Dining Down Under

SYDNEY. PERTH. MELBOURNE. These three major cities are always top-of-mind when it comes to Down Under, and it's not difficult to see why. Cosmopolitan with easy access to the great outdoors, these destinations offer a happy equilibrium of big city conveniences, scenic landscapes, endless cultural activities, and plenty of quality wining and dining. The cities have also been relentlessly rejuvenating themselves, so there's always something fresh to check out on each visit. If you're headed there anytime soon, here's what to look out for:

SYDNEY

Sydney is gearing up for Vivid Sydney (May 24 to June 15) - the largest light festival in the Southern Hemisphere - and PARKROYAL Darling Harbour (150 Day Street) makes for a strategic base to get into the swing of things. The highlights: music performances by the likes of The Cure, FKA Twigs and Herbie Hancock; a dream- like field of "fireflies" simulated by Dutch artists Toer; light projections of beloved Pixar characters splashed onto Argyle Cut in the Rocks; and of course, the iconic Lighting of the Sails at the Sydney Opera House, with this year's light illustrations inspired by Australia's native flora.