Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory has a fine collection, but what is its most popular attraction by far? That's right - a preserved saltwater crocodile called 'Sweetheart.'

Sweetheart, a 50 year-old male, was menacing boats on the Finnis River, so he was captured by rangers. They intended to give him to a croc farm for breeding. Sadly, during the capture, the drugged crocodile drowned and could not be resuscitated. His body was given to the museum.

If you can drag yourself away from Sweetheart, there's a fine natural history collection and plenty of indigenous art. You'll also get a good grounding in the Territory's history, including Cyclone Tracy (there's a room that simulates the cyclone) and visits by Indonesian sailors back in the day. The museum looks beyond the mainland to focus on Southeast Asian and Pacific culture.  

In the rugged wilderness outside of Wanaka, Glenorchy, Makarora, and Haast, Mt. Aspiring National Park sits waiting to be explored. Here in New Zealand’s third largest park, glaciers hang suspended on mountainsides that are crossed by backcountry trails. Views of this pristine, South Island landscape are reserved for the hardiest of trekkers—or helicopter passengers who share the skies with kea, or alpine parrots. The hiking here in Mt. Aspiring National Park is some of New Zealand’s best, with the Routeburn Track being the most famous of the multi-day hikes through the park. Experienced trekkers seek out solace on the winding, Reed-Dart and Caples Tracks, and a large network of shorter day hikes make a playground of outdoor adventure. In the middle of it all towers Mt. Aspiring, which at nearly 10,000 feet is New Zealand’s tallest peak outside of Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park. Outside of Wanaka, the Rob Roy Track is a classic day hike with panoramic views of the lake, whereas Matukukituki is laden with trails that explore the isolated valley. Wherever you hike, scan the skies for the 59 bird species found flitting across the skies, and take the time to drink in the scenery of this stunning South Island park.

The Museum of New Zealand, also known as Te Papa Tongarewa, takes visitors on an inspiring and interactive excursion through the country's history, art, and culture. Called Te Papa ("our place") by locals, the site and its prized collections focus on Maori culture, as well as the natural environment and the Pacific.

The National Museum of Australia explores national identity and heritage in a hugely kid-friendly and fun way.

Like a big abstract Australian storybook, the museum’s creative exhibits use controversy and humor to get you thinking about Australia's big picture.

From Indigenous culture to national icons, personal stories and artifacts, this enjoyable museum has a huge range of exhibits.

To get an overview of the collection, watch the free introductory film or take a guided tour.

Australia is known for its excellent wine and South Australia has always been at the heart of this thriving industry. But how do all those grapes you see growing as you drive by end up in your glass and tasting so delicious? The National Wine Center of Australia aims to explain that. In an impressive architecturally-designed building overlooking the Botanic Gardens, you can take the Wine Discovery Experience and have an interactive lesson in wine-making. Don't know your Shiraz from your Merlot? There are courses in wine appreciation: impress your friends with your knowledge of grape varieties and wine styles.

If just enjoying the stuff with good food is more your style, head for the Concourse Cafe and taste and purchase the wines you try with your meal. After, stroll through the center's own vineyard and appreciate just what a high tech business wine-making has become.

To put in perspective just how high the Nevis Swing actually is, the launch deck from where the swing is released is higher than the highest elevation of three different US states. From a platform approximately 530 feet above the valley floor, drink in the panoramic view of the surrounding Southern Alps—and then fly at speeds over 70mph in a free fall down towards the ground. Unlike traditional bungy jumping (which is located right next door), the Nevis Swing is an enormous pendulum where travelers race across the sky in a high-speed, 300-meter arc. Also unlike bungy jumping, it’s possible to strap yourself into your harness in whichever position you choose—whether that’s backwards, upside down, facing forward, or tandem jumping with a friend. Since the Nevis Swing is operated jointly with the nearby Nevis Bungy, travelers can combine the pendulum swing with the highest bungy in New Zealand, and get a double dose of adrenaline in the adventure capital of the world.

No trip to Australia’s capital is complete without a visit to the National Carillon. The 164-foot (50 meter) architectural landmark originally gifted to Australia by the British government is touted for its’ unique design. In addition to its’ towering height, the structure is also a musical instrument! Have a picnic beneath the striking tower and listen to chimining of its’ 55 bronze bells each week at free concerts. The sheer height of the tower allows the musical melodies to drift across Lake Burley Griffin all the way to Kings and Commonwealth Parks. Visit at night when the structure is illuminated for an unforgettable view.

Tasmania’s national car museum has one of the country’s best collections of classic and historic cars and motorbikes, covering more than a century of automobile designs.

Vintage cars are the star attraction here, including old Model T Fords and the sparkling chassis of classic Rolls-Royce, Bentleys, Jaguars and Mercedes.

Super cars are another highlight, including streamlined Fords and the famous Australian vehicle of choice in the 1970s, the Holden Monaro – complete with racing stripes.

Motorcycles also get a look in, along with rare Ferraris and Daimlers. While the museum is a definite hit with car lovers, it also provides a snapshot of urban history and will intrigue visitors of all ages.

The mighty Murray River as it is known, is the longest river in Australia, rising in the alps of the Great Dividing Range, and forming the border between Victoria and New South Wales before entering South Australia and finally emptying into the Indian or Southern Ocean. It is 1,476 miles (2,375km) long and passes through several lakes, some of them now quite salty due to drought and the intensive farming all along the river's length. It is significant within the mythologies of the Indigenous people of Australia.

Once a major route for trading, it is now a favourite place for recreational boating and fishing, but the river is in danger from salinity and drought. In recent years it has carried less than 40% of its natural flow. Near the river's mouth in South Australia is a beautiful lagoon area called The Coorong, a national park and sanctuary for birds, animals and fish. Nearby is Lake Alexandrina, a fresh water lake where Hindmarsh Island has salt water from the sea on one side and fresh from the lake on the other.