Choose from 646 Fun Things to Do in Australia
ShowingFilter 61-80 of 646 listings.
Carlton BrewHouse
Few Australian beers are as world famous as Carlton and there’s no better place to sample the classic Aussie brew than Melbourne’s Carlton Brewhouse. The iconic brewhouse is only one of Australia’s largest breweries, producing more than 420 million liters of beer each year, including top beers like Carlton Draught, Fosters, Victoria Bitter and Pure Blonde.
As well as being a working brewery, the BrewHouse also has a dedicated visitor facility, where visitors can go behind-the-scenes and see the production rooms and bottling plant. As well as discovering the brewery’s 100-year history, visitors can also shop for souvenirs at the Beer Gear shop, enjoy expert-led tastings or pair food and beer at the BrewHouse Café.
Practical Info
The Carlton BrewHouse is located in Abbotsford, around 4km east of downtown Melbourne and is open Monday- Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Entrance is by guided tour only.
Address: Nelson Street and Thompson Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm
Admission: By guided tour only
From $ 22
Glen Forest Tourist Park
Picture yourself riding a Segway through vineyards surrounded by emus or camels. That’s a scene you’re likely to encounter on a visit to Glen Forest Tourist Park, a family-run farm about 15 minutes outside the town of Port Lincoln. Of the 400 acres (162 hectares) that make up the farm, over 120 acres (49 hectares) are dedicated to animals such as wombats, kangaroo, and buffalo. It’s a great place for children and families to experience Australia’s wildlife, and you can try your hand at mini golf once you’ve spent time visiting the animals, or kick back with a glass of wine from the 80-acre (32-hectare) vineyard. You can also upgrade to a Segway ride to tour the farm on two wheels and top off a quirky day of adventure in the South Australian countryside.
Insider Tip: It’s a good idea to wear closed toe shoes since you’re touring a working farm. Some of the paths are gravel and dirt and you’ll want them for riding a Segway.
Practical Info
Glen Forest Tourist Park is located 11 miles (18 km) north of Port Lincoln, about a 15-minute drive from the airport. It is over a seven-hour drive from Adelaide, but 12 daily flights running between Adelaide and Port Lincoln make the 50-minute flight a worthy alternative. The park is open year-round from 10am to 5pm every day except Christmas. Admission costs $13 for adults and $11 for children.
The road to the farm is dirt in some sections, so be sure your rental car can handle the conditions. There are covered picnic areas for bringing your own lunch as well as facilities for a BBQ, and the entire experience is very casual and welcoming for families and groups.
Address: 877 Clarkes Lane, Green Patch, South Australia 5607, Australia
Hours: 10am–5pm daily
Admission: Adult: $13; Child: $11
From $ 697
Flemington Racecourse
Melbourne’s historic racecourse has been the city’s premier horse racing venue since it first opened in 1840 and plays an important role in the history and identity of Melbourne and its people.
A hive of activity during Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival in November each year, Flemington Racecourse (or ‘Flemington’ as it is more commonly called) is best known as the venue for the Melbourne Cup, the city’s internationally renowned horse race that attracts over 100,000 visitors each year and is the world’s richest turf race.
Owned and run by the VRC (Victoria Racing Club), Flemington hosts racing events throughout the year and is recognised by the Victoria Heritage List as the most significant racing heritage site in Australia.
Situated on the Maribyrnong River, Flemington has clear views of the city skyline and a rose garden that is believed to be the biggest in the southern hemisphere. There is a heritage center and a shop onsite and walking tours are available daily during business hours.
Flemington Racecourse is located 6km northwest of the CBD on Epsom Road. The No. 57 tram (departing Elizabeth Street) provides the most direct access to the racecourse.
A hive of activity during Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival in November each year, Flemington Racecourse (or ‘Flemington’ as it is more commonly called) is best known as the venue for the Melbourne Cup, the city’s internationally renowned horse race that attracts over 100,000 visitors each year and is the world’s richest turf race.
Owned and run by the VRC (Victoria Racing Club), Flemington hosts racing events throughout the year and is recognised by the Victoria Heritage List as the most significant racing heritage site in Australia.
Situated on the Maribyrnong River, Flemington has clear views of the city skyline and a rose garden that is believed to be the biggest in the southern hemisphere. There is a heritage center and a shop onsite and walking tours are available daily during business hours.
Flemington Racecourse is located 6km northwest of the CBD on Epsom Road. The No. 57 tram (departing Elizabeth Street) provides the most direct access to the racecourse.
Address: Australia
From $ 27
Flagstaff Gardens
Established atop a hill in central Melbourne in 1862, Flagstaff Gardens is the city’s oldest park. Covering 18 acres, on a nice day you’ll see plenty of office workers lounging on the lawns during their lunch breaks. And given the park’s location next door to Queen Victoria Market, a picnic made up of goods from the nearby food stalls is a popular option.
Named after a flagstaff that was erected in 1840 to signal ships into Melbourne port, as you wander through the park you’ll see sculptures and memorial statues, flower and rose beds, leafy eucalyptus, paths lined with avenues of elms for shade, and Moreton Fig trees native to eastern Australia. Look out for local wildlife, including possums, too.
And in the northern corner, you’ll see the local bowling lawn and, for sporty types, along the William Street side of Flagstaff Gardens there are tennis courts which also double as volleyball, handball, and netball courts. Just next to the courts, the electric barbecues are especially busy come summertime. And for a fine example of Melbourne’s extravagant buildings built during the boom years of the Victorian Gold Rush, check out the Melbourne Mint building. Built in 1862 in the Renaissance revival style, it’s just across the street from Flagstaff Gardens and is now home to the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.
Practical Info
The closest station to Flagstaff Gardens is Flagstaff railway station, at the southeast corner of the park.
Address: West Melbourne, Victoria 3003, Australia
From $ 51
Cascades Female Factory Historic Site
This all-female prison is one of 11 places that make up the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property. Between 1788 and 1853 approximately 25,000 women—and even some of their children—were held in one of Cascade’s five structures. High rates of illness and infant mortality, as well as grim conditions led to tragic ends for many of the inmates who were forced to sew and mend to repay their debts to society.
Three of the five original buildings are open to the public, so visitors can see the heavy stone walls and thick metal bars that held so many women captive. The Matron’s Quarters in Yard 4 provides travelers with details about the lives of civilians who were charged with punishing and reforming Cascade’s wayward women. This female factory is a fascinating introduction to Tasmania’s role in convict transportation for Great Brittan.
Practical Info
It’s easy to get to Cascades Female Factory on foot by following the Hobart Town Rivulet path. Visitors can also take the 44, 46, 47 or 49 buses to St Johns Hospital and walk down Apsley Street. Tickets range from $15-$20 and tours are included.
Address: 16 Degraves St, South Hobart TAS 7004, Australia
Admission: $15-20
From $ 41
Fitzroy Island
Forty-five minutes by boat from Cairns, Fitzroy Island has been many things — a Chinese Quarantine Station, a Mission School, a WWII coast-watch station...and today it’s all about its natural features — tropical rainforest and a fringe coral reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef system, where you can dive and snorkel in among green sea turtles, clown fish, and parrotfish.
A continental island that separated from the mainland in the last Ice Age over 8,000 years ago, Fitzroy Island covers just 4km — 97% of which is National Parkland that you can wander through on the walking trails through the forest and along the coast. The rest of the island is all about the white sand beaches, and on the sheltered western end you’ll find the island’s accommodation, a restaurant, Foxy’s Bar, and a conference and wedding venue. There’s also a diving school on the island, and options to go on glass bottom boat tours, SUP boarding, ocean trampolining, and kayaking. A relaxed walk is to the old lighthouse on the northwest point. On a clear day, from here you can look out past Cape Grafton to the Frankland Islands.
Practical Info
Eighteen miles from the mainland, it’s possible to stay overnight on Fitzroy Island or you can just head out there on a day trip. To reach the island from Cairns, head to the Reef Fleet Terminal to take the high-speed 45-minute ferry, which departs at 9am.
Address: Australia
From $ 62
Dreamworld
Dreamworld on the Gold Coast is home to the most thrilling rides on Australia's east coast!
Adventure and excitement can be found at every turn. Thrill-seekers can get their hearts racing with any of the Big 9 Thrill Rides including Pandamonium, Tower of Terror II, The Claw and Tailspin. Little ones will enjoy fun-filled rides like Escape from Madagascar, Big Red Boat Ride or Dorothy's Rosy Tea Cup Ride.
Dreamworld is also home to Australian wildlife, including a huge population of koalas, while Bengal and Sumatran tigers rule at Tiger Island. And if you get hungry at any time during your exciting day, stop at any one of restaurants and cafes located throughout the park for a bite to eat!
Adventure and excitement can be found at every turn. Thrill-seekers can get their hearts racing with any of the Big 9 Thrill Rides including Pandamonium, Tower of Terror II, The Claw and Tailspin. Little ones will enjoy fun-filled rides like Escape from Madagascar, Big Red Boat Ride or Dorothy's Rosy Tea Cup Ride.
Those on a quest for adventure will also find great attractions from DreamWorks Experience: Shrek's Faire Faire Away, Kung Fu Panda: Land of Awesomeness, Madagascar Madness and Madagascar Live!
Dreamworld is also home to Australian wildlife, including a huge population of koalas, while Bengal and Sumatran tigers rule at Tiger Island. And if you get hungry at any time during your exciting day, stop at any one of restaurants and cafes located throughout the park for a bite to eat!
Practical Info
Dreamworld is 17 km (10.5 miles) north of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.
Buses run here from Brisbane, 48 km (30 miles) away. You could also catch the train from Brisbane to Coomera, then catch the connecting bus.
Address: Pacific Highway, Coomera 4209, Australia
Hours: Open daily 10am - 5pm. Closed Christmas Day & ANZAC Day.
Admission: Adults: AU$99.99, Children (3-13yrs): AU$79.99
From $ 70
Fitzroy River
The Fitzroy River runs for 733 km through the Kimberly region of Western Australia and is of large importance to the local Aboriginal people. Known to the traditional inhabitants as Mardoowarra, the river and its floodplains have spiritual, cultural and medicinal significance to the Nyikina, Walmadjari and Konejandi peoples, as well as ecological significance.
Many of the Kimberly’s tourist attractions lie on the Fitzroy River. Geikie, Diamond and Sir John Gorges, and the Fitzroy Crossing are the most famous. The Fitzroy River is home to many native species including acacia trees, bream and fresh and saltwater crocodiles, as well as being one of the last places the endangered freshwater sawfish is found.
The Fitzroy River is a popular fishing and camping spot near both Broome and Derby. Fitzroy Crossing is the gateway to attractions such as Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge National Parks, and as such is a place many visitors to the Kimberly pass through, and Geikie Gorge National Park is one of the most visited attractions in the area. The Fitzroy River meets the ocean in King Sound, which lies midway between Broome and Derby.
Practical Info
The Fitzroy River is located in the West Kimberly, and accessible from Fitzroy Crossing, Broome and Derby. It flows through Geikie Gorge and can also be seen at Willare crossing and the permanent Margaret River pool.
Address: Willare, WA, Australia, Australia
From $ 199
Cascade Brewery
With a legacy dating back to 1824, Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest continually operating brewery, founded by English settler Peter Degraves. The historic brewery, set in Hobart at the foot of Mount Wellington, welcomes guests to its brewhouse and restaurant, and offers tours and tastings.
The Basics
Beer lovers can peek behind-the-scenes and discover the beer-making process on a guided brewery tour, or take part in a Cascade Beer School workshop and learn more about its historic brews. You can also sample the full range of Cascade beers and ciders, and tuck into delicious seasonal cuisine, at the Brewhouse. Thanks to its strategic location by Mount Wellington, the brewery is also popular with hikers seeking an ideal pre- or post-hike lunch destination.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Cascade Brewery is a must-do for beer lovers.
- Brewery tours are open to guests aged 16 and older, tastings are for those at least 18 years old, and the Cascade Beer School is open to all ages.
- Brewery tours take 1.5 hours including tasting; Cascade Beer School workshops last 30 minutes.
- Brewery tour participants must be covered from the waist down, and shoes must be flat and closed-toe.
- Numbers are limited for brewery tours, so it’s recommended to book in advance, especially in peak season.
- The Brewhouse is accessible to wheelchair users, but due to stairs, the brewery tour is not.
How to Get There
Cascade Brewery is located at the foot of Mount Wellington in South Hobart, about a 10-minute drive from downtown. Buses from central Hobart stop close to the brewery; you can also catch a taxi.
When to Get There
Cascade Brewery is open 10am to 5pm daily year-round except Christmas and Good Friday. The busiest time of year is during the summer months of January and February, when it’s recommended to book tours and tastings well in advance.
Cascade Brewery Beers
Cascade’s beers are brewed on-site using Tasmanian-grown hops and barley, and water sourced from Mount Wellington. Popular brews include Cascade Pale Ale, the original Cascade beer; Cascade Premium Light, the top-selling light beer in Australia; and Cascade Draught, Cascade Bitter, and Cascade Lager. The brewery also produces a range of Mercury Ciders.
Address: 140 Cascade Road, Hobart 7004, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 11
Flinders Street Station
Flinders Street Station is Melbourne’s most historic train station and a major transportation hub. Built in 1854, the station still features remnants of the past like the large clock on the facade, stained glass windows, and old-school flip displays for train departures. The station allows travelers to shuttle between the outer suburbs and the heart of Melbourne with ease.
The Basics
Flinders Street Station proudly stands as a reminder of the past in the middle of Melbourne. A majority of city walking tours commence here (or at the iconic Federation Square across the street). Explore Melbourne’s hidden gems, including nearby Degrabest Street, or take a step back in time with a historic tour to learn more about the station and city’s past. For those who want a more in-depth overview of Melbourne, consider booking a private tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Flinders Street Railway Station is a must-visit for those interested in Melbourne’s history.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station and on every platform.
- The station features wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and phones. There are also tactile paths for those with impaired vision.
How to Get There
Every train, and virtually tram, in Melbourne stops at Flinders Street Station, making it the most important transportation hub in the city. The station stretches for a few blocks from Swanston Street to Elizabeth Street, and is easily walkable from the main streets of Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD). The station is located directly across from Federation Square, the city’s main meeting point.
When to Get There
Thousands of commuters flood the station every day for work, so visit outside of rush hour to avoid excessive crowds.
Flinders Street Station in the Past
With its iconic yellow facade and green dome, the station was built to be used for more than just transportation. The upper floors of the complex feature an abandoned ballroom with space for 400 guests, a now-neglected gymnasium, as well as a childcare facility used by mothers who were visiting the city. After the railroad romance ended in the mid-20th century, these facilities were closed off to the public
Address: Corner Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne 3000, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 20
Double Island Point Lighthouse
For 108 years, a lightkeeper here at Double Island Point Lighthouse was tasked with the job of keeping ships away from the Great Barrier Reef. Even though the light is now automated, however—having taken the lightkeeper’s place—the timber frame and romantic allure still accompany this historic, stoic tower in Great Sandy National Park. A popular spot with trekkers and sightseers, the lighthouse headland overlooks the coast and the turquoise waters below. White sand shoreline stretches out on both sides of the headland, which is only accessible by hiking trails or a 4x4 road down the beach. Whales and dolphins can be spotted offshore between the months of July–November, and surfers flock to the legendary wave that peels around the point. This is also a very popular stop between Noosa and Fraser Island, and offers one of the best views on Australia’s eastern coast. To see Double Island Point Lighthouse for yourself, embark on a 15-mile 4x4 drive from popular Rainbow Beach, or hike and camp along the coast through Great Sandy National Park.
Practical Info
While the lighthouse site is open to the public, the tower itself is privately operated and isn’t open to visitors.
Address: Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand, Australia
From $ 96
Barossa Chateau
In addition to being one of Australia’s most luxurious hotels, the Barossa Chateau sits on what is perhaps the country’s most well-known (and well-kept) rose garden, too. With some 25 acres of estate land, including 22 acres of gardens and five kilometers of scenic pathways, the Barossa Chateau offers travelers the perfect country escape.
Visitors can spend the morning wandering the beautifully landscaped grounds, then tuck into traditional high tea at the hotel’s classic restaurant. After stroll through the rose gardens, visitors can stop at the art and antiques gallery before sipping on a glass of fine wine from the Cellar Door. Finally, visitors can sink into lush beds with high thread counts after a long day filled with some of Australia’s most classic natural beauty.
Practical Info
Barossa Chateau is located at the corner of Barossa Valley Way and Hermann Thumm Drive in Lyndoch. The chateau is open seven days a week: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Address: 1 Hermann Thumm Drive, Lyndoch, South Australia, Australia
Hours: Daily
From $ 106
Balmoral
Bondi. Coogee. Bronte. Manly—the list of famous Sydney beaches is as long as the coastline itself. The Balmoral beaches in Mosman, however, are often overlooked by Sydney visitors who instead head out to the coast. Unlike the larger, more popular beaches, Balmoral is located inside Sydney Harbor—only 15 minutes from downtown sights like the Opera House and The Rocks. Since the Balmoral beaches are protected from waves, surfers are swapped for picnickers and families all lounging out on the grass, and there are even swim zones with calm water surrounded by protective shark nets.
The two beaches—Balmoral and Edwards—are separated by a wide, rocky point but linked by the shop-lined Esplanade, and kayaks, paddleboards, and even snorkel gear can be hired along the sand. Looking east out over the beach, visitors are met with sweeping views of the entrance to Sydney Harbor, where two opposing coastal headlands frame the rising sun. More than just being scenic, however, Balmoral is also family-friendly and impeccable tidy and clean.
Cafés line the Esplanade and street sweepers ply the streets, and there isn’t a single late night pub found anywhere along the strip.
The two beaches—Balmoral and Edwards—are separated by a wide, rocky point but linked by the shop-lined Esplanade, and kayaks, paddleboards, and even snorkel gear can be hired along the sand. Looking east out over the beach, visitors are met with sweeping views of the entrance to Sydney Harbor, where two opposing coastal headlands frame the rising sun. More than just being scenic, however, Balmoral is also family-friendly and impeccable tidy and clean.
Cafés line the Esplanade and street sweepers ply the streets, and there isn’t a single late night pub found anywhere along the strip.
Practical Info
Balmoral is relatively empty on weekdays but get very crowded on weekends. Parking here can be expensive, and public transportation is often the easiest and cheapest bet. The bus lines 244 and 247 connect with the stop at Military Road Mosman, or the 238 connects with Taronga Wharf where you can catch a ferry downtown. Or, if it’s a sunny day and you feel like a walk, take the ferry to Taronga Wharf and enjoy a two-hour stroll. Once here, there are clean facilities, restrooms, and amenities that are perfect for travelers with families.
Address: Sydney, Australia
From $ 441
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum
The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum is home to one of Australia’s most prominent shipwreck collections and is set in a 19th-century village overlooking Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. More than 180 shipwrecks have occurred along the coastline here, including the famous Loch Ard disaster. The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum documents these, and educates visitors of the maritime heritage of both the Shipwreck Coast and the Great Ocean Road.
Come nightfall, the Flagstaff Hill village puts on a spectacular show using special effects to bring the tragic story of the Loch Ard wreck to life. ‘Shipwrecked' is an outdoor sound and laser show that sails nightly, with dinner and show packages available.
Practical Info
The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum is located at 89 Merri Street in Warrnambool, Victoria. It’s open daily from 9am until 5pm with last admissions at 4pm. The ‘Shipwrecked’ evening show runs nightly at dusk, with show times varying depending on the time of year. The show runs for approximately 70 minutes.
Address: 89 Merri Street, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia, Australia
From $ 13
Dominique Portet Winery
Tucked into the serene and picturesque Yarra Valley of Victoria, the Dominique Portet Winery is renowned for its deep roots in French soil — Bordeaux to be exact. The art of winemaking has been passed down through the Portet lineage from 18th century France; a father and son duo (ninth and 10th generation) run this winery with experience that spans around the world. The modest space boasts an array of wines in a comfortable, Mediterranean-style setting. Get lost among the sprawling vines, or relax with a glass surrounded by oak barrels at Dominique Portet. Enjoy tastings from the cellar door, learn more about the Portet history and culture with a vintage tour, or stay for a leisurely lunch overlooking the valley.
Practical Info
Dominique Portet Winery is located about an hour away by car from Melbourne’s city center, at 870 Maroondah Highway in Yarra Valley. Visit daily, from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. for tastings and tours.
Address: 870 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream VIC 3770, Australia
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. for tastings and tours
From $ 593
Flinders Chase National Park
Covering the Western end of Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase National Park is one of Australia’s most diverse wildernesses. Boasting an intricate network of trails and boardwalks, the park showcases both natural and historic sights.
Popular experiences include visiting the wind sculpted Remarkable Rocks, or the Admirals Arch which stretches over the powerful ocean that shaped it. Also located along the coastline is the Cape Borda Lightstation. Explore by yourself or take a guided tour of the lighthouse and cemetery – the midday tour includes the firing of a restored signal cannon.
The Flinders Chase Visitors Centre provides extensive information about the park, including the best places for wildlife viewing. A colony of New-Zealand fur seals lives on the rocks surrounding Admirals Arch. The Breakneck River Hike offers prime bird watching opportunities, whilst the shorter Platypus Waterholes Walk crosses the habitats of platypus, wallabies, geese, echidnas, goannas and more. The short Cliff Top Hike from the Cape Borda Lightstation ends in a stone lookout that offers prime position for spotting migrating whales from May through October.
Popular experiences include visiting the wind sculpted Remarkable Rocks, or the Admirals Arch which stretches over the powerful ocean that shaped it. Also located along the coastline is the Cape Borda Lightstation. Explore by yourself or take a guided tour of the lighthouse and cemetery – the midday tour includes the firing of a restored signal cannon.
The Flinders Chase Visitors Centre provides extensive information about the park, including the best places for wildlife viewing. A colony of New-Zealand fur seals lives on the rocks surrounding Admirals Arch. The Breakneck River Hike offers prime bird watching opportunities, whilst the shorter Platypus Waterholes Walk crosses the habitats of platypus, wallabies, geese, echidnas, goannas and more. The short Cliff Top Hike from the Cape Borda Lightstation ends in a stone lookout that offers prime position for spotting migrating whales from May through October.
Practical Info:
The Flinders Chase National Park is open 24/7, and the Visitors Centre operates from 9-5. A day pass is $10 for adults and $6 for children, with options available for extending your pass and accommodation. The park is 110km from Kingscote and is accessible by car.
Address: Flinders Chase National Park, Flinders Chase, SA 5223, Australia
Hours: Open 24/7 but day visitors are requested to leave the park by sunset.
Admission: Adult: $10 (2 Day Pass $15). Child: $6 (2 Day Pass $9)
From $ 156
Fleurieu Peninsula
The Fleurieu Peninsula is a region of South Australia that lies just to the south of Adelaide and prides itself as a place of both adventure and culture. Encompassing the towns of Victor Harbour, Mount Compass, Rapid Bay, Willunga and others, the peninsula has a lot to offer; a host of the historic river and coastal towns celebrate their history with markets, heritage steam trains and some of the country’s finest antique stores.
Adventure on the Fleurieu Peninsula comes from the bike paths, the self-drive adventures, the coastal hiking and the conservation parks within the region. Visitors come here to see little penguins come ashore and to watch whales migrating off the coast. Sailing on Lake Alexandria is a popular activity, as is getting under the waves and seeing some of Australia’s best diving, including the HMAS Hobart. The peninsula is also home to one of South Australia’s best wine regions; McLaren Vale and its world-famous Shiraz are among the wines that hail from here.
Practical Info
The Fleurieu Peninsula is close enough to Adelaide to visit on a day trip. It’s just over 40 miles (70 km) from the city center to Normanville, or 53 miles (85 km) to Victor Harbour–a driving time of about an hour and a half. There are plenty of places to visit on the peninsula, but Victor Harbour offers a good base for exploration.
Address: Australia
From $ 340
Geikie Gorge
Geikie Gorge National Park is one of the most accessible parks in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Named by colonial settlers for Sir Archibald Geikie in 1883 and known as "Darngku" to the local Aboriginal Bunaba people. The gorge has been carved out by the Fitzroy River, which flows between the massive ancient limestone walls, over 98 feet (30 meters) of which have been exposed by the river.
One of the most stunning sights in Geikie Gorge is the coloring of said cliffs. During dry season when the water level is low, the lower half of the walls is visible and bleached white due to the opposite season's floods. As the rain comes in, the Fitzroy River rises up to 52 feet (16 meters) up the gorge walls, cleaning them in a continuous cycle.
Visitors to Geikie Gorge can get out on the water on a boat tour or even a Darngku heritage cruise, guided by the traditional landowners of the park. Hiking is another popular activity, with the popular Reef Walk track taking about 1.5 hours to complete. River Walk is shorter, taking only about 20 minutes, and leads to the banks of the Fitzroy.
Practical Info
Geikie Gorge sits about 260 miles (415 km) east of Broome via road. The park entrance sits 12 miles (20 km) from Fitzroy Crossing and is connected by a bitumen road. Visitors are only allowed to enter during the day, and camping is not allowed.
Address: King Leopold Ranges, Western Australia 6728, Australia
Hours: Daylight hours; no camping allowed
From $ 1,257
Double Bay
Double Bay is the meeting point of Sydney’s prominence–an exclusive shopping district with a European flair full of designer boutiques, jewelers, waterfront properties and world-class restaurants surrounded by Sydney Harbour itself. Here, you will find open parks, stately mansions, tree-lined boulevards and plenty of spots to relax.
Within the beautiful surroundings of Guilfoyle Park, Double Bay also hosts Sydney’s most popular organic food market, which is open every Thursday. If you are in the mood for a little bit of glitzy dining, be sure to check out Bay Street with its plethora of fancy bars, including the ever famous Mrs. Sippy. Of course, you can’t leave Double Bay without spending a couple hours soaking in the sun at the idyllic Redleaf Beach and enjoying a swim in Redleaf Pool.
Though people see Double Bay primarily as a shopping and café district, it is also home to the Double Bay Street Festival, which regularly draws well over 60,000 people.
Practical Info
Double Bay is a 15-minute ferry ride away from downtown Sydney’s main Circular Quay ferry terminal. Buses, depending on traffic, are also an option and under normal circumstances take about 20 minutes. Double Bay is serviced by bus 323, 324, 325 and 326.
Address: Sydney, NSW, Australia
From $ 41
Glass House Mountains
Like bulbous beacons of outdoor adventure just minutes from the Sunshine Coast, the Glass House Mountains rise from the plains like eruptions frozen in stone. The pinnacles, in fact, are volcanic plugs that were once Australian volcanoes, and rise today to 1,800 feet above the coastal plain. Named by Captain Cook when he sighted them from his ship, the Glass House Mountains today are an outpost of hiking, climbing, and horseback riding, with views stretching out towards Maroochydore and Brisbane and the shores of Moreton Island. Of all the walks inside of the park, one of the most popular is the Glass House Mountains Lookout Circuit, which at only half a mile is a comfortable stroll, but still offers views looking all the way out towards the Sunshine Coast in the distance. More avid adventurers can shoot for the summit of Mt Tibrogargan, which requires some climbing and scrambling skills to reach the 1,200-foot peak. In the surrounding area, outside the official National Park but still in the Glass House vicinity, the Blackall Range offers a scenic drive that’s one of the best in Australia, and passes through small, hinterland towns that are a welcome change from the fast pace of the popular Sunshine Coast.
Practical Info
The Glass House Mountains are located one hour north of Brisbane, and about 35 minutes from the Sunshine Coast beaches. Tibrogargan and Ngungun are currently the only mountains that are open to the public for climbing, and there are facilities and toilets scattered throughout the park.
Address: Queensland, Australia
From $ 81