Choose from 646 Fun Things to Do in Australia
ShowingFilter 181-200 of 646 listings.
Garrison Church
Humble, proud, and unpretentious, Garrison Church isn’t the largest church in Sydney—nor its most popular or famous—but it holds an honorable, timeless charm for Sydney’s military families. Established back in 1840, Garrison Church was the first military church established in the colony of Australia, and today houses a military museum on the small inside of the church. As it’s located next to The Rocks near downtown, Garrison Church makes an easy detour on a popular visitor route of Sydney, and is a way to experience a sliver of life in Australia’s earliest days. The church itself was actually constructed from the sandstone on nearby Argyle Street, and while modern Sydney has grown up around it into the modern metropolis it is today, Garrison Church exists as an almost forgotten window into the past. While here, marvel at the exquisite stained glass windows that are some of Australia’s best, and reflect on the labor, worksmanship, and care that went into decorating this Anglican Church in Sydney’s burgeoning harbor.
Practical Info
Garrison Church is located on the intersection of Lower Fort Street and Argyle Street within walking distance of The Rocks. Morning service is held at 9:30am, with afternoon service at 4pm in the historic sandstone interior.
Address: 60 Lower Fort Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
Hours: Morning service is held at 9:30am, with afternoon service at 4pm.
From $ 139
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
Great Barrier Reef
Encompassing roughly 3,000 individual reefs and dotted with almost 900 islands and coral cays (small sandy isles), Australia's Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most unforgettable natural treasures. Snorkelers and certified divers often place the reef at the top of their bucket lists due to the unparalleled array of marine life in its underwater world, ranging from thousands of different varieties of fish, birds, and clams to hundreds of types of birds, seaweed, and turtles. And with experts expecting much of this diversity to dwindle in the next decade, there’s never been a better reason to plan a visit to this natural wonder.
Popular Great Barrier Reef Activities
Snorkeling and scuba diving are the most popular activities; the water is at its clearest from April to October and most snorkeling tours include the use of equipment. Savvy visitors make their trip into an educational opportunity by getting their PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certificate. Keep in mind that strenuous in-water activities are not recommended for those with medical conditions affecting the heart or lungs.
Don’t want to get wet? The sheer enormity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site makes it worth experiencing out of the water as well. Some barrier reef cruises feature afternoon tea or take place on a glass bottom boat rather than a catamaran, suitable for those who would like a more relaxed reef experience. And if you’re short on time, scenic helicopter flights offer the full-picture perspective on the immensity of this remarkable ecosystem, which makes up the world’s largest coral reef.
Insider Tip
Staying in Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, can allow you to see the area without having to pay the steep price of luxury island resorts.
Great Barrier Reef Attractions
Seeing the huge Great Barrier Reef could take weeks, but there are a few landmarks and highlights that are must-sees. Saxon, Hastings, and Norman reefs in the outer Great Barrier Reef are top scuba diving and snorkeling spots, while Hamilton Island, Green Island, and Fitzroy Island are some of the most popular day trip destinations for reef tours. And visits to nearby Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and the Daintree Rainforest, both located on the mainland outside Cairns, are easy to add onto your Great Barrier Reef exploration. A trip on the Kuranda Scenic Railway or Skyrail Rainforest Cableway can provide a unique view and be combined with a reef cruise.How to Get There
Scuba diving excursions, snorkeling trips, and reef cruises all depart from Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, or Townsville. The reef runs 1,426 miles (2,300 km) from Bundaberg to the country’s northernmost tip, coming closest to the continent right around Queensland.
Address: Pier Marina, Pier Point Road, Cairns, Tropical North 4870, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 62
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
Fremantle Round House
This historic 12-sided building was built in 1831 and is the oldest public building in Western Australia. Travelers can tour this unique architectural destination and learn about the original settlement, as well as how this iconic building was once used to house local lawbreakers.
Visitors can learn about this building’s colorful past and also get an up close look at the famous Whaler’s Tunnel—the oldest underground tunnel in Western Australia. Completed in 1838, the original tunnel spanned some 64 meters, but today measures just 46. And while the 1 p.m. sound call that once rang out daily to alert ships on sea to the official time no longer occurs, travelers can sometimes catch a reenactment ceremony put on by some of the Fremantle Volunteer Heritage Guides.
Practical Info
The Fremantle Round House is located at the end of High Street on Arthur Head and overlooks the Indian Ocean and Bathers Beach. The building is open from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. daily and entry is donation based.
Address: Captains Lane, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160, Australia
Hours: 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. daily
Admission: Free, donations welcomed
From $ 27
Freycinet National Park
One of Tasmania’s most popular coastal holiday spots, Freycinet National Park is backed by the pink-tinged granite outcrops known as the Hazards.
Low-lying coastal heathland frames views of blue sea and sand throughout the park, with the Hazards looming large in the distance. Bushwalkers head here to follow coastal trails along the peninsula’s secluded coves, and the park is a popular holiday camping spot for families.
The park’s white-sand beaches are beautiful but top marks always go to perfectly formed Wineglass Bay, which often appears in travel top 10s as one of the world’s most gorgeous beaches. It really does have a circular wineglass shape, fringed by white sand and untouched bushland.
Birdwatchers come to Freycinet to spot seabirds, and you might see cockatoos, wattlebirds and wallabies on the two-hour return walk to the lofty lookout over Wineglass Bay. It’s an often steep incline with steps, or you can follow the wheelchair-friendly boardwalk at Cape Tourville for less-exhausting but still stunning views of the bay.
Boating and fishing are other popular activities, along with rock climbing, sea-kayaking, swimming at the Friendly Beaches and snorkeling at Sleepy Bay and Honeymoon Bay.
Low-lying coastal heathland frames views of blue sea and sand throughout the park, with the Hazards looming large in the distance. Bushwalkers head here to follow coastal trails along the peninsula’s secluded coves, and the park is a popular holiday camping spot for families.
The park’s white-sand beaches are beautiful but top marks always go to perfectly formed Wineglass Bay, which often appears in travel top 10s as one of the world’s most gorgeous beaches. It really does have a circular wineglass shape, fringed by white sand and untouched bushland.
Birdwatchers come to Freycinet to spot seabirds, and you might see cockatoos, wattlebirds and wallabies on the two-hour return walk to the lofty lookout over Wineglass Bay. It’s an often steep incline with steps, or you can follow the wheelchair-friendly boardwalk at Cape Tourville for less-exhausting but still stunning views of the bay.
Boating and fishing are other popular activities, along with rock climbing, sea-kayaking, swimming at the Friendly Beaches and snorkeling at Sleepy Bay and Honeymoon Bay.
Practical Info
The main settlement in Freycinet National Park is Coles Bay, the place to go for food, drink, shopping and national park information at the visitor center.
Freycinet is around 200km (125 miles) from Launceston and Hobart on Tasmania’s east coast. The peninsula dips south from Coles Bay along Great Oyster Bay, running parallel to the towns of Swansea and Little Swanport.
Freycinet is around 200km (125 miles) from Launceston and Hobart on Tasmania’s east coast. The peninsula dips south from Coles Bay along Great Oyster Bay, running parallel to the towns of Swansea and Little Swanport.
Address: Coles Bay Road, 7215, Australia
Admission: Adults: $12
From $ 97
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
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
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
Granite Gorge
Granite Gorge Nature Park showcases the unique landscape west of Cairns and celebrates Australia’s Northern Savannah wilderness. Ancient volcanic activity defines the landscape, forcing huge granite boulders above grounds in all sorts of weird and wonderful shapes. Walking tracks traverse through the boulder field, letting visitors get up close and personal to these massive monoliths. Granite Gorge is a fantastic place for bird and wildlife watching. Wild rock wallabies inhabit the gorge, and visitors are able to see them in their natural habitat, including the rare and endangered Mareeba unadorned rock wallabies. Possums, gliders, Frilled Neck Lizards, Quolls, echidnas and more also call the gorge home. Over 200 species of bird live in the Northern Savannah region, including tawny frog mouths, kookaburras, and more, with migratory species such as koels arriving every spring.
As well as its namesake boulders, Granite Gorge is dotted with deep, cool swimming holes. Too far inland to be inhabited by the crocodiles that are common around the coast, the swimming holes are home to nothing more sinister than turtles and fish, and are perfect for a relaxing swim.
Practical Info
Granite Gorge Nature Park is located about an hour and a half from Cairns by car. Bush camping is available at the park for those with tents, caravans and motor homes, while cabins can also be rented. Day admission to the park is $10 for adults, $4 for children of high school age and $2 for children of primary school age.
Address: 332 Paglietta Road, Mareeba, QLD, Australia
Admission: $10 for adults, $4 for teens, $2 for children
From $ 123
Garigal National Park
Stretching for around 2,200 hectares along Sydney’s North Shore, the Garigal National Park has long served as a popular escape for city dwellers. A network of walking trails make hiking and bushwalking the top activities within the park, with the most scenic choices including the Cascades Track, the Heath Track, the Frenchs Creek falls and the Bungaroo bushland reserve.
Other popular pastimes include rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and canoeing or kayaking at the Narrabeen Lake. There are also ample picnic and BBQ areas dotted throughout the park, including the Davidson Park Picnic Area on the banks of the Middle Harbour River. Garigal National Park is also renowned for its rich Aboriginal heritage and around 100 Aboriginal sites can be found within the park, including some striking rock art.
Practical Info
The Garigal National Park is located in Forestville, along Sydney's Upper North Shore, around 12km north of downtown Sydney.
Address: Healey Way, Forestville NSW 2087, Australia
Hours: Tues-Sun 9:30am -5:30pm
From $ 74
Granite Island
This small island, just a short walk from Victor Harbor, gets its name from the huge granite boulders that dot its landscape. Its exceptionally strong foundation may be of significance to geologists, but the island is perhaps most important to the indigenous Ramindjeri people, who believe it was formed by spears thrown into the water.
Today, visitors come to Granite Island to ride the horse-drawn tram and wander the hills in search of the tiny penguins that call this place home. An informative Penguin Center is open from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with twice-daily public feedings. The well-marked Kaiki Walk lets visitors loop around the island’s edge in an easy 40 minutes, and a handful of ocean lookouts prove also ideal for whale watching.
Practical Info:
Although visitors can wander the island on their own during daylight, anyone looking to check out the penguins after dark is required to join a guided tour.
Address: Granite Island, Adelaide, Australia
From $ 84
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
Garden Island
When Sydney’s original European settlers arrived in Sydney Harbor, they sustained themselves by planting a garden here at Garden Island. Today, after land was reclaimed and filled in with rocks, Garden Island is now a point that juts out into the harbor, and houses the Royal Australian Navy’s eastern fleet of ships. During World War II, a Japanese mini sub infiltrated the harbor and sank an Australian ship—resulting in the death of 21 sailors from the Australian and British navies. Much more history is outlined in depth at the Royal Australian Navy Heritage Center—a fascinating museum here on Pott’s Point that’s a must for history or war buffs. Once finished perusing the Heritage Center, which is fantastically free of charge, take a stroll through the gardens and grounds that are hidden behind the museum, where BBQ grills and views of the harbor make the perfect spot for a picnic. From the elevated viewing platform behind the museum, it’s possible to see the Harbor Bridge as well as the Sydney Opera House, and the view stretches all the way out to the heads and the mouth of Sydney Harbor.
Practical Info
Garden Island is accessible by ferry from multiple points across Sydney. The most popular route is along the line to Watson’s Bay, departing from Circular Quay, where Garden Island is the first stop after leaving the downtown docks. The RAN Heritage Center is open daily from 9:30am-3:30pm, with the exception of various holidays. Since part of the peninsula is closed to the public, access is only by ferry.
Address: Potts Point, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Hours: The RAN Heritage Center is open from 9:30am-3:30pm, and ferries only dock on the island during the museum’s opening hours.
From $ 33
Gallery Walk
For many travelers to the Gold Coast hinterland, a trip to the interior means hiking, birding, or searching for thundering falls. In the case of Tamborine Mountain, however, a small town on an elevated plateau of about 1,700 feet, visitors travel from all over the Gold Coast for the chance to shop at the Gallery Walk. On this festive, shop-lined, action-packed strip, visitors will find over 70 stores full of crafts, clothing and art, as well as restaurants, wine shops, cheese shops, chocolate shops, coffee shops, and houses for tea. Peruse the boutiques for everything from crystals to original, Aboriginal art, or pick up imports like Nepalese scarves or fine, German made clocks. Given the number of visitors about town, it’s also common to find talented musicians performing out on the street, and if you’re completely smitten with the entire experience and one day isn’t enough, a number of charming bed and breakfasts are just a short walk away.
Practical Info
Tamborine Mountain and the Gallery Walk are located one hour from the Gold Coast and a little over an hour from Brisbane. Weekends, as expected, are busier than weekdays, and you’ll want to devote an entire day for the drive and time to explore.
Address: 142 Long Rd, Eagle Heights, Queensland, Australia QLD 4271, Australia
From $ 82
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
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.
Address: Guantheaume Point Road, Broome, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 66
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
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
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