Choose from 889 Fun Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific
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A visit to the falls typically involves swimming, and Sweetwater Pool, as well as both the upper and lower pools, are all particularly suited for the activity. Visitors to the falls during the wet season, however, may find that swimming is off-limits due to potentially dangerous conditions.
Beagle Bay
A rare and intriguing insight into the remote Aboriginal communities of the north, Beagle Bay was a Catholic mission started by French monks in the late 1800s.
The mission was used as a home for Aboriginal kids separated from their families and is now run by those kids. It offers an insight into a troubled time in Australia's past but also a chance to learn about the Nyul Nyul people who have inhabited this beautiful and unforgiving landscape for thousands of years.
The mission was used as a home for Aboriginal kids separated from their families and is now run by those kids. It offers an insight into a troubled time in Australia's past but also a chance to learn about the Nyul Nyul people who have inhabited this beautiful and unforgiving landscape for thousands of years.
One of the highlights is the Sacred Heart Church which was built by hand by the monks and Aboriginal people and has an altar made out of local mother of pearl.
Practical Info
Beagle Bay community is situated on the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome and is a two- to three-hour drive from Broome best undertaken in a 4x4 or as part of an organized tour. In the wet season (November to March) the roads are closed and access is not possible.
Address: Beagle Bay Road, Australia
Hours: Closed Nov - Mar
From $ 207
Edith Falls
Located in Nitmiluk National Park in the Top End of the Northern Territory, Edith Falls offer gorgeous views over the river, tiers of rock pools and waterfalls that cascade through the gully. All that, along with the area's wildlife, makes Edith Falls one of Australia's most picturesque -- not to mention underrated -- natural attractions.
The falls are full of water year-round, but the clear, dry season between May and September is the best time to visit. Even so, the area surrounding the falls is especially lush and green during the intense rains earlier in the year, so visitors are in for a treat no matter when they go.
A visit to the falls typically involves swimming, and Sweetwater Pool, as well as both the upper and lower pools, are all particularly suited for the activity. Visitors to the falls during the wet season, however, may find that swimming is off-limits due to potentially dangerous conditions.
Those looking to earn their refreshing swim can first head to one of the two walking trails at Edith Falls. The Leliyn Trail winds around and above the falls in a 1.6-mile circuit, with multiple lookout spots, a river crossing and a few choice swimming pools along the way. The Sweetwater Pool track is longer at 5.3 miles, but the quiet swimming spot it leads to is worth it. Visitors can undertake the walk as a day or nighttime hike, but it should be noted that overnight stays require a permit.
Practical Info
There are a number of camping spots surrounding the falls, with a kiosk at which visitors are required to pay camping fees - $8 for adults, $4 for children and $20 for families. The kiosk serves food and drinks from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., and there are hot showers, gas BBQs and even laundry facilities at the site.
Address: Darwin, Australia
Admission: Adults: $8; Children: $4
From $ 199
Broome Courthouse Markets
The Broome Courthouse Markets offer an exciting array of local arts and crafts. There are clothes by local designers and many jewelry stores selling unique wares fashioned from local metal and local stones.
The food stalls are great and offer treats from freshly brewed coffee to Thai fish cakes, to frozen mangoes which are a perfect morning tea in the tropics.
Local animal preservation groups also have stalls here so you might have a chance to cuddle a baby koala or nurse a joey (a baby kangaroo).
The market is held in the grounds of the old courthouse which was built to house staff who worked for the telecommunications companies that owned the cable connecting Australia to Indonesia, which came ashore at Cable Beach and ran across town to the Courthouse.
Practical Info
The market is Saturday and Sunday (although it's bigger on Saturdays) in the dry season, April through November, and just on Saturdays during the wet season, December through March.
The Broome Bus will drop you off at the Broome Motel on Frederick Street across from the markets, or it's a 3 minute walk from Chinatown.
The Broome Bus will drop you off at the Broome Motel on Frederick Street across from the markets, or it's a 3 minute walk from Chinatown.
Address: Corner Hamersley and Weld Streets, Broome, Australia
Hours: 8am - 1pm
Admission: Free
From $ 73
Eli Creek
A popular tourist attraction, Eli Creek features a serene beauty with its crystal clear fresh waters and pearly white sand bottom. With over four million liters of water pouring from its mouth every hour, it is one of Fraser Island’s largest freshwater streams. Along with its beautiful beach location people enjoy visiting Eli Creek for a relaxing float down its pure waters. Its gentle current makes it a safe option for both adults and children. For those not interested in getting wet a scenic boardwalk allows you to walk around the creek on land.
As Eli Creek is located along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, visitors to Eli Creek can enjoy other attractions onsite. Along with off-roading, fishing and sunbathing there’s the onshore Maheno wreck, which was once one of the fastest ships in the world and was used by the Australian Airforce for target practice during WWII. Additionally, the Champagne Pools provide safe saltwater swimming in an enclosed natural rock pool with foaming Champagne-like bubbles when the waves crash. Make sure to also go to Indian Head to see the many sharks, dolphins, stingrays and fish swimming through the water.
As Eli Creek is located along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, visitors to Eli Creek can enjoy other attractions onsite. Along with off-roading, fishing and sunbathing there’s the onshore Maheno wreck, which was once one of the fastest ships in the world and was used by the Australian Airforce for target practice during WWII. Additionally, the Champagne Pools provide safe saltwater swimming in an enclosed natural rock pool with foaming Champagne-like bubbles when the waves crash. Make sure to also go to Indian Head to see the many sharks, dolphins, stingrays and fish swimming through the water.
Practical Info
Eli Creek is located on Seventy-Five Mile Beach. From where the ferry drops you you can follow the designated sand pathways through the rainforest before coming to the beach. Be careful when driving through the creek when on the beach, as the water flows quickly and channels may be deeper than they appear. Keep your eye on the tide, as high tide can leave you stranded on the beach until it gets low again. Also, be aware of dingoes who are wild and unpredictable, and keep all food sealed tight and out of the open.
Address: Eli Creek, Fraser Island, QLD, Australia
From $ 141
Government Gardens
The Government Gardens in central Rotorua are so bountiful, they resemble an old picture postcard from the English countryside. If not for the telltale scent of sulfur from the nearby thermal springs at Sulphur Point, visitors might forget where they’re standing, given the Edwardian architecture and dignified landscape.
The Basics
The Government Gardens are the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll in Rotorua. This 50-acre (20-hectare) compound on the shore of Lake Rotorua was given to the Crown by local Maori tribes (iwi). The area was transformed from a patch of scrubland peppered with therapeutic hot pools into a public park with manicured lawns.
A bowling club, petanque club, and croquet lawn appeal to all ages, while children can also make use of climbing structures and a shaded play area in the rose garden. Opt for a narrated sightseeing tour of Rotorua highlights, combined with other points of interest, or ride an amphibious “duck” vehicle that takes you past the Government Gardens before cruising the lake.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors can combine a driving tour that visits landmarks in the public park with guided sightseeing beyond Rotorua.
- Guests can also swim or soak in geothermally heated pools at the historic Blue Baths, but call ahead to make sure the baths are not closed for a private event.
- The Government Gardens offer one of the city’s most serene spots for a picnic.
How to Get There
The Government Gardens are located on Queens Drive, on the shores of Lake Rotorua in central Rotorua. Pickup from centrally located hotels is provided on most tour itineraries, but the site is an easy stroll from downtown.
When to Get There
The gardens are open daily from 10am until 6pm. Spring is a delightful time to visit, when visitors can listen to the birdsong that rains down from the branches of exotic trees, and take time, literally, to smell the abundant roses and other flowers that burst with color.
Stepping Back in Time in Rotorua
To add to the impeccable nature of the gardens, an ornate Bath House building was constructed on the property and now stands as a piece of architectural history. The building houses the Rotorua Museum of Art and History, though it was damaged in a recent earthquake. The museum is well worth a visit when it reopens.
Address: Queens Drive, Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand
From $ 35
Grand Pacific Drive
The Grand Pacific Drive is a scenic coastal drive that stretches from the Royal National Park about an hour south of central Sydney, through the seaside New South Wales villages and towns of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, and Shoalhaven. Visitors can choose their own adventure with numerous coastal and rainforest walks, surfing, swimming, shopping, and endless dining options along the route.
The Basics
Breathtaking coastal views abound along the 86 miles (140 kilometers) stretch of road that make up the Grand Pacific Drive. Visitors can admire the views from Bald Hill Lookout, Stanwell Tops, and Sea Cliff Bridge, among other top sights, or just enjoy the scenic drive. The route passes coastal villages and the city of Wollongong with beaches, art galleries, and dining options to explore.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are 100 beaches, estuaries, and coastal lagoons along the route to explore.
- Visitors can continue on from the Grand Pacific Dive to the Southern Highlands, or into Victoria.
- The Royal National Park boasts roughly 60 miles (100 km) of walking and cycling trails
- Accommodations along the route range from campgrounds to luxury hotels.
How to Get There
The Grand Pacific Highway starts at the Royal National Park (an hour south of Sydney) and finishes at Shoalhaven.
When to Get There
Driving conditions on the Grand Pacific Highway are generally good year round. Whale-watching season peaks in July and September, and other seasonal activities include motorcycle riding, hang gliding, skydiving, hiking, and surfing.
Sea Cliff Bridge
Sea Cliff Bridge has become an iconic landmark along the Grand Pacific Drive. The $36 million (A$49 million) snake-shaped bridge, which links surrounding coastal areas, offers dramatic views of the ocean. Visitors can drive or walk it, and it makes a prime perch to spot all manner of native marine life in the clear waters beneath the pylons.
Address: New South Wales, Australia 2500, Australia
From $ 311
Bay of Fires
The Bay of Fires got its unique name in the late 1700s from Captain Tobias Furneaux, when he spotted flames along the coast, leading him to believe the country was heavily populated. Evidence left behind by Aboriginal people can still be seen today along the coast, where the bay serves as a popular place among folks who like the outdoors. Known for white beaches, orange lichen-covered rocks and blue water, the area is prime for boating, fishing, swimming, surfing and camping.
The Bay of Fires is divided into a northern, middle and southern section, with the northern piece found within Mt William National Park. This is a day-use only area only. The middle portion is also known as Policemans Points. There are many campsites, some with beach access, but there are no shops or facilities, so visitors must bring everything they might need. Taylors Beach and The Gardens Beach are popular spots with folks just visiting for the day.
Practical Info
Located on Tasmania’s East Coast, the Bay of Fires runs from Binalong Bay north to Eddystone point. St Helens is the closet town to the Bay of Fires, about a 20-minute drive down Binalong Bay Road. Visitors can pick up any needed supplies there.
Address: St Helens, Tasmania, Australia, Australia
From $ 444
Broome Town Beach
Town Beach is one of many sandy spots in Broome, and its main attraction is its water playground that dominates the foreshore. Built for kids of all ages, the playground is designed to be all-inclusive, enabling children of all abilities to play. A range of sprayers including a whale tail sprayer, mistry twisty, sneaky soakers and froggy-o-sprayer are set up to provide a fun play environment. The playground operates on a cycle that randomly repeats and is activated when a start button is pressed.
Safety is paramount here. Soft-fall ground covering ensures a non-slip environment, and the water is UV filtered and chlorinated. A designated area for disabled children includes a self-propelling, custom built, water submersible wheelchair that is available for free hire.
While the playground is a huge part of the attractions of Town Beach, the beach itself is also popular. Besides the bay being a calm swimming spot, the grassy foreshore also offers a great place for picnics. Just beside the playground sits the Town Beach Café, serving coffee, pastries and more.
Practical Info
Town Beach Playground is open from 9-5, except on Tuesdays. Public toilets are available near the playground. The playground is located on Robinson Street.
Address: Robinson Street, Broome, WA, Australia 6725, Australia
From $ 67
Bruny Island Berry Farm
Bruny Island has a reputation as an Australian foodie paradise, and the Bruny Island Berry Farm is part of the reason why. Here on this family-owned berry farm near the shores of Adventure Bay, locally-grown berries are deliciously transformed into ice cream, scones, jams, cheesecakes, and a wide assortment of desserts. If some of the farm’s 7,000 strawberry plants happen to be in season, visitors have the chance to wander the fields and pick their own berries from the vines. Blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, and youngberries all sweeten a visit to the farm, and even if the berries aren’t currently in season, the rural café is a relaxing spot for a coffee, tea, or scone.
Practical Info
The Bruny Island Berry Farm is open from 10am-5pm daily, but is closed during the winter months of May-late October. From the car ferry it’s approximately a 40-minute drive heading south towards Adventure Bay.
Address: 550 Adventure Bay Road, Adventure Bay TAS, Australia
From $ 133
Grampians National Park
Grampians National Park offers more than 646 square miles (1,673 square kilometers) of rugged sandstone peaks, with wildflowers, waterfalls, fern gullies, and vineyards. The park is known for its stunning natural landscape and many ancient aboriginal rock art sites.
The Basics
Most Grampians National Park tours set out from Melbourne; long day trip highlights include a visit to Halls Gap, the park’s only town; lookout points, such as Reeds, Boroka, or the Balconies; or a short hike at MacKenzie Falls or the Pinnacles. Hike through valleys, see incredible lookout point views, or taste Wartook Valley’s chardonnay.
Spend more time hiking and camping on a multi-day trip. Tours often go one-way between Melbourne and Adelaide, including a drive along the Great Ocean Road, a night in Grampians National Park, or a visit to the nearby gold rush town of Ballarat.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and water.
- Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so pack warm clothing, even in summer.
- Brambuk—the National Park and Cultural Centre offers maps, park information, park ranger tours and talks, cultural activities, restrooms, a café, and free Wi-Fi.
- Plenty of picnic spots and campsites in the national park offer basic amenities.
- Many walking trails and lookout points are wheelchair accessible, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available from the Cultural Centre (advance bookings recommended).
How to Get There
Drive along the Western Highway from Melbourne to reach Grampians National Park in West Victoria. Halls Gap in the east, Dunkeld in the south, and Wartook in the north provide access to the park. Trains from Melbourne run to Ararat, from where buses head to Halls Gap, but exploring with your own transport or joining a tour is more convenient.
When to Get There
Grampians National Park can be enjoyed year-round. Spring (September to November) offers the best time for hiking, while autumn’s mild weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Summer visitors might prefer to hike during the cooler hours of the morning; winter can be cold, but offers the best views of the park’s powerful waterfalls.
Grampians National Park Outdoor Activities
With more than 375 miles (600 kilometers) of roads and 100 miles (160 kilometers) of walking trails, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and bushwalking opportunities abound. Hike Wonderland Grand Canyon route to the Pinnacle Lookout, the Mt. Rosea Hike, or Grampians Peaks Trail. Go rock climbing and abseiling in the mountains, explore by quad bike or on horseback, or canoe, fish, and join a boat cruise around Lake Bellfield and Lake Wartook.
Address: Victoria, Australia
From $ 96
Elizabeth Quay
Stationed along the north shore of Perth Water in the city’s central business district, the newly opened Elizabeth Quay is a 2.7-hectare inlet of entertainment, nightlife, restaurants and fun.
Travelers can venture to the Barrack Street Jetty and check out the Bell Tower or enjoy a fun-filled river cruise. Hire a bike and ride along the picturesque Swan River or stroll along the scenic promenade. Sample some of the city’s contemporary cuisine in one of the stylish alfresco restaurants along the water or relax and unwind with a leisurely picnic in the vast green space.
Practical Info
Elizabeth Quay is located in Perth’s central business district at the Esplanade, near Trinity United Church. It is accessible using the Perth Underground via the Esplanade station.
Address: The Esplanade, Perth WA 6000, Australia
From $ 13
Bay of Islands Cruise Port
The Bay of Islands is a corner of the world that was meant to be explored by boat. This was the first part of the North Island to be settled by Europeans, and you can see from the islands and turquoise coves why they were immediately taken with this shoreline. Regarded by yachties as one of the best anchorages in the world, the Bay of Islands combines adventure and history with one of the most scenic coastlines in the world.
How to get to Paihia and Russell
All cruise ships arriving in the Bay of Islands will dock near Paihia at the Waitangi Wharf. To reach the town of Paihia, which is 1.3 miles away, you can either enjoy a 20-minute walk or a three-minute shuttle ride to the visitor’s center. From the i-SITE visitor’s center, activity staff and tour operators are available for all forms of assistance. While the town of Paihia is small enough to be walkable, visitors who are heading to the small town of Russell—which was at one time the capital of New Zealand—can catch a ferry from the dock in Paihia. Or, some cruise lines offer tender boats which cross the bay and dock directly on the waterfront.
One Day in the Bay of Islands
Visitors to the Bay of Islands have a smorgasbord of options to choose from which range from watersports, to history, to adventure. To explore the harbor and the surrounding islands and get a glimpse of the local marine life, hop aboard a harbor cruise to Cape Brett or Hole in the Rock. Depending upon the length of the cruise, you might have the chance to stop at empty beaches or ply the waters for dolphins. Or, for a bit of exercise, consider exploring the islands by sea kayak. For those interested in the history of the area, head directly to the Waitangi Treaty Center where the historic—and controversial—Treaty of Waitangi was signed with the Maori in 1840. You can catch a cultural performance at the Treaty House visitor center, which is located ten minutes from the center of Paihia. Finally, if you’d rather head inland to explore the forests or coastal dunes, take a tour of the Puketi forest or the wilds of Ninety-Mile Beach. These shore excursions often occupy the majority of the day in town, although they are a great way to experience the beauty of the Northland and escape the crowds back in town.
Port Information
The New Zealand dollar is the accepted currency in all of the Bay of
Islands, and a Kiwi dialect of British English is spoken by local
residents. Given the cultural history of the area, you also may hear
some snippets of Maori spoken in the area around Waitangi. For ATMs and
currency exchange, all services are located in Paihia a short walk away
from the wharf.
Address: Bay of Islands, New Zealand
From $ 77
Battery Point
This quiet suburb just south of Hobart was established in 1818, and while extravagant houses and luxury homes now dot the landscape of this prestigious town, a walk through its shaded streets offers visitors a look at how Tasmanians used to live.
The old warehouses of Salamanca Place are still visible from atop Kelly’s Steps, a series of hand-carved stairs built in the 1800s. Travelers can explore Battery Point’s colonial past at the Narryna Heritage Museum, then trek to the town’s highest point at St. George’s Anglican Church, built in 1936.
No trip to Battery Point is complete without a visit to Arthur Circus—one of the nation’s first official subdivisions. Today, visitors can wander around the original cottages, which are now some of the most expensive and sought-after homes in the area.
Practical Info
Battery Point is just south of the central business district of Hobart. It is accessible from Sandy Bay Road or Hampden Road. The town is best explored on foot.
Address: Battery Point, Hobart, Australia
From $ 41
Bundaberg
Bundaberg is most known for its sugar cane fields, rum production and outdoor recreation. Because of its subtropical climate, sugar cane grows in abundance, which creates the bi-product of molasses for their famous Bundaberg Rum. Visitors can tour the distillery to see how the delicious product is made firsthand before sampling some for themselves.
Bundaberg is also the home to The Bundaberg Barrel, one of "Australia's Big Things," and which houses Bundaberg Brewed Drinks known internationally for their ginger beer.
Bundaberg’s subtropical weather also allows for an array of fresh local produce and ingredients, some of which include avocados, macadamia nuts, pineapples, mangoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, cherry tomatoes, watermelons, citrus and much more. In terms of outdoor recreation the Burnett River is lined with parks, while sting ray-free beaches litter the coast. From August through October Bundaberg is a great place to go whale-watching, while November through March brings Giant Turtles to Mon Repos Beach.
Bundaberg is a great starting point for visiting Fraser Island, as you can take the Bruce Highway south to Torbanlea and follow the sign to Hervey Bay. You can take a ferry to Fraser Island from River Heads, located just south of Hervey Bay. Bundaberg is part of the Fraser Island district, and essentially runs parallel to Fraser Island’s northern tip.
Bundaberg is also the home to The Bundaberg Barrel, one of "Australia's Big Things," and which houses Bundaberg Brewed Drinks known internationally for their ginger beer.
Bundaberg’s subtropical weather also allows for an array of fresh local produce and ingredients, some of which include avocados, macadamia nuts, pineapples, mangoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, cherry tomatoes, watermelons, citrus and much more. In terms of outdoor recreation the Burnett River is lined with parks, while sting ray-free beaches litter the coast. From August through October Bundaberg is a great place to go whale-watching, while November through March brings Giant Turtles to Mon Repos Beach.
Bundaberg is a great starting point for visiting Fraser Island, as you can take the Bruce Highway south to Torbanlea and follow the sign to Hervey Bay. You can take a ferry to Fraser Island from River Heads, located just south of Hervey Bay. Bundaberg is part of the Fraser Island district, and essentially runs parallel to Fraser Island’s northern tip.
Practical Info
The journey from Bundaberg to Fraser Island takes approximately 1.5 hours. Take the Bruce Highway south to the Fraser Coast and turn off at Torbanlea, following the signs to Hervey Bay. From here take the main road toward River Heads, where you’ll be able to take a ferry over the island.
Address: Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
From $ 615
Centenary Lakes
It’s often the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef that draws visitors to Cairns, but the natural beauty found back on land is another great reason to visit. Lush, green, and with a touch of wilderness, this tropical city has a rainforest feel only a few miles from the coast. One of the best places to experience this scenery is at the Flecker Botanic Gardens—specifically inside the swampy section known as Centenary Lakes.
Connected to the main Botanic Garden by a boardwalk along the water, the Centenary Lakes house a flotilla of water lilies and over 130 species of birds. The park around the freshwater lake is perfect for a midday picnic, where ducks and turtles casually stroll the manicured, park-like grounds. The adjoining section with the salt water lake is where the park gets a little wilder, as dense mangroves and a rainforest boardwalk create a true wilderness surrounding. While rare, salt water crocodiles have sometimes been seen poking their eyes from the lake, which adds a legitimate degree of adventure to wandering the forested grounds.
Practical Info
The Centenary Lakes are within Flecker Botanic Gardens about 2.5 miles from the city center. There is no official admission fee, although donation boxes are scattered about the park to help with the upkeep and facilities. Opening hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on every day of the year, and the dry season from May-October is a comfortable time to visit.
Address: 132 Woodward Street, Edge Hill, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
From $ 59
Batemans Bay
Even though Captain Cook first visited this area in 1770, it took settlers 100 years to realize the area’s beauty. Today, the laid back Batemans Bay retains its small town feel—despite being the largest town along the stretch of coast.
For residents of Australia’s capital, Canberra, Batemans Bay is the closest place to escape for a trip to the beach, or kayak along the Clyde River that winds its way through town. In fact, kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the Batemans Bay region, whether it’s fishing from kayaks, searching for oysters, or cruising the caves and sandy coves that line the picturesque coast. The area is also notable for its fishing, and surfers scour the miles of beaches for perfect, uncrowded lineups. To explore the Batemans region on foot, hiking trails in the hinterlands are less than an hour away, and offer views of the Clyde River and big blue ocean beyond.
Practical Info
Batemans Bay is 2 hours from Canberra and 4 hours south of Sydney. It’s a popular stop on the coastal road when traveling between Sydney and Melbourne, or you can also fly into Moruya airport, just 25 minutes from town.
Did You Know? The South Head of Batemans Bay is a perfect place to spot whales from land from the months of September through November.
Address: Batemans Bay, New South Wales, Australia
From $ 70
Bruny Island
Less than an hour from the Tasmanian capital and yet a world away from the busy streets of Hobart, Bruny Island draws a steady stream of weekenders from the mainland. The two islands, joined by a long narrow isthmus, are a wildlife haven of jagged cliffs and golden beaches swirling with seabirds. Both are dotted with sleepy villages and tranquil guesthouses, and main activities are hiking, fishing, and slurping fresh-from-the-ocean oysters.
The Basics
Most visitors opt to cruise in on a guided day or overnight tour from Hobart. Tours typically visit highlights such as the Cape Bruny Lighthouse, Mount Mangana rainforest, and Adventure Bay. Food tasting tours are also popular, with guides taking visitors to island hot spots such as the Bruny Island Cheese Company, Bruny Island Berry Farm, and other artisan producers. You’ll also stop at some of the best points for wildlife viewing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no public transport on the island, and car rentals are only available from the mainland—confirm that your rental insurance covers the island.
- Cell phone coverage can vary throughout Bruny Island, and free Wi-Fi is only available at some hotels and guesthouses.
- Tasmania’s notoriously changeable weather means it’s best to always have a raincoat or umbrella handy, even in summer.
- Some boat cruises, accommodation options, and ferries are wheelchair accessible, but check in advance to avoid disappointment.
How to Get There
Dangling off the southern shore of Tasmania, Bruny Island lies about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Hobart. Car ferries run to Bruny from the mainland town of Kettering, a 20-minute cruise across the Tasman Sea, arriving at the Bruny Island Ferry Terminal in North Bruny. The closest airport is Hobart, which offers regular flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and other mainland Australia cities. Once on the island, you’ll need a car or bicycle to get around.
When to Get There
The most popular time to visit Bruny Island is summer, when weather is warmer and all the island’s attractions are open. Tours, ferries, and accommodations can be more expensive at this time, however, especially over summer holidays (December to January), and advance bookings are advised. A winter visit can save money, and you’ll get many of the natural wonders to yourself, but check ahead that accommodations and attractions are open.
Bruny Island Wildlife Safaris
Wildlife-spotting opportunities abound on Bruny Island, whether you embark on a wilderness cruise, hike through the South Bruny National Park, or take in the views from Bruny Island Neck. Rare animal sightings include white wallabies, forty-spotted pardalotes, and great white sharks, while more common finds are New Zealand fur seals and southern elephant seals, leatherback turtles, dolphins, penguins, and humpback whales.
Address: Bruny Island Main Road, Bruny Island 7150, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 11
Central Station Rainforest
Central Station Rainforest, once the central hub for the forestry department on Fraser Island, is a stunning and lush forest located on Wanggoolba Creek of Fraser Island - one of the most scenic areas on the island!
Since the logging industry's departure in the late 1950s, Central Station is a popular picnic and camping spot for tourists with an information center which provides a history of the island and tips on the flora and fauna in the area.
Home to many specifies of plants, Central Station rainforest houses the massive Angiopteris ferns, which has the largest fern fronds in the world. Giant satinay and kauri trees also grow around the forest
The massive kauris have a soaring trunk and branches only start at the very top; these trees were prized as masts in the days of sailing boats. Satinay trees are regarded as biological marvels since the sand they grow in contain very little nutrients.
The area around Wanggoolba Creek not far from Central Station is one of the loveliest swathes of rainforest. There are paths in the surrounding rainforest where you can get up close to the palms and learn about the creatures and plants that inhabit the area.
Since the logging industry's departure in the late 1950s, Central Station is a popular picnic and camping spot for tourists with an information center which provides a history of the island and tips on the flora and fauna in the area.
Home to many specifies of plants, Central Station rainforest houses the massive Angiopteris ferns, which has the largest fern fronds in the world. Giant satinay and kauri trees also grow around the forest
The massive kauris have a soaring trunk and branches only start at the very top; these trees were prized as masts in the days of sailing boats. Satinay trees are regarded as biological marvels since the sand they grow in contain very little nutrients.
The area around Wanggoolba Creek not far from Central Station is one of the loveliest swathes of rainforest. There are paths in the surrounding rainforest where you can get up close to the palms and learn about the creatures and plants that inhabit the area.
Practical Info
As Fraser Island is a sand island the only way to get around is by 4WD. Tour groups do travel around the island and most visit Central Station.
Address: Great Sand National Park, Fraser Island, QLD, Australia
From $ 141
Govetts Leap
In the 1930s, when early conservationists and Australian bushwalkers were lobbying for a National Park, you could argue that places like Govetts Leap ended up making it happen. With its sweeping view of the Grose Valley and swath of forested wilderness, Govetts Leap is often considered the most scenic Blue Mountains viewpoint. Surely, while standing at the top of the sheer rock face, and gazing out at the undulating hills that are completely covered in blue gum trees, lawmakers and bush walkers could all agree that this was a place to be saved.
What makes the lookout so exceptionally stunning is 600-foot Bridal Veil Falls—the tallest single-drop waterfall found anywhere in the National Park. There is a narrow hiking trail that descends the cliff face down to the base of the falls, although the sheer drop-offs and steep climb make it a trail for serious hikers. Most visitors will be better off just gazing out at the view—or stopping at the Blue Mountains Heritage Center at the end of Govetts Leap Road.
Practical Info
Govett’s Leap is located 8.5 miles from Katoomba and two miles from the train station in Blackheath. There is a large parking lot fronting the lookout that has restrooms and basic facilities, and the Govett’s Leap hike to the base of the falls can take about seven hours.
Address: Blue Mountains National Park, Australia
From $ 179
Broome Chinatown
A colorful history accompanies Broome's Chinatown. During the heyday of Broome's pearling industry, the pearlers (many from China, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Europe) would arrive back on shore cashed up and head to the opium dens and billiard halls of Chinatown.
Things have changed. You won’t find opium dens; however, you will still find corrugated sheds alongside some fascinating Chinese architecture and delicious food. The area is filled with pearl shops selling pearls and mother-of-pearl products many of which come from local waters.
Stroll around, soak up the atmosphere and learn about Broome's exciting history from the great storyboards on the shops along Johnny Chi Lane.
Things have changed. You won’t find opium dens; however, you will still find corrugated sheds alongside some fascinating Chinese architecture and delicious food. The area is filled with pearl shops selling pearls and mother-of-pearl products many of which come from local waters.
Stroll around, soak up the atmosphere and learn about Broome's exciting history from the great storyboards on the shops along Johnny Chi Lane.
Practical Info
Chinatown is still the commercial center of Broome so it is a major stop for the Broome Bus, which has comprehensive coverage of Broome. It is also walking distance from the airport.
Address: Johnny Chi Lane, Broome, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 73