Choose from 889 Fun Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific
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Point Nepean National Park
One of Victoria’s most significant landscapes, Point Nepean National Park spans more than 1,000 acres (560 hectares) on the pristine Mornington Peninsula. Visitors can immerse themselves in the coastal views and native grasslands while exploring the rich history of the park. What began as indigenous land became one of the earliest European settlements in Victoria during 1845, then a quarantine station before the site turned into a military center. In addition to its rich culture, the park is host to a world of marine life, including emerald-colored sea shrubs and invertebrates.
Discover Victorian landmarks, such as the park’s highest point, Cheviot Hill, overlooking the jetty where Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared in 1967. History buffs can visit Fort Nepean for panoramic views and explore military fortifications used in both World Wars. Numerous hiking trails and beach walks of varied length start in the park. To get the most out of your trip, visit the park’s information center for a self-guided walk brochure or audio tour equipment.
Practical Info
Point Nepean National Park is located 56 miles (90 kilometers) from Melbourne, at the end of Point Nepean Road in Portsea. It is open every day and admission is free. Parking available at the Quarantine Station or Gunnars Cottage.
Address: End of Point Nepean Road, Portsea VIC, Australia
Hours: Open daily, closed Christmas Day
From $ 22
Picton
Funky, homely and remarkably scenic, Picton is the South Island’s northern surprise. Known for its cruise port and ferries to Wellington, many visitors visit Picton while en route to someplace else. From the moment you step off the ship, however, this salty, slow-paced, charming little town begins the process of growing on you.
At the fascinating Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, read about the history of the Edwin Fox to learn how this 19th century, teak boat from Calcutta transported everyone from soldiers to convicts across the southern seas. Grab a coffee or some fresh fish in a welcoming harbor front café, or sip on a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from the nearby vineyards of Marlborough. Picton is situated right in the middle of the time-carved Marlborough Sounds, and an outdoor playground of kayaking and trails sits right on its coastal doorstep.
Practical Info
Picton is located at the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island and has a population of 2,700 residents. It is 25 minutes from the city of Blenheim and the vineyards of Marlborough Sounds, and the preferred starting point for expeditions on the 45-mile Queen Charlotte Track. January and February have the nicest weather—and also the greatest number of visitors—although the mild climate and proximity to the coast makes it enjoyable throughout the year.
Address: Picton, New Zealand
From $ 46
Phillip Island Chocolate Factory
All hail the mighty chocolate! That’s the feeling you might get when you tour this chocolate-laced compound. Located over the bridge from San Remo when you arrive on Phillip Island, the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory is an Australian shrine to chocolate. On a tour through “Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate” you can find art, houses, activities, and games that are made entirely from chocolate, and you’ll even find chocolate spilling down from the world’s largest chocolate waterfall. Stroll past a carving of Michaelangelo’s “David” that is exquisitely carved from chocolate, and see a solid block of chocolate that literally weighs a ton.
For more of a tasty, hands-on experience, design and create your own chocolate that is instantly made for you to eat. Draw your name in chocolate syrup and watch chocolatiers at work, and then wash down the endlessly tasty morsels with a hot chocolate in the café. The chocolate served at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory is its own special blend, and from the moment you’re greeted with white truffles that are made from the “secret recipe,” you can literally taste the pride and passion for everyone’s favorite sweet.
Practical Info
Panny’s Phillip Island Chocolate Factory is open from 10am-5pm or 6pm, dependent upon time of year. Admission is free to the café and retail store, and admission to Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate is $15 for adults, $10 for children, or $45 per family.
Address: 930 Phillip Island Rd, Newhaven, VIC, Australia 3925, Australia
Hours: Daily: Summer 10am-6pm, Winter 10am-5pm
Admission: Adult $15, Child $10, Families $45
From $ 13
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
For many travelers, Phillip Island is known for the penguins that stumble ashore at sunset, but for anyone into high speed racing on motorcycles, go karts, or stock cars, it’s known for the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit and the legendary, ocean view course. With a total lap length of 2.7 miles, the circuit is not only technically challenging with all of its twist and turns, but considering the sweeping ocean views, is generally regarded as one of the sport’s most scenic and popular tracks. If there happens to be a race while in town, head to one of the spectator spots to watch the fast-paced action, where professional riders accelerate to speeds that can often top 200 mph. On days when races are actively in session, go kart rides are offered for visitors to get the feel for the course, or you can also whip through the track at high speeds while accompanied by a professional driver. To learn even more about the history of the circuit, and relive its memorable moments, join in a guided tour of the track that takes place at 2pm, where you’ll finish the tour on the winner’s podium like the greatest racers in the world.
Practical Info
To race your own go kart, drivers must be 12 years of age and in good physical health, and sessions are booked in blocks of 10 minutes—with two sessions generally recommended to get the best feel for the track. “Hot Lap” rides with a professional driver take place at 5pm, and guided circuit tours are at 2pm and last about an hour.
Address: Back Beach Rd, Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia VIC 3922, Australia
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: Guided circuit tour: $22; professional “hot lap”: $330
From $ 63
Perisher and Thredbo Ski Resorts
The Australian ski resorts of Perisher and Thredbo are within Kosciusko National Park in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains. Both resorts offer world-class skiing facilities and accommodations, along with several hundred kilometers of groomed trails suitable for beginners, advanced skiers and cross country skiing adventures.
Perisher is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere, amalgamating four villages and their surrounding ski fields. Accessible by road and Australia’s only underground rack railway, Skitube, the resort caters well to intermediate skiers but also has plenty of tracks suitable for beginners and advanced skiers. Most accommodation options here are ski lodge or hotel style.
Thredbo has the longest ski runs in Australia, including the famous ‘Funnelweb,’ which is over 3km long, and some of the country’s steepest trails. Several terrain parks cater to everyone from beginners to the more advanced. Thredbo Village, at the foot of Mount Crackenback, has the feel of a European Alpine Village and has plenty of amenities, accommodations and year-round outdoor activities should you wish to visit outside of snow season.
The Australian snow season runs from mid June until early October.
Perisher is the largest ski resort in the southern hemisphere, amalgamating four villages and their surrounding ski fields. Accessible by road and Australia’s only underground rack railway, Skitube, the resort caters well to intermediate skiers but also has plenty of tracks suitable for beginners and advanced skiers. Most accommodation options here are ski lodge or hotel style.
Thredbo has the longest ski runs in Australia, including the famous ‘Funnelweb,’ which is over 3km long, and some of the country’s steepest trails. Several terrain parks cater to everyone from beginners to the more advanced. Thredbo Village, at the foot of Mount Crackenback, has the feel of a European Alpine Village and has plenty of amenities, accommodations and year-round outdoor activities should you wish to visit outside of snow season.
The Australian snow season runs from mid June until early October.
Address: Australia
From $ 189
Penneshaw
Unless you fly to Kangaroo Island, there is a good chance you’ll pass right through the coastal town of Penneshaw. Though not large by mainland standards, the town of Penneshaw is definitely active with the comings and goings of visitors—many of whom are renting vehicles to explore the rest of the island.
The town of Penneshaw itself, however, has enough charms to shake the feel of being just another port town by the coast. Learn the history of centuries of shipwrecks at the Penneshaw Maritime and Folk Museum, or scour the nearby beaches by night in search of Little Penguins. Standing 13 inches when fully grown, the “Fairy Penguins”—as they’re known in these parts—are officially classified as the world’s smallest penguins and mate along the Penneshaw shoreline.
When you aren’t searching for penguins by night, soak up the sun on the sands of Hog Bay and its long, white sand shoreline, and splash in the water of the Backstairs Passage looking back towards the Australian mainland. From here, the inviting wilderness of Kangaroo Island literally sits on your doorstep, and it’s the first stop most visitors will experience on this famous “zoo without fences.”
Practical Info
Ferries from Cape Jervis on the Australian mainland drop passengers and cars in Penneshaw, regularly making the 10-mile crossing in less than 45 minutes. Nearly all tours of Kangaroo Island begin at the ferry dock in Penneshaw, or you can either ship your own car on the ferry or rent a car in town.
Address: Penneshaw, South Australia, Australia
Hours: Daily
From $ 340
Perth Bell Tower
Home to the historic Swan Bells, Perth's Bell Tower dominates the city skyline and makes for a fun Perth activity. Housed in a 271-foot (83-meter) tower, 12 of the existing 18 bells originally hung in London's St Martin-in-the-Fields church, where they announced events for centuries.
Now that the bells have found their way to Perth, visitors can learn the art of bell-ringing on guided tours, or simply stop in to hear the bellringers practice their art of chiming on Monday, Thursday or Sunday from noon to 1pm. For the opportunity to chime a bell yourself, book an interactive bell-chiming demonstration and receive an official certificate as proof of your new skill.
Travelers can also head up the towering glass-and-copper spire to its three observation decks and look out over much of downtown Perth and the Swan River (the sixth-floor deck offers 360-degree views). The famous tower can also be admired from afar, perhaps as part of a photography tour that wanders the streets of Perth.
Practical Info
General admission simply grants access to the tower's interior and costs $9 for adults and $7 for children between the ages of 5 and 14. There are additional fees for the chiming demonstration, also known as the Bell Tower Experience, which is offered Monday through Saturday at every half hour between 10:30am and 2:30pm. The site opens daily from 10am, and the bells are rung every Monday, Thursday and Sunday from noon to 1pm.
Did You Know? With a history dating back to the 14th century, the Swan Bells are the only royal bells to have ever left England.
Address: Barrack Square Riverside Drive, Perth, Western Australia 6000, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 13
Pinnacles Desert
Although otherworldly in appearance, the Pinnacles Desert is 100 percent on planet earth, located along the Indian Ocean's Coral Coast in Nambung National Park in Western Australia (WA). This vast sandy expanse is filled with towering limestone pillars, and at only a few hours' drive from the city of Perth, the site makes for a popular and totally doable day trip.
The Basics
To the Pinnacles, and beyond! Most day tours combine a visit to the 35,000-year-old limestone formations with stops at other popular attractions in the area, making it easy to heed the siren call of nearby massive sand dunes, white sandy beaches, and even a lobster farm. Nature lovers can catch sight of kangaroos, koalas, and wombats on tours that stop at Caversham Wildlife Park and Yanchep National Park, while adrenaline junkies love adventure-packed tour options that include revving up a 4WD vehicle or sand boarding across the Lancelin sand dunes, some of which stretch up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) wide.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Pinnacles
When to Go There
- Most day tours provide round-trip transportation from Perth and last roughly 10 hour.
- Tours to the Pinnacles are kid-friendly with outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
- Travelers should dress in layers and wear plenty of sun protection.
- For both private tours and small-group tours, upgrades are dependent upon group size.
- Fuel a long day of exploration with a meal in the coastal town of Cervantes (included in some tours), where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the local lobster fishing industry and chow down on a picnic lunch, Aussie style barbecue, or a sausage sizzle lunch.
Nambung National Park is a 2- to 3-hour drive from Perth along Indian Ocean Drive, making it an easy day trip from the city. The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm and can provide insightful information about the park.
When to Go There
The best time to visit is spring (September to October) when Western Australia's native wildflowers paint the desert with vibrant colors. Book a sunset tour to see a light show across the Pinnacles, or maximize your time by heading out early in the morning; you'll want the extra time to explore the many parks and beaches along the way.
Address: Nambung National Park, Pinnacles Drive, Cervantes 6511, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 100
Peter Lehmann
This favorite mid-size South Australian vineyard was built in just five months back in 1980. Since then, its luscious red and white wines have been celebrated both locally and internationally, and its true family farm feel has been welcoming visitors for generations.
After learning touring the grounds and learning about the practice of wine making, travelers can saddle up to the Weighbridge—now known affectionately as Peter’s Bar—for a taste of Peter Lehmann’s bold Shiraz. Growers have been gathering at the Weighbridge after a long day’s work since the vineyard first opened. Today visitors can join them in the same age-old tradition, too.
Practical Info
Peter Lehmann Wines is located on Para Road, just outside Tanunda, about an hour’s drive from Adelaide.
Address: Para Road, Tanunda, South Australia, Australia
From $ 103
Piha Beach
A short drive west of Auckland is Piha Beach, one of the West Coast’s most popular getaways. A small coastal village sandwiched between the Waitakere Ranges and the Tasman Sea, Piha Beach is much loved by surfers and fisherfolk alike, but it’s also a great place for everyone to explore nature, both on the coast and in the hills.
The Basics
Split in two by the towering Lion Rock, Piha is a scenic beach with grand views of the Tasman Sea stretching out to the horizon. Experienced surfers ride the thrilling breaks on the beach’s outer bar while people who fish enjoy the great conditions at Lion Rock and the Tasman Lookout. But keep in mind that Piha is known for its strong riptides and unpredictable waves, so can be particularly risky for surfers and fishers.
Piha Beach is a popular stop on half- and full-day West Coast sightseeing tours from Auckland. There are plenty of opportunities to explore nature from the village, including hikes through the Waitakere Ranges and the short, steep walk up Lion Rock. There are also a number of fantastic lookouts, including the Tasman Lookout at the southern end of the beach. If time is on your side, you can overnight in one of several accommodation options, from romantic bed and breakfasts to campsites and motor camps with room for the whole family.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Piha Beach is ideal for surfers, fisherfolk, and those seeking a day on the beach and in nature.
- At the top of Lion Rock, you can rest at a pou whenua erected in the memory of Ngati Tangiaro Taua, an ancestress of the local iwi (Māori tribe), Te Kawerau ā Maki.
- If you’re looking for a bite to eat, drop in at the Piha Cafe up on Garden Road, or at the Piha Surf Lifesaving Club down by the shore.
- In summer, swim between the red and yellow flags, and get to know the lifeguards of the famous-in-New-Zealand TV show “Piha Rescue.”
- The beach offers wheelchair-accessible restrooms. Although it may be hard to find accessible parking, drivers can drop off guests and find a spot.
- Bring sunscreen, insect repellent and (if you plan to go for a hike) a sturdy pair of shoes. Consider a wetsuit outside of summer.
How to Get There
Piha is on the other side of the Waitakere Ranges from the rest of Auckland, so getting there involves quite a bit of driving. The easiest way from central Auckland is to follow the Northwestern Motorway to the Te Atatu Road turnoff (first left off the Harbour Bridge). Follow Urban Route 13 until you reach Piha Road, then follow Piha Road through the Waitakere Ranges to Piha Beach.
When to Get There
Piha Beach is wildly popular in the summer months, the best time for swimming and surfing. If you’re keen on avoiding the crowds, try visiting on a weekday in late January or early February, when Auckland workers have finished their New Year holidays and are back in the office. Otherwise, head to the beach early to guarantee parking (or book your accommodation well in advance).
Swimming at Piha Beach
Piha Beach is a popular swimming hole, but it’s also notorious for its powerful riptides and strong waves. Because of this, Piha Beach’s Lifeguard Service recommends that if you do go in the water, swim only in the patrolled area, typically marked by giant red and yellow flags. If there are no flags and no lifeguards, it’s best not to take the risk—stay out of the water.
Address: Piha Beach, Piha, New Zealand
From $ 112
Pennington Bay
When the sun is shining and the winds are light, there are few nicer places on Kangaroo Island than the shores of Pennington Bay. Turquoise waters meet shimmering white sands that are completely free of development, and fisherman cast their lures in surf that rhythmically laps at the shore. The bay is a popular getaway for surfers thanks to the large, consistent waves, and occasionally dolphins will splash in the surf and are easily visible from shore.
For all of its captivating beauty, however, it’s the blissful emptiness that makes Pennington Bay a perennial visitor favorite. Stroll the length of the white sand beach and scour the shoreline for shells, or snap photos of this epic panorama of sea, sand, and sky.
Practical Info
Pennington Bay is located 1.5 miles off of Hog Bay Road—the main road connecting the major towns of Kingscote and Penneshaw. The road to Pennington Bay is unpaved but is accessible for most types of vehicles. The surf can often be very rough and rip currents can be strong, so it’s important to use caution when swimming, surfing, or entering the turquoise waters.
Address: Pennington Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia
Hours: Daily
From $ 340
Penitentiary
There was once a time when visiting Port Arthur was akin with a sentence to death. Isolated on a scenic peninsula and facing the Tasman Sea, the famous and feared Port Arthur Penitentiary was where the worst of the worst of Britain’s convicts were sent to live out their days. Though not all convicts were sentenced to death, the harsh working conditions and manual labor were enough to drive convicts to literal insanity and commit murder for an early, death sentence exit.
For all of its grisly history, however, Port Arthur today is a sprawling historic site that’s been restored and preserved as the best example of Australia’s convict past. At the iconic Penitentiary building, gaze upon the concrete ruins where 480 convicts and prisoners spent days filled with toil and misery. The penitentiary ruins are rumored to be haunted, and with the eerie, watchful, and abandoned exterior that the penitentiary exudes, it’s an historic, authentic representation of the darker days of Port Arthur.
For all of its grisly history, however, Port Arthur today is a sprawling historic site that’s been restored and preserved as the best example of Australia’s convict past. At the iconic Penitentiary building, gaze upon the concrete ruins where 480 convicts and prisoners spent days filled with toil and misery. The penitentiary ruins are rumored to be haunted, and with the eerie, watchful, and abandoned exterior that the penitentiary exudes, it’s an historic, authentic representation of the darker days of Port Arthur.
Practical Info
The Penitentiary building is just one part of the larger Port Arthur Historic Site. Mass renovations in 2014 retained the structural integrity, and the building lives on as an iconic landmark for the area’s convict past.
Address: Champ St, Port Arthur, Tasmania 7182, Australia
Hours: Daily 9:30am-5:00pm
Admission: $35 Adult, $16 Child
From $ 98
Perth Cruise Port
Despite being one of the world’s most remote capital cities, Perth remains amazingly livable thanks to a easy-going attitude, fantastic weather, beautiful beaches and thriving dining and nightlife scene. With the rapid growth of the cruising industry in Australia, Perth’s Fremantle Port welcomes dozens of cruise calls per season.
How to get to Perth
The Port of Fremantle, Perth’s busy commercial port, sits 12 miles (19 kilometers) to the south of the city. The town of Fremantle, a place known for its art galleries, cafes and historic buildings, is easily accessible on foot from the passenger terminal or by way of the Central Area Transit hop-on, hop-off bus. Passengers wanting to visit Perth can take the 30-minute train ride from Fremantle station or catch a taxi just outside the terminal.
One Day in Perth
There’s enough to see and do in Fremantle alone to fill up your day. Start by walking to the Western Australia Maritime Museum to see the exhibits on Perth’s maritime heritage or tour the UNESCO-listed Fremantle Prison dating back to 1852. On the weekends, the Fremantle Markets are a great place to pick up artisan foods, antiques or locally handcrafted items.
Perth also has plenty to offer the visiting cruise passenger. If you only have time for one attraction, make it King’s Park, a beautiful hilltop botanical garden that offers some of the best views in the city. Shoppers will find a little bit of everything at Subiaco at the intersection of Rokeby Road and hay Street.
If you’re feeling energetic, use your time in Perth to explore the Swan River Valley on the water. Rent a kayak or canoe, go offshore for a bit of snorkeling or diving, or take a leisurely boat trip along the Swan River.
Or, spend your day relaxing at one of Perth’s lovely beaches, like the white sand Cottesloe or surfer-friendly Scarborough.
Port Information
The Fremantle
passenger terminal offers free wi-fi when ships are in port, as well as a
cafe and bar where you can find refreshments. Besides the two ATMs in
the Port of Fremantle, you’ll find plenty more in the town of Fremantle
and all over Perth. The local currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD).
Address: Perth, Australia
From $ 21
Pink Lake
Western Australia’s Pink Lake, or the “Hutt Lagoon,” makes for some spectacular photo opportunities—a bright bubble gum-pink pool that stands in stark contrast to the azure ocean just to the west. The inland sea is a natural phenomenon, caused by its resident algae, and it’s one of just a handful of its kind in the world.
The Basics
The best views of Australia's Pink Lake are from the air, where the pink-hued waters are even more striking from an aerial perspective. Take off on a scenic flight from Geraldton, circle over the Pink Lake, swoop over the sea cliffs of Kalbarri, and enjoy views of the Murchison River, the Abrolhos Islands, and Wiebbe Hayes Fort.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The only way to visit the Pink Lake is by private vehicle, plane, or by joining a guided tour.
- Restaurants, shops, and other facilities can be found in the neighboring town of Port Gregory.
- Don’t try to swim or paddle in the water—it’s not safe to swim in and the bottom is lined with thick mud.
How to Get to Milford Sound
The Pink Lake is located on the coast of Western Australia, just more than an hour’s drive north of Geraldton or around 30 minutes by plane.
When to Get There
The most dramatic time to visit is midmorning or at sundown, when the sunlight hitting the lake makes it shine even brighter and pinker.
The Natural Phenomenon of the Pink Lake
The lake gets its rosy color from its resident algae, Dunaliella salina, which is a source of beta-carotene, a natural retinol and food coloring. The bright pink pigment is so sought-after that the world's largest microalgae farm is located on the lake, forming fields of algae and patterns that can only be seen by plane. Aside from algae, brine shrimp—or “sea monkeys”—are also raised in the lake and used as food in fish farms.
Address: Geraldton, Australia
From $ 171
Platypus House
Home to Tasmanian Platypuses and Tasmanian Echidnas, Platypus House gives visitors a rare chance to see and learn about both. Established to raise awareness about these Australian critters, Platypus House offers guided, educational tours.
Tasmanian platypuses and echidnas are unique and cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. During your tour at Platypus House, you’ll see the egg-laying mammals eating and playing. The tour begins in the platypus ponds before heading to the echidna garden to see them foraging in a bushland setting. The tour is a little more than 30 minutes in length. Visitors also get admission to a theatrette showing a film on platypuses and are encouraged to visit the interpretation centre.
Practical Info
Platypus House is located on the western banks of the Tamar River at Beauty Point. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Launceston. Platypus House is open seven days a week, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It is closed Christmas Day.
Address: 200 Flinders St, Beauty Point TAS 7270, Australia
Hours: Daily 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Admission: $23
From $ 81
Perth Mint
The Perth Mint holds a wealth of gold history in its vaults, with gold dust and many a miner's yarns embedded in its 100-year-old walls. A guided tour of this grand heritage building reveals fascinating insights into the 19th- and 20th-century gold rushes that transformed Western Australia forever, plus the immense booty of bullion that was mined.
You’ll also see how gold is melted into bars, along with the mint’s rare collection of gold bars, nuggets and coins from around the world.
Practical Info
The Perth Mint is on Hay Street in the city center. You can catch the free red CAT bus, or take an easy stroll from the city’s central shopping malls.
Address: 310 Hay Street, Perth 6000, Australia
Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (until 1pm on weekends and public holidays)
Admission: Adults: AU$15, Children (4-15yrs): AU$5
From $ 14
Perth Cultural Center
The Perth Cultural Centre is a hotbed of activities, events, collections, art and all things cultural.
Clustered under one roof are a handful of different exhibition spaces and Western Australia’s key cultural institutions. Explore history, nature and anthropology at the Western Australian Museum, from dinosaurs to butterflies and humans.
Browse one of the best collections of Aboriginal and early European artworks at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Watch cutting-edge video installations, sculpture and performance art at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art. Finally, browse books at the State Library of Western Australia.
Clustered under one roof are a handful of different exhibition spaces and Western Australia’s key cultural institutions. Explore history, nature and anthropology at the Western Australian Museum, from dinosaurs to butterflies and humans.
Browse one of the best collections of Aboriginal and early European artworks at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Watch cutting-edge video installations, sculpture and performance art at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art. Finally, browse books at the State Library of Western Australia.
Practical Info
The cultural center is in central Perth’s Northbridge area, reached via a pedestrian bridge from the Perth train station or via the free Blue CAT bus.
The complex is spread over several city streets between Aberdeen Street, Francis Street, James Street Mall and Roe Street. William and Beaufort streets border the complex to west and east.
The complex is spread over several city streets between Aberdeen Street, Francis Street, James Street Mall and Roe Street. William and Beaufort streets border the complex to west and east.
Address: James Street Mall, Perth 6000, Australia
Hours: Open daily, hours vary for each museum/gallery
Admission: Free
From $ 30
Pitt Street Mall
A pedestrian area of downtown Sydney, the Pitt Street Mall offers some of the most exciting shopping in the city. In the area of just one block lies several flagship stores and more than 500 retail spaces, housed in some of the most expensive commercial real estate in Australia. Specialty stores to suit all tastes can be found in the seven shopping centers, including The Strand Arcade, Westfield Sydney, Myer, and David Jones. Many of the centers were refurbished as recently as 2011. Shops vary from couture and classic fashion, to budget chain stores, electronics, and the latest in athletic wear.
A visit here will certainly include some of the best shopping in Sydney, along with the bustling activity of this urban center. A footbridge runs across the mall, providing ample opportunities to take in the sights of people passing by. Restaurants and cafes provide replenishment from all the action.
Practical Info
The mall is located on a blocked off section of Pitt Street between Market Street and King Street in the Sydney central business district. Stores are generally open from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.
Address: Pitt Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Hours: Stores are generally open from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.
From $ 669
Picton Cruise Port
Small but lively, Picton may be one of the sunniest ports in New Zealand. Located at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, it links the country’s South Island with the north, making it a hub for inter-island ferries across the Cook Strait. It is also a jumping off point for exploring the Marlborough Sounds.
How to Get to Picton
Cruise ships dock at the Waitohi Wharf, about a half mile from the center of Picton. There is no bus service in Picton, but taxis are generally available to make the short trip into town.
One Day in Picton
A day in Picton is likely to be an active one. Spend an hour exploring the town on foot, perhaps stopping at the small Picton Museum along the way. Then, move on to any one of a number of outdoor activities. Dive to the wreck of a Soviet cruise ship or join a dolphin watching cruise. Hike along the Queen Charlotte Walkway or to the Snout, a peninsula between Picton and Waikawa Bay. Biking, kayaking, fishing and sailing are all great options as well.
If you’re looking for souvenirs before you depart, try the Oriel Gallery or The Gallery for jewelry, paintings, photographs and other crafts from local artists.
How to Get to Picton
Cruise ships dock at the Waitohi Wharf, about a half mile from the center of Picton. There is no bus service in Picton, but taxis are generally available to make the short trip into town.
One Day in Picton
A day in Picton is likely to be an active one. Spend an hour exploring the town on foot, perhaps stopping at the small Picton Museum along the way. Then, move on to any one of a number of outdoor activities. Dive to the wreck of a Soviet cruise ship or join a dolphin watching cruise. Hike along the Queen Charlotte Walkway or to the Snout, a peninsula between Picton and Waikawa Bay. Biking, kayaking, fishing and sailing are all great options as well.
If you’re looking for souvenirs before you depart, try the Oriel Gallery or The Gallery for jewelry, paintings, photographs and other crafts from local artists.
Port Information
The local currency is the New Zealand dollar and the official languages are English and Maori, with English most commonly spoken. ATMs are widely available and some tourist shops may accept foreign currencies, such as US dollars or Euros. A tourist information kiosk is available at the port.
Address: New Zealand
From $ 17
Phillip Island Winery
Between the surfing, the wildlife, the hiking, and driving, sometimes the best Phillip Island activity is simply doing nothing at all. That’s the plan at the Phillip Island Winery, where the family-run tasting room actively encourages visitors to kick back and relax. Located amidst the green pastures on the western end of the island, sit down with a Chardonnay or a signature Pinot Noir, and allow the owners to walk you through a flight of their colder climate wines. Indulge with platters of Gippsland cheeses, homemade dips and smoked trout, or watch a blustery storm roll in from the cozy cottage confines. This is the oldest winery on Phillip Island and definitely the most relaxed, and a place to simply relax and unwind and experience the island’s beauty.
Practical Info
Phillip Island Winery is open from 11am-6pm on Saturday, Sunday, and select days of the week. There is live music on Sundays from 1-4pm, and during winter season the hours the cellar door is only open on Sundays. The winery is located off of Berrys Beach Road, and is a convenient stop before heading out to the Nobbies or Penguin Parade.
Address: 414 Berrys Beach Rd, Ventnor, VIC, Australia 3922, Australia
Hours: Sat & Sun 11am-6pm; open select weekdays
From $ 100