Choose from 646 Fun Things to Do in Australia
Dinosaur Footprints
A 50 mi (80 km) dinosaur trackway runs through the Kimberley. At low tide, Guantheaume Point is one of the best vantage points to see the tracks of at least nine different types of dinosaur. The dinosaurs are thought to be from the early Cretaceous period which makes them around 130 million years old.
There are herbivores like the Apatosaurus and carnivores including a tyrannosaur. The fossilized footprints range from a few inches to nearly 3 ft (1 m).
The footprints can only be viewed at very low tide, however, there are copies up at the top of the cliffs for visitors to view; this helps lessen the human impact on the fragile reef.
Practical Info
Only the first bus of the day visits Gantheaume Point and there is no bus to take you back. While this makes it perfect for a morning walk along Cable Beach back to town (3 mi/5 km) it does mean a taxi is the best way to get there and at other times.
Degraves Street
Practical Info
Australian War Memorial
- Entrance to the memorial and museum is free, and regular 30-, 60-, and 90-minute tours are offered throughout the day.
- Visitors must undergo security checks, and oversized bags, backpacks, and large items must be left at the cloakroom (free of charge).
- There are two cafés on-site—Poppy’s Café in the memorial grounds and The Landing Place in Anzac Hall.
- The memorial is fully wheelchair accessible.
Defence of Darwin Experience
Practical Info
Australian Parliament House
Canberra has two parliament houses: the Art Deco 1920s Old Parliament House and Canberra’s focal point, the new 1980s Parliament House.
Dug into the surrounding green flank of Capital Hill, the grassed roof and triangular metal flagpole of Parliament House are a national symbol.
The building’s central foyer is flanked by the House of Representatives on the east and the Senate on the west. Inside, native timbers, marble, mosaics, tapestries and embroidery feature in the spacious and lofty interior.
Take a guided tour, and if Parliament is sitting you can watch the proceedings from the public gallery.
If you have time, visit the imaginatively curated Old Parliament House adjacent. Clattering typewriters, ringing phones and overflowing in-trays re-create the drama and atmosphere of Canberra’s political life in decades gone by.
Practical Info
Crowning Capital Hill, Parliament House is set on a grand axis with Old Parliament House directly in front of it, and the Australian War Memorial, away over Lake Burley Griffin.
Australian Aviation Heritage Centre
Practical Info
Australian Reptile Park
- Daily shows include spider venom milking, turtle feedings, and park tours.
- Visitors are strongly encouraged to wash their hands after feeding kangaroos.
- Visitors must wear hats and long sleeves when feeding birds. It’s recommended pregnant women avoid this activity.
Cairns Botanical Gardens
Practical Info
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Interested travelers can follow free 30-minute tours that include up-close looks at the caterpillar breeding nursery. Here, you can see newly born butterflies before they’re released into the aviary and learn about the stages of development that lead to the birth of these fanciful creatures.
The sanctuary’s laboratory is another popular stop that showcases efforts to keep the aviary well stocked. While just two percent of eggs survive in the wild, more than 80 percent mature here thanks to lab experts. Catch a peek at the hard-working scientists who keep this facility thriving.
Practical Info
Australian National Maritime Museum
Practical Info
Cairns Lagoon
Practical Info
Australian Museum
Practical Info
Cairns Wildlife Dome
Practical Info
Cairns Night Markets and Food Court
Practical Info
Cape Bruny Lighthouse
Practical Info
Australia Zoo
- Lines can be long, especially in peak season, so it’s best to buy tickets in advance.
- On-site facilities include paid storage lockers, water fountains, ATMs, picnic areas, and a selection of restaurants, cafés, and gift shops.
- Most of the zoo’s exhibitions are outdoors and you will likely do a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle.
- The Australia Zoo is fully wheelchair accessible; wheelchair rentals are also available.
Derwent River
Hobart is set on the Derwent River estuary, which sets it apart as one of the world’s great sailing cities and harbors.
Take a cruise by jet boat or ferry on the Derwent, or cross the water by water-taxi. Cruises go upriver to Moorilla Winery or the Cadbury Factory, or out to Iron Pot Lighthouse near Bruny Island.
The harbor is indented with sandy bays and beaches and crossed by several bridges. From the water you can see Mount Wellington, the docks, botanical gardens and suburbs.
Sea kayaking is another way of experiencing the Derwent, leaving from the Hobart docks and paddling around the city.
Practical Info
The Derwent River rises in Lake St Clair in the mountainous heart of Tasmania, and flows 240 km (148 miles) to reach the sea.
Australian Institute of Sport
Practical Info
Camp Cove
Practical Info
Cairns Cruise Port
One of Australia’s busiest cruise ports, Cairns may be best known for its close access to the Daintree tropical rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Once the site of mangrove swamps and sand ridges, the city today is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, offering a plethora of water and adventure activities.
How to Get to Cairns
The brand new cruise terminal at Trinity Wharf is located in the heart of the city, so you won’t have far to go to reach the center of Cairns. Larger cruise ships may have to anchor in the harbor, in which case tenders will carry you from the ship to the port.
One Day in Cairns
If you’re like many visitors with just a day to spend in Cairns, chances are you’ll choose to forgo the city itself and instead book an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Over 1,600 miles long and composed of nearly 3,000 individual reefs, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. Swimming, snorkeling, diving or riding on a glass bottom boat are all possibilities to explore the incredible biodiversity of what has been called one of the seven great natural wonders of the world.
For those who choose not to visit the Reef, taking the Skyline Rainforest Cableway to the town of Kuranda is another great way to spend a day. In Kuranda, you’ll find a variety of arts and craft shops, as well as the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. After taking a cable car to Kuranda, you can return to Cairns by bus.
Back in the city, head to the Cairns Esplanade to stroll along the Harbour Walk, explore the handicrafts market and enjoy live entertainment and public art displays. Art aficionados may also want to pay a visit to the Cairns Regional Art Gallery, featuring fine art from a variety of Australian artists, including Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders.
Another option for those who want to see more of the tropical rainforest would be to take a day-long guided tour to the Daintree Rainforest, about two hours north of Cairns.
Port Information
The official language is English and the local currency is the Australian dollar. ATMs are widely available and are the best way to obtain local currency. Most shops and restaurants will also accept credit cards.