Choose from 646 Fun Things to Do in Australia
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Flagstaff Gardens
Established atop a hill in central Melbourne in 1862, Flagstaff Gardens is the city’s oldest park. Covering 18 acres, on a nice day you’ll see plenty of office workers lounging on the lawns during their lunch breaks. And given the park’s location next door to Queen Victoria Market, a picnic made up of goods from the nearby food stalls is a popular option.
Named after a flagstaff that was erected in 1840 to signal ships into Melbourne port, as you wander through the park you’ll see sculptures and memorial statues, flower and rose beds, leafy eucalyptus, paths lined with avenues of elms for shade, and Moreton Fig trees native to eastern Australia. Look out for local wildlife, including possums, too.
And in the northern corner, you’ll see the local bowling lawn and, for sporty types, along the William Street side of Flagstaff Gardens there are tennis courts which also double as volleyball, handball, and netball courts. Just next to the courts, the electric barbecues are especially busy come summertime. And for a fine example of Melbourne’s extravagant buildings built during the boom years of the Victorian Gold Rush, check out the Melbourne Mint building. Built in 1862 in the Renaissance revival style, it’s just across the street from Flagstaff Gardens and is now home to the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.
Practical Info
The closest station to Flagstaff Gardens is Flagstaff railway station, at the southeast corner of the park.
Address: West Melbourne, Victoria 3003, Australia
From $ 51
Fleurieu Peninsula
The Fleurieu Peninsula is a region of South Australia that lies just to the south of Adelaide and prides itself as a place of both adventure and culture. Encompassing the towns of Victor Harbour, Mount Compass, Rapid Bay, Willunga and others, the peninsula has a lot to offer; a host of the historic river and coastal towns celebrate their history with markets, heritage steam trains and some of the country’s finest antique stores.
Adventure on the Fleurieu Peninsula comes from the bike paths, the self-drive adventures, the coastal hiking and the conservation parks within the region. Visitors come here to see little penguins come ashore and to watch whales migrating off the coast. Sailing on Lake Alexandria is a popular activity, as is getting under the waves and seeing some of Australia’s best diving, including the HMAS Hobart. The peninsula is also home to one of South Australia’s best wine regions; McLaren Vale and its world-famous Shiraz are among the wines that hail from here.
Practical Info
The Fleurieu Peninsula is close enough to Adelaide to visit on a day trip. It’s just over 40 miles (70 km) from the city center to Normanville, or 53 miles (85 km) to Victor Harbour–a driving time of about an hour and a half. There are plenty of places to visit on the peninsula, but Victor Harbour offers a good base for exploration.
Address: Australia
From $ 340
Fitzroy Gardens
Fitzroy Gardens is one of several gardens established during the nineteenth century with a mind to creating and preserving green spaces within the city.
Hugging the eastern side of the CBD, Fitzroy Gardens is seen as the finest garden in the city’s large collection of green spaces, which include Flagstaff, Treasury, Carlton, Alexandra Gardens and the Kings Domain. Dominated by sweeping avenues of English Elms, and full of deciduous and native Australian trees, Fitzroy Gardens looks particularly beautiful in autumn (April to June).
Points of interest within the gardens include Captain Cooks Cottage (transported from England in 1934), a fairy tree, a model Tudor village and a conservatory that exhibits stunning floral displays throughout the year.
Free-guided tours of Fitzroy Gardens take place every Wednesday at 12.30pm. To get to the gardens on foot, walk east from Spring Street until you reach Lansdowne Street (which forms the gardens western edge) or alternately catch a tram along Flinders Street into Wellington Parade.
Hugging the eastern side of the CBD, Fitzroy Gardens is seen as the finest garden in the city’s large collection of green spaces, which include Flagstaff, Treasury, Carlton, Alexandra Gardens and the Kings Domain. Dominated by sweeping avenues of English Elms, and full of deciduous and native Australian trees, Fitzroy Gardens looks particularly beautiful in autumn (April to June).
Points of interest within the gardens include Captain Cooks Cottage (transported from England in 1934), a fairy tree, a model Tudor village and a conservatory that exhibits stunning floral displays throughout the year.
Free-guided tours of Fitzroy Gardens take place every Wednesday at 12.30pm. To get to the gardens on foot, walk east from Spring Street until you reach Lansdowne Street (which forms the gardens western edge) or alternately catch a tram along Flinders Street into Wellington Parade.
Address: Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
From $ 41
Eurimbula National Park
Mangrove-dotted wetlands and eucalypt forests outline the pristine beaches of Eurimbula National Park in Agnes Water, where visitors can explore unspoiled Australia as they uncover this coastal wonderland. The melange of plant varieties and untouched botanicals attract hoards of wildlife, and with that, the park protects miles of coastal vegetation.
For a peaceful getaway, lounge by the beach or drop a lure in for some fishing and boating. Nature lovers may like to camp out and spend more time viewing the park’s various wildflowers and wildlife, including honeyeaters, powerful owls and turtles, while others may opt to scout out the terrain by following one of the trails, or get adventurous with a bushwalk. Many travelers choose to have picnics at the waterfront for a relaxing experience.
Practical Info
Eurimbula National Park is located in Eurimbula, about 69 miles (112 kilometers) north of Bundaberg in Queensland. Look for the Eurimbula National Park sign about six miles (10 kilometers) before the town of Agnes Water. The park is open 24 hours, but it is suggested that visitors walk through only during daylight hours for safety. Admission is free, but permits for camping vary. Mobile reception is unreliable in this area. If driving in, high‐clearance four‐wheel‐drive vehicles are recommended; no caravans allowed. Bring your own drinking water. Always check the Eurimbula Park alerts, advice and warnings before planning a trip.
Address: Eurimbula QLD 4677, Australia
Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Permit required for camping
From $ 30
Flinders Street Station
Flinders Street Station is Melbourne’s most historic train station and a major transportation hub. Built in 1854, the station still features remnants of the past like the large clock on the facade, stained glass windows, and old-school flip displays for train departures. The station allows travelers to shuttle between the outer suburbs and the heart of Melbourne with ease.
The Basics
Flinders Street Station proudly stands as a reminder of the past in the middle of Melbourne. A majority of city walking tours commence here (or at the iconic Federation Square across the street). Explore Melbourne’s hidden gems, including nearby Degrabest Street, or take a step back in time with a historic tour to learn more about the station and city’s past. For those who want a more in-depth overview of Melbourne, consider booking a private tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Flinders Street Railway Station is a must-visit for those interested in Melbourne’s history.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station and on every platform.
- The station features wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and phones. There are also tactile paths for those with impaired vision.
How to Get There
Every train, and virtually tram, in Melbourne stops at Flinders Street Station, making it the most important transportation hub in the city. The station stretches for a few blocks from Swanston Street to Elizabeth Street, and is easily walkable from the main streets of Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD). The station is located directly across from Federation Square, the city’s main meeting point.
When to Get There
Thousands of commuters flood the station every day for work, so visit outside of rush hour to avoid excessive crowds.
Flinders Street Station in the Past
With its iconic yellow facade and green dome, the station was built to be used for more than just transportation. The upper floors of the complex feature an abandoned ballroom with space for 400 guests, a now-neglected gymnasium, as well as a childcare facility used by mothers who were visiting the city. After the railroad romance ended in the mid-20th century, these facilities were closed off to the public
Address: Corner Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne 3000, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 20
Fitzgerald River National Park
Sitting way down on the southern coast of Western Australia, Fitzgerald River National Park is one of the most overlooked wilderness areas in the region. Though Fitzgerald River is small in the grand scheme of things–covering less than a percent of Western Australia–the 2,050-square-mile (3,300 square-kilometer) park is home to more than 20 percent of the state’s plant species, including 65 endemic plants.
Fitzgerald River National Park has been reserve listed for UNESCO World Heritage status, and a visit makes it easy to see why. The park is home to a range of landscapes, including plains, forests, peaks, headlands and more. There’s plenty of wildlife too, and come the winter and spring months, migrating whales shelter their calves in the bays within the park.
There is also a network of hiking trails, including the summit hike to East Mt Barren and the coastal scenery of Mt Maxwell. There are also scenic drives for both four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles.
Practical Info
Fitzgerald River National Park is a six-hour, 310-mile (500 km) drive from Perth or a 1.5-hour flight to the nearby town of Ravensthorpe. Camping is permitted within dedicated areas in the park with per-night fees of $10 for adults. There’s also accommodation in the nearby town of Quaalup.
Address: South Coast, W.A., Australia
From $ 697
Fitzroy River
The Fitzroy River runs for 733 km through the Kimberly region of Western Australia and is of large importance to the local Aboriginal people. Known to the traditional inhabitants as Mardoowarra, the river and its floodplains have spiritual, cultural and medicinal significance to the Nyikina, Walmadjari and Konejandi peoples, as well as ecological significance.
Many of the Kimberly’s tourist attractions lie on the Fitzroy River. Geikie, Diamond and Sir John Gorges, and the Fitzroy Crossing are the most famous. The Fitzroy River is home to many native species including acacia trees, bream and fresh and saltwater crocodiles, as well as being one of the last places the endangered freshwater sawfish is found.
The Fitzroy River is a popular fishing and camping spot near both Broome and Derby. Fitzroy Crossing is the gateway to attractions such as Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge National Parks, and as such is a place many visitors to the Kimberly pass through, and Geikie Gorge National Park is one of the most visited attractions in the area. The Fitzroy River meets the ocean in King Sound, which lies midway between Broome and Derby.
Practical Info
The Fitzroy River is located in the West Kimberly, and accessible from Fitzroy Crossing, Broome and Derby. It flows through Geikie Gorge and can also be seen at Willare crossing and the permanent Margaret River pool.
Address: Willare, WA, Australia, Australia
From $ 199
Eyre Peninsula
Considering the fact that the Eyre Peninsula is known as Australia’s seafood frontier and is home to 1,200 miles (2,000 km) of coastline, it’s little surprise that fun begins here with a splash.
On the east side of the peninsula, Spencer Gulf offers the chance to swim with great white sharks near the Neptune Islands, beside southern Bluefin tuna and amid a colony of sea lions. On the wild west coast, surfing beaches draw the biggest crowds, but it’s also possible to snorkel with bottlenose dolphins and observe both southern right and humpbacks whales.
On the dinner table, expect local southern Bluefin tuna, yellow kingfish, Pacific oysters, abalone, mussels and blue-swimmer crabs alongside regional wines. It’s even possible to take the culinary experience on the road, along the seafood and aquaculture scenic drive route from Whyalla to Ceduna.
Conservation and national parks stretch the length of the peninsula, too, beginning with Gawler Ranges National Park in the north and stretching southward to Lincoln National Park. Kangaroos, wallabies and emus roam the bush lands in between, and encounters with these wonderful animals is the rule rather than exception when exploring this outback-like wilderness by 4WD or bicycle. Hikers will find plenty of options, ranging from the half-mile Yangie Lookout Walk in Coffin Bay National Park to the 58-mile (93-km) Investigator Trail in Lincoln National Park.
Practical Info
The Eyre Peninsula is a full day’s drive from Adelaide, but short daily flights connect Southern Australia’s capital to regional airports in Port Lincoln, Whyalla and Ceduna.
Address: Eyre Peninsula, Australia
From $ 697
Flinders Chase National Park
Covering the Western end of Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase National Park is one of Australia’s most diverse wildernesses. Boasting an intricate network of trails and boardwalks, the park showcases both natural and historic sights.
Popular experiences include visiting the wind sculpted Remarkable Rocks, or the Admirals Arch which stretches over the powerful ocean that shaped it. Also located along the coastline is the Cape Borda Lightstation. Explore by yourself or take a guided tour of the lighthouse and cemetery – the midday tour includes the firing of a restored signal cannon.
The Flinders Chase Visitors Centre provides extensive information about the park, including the best places for wildlife viewing. A colony of New-Zealand fur seals lives on the rocks surrounding Admirals Arch. The Breakneck River Hike offers prime bird watching opportunities, whilst the shorter Platypus Waterholes Walk crosses the habitats of platypus, wallabies, geese, echidnas, goannas and more. The short Cliff Top Hike from the Cape Borda Lightstation ends in a stone lookout that offers prime position for spotting migrating whales from May through October.
Popular experiences include visiting the wind sculpted Remarkable Rocks, or the Admirals Arch which stretches over the powerful ocean that shaped it. Also located along the coastline is the Cape Borda Lightstation. Explore by yourself or take a guided tour of the lighthouse and cemetery – the midday tour includes the firing of a restored signal cannon.
The Flinders Chase Visitors Centre provides extensive information about the park, including the best places for wildlife viewing. A colony of New-Zealand fur seals lives on the rocks surrounding Admirals Arch. The Breakneck River Hike offers prime bird watching opportunities, whilst the shorter Platypus Waterholes Walk crosses the habitats of platypus, wallabies, geese, echidnas, goannas and more. The short Cliff Top Hike from the Cape Borda Lightstation ends in a stone lookout that offers prime position for spotting migrating whales from May through October.
Practical Info:
The Flinders Chase National Park is open 24/7, and the Visitors Centre operates from 9-5. A day pass is $10 for adults and $6 for children, with options available for extending your pass and accommodation. The park is 110km from Kingscote and is accessible by car.
Address: Flinders Chase National Park, Flinders Chase, SA 5223, Australia
Hours: Open 24/7 but day visitors are requested to leave the park by sunset.
Admission: Adult: $10 (2 Day Pass $15). Child: $6 (2 Day Pass $9)
From $ 156
Federation Square
Federation Square, just across from Flinders Street Station, is Melbourne's beating heart and favorite meeting spot. Numerous city events take place here throughout the year, making it a must-visit attraction for all travelers. The square is surrounded by many bars and restaurants, and is home to the Ian Potter Centre, an Australian art museum.
The Basics
Fed Square, as its known to the locals, is impossible to miss on your trip to Melbourne. A majority of tours, whether to explore the city or venture outside, dub the plaza as a central meeting point. The square itself features a number of interesting landmarks such as the historic Flinders Street Station, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), the Ian Potter Centre, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the placid Yarra River just behind it.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Every train coming from the suburbs reaches Federation Square from Flinders Street Station, so it’s a central meeting place for most people and tours.
- You’ll find public, disabled-accessible toilets next to the Time Out Cafe.
- Hearing loops are available for those with audio impairments to enjoy the various presentations on the square’s giant screen.
How to Get There
Located in the heart of Melbourne, Fed Square is just a few minutes’ walk from the main shopping districts of the Central Business District (CBD). There are many trams, trains, and city buses that stop at the square. Federation Square is also located within Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone, making it an easy and convenient meeting point for travelers.
When to Get There
Federation Square is Melbourne’s main transportation hub, so it is advised to stay away during morning and evening rush hour times. Visit during the mid-morning and early afternoon for a more relaxed stroll around the landmarks. The square also hosts more than 2,000 events throughout the year, most notably the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival in March, the International Comedy Festival in April, and the Melbourne Festival in October.
A Place for Community
Federation Square isn’t just for tourists—Melburnians gather there throughout the week for various activities. Free guided morning meditations happen every Thursday, while a massive book market held every Saturday in the atrium boasts over 5,000 new and secondhand titles. You can take the kids to an ArtPlay workshop, or jog with locals along the banks of the Yarra River.
Address: Corner Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne 3000, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 37
Finke Gorge National Park
Covering 177 square miles (46,000 hectares) and including a very surprising palm population. Finke Gorge National Park is not to be missed. The park is noted for its Aboriginal cultural sites and its ancient palms, which sit in an impressive desert oasis known as Palm Valley. The only site where the Central Australian cabbage palm can be found growing wild, Palm Valley is known for its rare and unique plants. The area is reminiscent of the ancient rainforests that once covered Australia.
Also of note within the park are the stunning and strange sandstone formations found in the Amphitheatre, a natural formation well worth a visit. A number of walking tracks can be found in the area, from the easy 45-minute return track to Kalaranga Lookout to the Mpaara and Mpulungkinya walks, each covering about three miles (5 km) and take about 2 hours to complete.
Practical Info
Finke Gorge National Park is an 86-mile (138-km) drive west of Alice Springs, taking approximately two hours. While much of the distance is coverable by all vehicles, access to the park itself is by 4WD only. The park is accessible when the Finke River isn’t in flood, and it’s best to visit from April to September. Camping is permitted within the park.
Address: Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia 0872, Australia
From $ 125
Fremantle Prison
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Western Australia’s oldest buildings, Fremantle Prison is an important reminder of Australia’s convict history. Built in the 1850s by the very convicts who inhabited its cells, the prison was notorious for its deplorable conditions and brutal capital punishment.
The Basics
Visitors of Fremantle Prison can choose from five tour options, such as guided tours that take them on a walk through the prison buildings, including the main cell block, exercise yards, and the gallows. For the adventurous, it’s even possible to explore its underground tunnel network or take an eerie evening tour by torchlight. You can also prepurchase a downloadable self-guided audio tour.
Many travelers opt to visit as part of a half- or full-day tour from Perth, often in combination with other Fremantle attractions, such as the fishing harbor, Fremantle Markets, and Maritime Museum, home to the America's Cup-winning yacht, Australia II.
Things to Know Before You Go
- General admission to the prison’s Visitor Centre and exhibition area is free, but the prison itself can only be visited as part of a guided tour.
- On-site facilities include paid parking, restrooms, a gift shop, and a café.
- Wear comfortable shoes—prison tours require a lot of walking and the ground is uneven in some places.
- Fremantle Prison is wheelchair accessible, but certain tours and areas (for example, the underground tunnels) are not suitable for those with limited mobility.
How to Get to There
Fremantle lies 12 miles (19 kilometers) southwest of central Perth, at the mouth of the Swan River. Trains run from Perth to Fremantle every 10 minutes, and it’s an around 30-minute journey by bus or car (ample parking is available on-site). For the most scenic route, take the ferry from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty to the Fremantle port, from where it’s a short walk or taxi ride to the prison.
When to Get There
Fremantle Prison is open daily, and tours run regularly. Evening tours operate Wednesdays and Fridays only. To combine a visit with the famous Fremantle Markets—just a 5-minute walk from the prison—visit on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
History of Fremantle Prison
Officially opened in 1855, Fremantle Prison held convicts and criminals for nearly 140 years, remaining in use until 1991. Between 1850 and 1868, it held nearly 10,000 convicts, many of whom were brutally treated. Flogging was legal in the prison until the 1940s. Fremantle was also the only prison in Western Australia with legal capital punishment; 43 men and one woman lost their lives to the gallows.
Address: 1 The Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
From $ 22
Flemington Racecourse
Melbourne’s historic racecourse has been the city’s premier horse racing venue since it first opened in 1840 and plays an important role in the history and identity of Melbourne and its people.
A hive of activity during Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival in November each year, Flemington Racecourse (or ‘Flemington’ as it is more commonly called) is best known as the venue for the Melbourne Cup, the city’s internationally renowned horse race that attracts over 100,000 visitors each year and is the world’s richest turf race.
Owned and run by the VRC (Victoria Racing Club), Flemington hosts racing events throughout the year and is recognised by the Victoria Heritage List as the most significant racing heritage site in Australia.
Situated on the Maribyrnong River, Flemington has clear views of the city skyline and a rose garden that is believed to be the biggest in the southern hemisphere. There is a heritage center and a shop onsite and walking tours are available daily during business hours.
Flemington Racecourse is located 6km northwest of the CBD on Epsom Road. The No. 57 tram (departing Elizabeth Street) provides the most direct access to the racecourse.
A hive of activity during Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival in November each year, Flemington Racecourse (or ‘Flemington’ as it is more commonly called) is best known as the venue for the Melbourne Cup, the city’s internationally renowned horse race that attracts over 100,000 visitors each year and is the world’s richest turf race.
Owned and run by the VRC (Victoria Racing Club), Flemington hosts racing events throughout the year and is recognised by the Victoria Heritage List as the most significant racing heritage site in Australia.
Situated on the Maribyrnong River, Flemington has clear views of the city skyline and a rose garden that is believed to be the biggest in the southern hemisphere. There is a heritage center and a shop onsite and walking tours are available daily during business hours.
Flemington Racecourse is located 6km northwest of the CBD on Epsom Road. The No. 57 tram (departing Elizabeth Street) provides the most direct access to the racecourse.
Address: Australia
From $ 27
Fitzroy Island
Forty-five minutes by boat from Cairns, Fitzroy Island has been many things — a Chinese Quarantine Station, a Mission School, a WWII coast-watch station...and today it’s all about its natural features — tropical rainforest and a fringe coral reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef system, where you can dive and snorkel in among green sea turtles, clown fish, and parrotfish.
A continental island that separated from the mainland in the last Ice Age over 8,000 years ago, Fitzroy Island covers just 4km — 97% of which is National Parkland that you can wander through on the walking trails through the forest and along the coast. The rest of the island is all about the white sand beaches, and on the sheltered western end you’ll find the island’s accommodation, a restaurant, Foxy’s Bar, and a conference and wedding venue. There’s also a diving school on the island, and options to go on glass bottom boat tours, SUP boarding, ocean trampolining, and kayaking. A relaxed walk is to the old lighthouse on the northwest point. On a clear day, from here you can look out past Cape Grafton to the Frankland Islands.
Practical Info
Eighteen miles from the mainland, it’s possible to stay overnight on Fitzroy Island or you can just head out there on a day trip. To reach the island from Cairns, head to the Reef Fleet Terminal to take the high-speed 45-minute ferry, which departs at 9am.
Address: Australia
From $ 62
Fannie Bay Gaol
Imagine sweltering in Darwin’s heat inside of small, brick rooms, crammed with dozens of other prisoners as you wait to hang at the gallows. That was the scene for many prisoners at Darwin’s Fannie Bay Gaol, which served as the city’s principal jail for nearly 100 years. Opened in 1883, the Fannie Bay Gaol held everything from murderers to lepers, refugees, and “natives,” and the last hanging took place on the gallows in 1952.
When visiting Fannie Bay Gaol today, peek inside the macabre building where hundreds of prisoners were held, and see the gallows inside the infirmary where the last two hangings took place. Run your hand on the wooden handle that dropped the floor of the gallows, and hear the stories of ghosts and ghouls that haunt the building today. While the gaol is open to public visitation, it’s also a popular stop on tours that visit the city highlights.
Practical Info
There are interpretive signs throughout the museum, and be sure to bring water when visiting in summer since the building can get very hot.
Did You Know? When Fannie Bay Gaol was originally constructed it was the most expensive building in the city.
Address: East Point Road and Ross Smith Avenue, Darwin, Northern Territories, Australia
Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm on weekends
Admission: Free, but gold coin donation suggested
From $ 89
Fremantle Markets
With a history dating back to 1897 and a far-reaching reputation, the Fremantle Markets are among the most famous of their kind in Western Australia, and the lively weekend markets are equally popular with locals and tourists. Housed in a striking Victorian market hall, restored in the 1970s, the legendary markets feature more than 150 stalls split between two sections – The Yard and The Hall.
Visiting the Fremantle Markets is an experience in itself, with huge crowds turning out each weekend, and an array of street entertainers, artists and musicians providing entertainment. This is the place to buy fresh farmer’s produce, organic delicacies and artisan foods, or feast on tasty street food. It’s not just food on sale either – the eclectic stalls include clothing and accessories by local and upcoming designers; unique art and handicrafts; great value cosmetics and toiletries; and a myriad of souvenirs.
Practical Info
The Fremantle Markets are located on South Terrace in central Fremantle and are open Friday from 8am to 8pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 6pm.
Address: Corner South Terrace & Henderson Street,, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160, Australia
Hours: Fri: 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun: 8am-6pm.
From $ 109
Featherdale Wildlife Park
Australia is home to some of the world's most fearsome and fascinating wildlife, and at Featherdale Wildlife Park outside Sydney, visitors can meet over 1,700 of the country's colorful critters. Discover how echidnas are mammals (yet lay eggs); learn about the saltwater crocodiles that can grow to well over 2,000 pounds; admire the plumage of native birds such as brolgas, emus, and bustards; and view a collection of some of the world's most venomous snakes.
Guided feeding sessions are immensely popular at the park, with animal food available for purchase throughout the park for $2 and Featherdale staff members on hand to assist guests in feeding the kangaroos, wallabies, and pademelons. Guides also provide additional information about how the park is involved in conservation, highlighting the work done to reintroduce endangered species into the Australian wild and the park's ongoing research into some of Australia's most intriguing yet lesser-known species.
Although not offered by Viator, Featherdale also offers private animal encounters with a trainer for an additional fee (starting at $149), as well as personal koala encounters (starting at $20), during which travelers can pet and have their photo taken with the mammal. Guests are not allowed to hold koalas in accordance with New South Wales law.
Practical Info
Featherdale Wildlife Park is located east of Sydney near the town of Blacktown. The park exit is at Doonside Road, just off the Great Western Highway from Sydney. The park is about 45 minutes from Sydney's Central Business District by car and about 1.5 hours by public transport (take the train to Blacktown, then hop on bus No. 725 to the park). Most guests allot about two hours to visit Featherdale Wildlife Park. The seven-acre attraction is generally flat and can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, while also offering free WiFi and an on-site cafe.
Address: 217-229 Kildare Rd, Doonside, New South Wales 2767, Australia
Hours: Daily 9-5am (closed Christmas Day)
Admission: Adults: AU$31, Children (3-15): AU$17
From $ 24
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum
The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum is home to one of Australia’s most prominent shipwreck collections and is set in a 19th-century village overlooking Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. More than 180 shipwrecks have occurred along the coastline here, including the famous Loch Ard disaster. The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum documents these, and educates visitors of the maritime heritage of both the Shipwreck Coast and the Great Ocean Road.
Come nightfall, the Flagstaff Hill village puts on a spectacular show using special effects to bring the tragic story of the Loch Ard wreck to life. ‘Shipwrecked' is an outdoor sound and laser show that sails nightly, with dinner and show packages available.
Practical Info
The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum is located at 89 Merri Street in Warrnambool, Victoria. It’s open daily from 9am until 5pm with last admissions at 4pm. The ‘Shipwrecked’ evening show runs nightly at dusk, with show times varying depending on the time of year. The show runs for approximately 70 minutes.
Address: 89 Merri Street, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia, Australia
From $ 13
Fremantle Arts Centre
Travelers in search of Australian history, culture and traditions will find all this and much more at the Fremantle Arts Centre in Western Australia. This popular destination attracts as many locals as it does visitors, thanks to a long list of exhibits, events, class offerings and outdoor concerts. Lovely gardens and a quiet café offer up the perfect spot to enjoy a bit of sunshine and relaxation, and the Sunday music sessions are free to the public and attract a diverse crowd. Travelers say the modern art displays and picturesque landscapes make this an essential stop on any visit to Western Australia.
Practical Info
The Fremantle Arts Centre is located at 1 Finnerty Street in Fremantle, Western Australia. It is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is located just west of the Inner Harbour near the John Curtain Performing Arts Centre.
Address: 1 Finnerty St, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160, Australia
Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
From $ 20
Fort Denison Island
What is now a popular destination for history buffs once served as a defense facility that kept watch over the bay. Fort Denison Island, located northeast of the Royal Botanic Gardens, was where some of the most gruesome acts against convicted felons took place.
Today, travelers can wander the grounds of this recently restored island and see the gibbet where criminals were hanged. Explore the fort built to protect the island from invaders and climb the historic Martello Tower, the only one of its kind in the country. The island is home to an informative museum, as well as a number of landmarks that illustrate its dark and violent past.
Practical Info
Fort Denison Island is about one kilometer from the Opera House. Matilda and Captain Cook ferries head to Fort Denison daily and depart from Circular Quay at wharf six. Tickets cost less than $20 and include the park entry fee and admission to the museum, but travelers must pay extra for tours and admission to the tower.
Address: Fort Denison Island, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Hours: Daily; ferries do not operate Christmas Day
From $ 33