Choose from 889 Fun Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific
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A visit to the falls typically involves swimming, and Sweetwater Pool, as well as both the upper and lower pools, are all particularly suited for the activity. Visitors to the falls during the wet season, however, may find that swimming is off-limits due to potentially dangerous conditions.
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
Eli Creek
A popular tourist attraction, Eli Creek features a serene beauty with its crystal clear fresh waters and pearly white sand bottom. With over four million liters of water pouring from its mouth every hour, it is one of Fraser Island’s largest freshwater streams. Along with its beautiful beach location people enjoy visiting Eli Creek for a relaxing float down its pure waters. Its gentle current makes it a safe option for both adults and children. For those not interested in getting wet a scenic boardwalk allows you to walk around the creek on land.
As Eli Creek is located along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, visitors to Eli Creek can enjoy other attractions onsite. Along with off-roading, fishing and sunbathing there’s the onshore Maheno wreck, which was once one of the fastest ships in the world and was used by the Australian Airforce for target practice during WWII. Additionally, the Champagne Pools provide safe saltwater swimming in an enclosed natural rock pool with foaming Champagne-like bubbles when the waves crash. Make sure to also go to Indian Head to see the many sharks, dolphins, stingrays and fish swimming through the water.
As Eli Creek is located along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, visitors to Eli Creek can enjoy other attractions onsite. Along with off-roading, fishing and sunbathing there’s the onshore Maheno wreck, which was once one of the fastest ships in the world and was used by the Australian Airforce for target practice during WWII. Additionally, the Champagne Pools provide safe saltwater swimming in an enclosed natural rock pool with foaming Champagne-like bubbles when the waves crash. Make sure to also go to Indian Head to see the many sharks, dolphins, stingrays and fish swimming through the water.
Practical Info
Eli Creek is located on Seventy-Five Mile Beach. From where the ferry drops you you can follow the designated sand pathways through the rainforest before coming to the beach. Be careful when driving through the creek when on the beach, as the water flows quickly and channels may be deeper than they appear. Keep your eye on the tide, as high tide can leave you stranded on the beach until it gets low again. Also, be aware of dingoes who are wild and unpredictable, and keep all food sealed tight and out of the open.
Address: Eli Creek, Fraser Island, QLD, Australia
From $ 141
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
Eureka Skydeck 88
A signature Melbourne experience, Eureka Skydeck 88 is a 360-degree viewing platform set atop the 974-foot (274-meter) Eureka Tower. For the daring there’s the Edge, a cantilevered glass cube that slides out from the building, leaving you suspended above the city streets. Vertigo, a green-screen set-up, simulates falling from the building.
The Basics
Visitors can pre-purchase tickets to Eureka Skydeck 88, with the outdoor terrace and viewfinders included, or upgrade to include the Edge and Vertigo. Allow enough time to get views from every angle, and for wait times at the Edge. While it’s possible to walk in, pre-booking saves time. Many tours of Melbourne and the surrounding area include tickets to Skydeck 88; entrance is also included on the Melbourne Attraction pass, a feature of many tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kids and families enjoy the drama of Eureka Skydeck 88, and family discounts are available.
- The Skydeck itself is manageable for people with a fear of heights. Vertigo sufferers will find it hard to tolerate the Edge.
- Both Eureka Skydeck 88 and The Edge are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Eureka Tower sits on the south bank of the Yarra River, less than five minutes’ walk from the National Gallery of Victoria. From Flinders Street train station, walk across the bridge to the other side of the river. It takes about five minutes, and the elevator ride to the 88th floor takes less than 40 seconds.
When to Get There
Eureka Skydeck 88 is open from morning to evening seven days a week, with early closure on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Lines can be long at the Edge, particularly on weekends and during Australian school holidays, so visit on weekdays if you can. Clear days offer better views, and the sky lights up behind the cityscape at sunset.
The Eureka Tower
Eureka Tower, opened in Melbourne in 2006, is one of the tallest buildings in the southern hemisphere. The top few floors of the mostly residential building glisten in the sun—that’s because they’re plated in real gold. As well as Skydeck 88, Eureka 89, on the floor above, is open for events and dining.
Address: 7 Riverside Quay, Melbourne, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
Ferry Building
Auckland’s Harbor is one of those places that’s a complete sight unto itself. After all—this is the famous “City of Sails,” where something as simple as a stroll down the docks is a legitimate form of sightseeing. Even here in the harbor, however, there are traditional sights outside of the yachts that float and bob off the docks. One of these sights is the Ferry Building, a classically soaring yellow structure that was built in 1912. Compared to Auckland’s modern skyscrapers that rise across the street, the Ferry Building is an architectural throwback to days when New Zealand was beginning to forge a future it earned on its own. Today, the Ferry Building is a buzz of activity full of people-watching, shops, and cafés. It’s also the spot to catch the ferry to Devonport or Waiheke Island—and a conduit to the beauty of Waitemata Harbor and the dozens of ships sailing by. Even if you aren’t booked on a ferry to one of Auckland’s distant shorelines, there’s a certain magnetism in simply passing some time in the historic building. Order a coffee and smell the salt as it evaporates off of the dock lines, or listen to the song of seagulls mixed with the honk of passing boats. Viaduct Harbor and Queen Street are both a short stroll away, and it’s a building that forms the historic soul of Auckland’s modern harbor.
Practical Info
The Ferry Building is located at 99 Quay Street just steps from Viaduct Harbor. Fullers ferries depart from the docks, and the building is the historic hub of transport for boating your way around Auckland.
Address: 99 Quay St, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
From $ 155
Fiordland National Park
Sprawling along New Zealand’s southwest coast, Fiordland National Park represents the country at its most photogenic: jagged mountains, rugged glacial valleys, and glittering fjords. This UNESCO World Heritage Site harbors some of New Zealand’s most impressive natural wonders, including Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Lake Te Anau, as well as rare Fiordland penguins, dolphins, seals, and sea lions.
The Basics
Whether you’re soaring over Milford Sound in a helicopter, taking a scenic cruise along Doubtful Sound, or hiking the famous Milford Track, there are ample opportunities for adventure in Fiordland National Park. Tours typically start out from Queenstown or Te Anau and visit must-see attractions such as Mitre Peak, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, Dusky Sound, and Manapouri Lake.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Weather in Fiordland National Park can be temperamental, especially around the fjords, so be prepared for wind and rain—even in summer.
- If you’re hiking, remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are limited places to purchase supplies.
- There is no public transportation within the park, so you’ll need to join a tour if you don’t have your own transport.
- Cell phone coverage is limited, but free Wi-Fi is available at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Center.
- Some cruises and attractions are wheelchair accessible but not all activities within the park are accessible to those with limited mobility, so it’s best to check in advance.
How to Get There
Fiordland National Park stretches over 3.2 million acres (1.2 million hectares) along the southwest coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The nearest international airport is in Queenstown, roughly 107 miles (172 kilometers) by road from the park’s main entry points—the lakeside towns of Te Anau and Manapouri. Fiordland National Park can also be accessed from Milford Sound, which lies roughly 178 miles (287 kilometers) by road from Queenstown.
When to Get There
Summer (December through February) is the most popular time to visit Fiordland. Cooler spring and autumn temperatures make for great hiking, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Winter visitors will be at the weather’s mercy, but the park’s snow-covered peaks offer some spectacular scenery. Hikers should be aware that the Milford Track is only maintained from October through April, and lodges and facilities will be closed outside of this time.
Outdoor Activities in Fiordland National Park
Fiordland is one of the best destinations for hiking in New Zealand, with three of the country’s Great Walks running through the park—the Milford Track, the Kepler Track, and the Routeburn Track, as well as a huge variety of short walks. Other outdoor activities include kayaking around Doubtful Sound, jet boating or fishing along the Waiau River, cycling or horseback riding around the lakes, and skydiving in Glenorchy.
Address: New Zealand
Admission: Free
From $ 32
Edith Falls
Located in Nitmiluk National Park in the Top End of the Northern Territory, Edith Falls offer gorgeous views over the river, tiers of rock pools and waterfalls that cascade through the gully. All that, along with the area's wildlife, makes Edith Falls one of Australia's most picturesque -- not to mention underrated -- natural attractions.
The falls are full of water year-round, but the clear, dry season between May and September is the best time to visit. Even so, the area surrounding the falls is especially lush and green during the intense rains earlier in the year, so visitors are in for a treat no matter when they go.
A visit to the falls typically involves swimming, and Sweetwater Pool, as well as both the upper and lower pools, are all particularly suited for the activity. Visitors to the falls during the wet season, however, may find that swimming is off-limits due to potentially dangerous conditions.
Those looking to earn their refreshing swim can first head to one of the two walking trails at Edith Falls. The Leliyn Trail winds around and above the falls in a 1.6-mile circuit, with multiple lookout spots, a river crossing and a few choice swimming pools along the way. The Sweetwater Pool track is longer at 5.3 miles, but the quiet swimming spot it leads to is worth it. Visitors can undertake the walk as a day or nighttime hike, but it should be noted that overnight stays require a permit.
Practical Info
There are a number of camping spots surrounding the falls, with a kiosk at which visitors are required to pay camping fees - $8 for adults, $4 for children and $20 for families. The kiosk serves food and drinks from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., and there are hot showers, gas BBQs and even laundry facilities at the site.
Address: Darwin, Australia
Admission: Adults: $8; Children: $4
From $ 199
Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Center
After you’ve experienced the luxurious Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Center, airport layovers anywhere in the world won’t ever seem the same. Just minutes from Nadi’s international airport, the center is a sanctuary for weary travelers awaiting their upcoming flight, or a modern retreat for pampering and dining throughout your Nadi stay. If you have time to kill before your flight—or a long layover in Nadi—a transit pass is like having the world’s best airport lounge minutes away. Refresh with a shower, store your luggage, and enjoy a relaxing foot massage, before sinking into a beanbag chair and settling in for a movie. There’s free Wi-Fi for finishing up some work, as well as a café for perking up and satisfying your growing hunger. Head up to the center’s rooftop lounge for a view of the Sabeto, or if you’d prefer to really be pampered before drifting onto your flight, a full service day spa has additional treatments to wish you a fond farewell.
Practical Info
At the Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Center, a basic transit pass includes free Wi-Fi, shuttle service from the airport, a foot massage, luggage storage, and access to the movie room. A basic transit pass is available, in addition to a full menu of additional spa services available for higher fees. A rejuvenation pass includes all the above services, as well as $100 Fijian dollar credit toward services with the center. The Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Center offers free transport to and from Nadi International Airport. Pickup from Denerau is also available for $7 one way.
Address: Lot 1, Nasau, Nadi Backroad, Nadi, Fiji
Hours: Daily 7am-10pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Enchanted Adventure Garden
Dive into nature’s wonderland! The Enchanted Adventure Garden, situated on the Mornington Peninsula at scenic Arthurs Seat, offers 22 acres of outdoor thrills and adventures. Seasonal gardens bursting with vibrant colors set the backdrop for activities, as travelers can cruise through the treetops with a canopy walk, get lost in the hedge maze, or zipline through the greenery.
Adventure-seekers will love tree surfing and tube sliding. Other options include getting lost among the hedge topiary sculptures, wandering through the bushland obstacles and relaxing with a picnic at the onsite café and take it all in.
Practical Info
The Enchanted Adventure Garden is located at 55 Purves Road near Arthurs Seat on the Mornington Peninsula. The garden is open every day from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; there is a recommended minimum of three hours to enjoy all the activities.
Address: 55 Purves Rd, Arthurs Seat VIC 3936, Australia
Hours: 10 a.m.‐6 p.m. daily (closed Christmas Day)
Admission: $29 adults, $19 children (3‐17) and seniors (60+); activities additional
From $ 22
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery
The first Aboriginals to walk Australia’s forests discovered the power of eucalyptus oils. In addition to its trademark, earthy aroma, the oils contained in the eucalyptus leaves can naturally bolster health. Once the Australian continent was settled, eucalyptus oil became the nation’s first export and the global source of the product. Today, however, diluted sources from other nations dominate the global market, and the original eucalyptus oil industry has seen a steady decline into obscurity.
Here on Kangaroo Island, however, South Australia’s only eucalyptus distillers still operate out in the bush. With rusting relics scattered about the property and an eccentric taste of the outback, the family-run Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery still churns out the sweet-smelling elixir. Learn the ways that the oil is extracted from the narrow mallee leaves, and the healing benefits the oils can have for aiding wounds or illnesses. Group tours and self-guided tours help visitors experience the property, and in addition to the enchanting historical feel, there is a small bar attached to the farm where you can sample the locally made spirits.
Practical Info
Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery is located 45 minutes from the ferry at Penneshaw and 25 minutes from Kingscote. The distillery is open from 9am to 2pm on every day except Christmas, and is open for guided group tours during school holidays and peak seasons. During all times of a year, a self-guided tour makes for an informative visit, and entrance fees range from $4-$7 depending on the type of tour.
Address: Willsons Rd., Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia
Hours: 9am to 2pm on every day except Christmas
Admission: $4-$7
From $ 156
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
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
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
Fiji Museum
This tiny, colorful museum in the heart of Fiji is jam-packed with more than 3,700 years worth of island culture, art and traditions. Travelers will find a well-preserved example of the country’s heritage amid the galleries and halls of this local treasure.
Whether it’s the impressive 100-year-old Ratu Finau, ancient weapons of war, or the story of cannibalism, there’s something for everyone in this unassuming destination. Though archeological artifacts and other items are well-displayed and clearly marked, travelers say the technology-free Fiji Museum is strictly no frills but definitely worth a visit.
Practical Info
The Fiji Museum is located in the Suva’s Botanical Gardens. It is open from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and costs FJD10.
Address: Cakobau Road, Suva, Fiji
Hours: Open from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Admission: FJD10
From $ 76
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
Esperance
Esperance is a coastal town located on the southern end of Western Australia. Surrounded by beaches with brilliant white sand and clear turquoise waters, the area boasts some of the best scenery in the country.
The town is surrounded by a host of attractions, including five national parks, a tourist driving loop, vineyards with award-winning wines, an arts center and more. Cape Le Grand National Park is the most celebrated of those in the vicinity, with its picturesque granite shoreline and opportunities for hiking, fishing, snorkeling and off-roading. The popular Great Ocean Drive is a 24-mile (38 km) tourist route that takes visitors along the coastline and past Pink Lake–a body of water named for the algae and brine prawn that color it flushed.
Off the coast of Esperance lies an archipelago of over 100 islands, including Woody Island, a popular spot for fishing, bushwalking, snorkeling and diving. The area around Esperance is a diver’s paradise; many visitors come entirely for the waves. From June to October, migrating southern right whales shelter in the bays around the town.
Practical Info
Esperance lies within a two-hour flight from Perth. It can also be reached by way of an eight-hour drive from Perth. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which makes it a perfect holiday spot year-round, although spring is a fantastic time to visit and see whales and wildflowers.
Address: Esperance, W.A., Australia
From $ 697
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
Esplanade Boardwalk
The Esplanade Boardwalk is the heartbeat of Cairns. Located along the scenic coast, this outdoor promenade is the perfect place for weary travelers to stretch their legs and take in the natural sights. The three-mile pathway winds through damp lagoons ideal for birding, past scenic points of interest and historic relics left behind from World War II.
Trendy shops, sidewalk restaurants and bustling pubs are all within walking distance of the well-traveled Esplanade. And nearby public BBQs and outdoor exercise stations are the prime spots for striking up conversations with locals, who love the Esplanade Boardwalk almost as much as visitors.
Trendy shops, sidewalk restaurants and bustling pubs are all within walking distance of the well-traveled Esplanade. And nearby public BBQs and outdoor exercise stations are the prime spots for striking up conversations with locals, who love the Esplanade Boardwalk almost as much as visitors.
Practical Info
The Esplanade Boardwalk is open year-round and is free to enter. Runners take advantage of the wooden slats that are easier on the knees than blacktop surfaces. A number of scenic stop-offs offer striking views of sunrise and sunset.
Address: Cairns, Australia
From $ 59
Etihad Docklands Stadium
Docklands Stadium, better known by the name of its current sponsor, Etihad, is a sports and entertainment venue in the Docklands area of Melbourne.
The modern cousin of Melbourne's famed MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), the stadium was built to act as the new main venue for Australian Rules Football (AFL). It was once Colonial Stadium and then the Telstra Dome before becoming Etihad Stadium and today most commonly hosts AFL, rugby and soccer games, although a 2006 Robbie Williams tour drew the site's largest-ever number of visitors with 64,619 attendees.
The first stadium in Australia to feature movable seating, it also has a retractable roof and a grass-covered, oval-shaped playing surface of 205,080 square feet (19,053 square meters).
Practical Info
Docklands (Etihad) Stadium is located in the Docklands area of Melbourne, just west of the CBD and behind Southern Cross train station.
Address: Australia
From $ 51
Elizabeth Quay
Stationed along the north shore of Perth Water in the city’s central business district, the newly opened Elizabeth Quay is a 2.7-hectare inlet of entertainment, nightlife, restaurants and fun.
Travelers can venture to the Barrack Street Jetty and check out the Bell Tower or enjoy a fun-filled river cruise. Hire a bike and ride along the picturesque Swan River or stroll along the scenic promenade. Sample some of the city’s contemporary cuisine in one of the stylish alfresco restaurants along the water or relax and unwind with a leisurely picnic in the vast green space.
Practical Info
Elizabeth Quay is located in Perth’s central business district at the Esplanade, near Trinity United Church. It is accessible using the Perth Underground via the Esplanade station.
Address: The Esplanade, Perth WA 6000, Australia
From $ 13