Choose from 889 Fun Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific
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Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay
The unique art and handicrafts produced by New Zealand’s Maori population are among the country’s most vibrant and celebrated art works. There are few better examples of the Maori Rock carvings at Mine Bay. One of the most striking attractions of Lake Taupo, the immense carvings adorn the cliff faces of the bay, towering over 10 meters high.
Although the designs appear like the remains of an ancient Maori settlement, they were in fact carved by artist Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell in the 1970s, taking three summers to complete. The dramatic works are some of the largest rock art of their kind in the world, depicting Ngatoroirangi – the Maori visionary who guided the Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to Lake Taupo over a thousand years before. Flanking Ngatoroirangi are two smaller carvings depicting the south wind and a mermaid, and utilizing traditional Maori stone-carving techniques.
Only viewable from the water, visiting the Maori Rock Carvings is a popular boat excursion from Taupo, but it’s also possible to get there by kayak, offering an incredible up close view of the figures as you float beneath the cliffs.
Although the designs appear like the remains of an ancient Maori settlement, they were in fact carved by artist Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell in the 1970s, taking three summers to complete. The dramatic works are some of the largest rock art of their kind in the world, depicting Ngatoroirangi – the Maori visionary who guided the Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to Lake Taupo over a thousand years before. Flanking Ngatoroirangi are two smaller carvings depicting the south wind and a mermaid, and utilizing traditional Maori stone-carving techniques.
Only viewable from the water, visiting the Maori Rock Carvings is a popular boat excursion from Taupo, but it’s also possible to get there by kayak, offering an incredible up close view of the figures as you float beneath the cliffs.
Address: New Zealand
From $ 20
Melbourne Aquarium
All things fishy swim inside the Melbourne Aquarium, right beside the Yarra River in central Melbourne. The focus is on creatures from the Southern Ocean. Penguins are a particular highlight, along with other Antarctic creatures. Those who dare swim with the sharks, while more gentle creatures swim in the coral atoll, rock pools, mangroves and billabongs.
Creatures from around Australia swim in the River to the Reef exhibit, while Weird and Wonderful highlights nature’s variety – from Nemo clownfish to scuttling crabs and UV-lit transparent sea jellies. Another star attraction is the creepy Oceanarium, with its viewing fishbowl filled with gray nurse sharks, stingrays and turtles.
Creatures from around Australia swim in the River to the Reef exhibit, while Weird and Wonderful highlights nature’s variety – from Nemo clownfish to scuttling crabs and UV-lit transparent sea jellies. Another star attraction is the creepy Oceanarium, with its viewing fishbowl filled with gray nurse sharks, stingrays and turtles.
Practical Info
Melbourne Aquarium is an easy stroll from either Flinders Street Station or Southern Cross Station. Trams run along Flinders Street, including the free Tourist Shuttle, dropping you outside the aquarium. You can also walk across the Yarra River to reach here from the Crown Entertainment Complex.
Address: Corner Flinders and King Streets, Melbourne 3000, Australia
Hours: Open 9:30am - 6pm every day
Admission: Adult: AU$32.50 Child (3-15yrs): AU$18.50
From $ 31
Marina Mirage
With big-name designers, gourmet restaurants and a dramatic waterfront location, just moments from the dazzling Palazzo Versace hotel, the Marina Mirage is the Gold Coast’s most glamorous shopping complex. Extensively redeveloped in 2008, the luxurious mall is home to more than 80 boutiques, from high street favorites like French Connection and United Colors of Benetton, to designers like Guess, Calvin Klein, Hermes and Tommy Hilfiger.
As well as the clothing, accessories and jewelry boutiques, there’s a range of fine dining options overlooking the waterfront, including award-winning restaurants and cafés like Omeros Bros, Vanitas and the Max Brenner Chocolate Bar. That’s not all – there’s also a day spa and beauty salon, a farmer’s market held twice a month and a scenic waterfront promenade from which to view the marina’s glitzy yachts and cruise ships.
Practical Info
Marina Mirage is located at Main Beach on the Gold Coast. The shopping mall is open from 10am-6pm daily, while restaurant opening times vary.
Address: 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Queensland QLD 4217, Australia
Hours: Shopping mall: 10am-6pm, restaurants till late
From $ 26
Melbourne Central Shopping Centre
Visiting Melbourne Shopping Center is a trip that can literally take days. Even if you spent only 10 minutes in each of the 300 shops, it would still take over 50 hours before the shopping was through. Granted—while it’s impractical to visit every shop—there’s still the time it takes to visit the sights within the center. Take, for example, historic Shot Tower—a bullet making facility from 1889 that’s housed within the shops. To protect the original structure from crumbling, an enormous, 20-story, cone made of glass protects the entire tower—a feat of architectural engineering that’s the largest of its kind in the world. While exploring the maze of eateries and shops, be sure to keep an eye on the time as it approaches the top of the hour. Every hour, on the hour, the famously oversized Marionette Watch sounds a version of “Waltzing Matilda,” an old bush ballad that’s considered the unofficial national anthem of Australia.
Practical Info
The Melbourne Central Shopping Center is open 10am-7pm on Saturday-Wednesday, and from 10am-9pm on Thursday and Friday. Admission is free, although parking is pricy at $14/hour in the 880 stalls. To save money on parking costs, the tram or train are conveniently linked directly beneath the center.
Address: Swanston St & LaTrobe St, Melbourne VIC, Australia
Hours: Open 10am-7pm Sat-Weds, 10am-9pm Thursday and Friday.
From $ 56
Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (Te Puia)
Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute was established by the New Zealand Parliament to guard and preserve Maori culture, housing the national schools of carving and weaving. Visitors interact with master craftsmen as they turn native hardwood and plant fibers into beautiful pieces of traditional art, spinning stories as they work.
Touring the facilities is interesting, informative and not to be missed, but the highlight is Te Po, Te Puia's authentic evening experience. As evening falls, you'll assemble in a carved meeting space and go on to participate in Maori rituals of friendship and greetting. As the night progresses, you'll feast on traditional cuisine as your guides will share Maori heritage, song and weaponry.
Te Puia is also the staging area for tours of the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, where there are numerous geysers and 3 regularly erupt - Kereru, Tohu and the world famous Pohutu geyser, which erupts around 20 times a day reaching heights of up to 30m (100ft).
In addition to preserving to the Maori culture through performances and demonstrations, Te Puia also preserves New Zealand national culture with the Kiwi House. As its name implies, the Kiwi House is dedicated to helping the little flightless birds in their fight against extinction.
Address: Hemo Road, Rotorua, Rotorua, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily. Summer: 8am – 6pm (until 5pm in Winter)
Admission: Adults: NZ$40 - NZ$130, Children (5-15yrs): NZ$20 - NZ$65
From $ 40
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
There’s more to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast than suntans, surfboards, and shoreline, although given the wealth of white sand beaches and places to bake in the sun, it’s easy to see why the forested interior can sometimes be overlooked. At the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, travelers are reminded how Queensland’s interior has an endemic beauty of its own. These hills that rise behind the Glass House Mountains were once covered in rainforest—parts of which are still visible on the reserve’s 135 acres. Stroll along miles of wooden boardwalk past red cedar and ginger, and listen for the mating call of green catbirds and they flit high in the treetops. While silently strolling the shaded trails, keep an eye out for red-legged padmelon as they scurry and forage through the underbrush. These small wallabies have lost much of their habitat due to surrounding deforestation, although still survive on this small refuge that’s been called an “ecological island.” There are playgrounds and barbecues for family outings as well as an education center, or simply sit at the small café to enjoy a tea in the forest.
Practical Info
The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is located one hour from Brisbane, one hour from Noosa, and 30 minutes from the Sunshine Coast. The education center is open from 9am-5pm from September-May, 9am-4pm from June-August, and the rainforest trails are open for hiking during regular daylight hours. While there is no official admission to the reserve, a gold coin donation is graciously accepted.
Address: 148 Mountain View Road, Maleny QLD 4552, Australia
From $ 81
Matira Point & Beach
Matira Beach is the only public beach on Bora Bora. Although it's not associated with any resort, it still boasts 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) of bright white sand, coconut groves and lapping waves. The beach opens onto a shallow, sandy bottomed lagoon with perfect snorkeling conditions. Swimmers can see colorful corals and the huge variety of tropical fish which give the area its nickname: “The Aquarium.”
The beach stretches from the Hotel Bora Bora to Matira Point, which is a low sandy peninsula that juts into the lagoon. At low tide you can wade from here all the way out to the coral reef.
The only downside to Matira Beach is that it can get somewhat crowded and hectic, particularly on days when a cruise ship is docked nearby. Nonetheless it's still a beautiful (and free) attraction. In the evenings this west-facing beach is perfect for watching the sunset.
The beach stretches from the Hotel Bora Bora to Matira Point, which is a low sandy peninsula that juts into the lagoon. At low tide you can wade from here all the way out to the coral reef.
The only downside to Matira Beach is that it can get somewhat crowded and hectic, particularly on days when a cruise ship is docked nearby. Nonetheless it's still a beautiful (and free) attraction. In the evenings this west-facing beach is perfect for watching the sunset.
Address: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
From $ 176
March e de Pape'ete (Municipal Market)
The sights, sounds and smells of authentic Polynesian life are on offer at Papeete’s main market, the Marché de Papeete (Municipal Market). The indoor market hall is the commercial and social hub of Tahiti’s laid-back capital and the oldest surviving institution on the island.
The Basics
The Marché de Papeete is spread over two floors, with the first floor devoted to fruits, vegetables, and fresh foods, and the upper level selling arts and handicrafts. The 19th-century market hall is also a landmark in its own right.
The market makes a popular inclusion on Papeete sightseeing tours, and visiting with a guide is a great way to gain insight into local life, culture, and cuisine. Walking or Segway tours often stop to take a peek en route to nearby attractions such as the Robert Wan Pearl Museum (Musée de la Perle) and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Some market vendors will accept cards, but it’s best to bring cash in local currency (French Polynesian francs).
- Plan at least an hour to explore the large market.
- The Marché de Papeete is accessible to wheelchair users, and an elevator takes shoppers between the two floors.
- The market’s small restaurants and cafés are popular spots for lunch.
How to Get There
Papeete is located on Tahiti’s northwest coast, and the market is right in the heart of the capital. It’s an easy 5-minute walk from the port and close to most of the town’s attractions, including the cathedral and the pearl museum.
When to Get There
The market is held daily from early morning to late afternoon. For fresh food, get there early for the best selection, or arrive at lunchtime to dine at one of the restaurants. The Sunday market is held in the early morning, from 3am to 9am, and only the food stalls are open then.
Shopping at Marché de Papeete
Artisans come from all over the island to sell traditional handicrafts at the market, and there are plenty of options for well-priced souvenirs. Top buys include baskets, hats, and other woven goods; Tifaifai art and quilts; Marquesan wood carvings; pareos (brightly colored sarongs); and black pearl jewelry. Look out for cosmetics containing Monai oil too, a local blend of coconut and tiare flowers. Downstairs, the huge range of produce includes meats, fish, tropical fruits, vegetables, exotic herbs, and fresh flowers.
Address: Papeete, French Polynesia
Admission: Free
From $ 50
Melbourne Chinatown
Technically, over 5,000 miles separate Melbourne from the Chinese city of Shanghai. When standing on the corner of Swanston Street, however, in Melbourne’s CBD, and looking west down Little Bourke Street past rows of Chinese shops, it’s easy to forget you’re still in Australia—rather than Shanghai itself. With the lone exception of San Francisco, Melbourne’s Chinatown is the oldest of its kind in the entire Western world. Established in 1851 by laborers in Victoria’s gold rush, Melbourne’s Chinatown has thrived as the center of the city’s Chinese community. Walking beneath the towering red arch that marks the Chinatown entrance, the smell of dumplings and Sichuan cuisine seems to waft, lift, and rise above each narrow alleyway entrance. While once notorious for its opium and brothels, modern Chinatown is known for its food and colorful, cultural cuisine. Haggle with a vendor selling bright pink dragon fruit or cups of steaming green tea, and feast on miniature dim sum plates full of classic Cantonese flavor. If you ever come up for air between meals, visit the Chinatown Visitor Center and accompanying Chinese Museum, which explores the Chinese community’s history from gold miners up through today.
Practical Info
Melbourne’s Chinatown rests between the corners of Swanston and Spring Street. It’s a short walk from Melbourne’s CBD, and while the area is always a buzz of activity, late January or early February are packed during Chinese New Year. For sights, the Chinese Museum is open daily from 10am-5pm.
Address: Melbourne VIC, Australia
From $ 51
Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary
Not to be confused with the Sydney SEA LIFE Aquarium in Darling Harbour, the Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary on Sydney’s North Shore has recently undergone a name change (from Oceanworld Manly) and has gained a number of new attractions.
A new breeding habitat called Penguin Cove was opened in late June 2012 and now houses a small population of cute Little Penguins. As an endangered population that live and breed on Sydney’s busy natural coastline, the penguins in Penguin Cove are provided a safe place to raise their young and be observed by visitors.
Another big attraction that sets Manly SEA LIFE apart from its Darling Harbour cousin is its ‘Shark Dive Xtreme.’ Thanks to a large colony of non-aggressive but fearsome looking Grey Nurse Sharks, this dive is an opportunity to swim amongst the marine life cage-free!
If that doesn’t whet your appetite, Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary has an underwater viewing tunnel for close up but dry views of sharks, sting rays, turtles and other marine life. There are also a number of interactive rock pools where you can clearly see all the weird and wonderful undersea creatures that call Sydney Harbour their home.
The easiest and most fun way to get to the Sanctuary is on a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf.
A new breeding habitat called Penguin Cove was opened in late June 2012 and now houses a small population of cute Little Penguins. As an endangered population that live and breed on Sydney’s busy natural coastline, the penguins in Penguin Cove are provided a safe place to raise their young and be observed by visitors.
Another big attraction that sets Manly SEA LIFE apart from its Darling Harbour cousin is its ‘Shark Dive Xtreme.’ Thanks to a large colony of non-aggressive but fearsome looking Grey Nurse Sharks, this dive is an opportunity to swim amongst the marine life cage-free!
If that doesn’t whet your appetite, Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary has an underwater viewing tunnel for close up but dry views of sharks, sting rays, turtles and other marine life. There are also a number of interactive rock pools where you can clearly see all the weird and wonderful undersea creatures that call Sydney Harbour their home.
The easiest and most fun way to get to the Sanctuary is on a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf.
Address: West Esplanade, Manly 2095, Australia
Hours: Open daily: 10am-5:30pm (closed Christmas Day)
Admission: Adults: $24; Children: $12
From $ 37
Marlborough
When it comes to wine, the hills of Marlborough are alive with the sweet aroma of Sauvignon Blanc. This area on the northern tip of the South Island is renowned for its award-winning wine, and with over 160 different wineries, the area is New Zealand’s leading region for growing and exporting wine. Even with all of its accolades, however, there’s more to Marlborough than clinking glasses in sunny, grape-filled fields. Grab some boots and hike the length of the 42-mile Queen Charlotte Track—a serpentine route through the myriad curves of coastal Marlborough Sound. Explore the back roads of Marlborough’s coast and camp in its hidden bays, where Maori, whalers, and shipwrecked sailors have all left historical marks. Picton is the port of call for the ferry that crosses the strait to Wellington, but is also a town with salty charm and authentic maritime heritage. Hire a bike and explore the trails that weave through Marlborough Sound, or enjoy a glass of Sauvignon in one of Blenheim’s café. Or, to mix adventure with Marlborough’s vineyards, pedal your way between tasting rooms by hiring a bike in Blenheim, and drink in the rolling, Marlborough scenery in one of New Zealand’s sunniest spots.
Practical Info
The Marlborough region is located four hours from Christchurch via the coastal road through Kaikoura. By ferry, the town of Picton is approximately three hours from the capital city of Wellington, or it’s also possible to fly into regional airports in Blenheim as well as Nelson.
Address: Marlborough, New Zealand, New Zealand
From $ 46
Margaret River
The Margaret River region is Western Australia’s food, wine, surfing, and leisure playground. It’s also one of the most scenic and lush regions in the state, graced with a mix of coastline, forest, vineyards, and farmland. Wine-loving visitors have more than 140 Margaret River wineries to choose from—its vintages are compared to those of Bordeaux in France—and the area also attracts surfers, whale watchers, spelunkers, and beachgoers to its nearby coastal landscapes.
The Basics
With so much to do (and so much wine to drink), Margaret River rewards those who linger. During a multi-day tour of the region from Perth, lasting anywhere from two to four days, you might go wine tasting during a winery tour, watch a sheep-shearing demonstration, cruise the Nornalup Inlet, take in the views from the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, tour the vast Mammoth Cave, or climb above the treetops in the Valley of the Giants. If you’re pressed for time, you can catch the highlights on an action-packed day trip from Perth.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Margaret River wine region is a must-visit for wine lovers and foodies.
- Choose between a full-day or multi-day tour through the region.
- Day trips to Margaret River from Perth can last upwards of 13 hours.
How to Get There
Margaret River is located about 3.5 hours by road from Perth. While it’s possible to catch a charter flight or bus from Perth to Margaret River, the easiest way to get there is by car or guided tour.
When to Get There
While year-round sunshine means the Margaret River area is almost always pleasant, the best time to visit is during the dry season, between April and September, when it’s not too hot. Area surfing is at its best in April, while whale watching peaks in Australian spring (autumn in the northern hemisphere).
It’s Not All About the Wine
Margaret River wineries might produce some of the world’s best wines, but there’s more to drink in the area than fermented grapes. Start your day with a cappuccino from a local coffee roaster, and spend the afternoon with some beer tastings and brewery tours. Many area breweries also produce their own ciders and craft spirits.
Address: Bussell Highway, Margaret River 6285, Australia
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 159
McLaren Vale Wineries
McLaren Vale is an area just outside Adelaide towards the coast which is renowned for the wine it produces. With 76 cellar doors to visit, it's worth spending at least a day exploring, if not a weekend. And it's not just wine, the local foodies are passionate about what their kitchens produce.
When you've eaten and sipped your fill, there are many other things to do including bushwalking, heading to the surf beach, following the Art Trail, going fishing, horse-riding, cycling or just sitting on a cliff watching the sunset.
Practical Info
McLaren Vale Winery is 40 minutes by road from Adelaide and only minutes drive from the coast. The best way to see the region is by organised tour or hiring a car.
Address: McLaren Vale 5171, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 44
Marlborough Sounds
Set at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, the Marlborough Sounds amazingly comprise one fifth of New Zealand’s coastline. Not because the region is large, however, but simply because the serpentine coast weaves in and out of so many bays it massively adds to the mileage. Here the coastline is so stunningly rugged that mail is still delivered by boat to towns that are cut off from roads, and visitors can actually ride along with the boat that’s delivering mail. It’s a rural time capsule that hearkens back to life in the 1800s, where sheep still roam the forested hills and fishermen ply the waters for mussels and live off the bounty of the sea.
For an authentic experience in Marlborough Sounds, hop aboard a seafood cruise to sample the clams, mussels, and salmon the Marlborough area is known for. Or, to scour the shore on your own two feet, hike the famous Queen Charlotte Track that weaves through Queen Charlotte Sound, or pedal your way up rolling green peaks by renting a mountain bike in town.
Practical Info
Nearly all tours of the Marlborough Sounds depart from the town of Picton. The most popular way of reaching Picton is aboard a ferry that crosses the Strait from neighboring Wellington on the North Island.
Did You Know? From 1888 until 1912, a dolphin by the name of Pelorus Jack would help mariners find safe passage through the treacherous, narrow French Pass.
Address: Picton, South Island, New Zealand
From $ 70
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
The largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the most famous sporting venues in Australia, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is more than a Melbourne landmark. The legendary stadium has hosted the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, the annual Boxing Day Test Match, and Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final.
The Basics
Attend one of the regular AFL games and cricket test matches for the most atmospheric experience at Melbourne Cricket Ground. A guided tour takes you behind the scenes, including the player’s dressing rooms, the cricketers’ viewing room, the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) Long Room and Library, and gives you access to views of Melbourne from the City Terrace.
Don’t miss the on-site National Sports Museum where you can learn more about the history of the MCG, admire priceless Aussie sports memorabilia, visit the AFL and cricket halls of fame, and take part in fun interactive activities.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Although some tickets are available daily on a first-come first-served basis, it’s best to book match tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Tours must be booked in advance.
- On-site facilities include drinking water fountains, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, restrooms, and a selection of bars and food vendors in each stand.
- All entrants to the grounds are required to undergo security checks, and large bags and suitcases are not permitted.
- Each stand has wheelchair accessible areas and facilities, but advance booking is recommended.
How to Get There
Melbourne Cricket Ground, located east of Downtown Melbourne, is about a 10-minute walk from Federation Square. Regular trams run from the city center, and the closest train stations are Jolimont and Richmond.
When to Get There
The MCG hosts AFL games in the winter months (March–September), culminating in the AFL Grand Final in September; cricket matches are held in summer (September–April). Tours are only available on non-match days, and only ticket holders can access the National Sports Museum on match days, although it’s best to avoid the grounds entirely on match days, as spectators overrun the entire area.
The Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Precinct
Olympic Park, Melbourne Park, and Yarra Park make up the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Precinct. The MCG, the Punt Road Oval, and the National Sports Museum are in Yarra Park. Olympic Park holds the 30,000-capacity AAMI Park, the Olympic Park Oval, and the Holden Centre. Melbourne Park has the Rod Laver Arena music venue and home to the Australian Open, Melbourne Arena (mostly used for national basketball and netball games), the Margaret Court Arena, and the Melbourne Park Tennis Complex.
Address: Brunton Avenue, Yarra Park, Jolimont, Melbourne 3002, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Maru Koala and Animal Park
Phillip Island is famous for its wildlife, but Maru Koala and Animal Park allows you to kickstart the animal adventures before even arriving on the island. Located on the Victorian mainland just a 15-minute drive from Phillip Island, the park is home to Tasmanian Devils, koalas, dingos, and kangaroos, while also offering sheep shearing, a dinosaur playroom, and mini golf on a pirate ship (from $9).
Hear how the park helps raise orphaned animals for release back into the wild, and learn tidbits about Australian wildlife during the hourly talks with park keepers. Although not offered by Viator, add-on encounters with koalas, dingoes, snakes, and lizards can be purchased onsite for an additional fee (from $20). Once you’ve finished visiting with the animals, relax at the on-site Homestead Bistro or play a round of mini golf before continuing on to Phillip Island and the wildlife experiences beyond.
Practical Info
Maru Koala and Animal Park is a convenient stop en route to Phillip Island, as it's 1.5 hours by car from Melbourne and 15 minutes from the bridge to Phillip Island. Visitors can bring their own cameras, and the park is both wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Weekends can be crowded with local families, so try to visit on a weekday.
Address: 1650 Bass Highway, Grantville, Victoria 3984, Australia
Hours: Daily 9:30am–6pm
Admission: Adults $20, children (4–15) $11
From $ 124
Mary River Wetlands
The vast Mary River Wetlands, located in Australia’s Northern Territory, are home to massive saltwater crocodiles, abundant bird life and massive barramundi (Asian sea bass).
The Arnhem Highway crosses five floodplains, which are prime habitat for brolgas, egrets, black-necked storks, sea eagles and magpie geese, between Darwin and Jabiru. Yet, most visitors find it more enjoyable to experience the Mary River Wetlands from the water. Airboat rides explore the Mary River floodplains and lush monsoon forests, offering a rare chance to spot the area’s abundant bird life, introduced water buffalo and native monitors and wallabies in the plentiful paperbark forests. Adelaide River cruise hosts dangle bait to draw saltwater crocodiles into view and high out of the water.
For self-guided visitors, it is also possible to view these powerful reptiles from a viewing platform at Shady Camp. Other places to explore include the Brian Creek Monsoon Forest, North Rockhole, and Couzens Lookout. In the dry season, it’s possible to explore many unsealed roads in a standard vehicle; however, in the rainy season a 4WD is recommended.
Sport fishermen come from all over to land the famed barramundi, renowned for its good fighting ability. Landing a 100-pound barramundi isn’t easy, but casting a line at Shady Camp, Corroboree Billabong, or in the Adelaide River provides the best opportunity.
Practical Info
The Mary River Wetlands are located 110 km southeast of Darwin. Most tours originate in Darwin; however, a number of options are also available in Corroboree Billabong, Point Stuart and Mary River Park.
Address: Darwin, Australia
From $ 104
Matamata
Before there was Frodo and the Eye of Sauron, and before there was Mordor and the city of Edoras, there was the affable Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, and his utopian home in the Shire. From these rolling green hills which are peppered with hobbit holes, and simple dwellings where Gandalf must crouch, Frodo would set out on his epic adventure which was chronicled in the Lord of the Rings.
Now, with the release of The Hobbit movie series, the area around Hobbiton has skyrocketed in fame as the Shire becomes central to the tale. More than just hobbits and wizards and horsemen, you, too, have the chance to visit the Shire on a trip to the town of Matamata.
Set in the hills to the east of Cambridge about two hours outside of Auckland, Matamata was the filming location for the joyous home of the hobbits. When filming was finished for the Lord of the Rings, the hobbit holes remained in the pasture they were set in since they blended so seamlessly with the landscape. There is even a sign that says “Welcome to Hobbiton!” that sits at the entrance to the hills. You can walk inside of the Green Dragon Inn, see the famous party tree, and learn about how the movies were filmed which took place in this very same spot.
More than just a look at the Shire, a trip to Matamata is also a glimpse of life in rural New Zealand. Farming and ranching are still a way of life in these rolling, grass-covered hills, and it’s a journey to the heart of where it all began for the world’s most captivating films.
Address: Matamata, New Zealand
From $ 246
Manukau Heads Lighthouse
When it comes to the waters surrounding Auckland, popular Waitemata Harbor tends to get all the attention. This is probably because it fronts the city and is lined with sailboats and yachts, but many visitors aren’t even aware that Auckland has a second harbor. Forming the city’s southern boundary, Manukau Harbor is the industrial cousin to flashy Waitemata.
While the cargo ships don’t have the same charm as ferries to wine covered islands, there are still places in Manukau Harbor with beauty its neighbor can’t match. One such spot is the Manukau Heads Lighthouse, a lonely outpost at the harbor entrance facing the Tasman Sea.
Originally constructed in 1874, the lighthouse is one of a handful in New Zealand where it’s still possible to scale the steps and stand in the lightkeeper’s den. Unfortunately, the lighthouse was erected a few years too late, as 11 years prior, in 1863, the HMS Orpheus ran aground on a nearby Manukau reef. In the end, 189 sailors drowned in the waters just off the lighthouse, and the event remains New Zealand’s largest maritime disaster.
Today, Manukau Heads looks much the same as it did in the 1800s, with rolling fields and pastureland abutting the mostly-calm waters. If you’re lucky, it’s sometimes possible to spot whales and dolphins swimming near the mouth of the harbor—with one species, the Maui Dolphin, being the rarest dolphin in the world. On clear days, the summit of snowcapped Mt. Taranaki can often be seen to the south, and the shiny, steel Auckland skyline floats on the northern horizon.
Practical Info
The Manukau Heads Lighthouse is open from 9am-5pm daily. It’s located approximately 63 miles from downtown Auckland, or 1 hour and 45 minutes by car. Be sure to pack food, water, and snacks, as there aren’t any shops or supplies, although there’s a small restroom by the parking lot at the base of the lighthouse steps.
Address: Manukau Heads, New Zealand
Hours: Open from 9am-5pm daily
From $ 209
Maritime Museum of Townsville
Prior to the advent of rail in Australia, Townsville was an outpost in Northern Queensland that could only be reached by sea. Ships and lightkeepers were essential to the region’s connection with the rest of the world, and this small museum in central Townsville explores the area’s lengthy past with ships, sailors, and the sea. Shaped like the bow of the SS Yongala—a passenger ship that mysteriously sank off the coast in 1911—the museum features a fascinating exhibit on the SS Yongala itself, from its construction in England to its service in Australia and its discovery in 1958. History buffs will also find the historic Bay Rock Lighthouse, which was originally built on Magnetic Island in 1886. It was one of Queensland’s first lighthouses, and was manned by lightkeepers until tragedy struck in March of 1920. Today the dome of the original lighthouse is on display at the museum, nearby a boat shed that houses a lifeboat that was used in the film Australia. The main attraction of the museum, however, is the fleet of model ships, which are fantastically detailed and constructed using the same designs as the originals. The HMAS Townsville is also docked in the creek outside the museum—a haven of maritime history and heritage in the heart of bustling Townsville.
Practical Info
The Townsville Maritime Museum is right in the middle of Townsville’s strip of popular cafés and restaurants. It’s an easy and informative visit when touring Townsville on foot.
Address: 42-68 Palmer Street, South Townsville, Queensland, Australia QLD 4810, Australia
Hours: Open daily 10am-3pm
Admission: Adults: $6; Children: $3
From $ 41