Choose from 646 Fun Things to Do in Australia
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Cape Schanck Lighthouse
The Cape Schanck Lighthouse has been operational since it was built in 1859. Constructed from limestone and sandstone, to this day the lighthouse still uses its original mechanisms to function. Situated in the Mornington Peninsula National Park in Victoria, the Cape Schanck Lighthouse offers a glimpse into the past.
As well as regular guided tours, the lighthouse station has a kiosk, a museum, and an information center. Visitors can also stay the night in the old lightkeeper’s cottages, making the Cape Schanck Lighthouse a unique base for exploring the Mornington Peninsula.
Practical Info
The Cape Schanck Lighthouse is situated along Cape Schanck Road in Victoria. It’s open daily from 10:30am to 4pm for visitors to take tours and to look around the museum. Prices for just the museum are $13.50 for adults, $9.50 for children and $37 for families. For admission to the museum and lighthouse, it’s $16,50, $10.50 and $44 respectively.
Address: 420 Cape Schanck Road, Cape Schanck VIC 3939, Australia
Admission: Adults: $13.50; Children: $9.50
From $ 148
Cape York Peninsula
With its vast wetlands, rambling eucalyptus forests and sun-soaked beaches, the remote wilderness of the Cape York Peninsula is a heady concoction for adventure-seekers. Stretching up to the northernmost tip of Queensland, the region’s off-the-beaten-track location, annual monsoons and tropical climate keep the majority of tourists away. Those who do venture north, however, are rewarded with spectacular coastal views, miles of unspoiled jungle and an abundance of colorful wildlife.
The best time to visit the cape is during the dry season (May-November), when 4WD tours are the most convenient way to get around. At the southern end of the peninsula, highlights include the historic town of Cooktown, the tranquil Charlotte Bay and the Lakefield, Cape Melville and Starke National Parks. Further north, the Iron Range and Jardine River national parks are renowned for their unique wildlife, including endemic bird species like yellow-spotted honeyeater and golden-shouldered parrot. Marooned off the northernmost tip are the Torres Strait Islands, and the most popular, Thursday Island, is reachable by ferry from the mainland.
Practical Info
The Cape York Peninsula is located at the northern tip of Queensland, Australia.
Address: Cape York Peninsula, Far North Queensland, Australia
From $ 2,632
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
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Standing watch over the southwestern tip of Australia and marking the meeting point of the Indian and Southern Oceans, the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse boasts a dramatic location. The 39-meter-high tower also makes a striking photo opportunity, with its stark white brick set against a backdrop of deep blue ocean and crashing waves. As well as being located within the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, the famous lighthouse serves as the starting point of the renowned Cape-to-Cape hiking trail, which runs for 135km along the coast.
Built in 1895, the historic lighthouse remains in use, but is now equally significant as a tourist attraction. Tours allow visitors to peek behind-the-scenes of the lighthouse, see the old waterwheel and climb the 186 steps to the top-floor viewing deck. A visitor center, shop and café are also located on-site.
Practical Info
The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is located at the southwestern tip of Australia and is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with tours held every 40 minutes.
Address: Leeuwin Rd, Augusta, Western Australia 6290, Australia
Hours: Daily 9am – 5pm, tours every 40 minutes
Admission: Entrance only: Adult: AU$8, Child: AU$5. Guided tour: Adult: AU$20, Child: AU$13
From $ 159
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
Camp Cove
Camp Cove is a small golden beach popular with swimmers and families. As the turquoise bay is for the most part protected from surf and winds, it is often completely calm. Often less crowded than other nearby Sydney beaches, it is considered a bit of hidden gem by locals. Indigenous rock carvings made by Aboriginals of whales and fish can still be viewed on the rocks lining the beach. Officers of the First Fleet frequently visited Camp Cove as well.
Just sitting on the beach allows for a great vantage point of the surrounding sea and Sydney skyline. Boats docked just off shore dot the coastline. Furthermore, the calm conditions provide an opportunity to easily view the natural wildlife. Fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving from the shore is common.
Practical Info
Camp Cove lies just northeast of the Sydney CBD, adjacent to Watsons Bay, where you’ll find the ferry and a bus stop. Or drive via Old South Head Rd and Military Rd — free parking is available, though often difficult to obtain during summer months.
Address: Camp Cove, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
From $ 59
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
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
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
Captain Cook Memorial Fountain
In 1770, when Captain James Cook first sighted Australia and landed at Botany Bay, the height of the mast of his ship, Endeavor, was 129 feet. Imagine what he would think today knowing there is a fountain in the Australian capital nearly four times the height of his mast. Sure enough, however, the Captain Cook Memorial Fountain has pumps that are strong enough to jettison water over 450 feet in the air. The fountain is located in Lake Burley Griffin off the shores of Commonwealth Park, and a sculpture of a globe on Regatta Point recounts Cook’s journeys to Australia.
The memorial was dedicated in 1970 to mark the 200th anniversary of Cook’s journey, and when the fountain is operating at full power, over six tons of water can be suspended in air before crashing back down to the lake. For visitors more interested in Cook’s journeys than the vertical force of the water, placards next to the large globe sculpture help recount the tales of his adventures. While the memorial itself takes just a short time to visit, it’s a highlight of strolling through Commonwealth Park and a unique tribute to Australia’s past.
Practical Info
Fountain hours can be somewhat irregular, but it usually operates between 2-4pm and from 7-9pm in summer. During periods of high winds, however, the fountain shut off completely, and the water can occasionally be colorfully lit during festivals and special events.
Address: ACT, Australia 2600, Australia
Hours: Daily 11am-2pm and summer 7-9pm
From $ 140
Cape Byron
Australia mainland's easternmost point of Cape Byron possesses a number of reasons to pay it a visit: the Cape Byron Light, the Cape Byron Marine Park, and the Cape Byron walking track. Set about 1.9 miles (3 km) northeast of the quaint Byron Bay, Cape Byron lies in the Cape Byron State Conservation Area.
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.
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.
Practical Info
Located just 1.9 miles (3 km) from the center of Byron Bay, Cape Byron is easily reached by car. The Cape Byron State Conservation Area is open to the public from 8am to sunset.
Address: Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Hours: 8am to sunset
From $ 66
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
Cape Otway Lighthouse
On the southern tip of Victoria’s coast, along the Great Ocean Road, Cape Otway Lighthouse has been steeped in drama since 1843. As Mainland Australia’s oldest remaining lighthouse, the beacon aided thousands of ships in safely navigating the cape—though despite the dedicated work of its light keepers, eight large ships were still lost on the rocks on the windy, turbulent point. In World War II, German submarines sank an American ship while patrolling just off the coast, and radar facilities erected on shore can still be visited today. Now, even though the light has been decommissioned, Cape Otway Lighthouse is still a dramatic destination to visit, as the sweeping view of the southern coast is one of Victoria’s best. From winter through spring, you can stand on the historic lighthouse point and feel the breeze on your face, while watching the spouts of migrating whales as they splash and leap from the sea. Or, during any time of the year, learn the marvels of engineering that went into constructing the lighthouse, or read the stories of the lightkeepers’ families who called Cape Otway home.
Practical Info
On the road leading in towards Cape Otway Lighthouse, scan the trees for the wild koalas crawling around in the branches. There’s a small café that’s located on site, and with advance reservations, you can even spend a night in the lightkeeper’s cottage once all the visitors have gone home.
Address: 1140 Lightstation Road, Cape Otway, Victoria, Australia VIC 3233, Australia
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm. Last entry at 4:30pm.
Admission: Adults: $19.50; Children: $7.50
From $ 100
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.
Address: Broome-Cape Leveque Road, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 199
Cape Byron Lighthouse
As Australia's easternmost and strongest lighthouse, Cape Byron Light is a main attraction for both the historical aspect of the building itself as well as the spectacular views it provides from the edge of Cape Byron. Opened for operation in 1901, the lighthouse provides Byron Bay visitors with a glimpse into the marine industry from years past when lighthouses had to be manned by live-in keepers so passing ships remained safe along the coast. Still active today, Cape Byron Light changed to a fully automated system in 1989, making a live-in keeper obsolete.
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.
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.
Practical Info
Cape Byron Light stands at the edge of Cape Byron just 1.9 miles (3 km)
northeast of Byron Bay. Located at the end of Lighthouse Road, parking
is available at the site, in addition to restrooms and picnic tables.
The site is open daily from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm except for Christmas Day.
Address: Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Hours: Daily from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm except for Christmas Day
From $ 51
Cape Range National Park
With its gaping canyons, red sand beaches and soaring limestone cliffs, the rugged landscapes of the Cape Range National Park are a photographer’s dream. Stretching for 47,655 hectares along the North West Cape, the protected area includes more than 50km of sandy beaches and lies close to the famous Ningaloo Reef.
Highlights for visitors include boat tours beneath the towering cliffs of Yardie Creek; swimming and snorkelling at Turquoise Bay or Oyster Stacks; bird watching at the Mangrove Bird Hide; or driving through the jaw-dropping scenery of Charles Knife Canyon or Shothold Canyon. Hiking, bushwalking and camping are also popular pastimes with marked trails like Mandu Mandu Gorge and the Badjirrajirra Loop Trail running through the steep gorges and hundreds of natural caves to explore along the way.
The Cape Range National Park is also renowned for its varied wildlife with red kangaroos, wallaroos, emus and perenties frequently spotted; unique wildflowers like Sturt desert peas blooming throughout the summer; and a startling array of birds including mangrove fantails, mangrove whistlers and yellow white eyes.
Practical Info
The Cape Range National Park is located 40km southwest of Exmouth on the North West Cape in Western Australia.
Address: Yardie Creek Rd, Cape Range National Park, Western Australia 6707, Australia
From $ 171
Cape Woolamai
With its sandy beaches, windswept bluffs, and miles of rugged walking trails, Cape Woolamai is a place to unwind and simply get back to nature. Stretched across the southeastern corner of scenic Phillip Island, Cape Woolamai is a popular getaway for surfers, birdwatchers, and hikers. On the western stretch, Woolamai Beach has some of the best surfing in the entire state of Victoria, whereas the eastern stretch is covered in sand dunes just a short walk from town. Woolamai Beach is part of the Phillip Island Surfing Reserve and home to a popular lifesaving club, and granite cliffs provide a rugged backdrop to the wide, golden sands. Atop the bluff, a system of walking tracks leads to the highest point on all of Phillip Island, and while it’s only a moderate 370 feet, the viewpoint provides a panoramic vista looking back towards the Australian mainland. Avid hikers can enjoy the 5.3-mile loop that passes the best beaches and viewpoints, and between September and April, birdwatchers can scan the skies for shearwaters that migrate from Alaska. Of all of the cape’s rugged scenery, however, the most striking image is of waves crashing up against the Pinnacles—an iconic collection of eroded sea stacks towards the very end of the cape.
Practical Info
Cape Woolamai is accessible for hiking during any time of year. Snow and ice are extremely rare, and the coastal climate keeps temperatures comfortable even in the middle of summer.
Address: Cape Woolamai, VIC, Australia 3925, Australia
From $ 67
Cape du Couedic
Lighthouses hold a romantic allure that regular buildings can’t muster, and the blinking light on the cliffs of Cape du Couedic is about as romantic as lighthouses come. Squired away on the southwestern cape of rugged Kangaroo Island, this light was commissioned after two passing ships met their ultimate doom on the rocks.
When visiting the windswept Cape du Couedic, you’re likely to be sharing the wave-battered rocks with colonies of wriggling fur seals. The Cape is part of the Flinders Chase National Park that occupies the western tip of the island, where shipwrecks, seals, and the sound of silence form the coastlines history and future. It’s only a short drive to Admiral Arch and the rock formations along the coast, and oceanfront boardwalks invite a relaxing stroll along the cliffs of the salt-battered coast.
Practical Info
Cape du Couedic is located 60 miles southwest of Kingscote and is part of Flinders Chase National Park. The park charges an entry fee of $10/adult and features campgrounds and basic lodging. While the park is open 24 hours, most visitors are requested to visit only during daylight hours.
Address: Cape du Couedic, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia
Hours: Open 24 hours, but it is requested that visitors only stay during daylight hours
Admission: $10 for adults
From $ 219
Cape Bruny Lighthouse
Situated on Bruny Island in Tasmania, the Cape Bruny Lighthouse is the second-oldest lighthouse tower in the country, having been first lit in 1838. The structure was commissioned by Governor George Arthur following a series of mishaps and shipwrecks just off Bruny Island and took two years to build by convict labor.
Technological advances in the 1980s and 1990s led to the lighthouse being lit for the last time on Aug. 6, 1996, when it was replaced by a solar-powered light nearby. In December 2000, the lighthouse was declared part of the South Bruny National Park.
Visitors should be prepared for rough roads and a steep walk to reach the lighthouse, although you’ll be well rewarded on arrival; with some fantastic views out to sea, migrating humpback and southern right whales have been spotted from this vantage point.
Practical Info
Casual visitors aren’t usually allowed inside the lighthouse but there is a good museum, which is free.
Address: Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia
From $ 11
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