When you combine the FIFA World Cup with a soccer mad nation known for its love of a party the sum total is one month of travel nirvana. This particular festival of the boot runs from June 12 to July 13 and over this frenetic period 64 games will be played in 12 host cities across Brazil.

Never mind the fact that Australia have as much chance of winning a game as a blizzard enveloping the Sahara, our country’s mere presence is cause for celebration. And while we’ve been relegated to some of the remoter parts of Brazil, this only serves to make for a more exotic travel experience.

Here’s a snapshot of the cities where Australia will do round ball battle and what they’ve got on offer.

Host city: Cuiaba

Australia’s opponent: Chile

Australia’s chances: A draw would be a dream result

What’s on offer: Perhaps denoting Australia’s minnow status, the Socceroos’ first game will take place in remote Cuiaba. Located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, this city, the smallest of Brazil's 12 hosts, is located in the geographic heart of South America.

Outside of the soccer, the mini metropolis of just half a million people is a real melting pot culturally, with strong Portuguese, indigenous South American and African influences all combining. 

The key sites to take in are actually all located a stone’s throw from one another. Start at the Basilica do Senhor Bom Jesus de Cuiaba, a splendid modern cathedral, where you can offer a prayer for the Socceroos while admiring the interior.

Essentially next-door is the Palacio de Instrucao, where you’ll find the city’s history and naturalist museums. A little culture between hangovers and soccer games never hurts.

In terms of cuisine, there’s a heap to choose from. French, Italian, Portuguese and even Swiss restaurants represent Europe nicely, while Peixaria Popular does local food with aplomb; river caught fish being the specialty. 

Given its location in Brazil's heart, visitors to Cuiaba should also take the opportunity to get out of town and into the country's famed Pantanal – the rugged, tropical wetland for which the state of Mato Grosso do Sul is renowned.

One last thing. It gets pretty warm here – think 30 degrees plus in June – so pack appropriately.

Where to watch: For a few drinks and a lively atmosphere, head to Praca Popular (translating somewhat prosaically as Popular Square). Here you’ll find a broad selection of small bars, cheap restaurants and, one expects, a large gathering of soccer-crazed fans.

Host city: Porto Alegre

Australia’s opponent: The Netherlands

Australia’s chances: A three-goal loss is the best we can hope for

What’s on offer: Porto Alegre, home to around 1.5 million people, is the capital of the southernmost Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The city is located at the junction of five rivers on the massive inland Lagoa dos Patos, one of South America’s biggest lagoons.

It’s known as a financial centre within Brazil, but that sells short its cultural offerings, which are substantial. If you are feeling in an avant garde mood, check out the Fundacao Ibere Camargo, the city’s pre-eminent contemporary art museum.

There’s also the MARGS, better known as the Museu de Art do Rio Grande do Sul, which has both permanent and travelling exhibitions. 

The city is also the nexus of Brazil’s gaucho, or cowboy culture, and has thrived over the centuries on the trade of produce. Even today the export of fruits, rice and leather drives the city’s economy, so a trip to the Central Market is a must.

As it's gaucho territory beef is in abundance and consequently churrasco restaurants are found all over the city. They range from cheap and cheerful to upmarket, with Na Brasa and Churrascaria Galpao Crioulo being at the top end, but also regarded as among the best in Brazil by avid carnivores.

Where to watch: The city is known for its nightlife and for visitors it's a choice in two. Firstly there’s the Cidade Baixa, or old quarter, which has a succession of pubs, bars and clubs of varying degrees of affluence. Here you’ll find any number of venues to watch the action and party the night away.

Moinhos de Vento is the city’s more upmarket district, so expect bars and clubs to be fancier and prices to be steeper. But no matter where you go, you can be sure there will be venues showing all the action.

Host city: Curitiba

Australia’s opponent: Spain

Australia’s chances: None whatsoever

What’s on offer: Given Australia’s final group game (final game, let’s face it) is against the 2010 FIFA World Cup champions Spain, the spectacle itself is likely to be a serious let down. But that’s ok, because Curitiba, capital of the southern state of Parana, has plenty to offer visitors.

If the city had an official colour, it would be green. Parks are a defining feature of Curitiba, with more than 30 throughout the city. Its European heritage is another defining factor.

There's a cross section of cultural identities here, with Portuguese and Spanish migrants arriving in the 17th and 18th century, followed by large numbers of Germans, Italians and Ukrainians in the 19th century. The early 20th century saw Japanese migrants arriving in large numbers.

Consequently visitors can visit Japan Square, the Italian Wood, the German Wood and the Portuguese Wood, where all four nationalities celebrate their heritage. For architecture fans, check out the Oscar Niemeyer Museum, dedicated to Brazil’s best known practitioner and the man who designed many of Brasilia’s civic spaces.

A great way to experience the Atlantic highland forest around the city is a day trip to Morretes on the Serra Verde Express, undoubtedly one of South America’s finest rail journeys. Astounding rainforest views for the majority of the trip are a passenger's reward.

Back in town for a quick but filling bite, the Montesquieu Bar makes colossal sandwiches that will set you back only a few Australian dollars. The cheese mountain is just one, giving you an idea of the proportions. There’s a swag of steakhouses, cheap Italian and more upmarket Japanese restaurants about too.

Where to watch: For soccer, a few drinks and a lively World Cup atmosphere, Fohla Seca bar (named for a hero of Brazil’s 1958 World Cup winning side) is the perfect trifecta. With a beverage in hand among the throngs of people, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better venue in all of Brazil.