Choose from 889 Fun Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific
Cape Bruny Lighthouse
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Avon River
Devonport
- Devonport hosts arts and culture festivals throughout the year, which often include food trucks and live music. Check local listings to see what’s on while you’re visiting.
- Consider adding Devonport to an Auckland cycling itinerary, as bikes are allowed on the ferry from the CBD.
- Taking the ferry to Devonport is a good way to experience city skyline views without paying for an expensive cruise, as return tickets are very affordable.
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.
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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.
Canterbury Museum
Cape Byron
A day trip from Byron Bay can be spent first at the Cape Byron Light – a lighthouse that was opened in 1901 and is still in use today. A climb to the top, through the internal spiral staircase, brings visitors to a glorious viewing platform looking out across the Pacific Ocean, which is a prime place to catch whales, sea turtles, dolphins and other passing wildlife.
Wildlife lovers will enjoy the many sheltered beaches and protected reefs that encompass the 54,000 acre Cape Byron Marine Park. Swimming, fishing (in some areas), kayaking and diving are all possible around Cape Byron, the latter of which is good for getting up close and personal with the likes of sea turtles, fish, rays and sharks. But getting in or on the water isn't always necessary; whale watching and dolphin spotting are popular from the shore.
Catch a bit of fresh air and exercise by hitting Cape Byron's 2.3 mile (3.7 km) walking track. This track takes walkers and cyclists to top attractions such as the Captain Cook Lookout, Palm Valley, Wategos Beach and the Cape Byron Lighthouse.
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Cape du Couedic
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Gantheaume Point
The glorious red cliffs at Gantheaume Point contrast starkly with the bright blue water to create a spectacular scene, especially at sunset as the rock glows red.
To its the north is Cable Beach, and to its south is a small fishing beach that in summer is covered in sand balls rolled by millions of tiny sand crabs.
Beneath the lighthouse is Anastasia’s pool. It was carved out of the rock by the lighthouse keeper so his arthritic wife could comfortably bathe in the waters each day.
It would seem that not only humans appreciate the beauty of Gantheaume Point as it was also popular with dinosaurs who created a trackway at the point which can still be seen today. At very low tides it is possible to see the tracks of nine different types of dinosaur, both herbivores and carnivores.
Practical Info
Only the first bus of the day visits Gantheaume Point (at approximately 7:55am) and there is no bus service back to town. While this makes it perfect for a morning stroll back to town along Cable Beach about 3 mi (5 km) back, it makes taxis necessary unless you have a car.
Ayers Rock (Uluru)
- Cell phone coverage can be limited, but WiFi is available at the Cultural Centre in Uluru and Ayers Rock Resort.
- While climbing Ayers Rock is not prohibited, Uluru is a sacred Aboriginal site, and climbing it is considered disrespectful to the Anangu.
- Ayers Rock is located in the desert, so sunscreen, a hat, water, and comfortable shoes are a must. Prepare for high temperatures during the day and chilly weather at night.
- Many areas of Ayers Rock, including viewing areas and part of the base walk, are wheelchair accessible.
- Alcohol is not allowed in the park except on organized tours.
Garden of the Sleeping Giant
- There is an entrance fee for the garden and optional guided walking tours are included.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and mosquito repellent.
- Plan to spend at least an hour to explore the gardens, or pack a picnic and make a day of it.
- The garden is not wheelchair accessible, as there are steps along the boardwalks.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
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Cairns Wildlife Dome
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Garden Island
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Garrison Church
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Cape Byron Lighthouse
The eastern coast of Australia sees humpback whale migrations each year, and the lighthouse platform acts as the perfect vantage point for its 500,000 annual visitors, as well as the Southern Cross University's Whale Research Centre, which is located on the premises.
The lighthouse itself stands 74 feet tall (22.5 meters); an internal spiral staircase reaches from the lobby to its viewing platform. Onsite still stands the original lighthouse keeper's residence next to the assistant keepers' duplex. The original, kerosene-based light source has been upgraded over the years with a switch to electric in 1956. This is also the time when the light became the most powerful in all of Australia's lighthouses with an intensity of 2,200,000 cd.
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Cape Leveque
One of Australia's most stunning stretches of coastline, Cape Leveque is filled with saturated hues: brick-red cliffs, pearl-white sand and clear, blue water.
It’s fantastically remote but there is an excellent eco-resort run by the traditional Aboriginal owners of the land and miles of that glorious beach.
There are lots of activities available once you get to the cape. Glass-bottomed boats will give you a look at the beautiful corals and fish that live in the waters around the cape and the fishing is excellent especially for mackerel, tuna and sailfish.
There are also cultural tours you can undertake with the traditional Aboriginal owners of the land which will teach you about their way of life on the cape.
Practical Info
It’s a good 3.5 hour drive from Broome over corrugated dirt roads, a trip for 4-wheel drive vehicles only. If you’re not experienced with a 4WD then there are companies that run up to Cape Leveque; most of the day-trips are by plane.
Gallery Walk
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Garigal National Park
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Camp Cove
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Cape Brett Hole-in-the-Rock
Wild and lonely Cape Brett is a remote location on the scenic back road leading along the coast from Russell.
Along the route is the traditional Maori village of Rawhiti, the starting point for the rugged 7.5-hour trek to Cape Brett. On reaching the cape, hikers are rewarded with shelter for the night in the Cape Brett Hut.
For non-hikers, Cape Brett is a popular day cruise destination from Paihia or Russell. The cape is famous for its ‘Hole in the Rock’ on neighboring Motukokako Island, a natural archway formed by ceaselessly pounding seas over the centuries.
As well as spotting dolphins, penguins and other wildlife along the way, the cruise passes a lovely seaside landscape of sandy beaches and rocky cliffs, and the lonely lighthouse on the tip of Cape Brett.
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Cape Brett Hole-in-the-Rock is on the northern tip of a peninsula east of the town of Russell. Motukokako Island is just offshore.