Choose from 646 Fun Things to Do in Australia
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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.
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
Gondwana Rainforest
Sprawling over more than 360,000 hectares, the Gondwana Rainforest is one of Australia’s most important ecological sites, famed for its abundance of rare and endangered wildlife.
Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the rainforest areas are mostly found along the coastal region of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales and encompass more than 50 national parks, forests and reserves.
The most visited areas include the Lamington National Park, Tamborine Mountain National Park and Border Ranges National Park in Queensland, and Springbrook National Park, Dorrigo National Park and Mount Warning National Park in New South Wales. Within the parks, hiking, climbing and camping are among the favorite pastimes of visitors, with a vast network of walking trails and an abundance of natural landmarks, including the mighty Tweed Volcano. For nature enthusiasts, the main draw is the spectacular variety of wildlife, including endemic species like Hastings river mouse, spotted-tailed quoll and mountain tree frog, and rare birds including wompoo dove, marbled frogmouth and lyre bird.
Practical Info
The Gondwana Rainforest is located throughout southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales.
Address: Australia
From $ 73
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
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
Goat Island
This rocky 13-hectare island in the heart of Port Jackson is as rich in history as it is in sandstone. Once home to an explosives store and later a convict stockade, Goat Island has housed the Sydney Water Police and even served as a film set. What originally served as a destination for some of the nation’s biggest criminals (who were forced to labor in the massive quarries), is now part of Sydney Harbour National Park.
Popular walking tours guide travelers around this much-storied island, with stops at the Queens powder magazine (where ammunition was once stored) and at the old convict quarry and sleeping quarters. Learn about life on Goat Island, the punishments endured by prisoners and their attempts to escape.
Popular walking tours guide travelers around this much-storied island, with stops at the Queens powder magazine (where ammunition was once stored) and at the old convict quarry and sleeping quarters. Learn about life on Goat Island, the punishments endured by prisoners and their attempts to escape.
Practical Info
Travelers can take the Sydney and Matilda ferries to Goat Island or join a historic walking tour. Be sure to pack a camera, since views from Goat Island are some of the best in Sydney Harbour.
Address: Goat Island Sydney Harbour National Park, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
From $ 73
Gordon River
The Gordon River is as beautifully remote as one could hope a river would be. Beginning in the highlands of the central plateau that dominates inland Tasmania, the riverbank is devoid of any residents along its 117-mile path. Instead, the entire length of this tea-colored river is part of the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area, a forested expanse of raw wilderness found on the western side of the island. Many of the trees set along this riverbank are nearly 2,000 years old, and as if the beauty couldn’t get any more stunning, the rolling profile of the surrounding hills is often reflected in the river waters.
When visiting Strahan on Tasmania’s west coast, one of the most popular activities is to spend a day on a Gordon River cruise. Plying the waters of the lower reaches of the river, it’s easy to imagine what it must have been like in the early 1800s, when the nearby prison at Sarah Island housed some of Australia’s most fearsome convicts. Today, however, the Gordon River is as placid and peaceful as the leaves that drift on its waters, and it’s a natural resource that fortifies the beauty of the western Tasmanian coastline.
Practical Info
Gordon River cruises depart from Port Macquarie in the west coast town of Strahan. The month of February is considered the best time to visit because of its high number of clear days, while the autumn months of October and November are often cloudy and wet. Most Gordon River cruises are also combined with stops at surrounding sights, such as Sarah Island, Hell’s Gate or a vantage point for viewing Ocean Beach.
Address: Gordon River, Tasmania, Australia
Hours: Daily
From $ 69
Echo Point Lookout
Anyone who’s seen a picture of the Blue Mountains should recognize Echo Point. Famous for its view of the Three Sisters, this sweeping viewpoint on the outskirts of Katoomba defines the Blue Mountains’ beauty. From this cliff top ledge, the jagged escarpment vertically drops towards the distant valley floor—a void where clouds can linger in the treetops nearly a thousand feet below.
Take a deep breath and drink in the beauty of the Blue Mountains’ southern flank, and then consider walking the “Giant Stairway” that drops down into the valley. Over 800 stairs that are carved from the mountain descend 1,000 vertical feet, where numerous hiking trails weave their way along the forested valley floor. Climbing the walls of the “Ruined Castle” is a popular valley hike, and is a good way to escape the crowds that tend to gather at the viewpoint. Rather than hiking back up the stairs, take a ride on the “Scenic Railway” that leads back to the top of the cliff. At inclines of up to 60° it’s considered the world’s steepest railway, and drops passengers at Scenic World—a short walk from Echo Point Lookout.
Practical Info
Echo Point Lookout is approximately 1.5 miles from the main Katoomba train station. There is a Visitor Center next to the lookout with info on the National Park, as well as interpretive plaques and cultural history on Aboriginal tribes. The lookout is located along the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, and from here it’s possible to trace the cliff top all the way to Leura Cascades.
Address: Katoomba, Australia
From $ 37
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
Glenelg Tram
The city of Adelaide is close to the beach, but isn’t exactly on it. To reach the white sand beaches of Glenelg—a teeming suburb of streetside cafés and fiery evening sunsets—all that’s required is a short ride on the historic Glenelg Tram. Dating back to 1873, the Glenelg Tram line is an Adelaide icon that’s beloved by city residents. It’s the only remaining tram line in the city and a physical link to yesteryear, and it’s also a convenient and affordable way for moving about the town.
Historic H-class cars were used on the tram up until 2006, and while they’ve since been replaced by a more modern fleet, the original cars will sometimes be inserted on Sundays and public holidays. From the large glass windows of the slowly moving tram, watch as the scenery gradually changes from city, to suburb, to beach. The tram is actually free to ride within the downtown city center, although passengers traveling all the way to Glenelg can buy their tickets on board.
Practical Info
The northernmost terminus is the Adelaide Entertainment Center on the outskirts of the downtown city center, and the coastal terminus is at Moseley Square just a short walk from the beach. The tram can often be very crowded—particularly around rush hour in the city center—although trams run every 15 minutes in the event you need to wait.
Address: Adelaide, Australia
From $ 51
Eagle Street Pier
Shiny and modern, Eagle Street Pier is the riverside corporate entertainment precinct of Brisbane City. Beneath the glass facades of the city’s law firms and commercial offices, overlooking the Brisbane River, are many of the city’s most loved bars and restaurants.
Local favorites at Eagle Street Pier include Jade Budda for cocktails, the Bavarian Bier Café for a hearty feed and Matt Moran's ARIA for fine dining. The precinct is popular on Friday nights in particular, when end of week celebrations transform the calm riverside into a cosmopolitan hotspot.
Every Sunday between 8am and 3pm, Eagle Street Pier hosts a waterfront market for the weekend wanderer to browse stalls selling clothing, arts and crafts, jewellery and gifts.
Local favorites at Eagle Street Pier include Jade Budda for cocktails, the Bavarian Bier Café for a hearty feed and Matt Moran's ARIA for fine dining. The precinct is popular on Friday nights in particular, when end of week celebrations transform the calm riverside into a cosmopolitan hotspot.
Every Sunday between 8am and 3pm, Eagle Street Pier hosts a waterfront market for the weekend wanderer to browse stalls selling clothing, arts and crafts, jewellery and gifts.
Practical Info
Neighboring the city center, Eagle Street Pier can be reached by bus to the city center, train to nearby Central Station, as well as ferry and foot. There is a terminal at Eagle Street Pier for ferry and City Cat services and paid, secure undercover parking can be found beneath the Pier in Wilson Parking.
The Eagle Street Pier is also connected by riverside pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, making this a delightful place to take a post-dinner walk and enjoy the Brisbane River view.
The Eagle Street Pier is also connected by riverside pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, making this a delightful place to take a post-dinner walk and enjoy the Brisbane River view.
Address: Eagle St, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
From $ 44
Cataract Gorge
Launceston’s ruggedly beautiful Cataract Gorge is a popular highlight for visitors, combining dramatic natural landscapes and Victorian-era landscaping right on the edge of the city.
The reserve is surrounded by wild natural parklands, and near-vertical cliffs soar alongside the South Esk River as it enters the Tamar River.
Hikers and rock climbers head here to follow picturesque walking trails along the gorge’s northern bank, and the open-air swimming pool becomes a mini lido in summer, surrounded by beach umbrellas and sunbathers.
With picnic grounds, restaurant, kiosk, cafe, wandering peacocks, scenic lookouts, a lofty suspension bridge and walking trails, you can easily spend a day here. At night the gorge is beautifully floodlit, and a chairlift whisks visitors over the river to West Launceston.
Before Launceston’s hydro dam was completed in 1955, the waters here were channeled to create electricity, with the power station at Duck Reach upriver from the suspension bridge. Now decommissioned, the building serves as a museum. A visit reveals the story of Launceston’s early days and the Duck Reach power plant.
The reserve is surrounded by wild natural parklands, and near-vertical cliffs soar alongside the South Esk River as it enters the Tamar River.
Hikers and rock climbers head here to follow picturesque walking trails along the gorge’s northern bank, and the open-air swimming pool becomes a mini lido in summer, surrounded by beach umbrellas and sunbathers.
With picnic grounds, restaurant, kiosk, cafe, wandering peacocks, scenic lookouts, a lofty suspension bridge and walking trails, you can easily spend a day here. At night the gorge is beautifully floodlit, and a chairlift whisks visitors over the river to West Launceston.
Before Launceston’s hydro dam was completed in 1955, the waters here were channeled to create electricity, with the power station at Duck Reach upriver from the suspension bridge. Now decommissioned, the building serves as a museum. A visit reveals the story of Launceston’s early days and the Duck Reach power plant.
Practical Info
Cataract Gorge is a 10-minute stroll west of central Launceston.
Just walk along Bridge Road from the city center and you’ll come to the Cataract Walk trail winding along next to the South Esk River, leading to the chairlift station and restaurant.
Just walk along Bridge Road from the city center and you’ll come to the Cataract Walk trail winding along next to the South Esk River, leading to the chairlift station and restaurant.
Address: 69 Basin Road, Launceston 7250, Australia
Hours: Open 9am - dusk
From $ 33
East Point Reserve
Nestled between Fannie Bay beach and the Nightcliff Headland, East Point Reserve is a nature reserve and the largest park area in Darwin. In addition to the many outdoor activities available here, the area’s military history draws both visitors and locals alike. The active at heart can enjoy the many walking trails and cycling paths, or take a swim in the saltwater of Lake Alexander. For those who prefer to lounge, there are dozens of ideal picnic spots from which to catch the views and sunsets, including those at the most popular beach on Fannie Bay.
The area is home to lots of Australian wildlife — everything from wallabies and bandicoots to reptiles and birds. The Mangrove Walkway is the best bet for seeing the animals that call East Point home. The Reserve furthermore played a role in defending Australia in World War II, which can be explored in the Darwin Military Museum here.
Practical Info
The park is located along Alex Fong Lim Drive in East Point, Darwin. It is open during daylight hours, with the Mangrove Walk open from 8 am to 6 pm daily. There are many facilities for visitors, including free barbecue areas, public toilets, and playgrounds for children.
Address: Alex Fong Lim Drive, East Point, Darwin, Australia NT 0820, Australia
From $ 27
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
Castle Hill
Whether it’s from the ground or from the top, the Castle Hill views are some of the best in Townsville. Majestic pink mountains framed by palm trees climb into clear blue skies, making for picture-perfect landscape shots. And a network of challenging hiking trails—including the Goat Track—a local favorite, lead to vast, uninterrupted vantage points of the city down below. Travelers can look out over Magnetic Island, Townsville beaches, bustling ports and the flowing river. Whether it’s for fitness or for pleasure, a trek to the top of Castle Hill is a must when in the area.
Practical Info
Castle Hill is easily accessible by walk or car. Visitors can start at The Strand and walk up Gregory Street before ascending the hill. Parking is available at the foot of the hill for those who travel by car.
Address: Townsville, Queensland, Australia, Australia
From $ 41
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
Barrington Tops National Park
Despite being just a few hours drive from Sydney, the sweeping mountain valleys, lush rainforests and thundering waterfalls of the Barrington Tops National Park are a world away from the city. Spread over more than 83,000 hectares, the national park lies on the rugged Barrington Plateau and forms part of the UNESCO-listed Gondwana rainforests, one of Australia’s most diverse ecosystems.
Popular activities within the park include hiking, mountain biking, 4WD tours, canoeing and horseback riding, while there are also ample opportunities for camping, fishing and picnicking. Wildlife enthusiasts will also be in their element with common sightings including grey kangaroos, wombats, pademelons and bats, and hundreds of bird species, including kookaburras, flame robins, cockatoos and rosellas.
Practical Info
Barrington Tops National Park is located in eastern New South Wales, around 250km north of Sydney.
Address: New South Wales, Australia
From $ 367
Caversham Wildlife Park
Located in the lush surrounds of Whiteman Park, Perth’s Caversham Wildlife Park is home to Western Australia’s largest private collection of native wildlife. The park has more than 200 species of fauna, with a focus on native Australian animals such as koalas, wallabies, possums, Tasmanian devils, and wombats.
The Basics
A Caversham Wildlife Park entry ticket includes full access to the park’s many attractions, as well as daily events such as live shows and animal-feeding demonstrations. Most visitors choose to visit on a day trip from Perth; you can combine a full-day tour with other area activities, including a 4WD drive tour of the Darling Ranges, a wine tasting in the Swan Valley, a visit to the Pinnacles desert, or a sandboarding adventure down the Lancelin dunes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- You can take in all of the park’s attractions in about three hours, but many visitors opt to spend the whole day in Whiteman Park.
- On-site facilities include ATMS, free Wi-Fi, a gift shop, a café, and free parking.
- Caversham Wildlife Park is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Caversham Wildlife Park, located inside Whiteman Park, is about a 30-minute drive north of central Perth. There are two main entrances to the Whiteman Park—Lord Street and Beechboro Road—and also buses from Bassendean Railway Station stop at the Lord Street entrance, most visitors arrive either by private transport or as part of a guided tour from Perth.
When to Get There
Caversham Wildlife Park is open daily year round. The busiest time to visit is during the summer peak season (December and January) or during school holidays. Weekdays outside of these times are generally much quieter.
Wildlife Experiences at Caversham Wildlife Park
Caversham Wildlife Park highlights include supervised walks through the kangaroo enclosure; an interactive farm show where you can try your hand at shearing a sheep or milking a cow; and photo opportunities close to wombats, koalas, and kangaroos (additional fees required). There’s also Penguin Island, where you can watch the penguins being fed, and Molly’s Farm, where you can learn about cows, goats, and chickens.
Address: Lot 99B Lord St, Whiteman, WA 6068, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 133
Barron Gorge National Park
Whether it’s hiking, boating or tracking wildlife, the lush hills and scenic passes of Barron Gorge National Park make up the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore this natural Australian wonder, which lies just beyond Cairns city limits.
Overnight travelers can set up camp at nearby Speewah Conservation Park before setting out on one of Barron Gorge’s popular hikes, which range from an easy 1.2 kilometers to more challenging excursions between the park’s three main trailheads. Commercial rafting trips along the Barron River let daredevil travelers explore less accessible parts of the lower gorge, while wildlife lovers can find tree-kangaroos, flying foxes, spotted-tail quolls and even the endangered southern cassowary along the river’s edge.
Visitors often stroll along the banks of Lake Placid in the lower Barron Gorge, and the popular Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes visitors high up into the park’s rainforest canopy.
Practical Info
The lower section of Barron Gorge National Park is located 18 kilometers northwest of Cairns, and the upper section is 27 kilometers outside the city. Rainy season lasts from December to April, so it’s best to travel between May and September to escape the downpour.
Address: Lamb Range QLD 4870, Cairns, Australia
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Dependent on activity
From $ 36
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