thrill-seeking, Queenstown is a foodie town in a foodie country, offering up local delights like bluff oysters offered at several local restaurants in season (March-August), the local fast food joint Fergburger, the constantly rotating local menu at restaurants like Rātā. Another local specialty not invented locally is the espresso martini, with several bars (including The Bunker, The Sundeck, Little Blackwood) in downtown Queenstown offering their own sublime takes on the London original.

For plush accommodations right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the tony Rosewood Matakauri is a secluded alpine lodge where an astonishing amount of the resort’s food is grown right on-site. Also lakefront, and convenient to the passenger ferry to downtown Queenstown, is the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Queenstown.