Choose from 889 Fun Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific
ShowingFilter 241-260 of 889 listings.
Esplanade Boardwalk
The Esplanade Boardwalk is the heartbeat of Cairns. Located along the scenic coast, this outdoor promenade is the perfect place for weary travelers to stretch their legs and take in the natural sights. The three-mile pathway winds through damp lagoons ideal for birding, past scenic points of interest and historic relics left behind from World War II.
Trendy shops, sidewalk restaurants and bustling pubs are all within walking distance of the well-traveled Esplanade. And nearby public BBQs and outdoor exercise stations are the prime spots for striking up conversations with locals, who love the Esplanade Boardwalk almost as much as visitors.
Trendy shops, sidewalk restaurants and bustling pubs are all within walking distance of the well-traveled Esplanade. And nearby public BBQs and outdoor exercise stations are the prime spots for striking up conversations with locals, who love the Esplanade Boardwalk almost as much as visitors.
Practical Info
The Esplanade Boardwalk is open year-round and is free to enter. Runners take advantage of the wooden slats that are easier on the knees than blacktop surfaces. A number of scenic stop-offs offer striking views of sunrise and sunset.
Address: Cairns, Australia
From $ 59
Chapel Street
Vibrant, bustling and lined with shops, Chapel Street is an essential urban adventure in Melbourne. This long inner-Melbourne street is perfect for a full day of shopping, café and bar hopping, people watching and riding the classic Melbourne trams that frequent the street.
Melbourne’s oldest food markets, the Prahran Markets, are a local favourite and can be found just off Chapel Street. There you can peruse multicultural flavours and buy fresh bread, produce, seafood and meat, as well as street food snacks like cheesy Turkish pastry and falafel.
If fashion is your weakness, treat yourself to the colourful quality of Gorman, the street wear at Fat, the minimalist designs of Cylk, the specialty denim of Dakota 501 and the Scandinavian style of Dansk, as well as wares from the many other Chapel Street boutiques.
Melbourne’s oldest food markets, the Prahran Markets, are a local favourite and can be found just off Chapel Street. There you can peruse multicultural flavours and buy fresh bread, produce, seafood and meat, as well as street food snacks like cheesy Turkish pastry and falafel.
If fashion is your weakness, treat yourself to the colourful quality of Gorman, the street wear at Fat, the minimalist designs of Cylk, the specialty denim of Dakota 501 and the Scandinavian style of Dansk, as well as wares from the many other Chapel Street boutiques.
Practical Info:
Public transport to and from Chapel Street is frequent and convenient. Tram routes 78 and 79 run the four kilometre length of Chapel Street and the Sandringham train line will take you to nearby stations, South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor and Balaclava. Avoid driving if you can, as paid street parking is limited and time-restricted. If you must park, the multi-storey secure parking near Prahran Market offers early bird prices.
Retail hours in Chapel Street are generally from 10am Mondays to Saturdays, and 11am on Sundays. Closing time is generally 6pm, with the exception of 8.30pm close on Fridays and 5.30pm close on Sundays.
The Prahran Market is open from dawn to 6pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Retail hours in Chapel Street are generally from 10am Mondays to Saturdays, and 11am on Sundays. Closing time is generally 6pm, with the exception of 8.30pm close on Fridays and 5.30pm close on Sundays.
The Prahran Market is open from dawn to 6pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: Australia
Hours: Mon-Thurs and Sat 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-830pm, Sun 11am -530pm
From $ 53
Hahndorf
As Australia’s oldest German settlement, Hahndorf is a unique tourist destination.
Hahndorf is nestled in the Adelaide Hills just 20 minutes’ drive from the Adelaide City CBD. German influences are the key to Hahndorf’s charm – architecture, stores, bakeries, restaurants and wineries all owe their style to the German heritage of the town.
The first residents of Hahndorf arrived in Adelaide in 1838 – the name of the town coming from the captain of the ship on which they arrived. When war broke out in 1914, the South Australian Government at the time decided to change the very German name of the town. Hahndorf became Ambleside until the late 1930s, when the name was reverted to its original German.
For visitors, Hahndorf offers the experience of Europe just outside an Australian metropolis. Day-trippers can indulge in tours of the local wineries which produce some of the world’s finest cold weather wines, eat at gourmet restaurants that use local produce to recreate German cuisine, or spend the day berry picking at Beerenberg.
Art and boutique shops add to Hahndorf’s charm. The Cedars is the former home of renowned landscape artist Hans Heysen, and open to the public – displaying a range of his paintings, his studio, and some of his simpler sketches. The Hahndorf Academy showcases more contemporary art by local artists.
German bakeries and boutique cellar doors are perfect for lunch and an afternoon drink, and the two local pubs or one of the many restaurants offer a variety of cuisines if you’re in town for dinner.
Hahndorf is nestled in the Adelaide Hills just 20 minutes’ drive from the Adelaide City CBD. German influences are the key to Hahndorf’s charm – architecture, stores, bakeries, restaurants and wineries all owe their style to the German heritage of the town.
The first residents of Hahndorf arrived in Adelaide in 1838 – the name of the town coming from the captain of the ship on which they arrived. When war broke out in 1914, the South Australian Government at the time decided to change the very German name of the town. Hahndorf became Ambleside until the late 1930s, when the name was reverted to its original German.
For visitors, Hahndorf offers the experience of Europe just outside an Australian metropolis. Day-trippers can indulge in tours of the local wineries which produce some of the world’s finest cold weather wines, eat at gourmet restaurants that use local produce to recreate German cuisine, or spend the day berry picking at Beerenberg.
Art and boutique shops add to Hahndorf’s charm. The Cedars is the former home of renowned landscape artist Hans Heysen, and open to the public – displaying a range of his paintings, his studio, and some of his simpler sketches. The Hahndorf Academy showcases more contemporary art by local artists.
German bakeries and boutique cellar doors are perfect for lunch and an afternoon drink, and the two local pubs or one of the many restaurants offer a variety of cuisines if you’re in town for dinner.
Practical Info
Hahndorf is 26km south east of the Adelaide CBD, and takes about 20
minutes by car. Buses run from the Adelaide CBD on the Southlink line on
a fairly regular basis but check the timetable before you go. Tours are
also a common way to see both Hahndorf and the surrounding area.
Address: Hahndorf, SA, Australia
From $ 53
Eureka Skydeck 88
A signature Melbourne experience, Eureka Skydeck 88 is a 360-degree viewing platform set atop the 974-foot (274-meter) Eureka Tower. For the daring there’s the Edge, a cantilevered glass cube that slides out from the building, leaving you suspended above the city streets. Vertigo, a green-screen set-up, simulates falling from the building.
The Basics
Visitors can pre-purchase tickets to Eureka Skydeck 88, with the outdoor terrace and viewfinders included, or upgrade to include the Edge and Vertigo. Allow enough time to get views from every angle, and for wait times at the Edge. While it’s possible to walk in, pre-booking saves time. Many tours of Melbourne and the surrounding area include tickets to Skydeck 88; entrance is also included on the Melbourne Attraction pass, a feature of many tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kids and families enjoy the drama of Eureka Skydeck 88, and family discounts are available.
- The Skydeck itself is manageable for people with a fear of heights. Vertigo sufferers will find it hard to tolerate the Edge.
- Both Eureka Skydeck 88 and The Edge are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Eureka Tower sits on the south bank of the Yarra River, less than five minutes’ walk from the National Gallery of Victoria. From Flinders Street train station, walk across the bridge to the other side of the river. It takes about five minutes, and the elevator ride to the 88th floor takes less than 40 seconds.
When to Get There
Eureka Skydeck 88 is open from morning to evening seven days a week, with early closure on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Lines can be long at the Edge, particularly on weekends and during Australian school holidays, so visit on weekdays if you can. Clear days offer better views, and the sky lights up behind the cityscape at sunset.
The Eureka Tower
Eureka Tower, opened in Melbourne in 2006, is one of the tallest buildings in the southern hemisphere. The top few floors of the mostly residential building glisten in the sun—that’s because they’re plated in real gold. As well as Skydeck 88, Eureka 89, on the floor above, is open for events and dining.
Address: 7 Riverside Quay, Melbourne, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
Eurimbula National Park
Mangrove-dotted wetlands and eucalypt forests outline the pristine beaches of Eurimbula National Park in Agnes Water, where visitors can explore unspoiled Australia as they uncover this coastal wonderland. The melange of plant varieties and untouched botanicals attract hoards of wildlife, and with that, the park protects miles of coastal vegetation.
For a peaceful getaway, lounge by the beach or drop a lure in for some fishing and boating. Nature lovers may like to camp out and spend more time viewing the park’s various wildflowers and wildlife, including honeyeaters, powerful owls and turtles, while others may opt to scout out the terrain by following one of the trails, or get adventurous with a bushwalk. Many travelers choose to have picnics at the waterfront for a relaxing experience.
Practical Info
Eurimbula National Park is located in Eurimbula, about 69 miles (112 kilometers) north of Bundaberg in Queensland. Look for the Eurimbula National Park sign about six miles (10 kilometers) before the town of Agnes Water. The park is open 24 hours, but it is suggested that visitors walk through only during daylight hours for safety. Admission is free, but permits for camping vary. Mobile reception is unreliable in this area. If driving in, high‐clearance four‐wheel‐drive vehicles are recommended; no caravans allowed. Bring your own drinking water. Always check the Eurimbula Park alerts, advice and warnings before planning a trip.
Address: Eurimbula QLD 4677, Australia
Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Permit required for camping
From $ 30
Fannie Bay Gaol
Imagine sweltering in Darwin’s heat inside of small, brick rooms, crammed with dozens of other prisoners as you wait to hang at the gallows. That was the scene for many prisoners at Darwin’s Fannie Bay Gaol, which served as the city’s principal jail for nearly 100 years. Opened in 1883, the Fannie Bay Gaol held everything from murderers to lepers, refugees, and “natives,” and the last hanging took place on the gallows in 1952.
When visiting Fannie Bay Gaol today, peek inside the macabre building where hundreds of prisoners were held, and see the gallows inside the infirmary where the last two hangings took place. Run your hand on the wooden handle that dropped the floor of the gallows, and hear the stories of ghosts and ghouls that haunt the building today. While the gaol is open to public visitation, it’s also a popular stop on tours that visit the city highlights.
Practical Info
There are interpretive signs throughout the museum, and be sure to bring water when visiting in summer since the building can get very hot.
Did You Know? When Fannie Bay Gaol was originally constructed it was the most expensive building in the city.
Address: East Point Road and Ross Smith Avenue, Darwin, Northern Territories, Australia
Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm on weekends
Admission: Free, but gold coin donation suggested
From $ 89
Gunns Plains Caves
You can thank a possum for introducing humans to Gunns Plains Caves, which were discovered by a local Tasmanian hunter when he chased the possum into a hole and instead emerged in a cave. While we’ll never know if he actually found the shrewd, cave-dwelling possum, what we do know is that in only 12 years it went from being an unknown cave to a popular Tasmania State Reserve, established in 1918. When you first descend down into the cave, the subterranean , water-carved beauty is instantly seen in the calcite shawls and large, shimmering flowstones. The sound of water trickling across limestone can still be heard in the cave, and crayfish, eels, and even platypus still splash in the underground river. During daily tours of Gunns Plains Caves, guides will point out the different formations that have slowly formed over time—from the Wedding Cake and Golden Fleece to others with comical, spot-on names that closely fit their appearance. Learn this history of how these caves were gradually formed over time, and marvel at how this wonderland is so magically different—almost surreal—when compared to life above ground.
Practical Info
When visiting Gunns Plains Caves in Tasmania, be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring along a warm jacket for the cool cave interior. Visitors should be able to comfortable navigate the 54 concrete steps, and endure standing, walking, and touring throughout the well-lit cave. There are six tours daily that run at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm.
Address: Gunns Plains Cave State Reserve, Gunns Plains, Tasmania, Australia TAS 7315, Australia
Hours: Open daily 10am-4pm except Christmas
Admission: Family pass: $40
From $ 122
Hagley Park
Without a doubt, Hagley Park is the greenest, most relaxing, yet also most happening 1 sq. mile in Christchurch. On the relaxing side, this central park offers dozens of opportunities for leisurely moments in the city. Paddle the waters of the Avon River which borders the park on one side, or spend an hour sniffing through the botanical gardens which are completely surrounded by the park. Lay a blanket on the expanse of grass and enjoy a midsummer picnic, or photograph the wildflowers which famously bloom as the park comes alive in the spring.
For as mellow as Hagley Park can be, however, it can rapidly change into a pulsing gathering place during one of the numerous Christchurch festivals. At large events such as the World Buskers Festival or the Great Kiwi Beer Festival, tens of thousands of Christchurch locals can descend on the spacious grounds. There are usually fireworks on New Year’s Eve which provide a glittering display in the park, and sunny weekends during the summer months usher throngs of people outdoors. Summer evenings also feature free performances, and visitors to Christchurch can enjoy theater and live music depending upon the schedule of events. Aside from the Botanical Gardens and the grounds themselves there is also a popular tennis center, and the park is within walking distance of the Canterbury Museum and popular city center sights.
Address: Harper Ave, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
From $ 14
Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Center
After you’ve experienced the luxurious Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Center, airport layovers anywhere in the world won’t ever seem the same. Just minutes from Nadi’s international airport, the center is a sanctuary for weary travelers awaiting their upcoming flight, or a modern retreat for pampering and dining throughout your Nadi stay. If you have time to kill before your flight—or a long layover in Nadi—a transit pass is like having the world’s best airport lounge minutes away. Refresh with a shower, store your luggage, and enjoy a relaxing foot massage, before sinking into a beanbag chair and settling in for a movie. There’s free Wi-Fi for finishing up some work, as well as a café for perking up and satisfying your growing hunger. Head up to the center’s rooftop lounge for a view of the Sabeto, or if you’d prefer to really be pampered before drifting onto your flight, a full service day spa has additional treatments to wish you a fond farewell.
Practical Info
At the Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Center, a basic transit pass includes free Wi-Fi, shuttle service from the airport, a foot massage, luggage storage, and access to the movie room. A basic transit pass is available, in addition to a full menu of additional spa services available for higher fees. A rejuvenation pass includes all the above services, as well as $100 Fijian dollar credit toward services with the center. The Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Center offers free transport to and from Nadi International Airport. Pickup from Denerau is also available for $7 one way.
Address: Lot 1, Nasau, Nadi Backroad, Nadi, Fiji
Hours: Daily 7am-10pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Chinese Garden of Friendship
The continental city of Sydney offers travelers options that go beyond the strictly Aussie. The Chinese Garden of Friendship, modeled after the private gardens of the Ming Dynasty, is just one of the multicultural experiences this jewel by the sea has to offer.
Opened in 1988 and designed by Sydney’s sister city of Guangzhou, the garden is a nod to the Chinese culture and heritage that already exists in and around Darling Harbour. The lush gardens, tranquil ponds and scenic waterfalls pay homage to the friendship between Sydney and Guangzhou. Travelers can wander between ornamental pavilions and babbling brooks before settling lakeside to enjoy peaceful reflection. Hot tea and traditional dim sum are also served at the garden’s teahouse.
Practical Info
The garden is located near Tumbalong Park and is accessible via public transportation. Take the train to Town Hall Station and exit south onto Bathurst Street or take the ferry to Darling Harbour. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 12 and under. The garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and until 5:30 p.m. during daylight savings. It is closed on Christmas and Good Friday.
Address: Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
Hours: Daily 9:30am-5pm (5:30pm during Daylight Savings); Closed Christmas & Good Friday
Admission: Adults $6AUD, Children $3AUD
From $ 148
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery
The first Aboriginals to walk Australia’s forests discovered the power of eucalyptus oils. In addition to its trademark, earthy aroma, the oils contained in the eucalyptus leaves can naturally bolster health. Once the Australian continent was settled, eucalyptus oil became the nation’s first export and the global source of the product. Today, however, diluted sources from other nations dominate the global market, and the original eucalyptus oil industry has seen a steady decline into obscurity.
Here on Kangaroo Island, however, South Australia’s only eucalyptus distillers still operate out in the bush. With rusting relics scattered about the property and an eccentric taste of the outback, the family-run Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery still churns out the sweet-smelling elixir. Learn the ways that the oil is extracted from the narrow mallee leaves, and the healing benefits the oils can have for aiding wounds or illnesses. Group tours and self-guided tours help visitors experience the property, and in addition to the enchanting historical feel, there is a small bar attached to the farm where you can sample the locally made spirits.
Practical Info
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery is located 45 minutes from the ferry at Penneshaw and 25 minutes from Kingscote. The distillery is open from 9am to 2pm on every day except Christmas, and is open for guided group tours during school holidays and peak seasons. During all times of a year, a self-guided tour makes for an informative visit, and entrance fees range from $4-$7 depending on the type of tour.
Address: Willsons Rd., Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia
Hours: 9am to 2pm on every day except Christmas
Admission: $4-$7
From $ 156
Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park
With its peculiar rock formations, gaping caverns and underground caves dripping with stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones, the dramatic topography of Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park makes it one of Queensland’s most unique national parks. The mesmerizing landscape was formed some 400 million years ago, the result of an ancient inland sea sculpting the soft limestone rock, and there are hundreds of caves to explore.
Today, the caves provide a habitat for several animal species, including bats, spotted pythons and white-rumped swiftlet, while fossilized bones of now-extinct creatures like giant kangaroos and giant wombats have also been unearthed in the caves. A network of short hikes and walking trails connect the caves and highlights include the landmark Archways and Balancing Rock; the Pompeii and Bauhinia Caves; a series of aboriginal rock art galleries; and the Chillagoe smelters, home to relics of the region’s 19th-century mines.
Practical Info
Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park is located 215km west of Cairns in northern Queensland. There is no admission fee.
Address: Chillagoe QLD 4871, Australia
From $ 152
Bethells Beach
When it comes to the beaches surrounding Auckland, there are really only two kinds: The white sand stretches of the Hauraki Gulf that face the city skyline, and the wildly scenic, black sand beaches of Auckland’s moody West Coast. Bethell’s Beach is one of the latter, where tempestuous storms off the Tasman Sea have carved a landscape ruggedly dotted with cliffs, sand dunes, and caves. Surfers flock to the vast stretch of sand for the pounding offshore waves, while fisherman scale the slippery rocks to cast their reels to the sea. Since the currents often make swimming unsafe, most beachgoers opt instead to swim in Lake Waimanu, which is accessed via a 30-minute hike leading back through the dunes.
Other hikes include Te Henga Walkway, which weaves for nearly five miles north towards Muriwai Beach. Fom the top of the bluffs, visitors are met with sweeping views of Bethell’s Beach below, as well as the Waitakere Ranges that rise behind the coast.
Other hikes include Te Henga Walkway, which weaves for nearly five miles north towards Muriwai Beach. Fom the top of the bluffs, visitors are met with sweeping views of Bethell’s Beach below, as well as the Waitakere Ranges that rise behind the coast.
Practical Info
Bethell’s Beach is located 27 miles and 40 minutes west of Auckland. The beach is located north of Piha south of Muriwai Beach, and is popular with locals on warm weekends—particularly during the summer.
Address: New Zealand
From $ 141
Featherdale Wildlife Park
Australia is home to some of the world's most fearsome and fascinating wildlife, and at Featherdale Wildlife Park outside Sydney, visitors can meet over 1,700 of the country's colorful critters. Discover how echidnas are mammals (yet lay eggs); learn about the saltwater crocodiles that can grow to well over 2,000 pounds; admire the plumage of native birds such as brolgas, emus, and bustards; and view a collection of some of the world's most venomous snakes.
Guided feeding sessions are immensely popular at the park, with animal food available for purchase throughout the park for $2 and Featherdale staff members on hand to assist guests in feeding the kangaroos, wallabies, and pademelons. Guides also provide additional information about how the park is involved in conservation, highlighting the work done to reintroduce endangered species into the Australian wild and the park's ongoing research into some of Australia's most intriguing yet lesser-known species.
Although not offered by Viator, Featherdale also offers private animal encounters with a trainer for an additional fee (starting at $149), as well as personal koala encounters (starting at $20), during which travelers can pet and have their photo taken with the mammal. Guests are not allowed to hold koalas in accordance with New South Wales law.
Practical Info
Featherdale Wildlife Park is located east of Sydney near the town of Blacktown. The park exit is at Doonside Road, just off the Great Western Highway from Sydney. The park is about 45 minutes from Sydney's Central Business District by car and about 1.5 hours by public transport (take the train to Blacktown, then hop on bus No. 725 to the park). Most guests allot about two hours to visit Featherdale Wildlife Park. The seven-acre attraction is generally flat and can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, while also offering free WiFi and an on-site cafe.
Address: 217-229 Kildare Rd, Doonside, New South Wales 2767, Australia
Hours: Daily 9-5am (closed Christmas Day)
Admission: Adults: AU$31, Children (3-15): AU$17
From $ 24
Haigh's Chocolates
When most people think of chocolate they think European. Belgium, Switzerland—these are nations known for creating smooth and creamy pure cocoa treats. But Aussies know some of the most decadent chocolate pleasures are made at their very own Haigh’s Chocolates. Since 1915 this fourth generation, family owned company has been churning out candies that are worth the trip. From classic dark chocolates to new salted caramels, travelers can find a taste of Australia at one of the company’s 14 retail stores across the country—including six in Adelaide.
Practical Info:
Free 20-minute guided tours, including coffee and free samples, happen Monday through Friday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. at 154 Greenhill Road, Parkside, SA 5063. Reservations are recommended, particularly for the Saturday tours at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The factory is a five minute drive from the city’s center, or accessible by calling Adelaide Metro (1300 311 108).
Address: 154 Greenhill Road, Parkside, SA 5063, Australia
From $ 50
Enchanted Adventure Garden
Dive into nature’s wonderland! The Enchanted Adventure Garden, situated on the Mornington Peninsula at scenic Arthurs Seat, offers 22 acres of outdoor thrills and adventures. Seasonal gardens bursting with vibrant colors set the backdrop for activities, as travelers can cruise through the treetops with a canopy walk, get lost in the hedge maze, or zipline through the greenery.
Adventure-seekers will love tree surfing and tube sliding. Other options include getting lost among the hedge topiary sculptures, wandering through the bushland obstacles and relaxing with a picnic at the onsite café and take it all in.
Practical Info
The Enchanted Adventure Garden is located at 55 Purves Road near Arthurs Seat on the Mornington Peninsula. The garden is open every day from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; there is a recommended minimum of three hours to enjoy all the activities.
Address: 55 Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936, Australia
Hours: 10 a.m.‐6 p.m. daily (closed Christmas Day)
Admission: $29 adults, $19 children (3‐17) and seniors (60+); activities additional
From $ 22
Eyre Peninsula
Considering the fact that the Eyre Peninsula is known as Australia’s seafood frontier and is home to 1,200 miles (2,000 km) of coastline, it’s little surprise that fun begins here with a splash.
On the east side of the peninsula, Spencer Gulf offers the chance to swim with great white sharks near the Neptune Islands, beside southern Bluefin tuna and amid a colony of sea lions. On the wild west coast, surfing beaches draw the biggest crowds, but it’s also possible to snorkel with bottlenose dolphins and observe both southern right and humpbacks whales.
On the dinner table, expect local southern Bluefin tuna, yellow kingfish, Pacific oysters, abalone, mussels and blue-swimmer crabs alongside regional wines. It’s even possible to take the culinary experience on the road, along the seafood and aquaculture scenic drive route from Whyalla to Ceduna.
Conservation and national parks stretch the length of the peninsula, too, beginning with Gawler Ranges National Park in the north and stretching southward to Lincoln National Park. Kangaroos, wallabies and emus roam the bush lands in between, and encounters with these wonderful animals is the rule rather than exception when exploring this outback-like wilderness by 4WD or bicycle. Hikers will find plenty of options, ranging from the half-mile Yangie Lookout Walk in Coffin Bay National Park to the 58-mile (93-km) Investigator Trail in Lincoln National Park.
Practical Info
The Eyre Peninsula is a full day’s drive from Adelaide, but short daily flights connect Southern Australia’s capital to regional airports in Port Lincoln, Whyalla and Ceduna.
Address: Eyre Peninsula, Australia
From $ 697
Charles Darwin National Park
Protecting some of Darwin’s most cultural and historically significant wetlands, Charles Darwin National Park is the home of mangroves and wildlife visible by walking, cycling, or simply sitting at one of the park’s many overlooks. A complex system of bays, waterways, and small islands, 31 of the 50 or so species of mangrove of the Northern Territory can be found here. Historically the Larrakia people called this area home with evidence suggesting the Aboriginals had inhabited here for thousands of years. Now it’s a wonderful place to take in views of Darwin city, the harbor, and the surrounding landscape.
The park is also home to concrete bunkers and shelters from World War II, which tell the story of Australia’s soldiers and are open to visitors. There is an impressive display of war memorabilia here, where ammunition was once stored and military tests were run. The park’s many paths can be used for both walking and cycling to take it all in.
Practical Info
To get there take Tiger Brennan Drive east from downtown Darwin — there are signs from the highway identifying the park entrance (about 5 km out,) which is only open during daylight hours.
Address: Tiger Brennan Dr, Darwin NT 0820, Australia
From $ 214
Esperance
Esperance is a coastal town located on the southern end of Western Australia. Surrounded by beaches with brilliant white sand and clear turquoise waters, the area boasts some of the best scenery in the country.
The town is surrounded by a host of attractions, including five national parks, a tourist driving loop, vineyards with award-winning wines, an arts center and more. Cape Le Grand National Park is the most celebrated of those in the vicinity, with its picturesque granite shoreline and opportunities for hiking, fishing, snorkeling and off-roading. The popular Great Ocean Drive is a 24-mile (38 km) tourist route that takes visitors along the coastline and past Pink Lake–a body of water named for the algae and brine prawn that color it flushed.
Off the coast of Esperance lies an archipelago of over 100 islands, including Woody Island, a popular spot for fishing, bushwalking, snorkeling and diving. The area around Esperance is a diver’s paradise; many visitors come entirely for the waves. From June to October, migrating southern right whales shelter in the bays around the town.
Practical Info
Esperance lies within a two-hour flight from Perth. It can also be reached by way of an eight-hour drive from Perth. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which makes it a perfect holiday spot year-round, although spring is a fantastic time to visit and see whales and wildflowers.
Address: Esperance, W.A., Australia
From $ 697
Etihad Docklands Stadium
Docklands Stadium, better known by the name of its current sponsor, Etihad, is a sports and entertainment venue in the Docklands area of Melbourne.
The modern cousin of Melbourne's famed MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), the stadium was built to act as the new main venue for Australian Rules Football (AFL). It was once Colonial Stadium and then the Telstra Dome before becoming Etihad Stadium and today most commonly hosts AFL, rugby and soccer games, although a 2006 Robbie Williams tour drew the site's largest-ever number of visitors with 64,619 attendees.
The first stadium in Australia to feature movable seating, it also has a retractable roof and a grass-covered, oval-shaped playing surface of 205,080 square feet (19,053 square meters).
Practical Info
Docklands (Etihad) Stadium is located in the Docklands area of Melbourne, just west of the CBD and behind Southern Cross train station.
Address: Australia
From $ 51