Choose from 889 Fun Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific
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Princess Theatre
Melbourne is a large, vibrant city with hundreds of things to do, but none of its attractions are quite as spectacular as historic Princess Theater. Built in 1857 and remodeled in 1886, the theater has hosted many of the world’s top musicals, operas, and shows. The theater’s famously exquisite façade is on par with the best in Europe, and the 1,488 seat theater is adorned in chandeliers.
Perhaps more famous than the building itself—and even some of its shows—is the legend of Frederick Federici, the friendly ghost who’s inhabited the theater since his death in 1888. In a curious end to a theater performance, Federici died of a heart attack while descending through a stage door, and frequent sightings of the actor’s ghost continue up to this day. Aside from the legends and legendary shows, the Princess Theater also hosts the Federici Bistro, where visitors can enjoy both dinner and a show for the best date night in town.
Practical Info
The closest train station to Princess Theater is the one at Parliament Station. It’s also accessible by trams 86, 96, and the free circle city tram. Since the performance lineup is always changing, inquire directly on the theater’s website to find what’s currently on.
Address: 163 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Admission: Check website for show prices
From $ 41
Qantas Hangar
When Qantas was established in 1920, it started with an airplane used primarily for joy rides that sometimes delivered the mail. Just 14 years later, in 1934, the city of Darwin had become integral to air service between Australia and Europe, that Qantas airlines—with its multiple planes—ordered construction of a steel air hangar set right on the outskirts of Darwin. It was used by Qantas, as well as Guinea, which ran regional flights down to Adelaide, though that all changed when the Japanese bombed the city in 1942. Heavily damaged by Japanese bombs, the hangar was fixed, sold, and passed to multiple different businesses, before the Motor Vehicle Enthusiasts Club signed a lease on the building in 1999. Today the hangar holds cars—not aircraft—beneath its 20-foot roof, and has gradually become the ultimate “man cave” escape when visiting Darwin. Here you’ll find engines, classic cars, and even an old-fashioned steam train, and the hangar is a popular stop on small group scooter tours of the town.
Insider Tip: When wandering around the Qantas Hangar, keep an eye out for pieces of the hangar that are marked with orange spray paint, which denotes sections of the building that were damaged in the WWII bombing of Darwin.
Practical Info
Though the hangar is open for public visits, there are “Open Days” around February 19th and the first Sunday in September, when hundreds of people descend on the hangar to chat about airplanes and cars.
Address: 22 McDonald Street, Parap, Northern Territories, Australia
Hours: 8am-5pm Monday-Friday, 8am-12pm Sunday
From $ 33
Queens Domain
The name suggests this hilly bushland is ruled by royalty, but the grassy fields of Queens Domain were actually designed for the Tasmanian people. In 1860, the then governor ruled this park that passes along the Derwent River become a community green, with meeting halls, barbecues and picnic areas for gathering with family and friends.
Queens Domain is a perfect place to people watch on a sunny afternoon, or relax after a visit to the nearby Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Visitors can take a dip at the Hobart Aquatic Centre or play a match at Hobart International Tennis Centre. Enjoy a leisurely walk over the scenic Tasman Bridge after unwinding at Queens Domain and then enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.
Practical Info
Queens Domain is an easy from Hobart’s central business district. Its close proximity to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens makes for an ideal day trip.
Address: Queens Domain, Hobart, Australia
From $ 41
Queenstown Garden
In a town that runs on non-stop adrenaline, sometimes it’s nice to simply slow down, relax, and catch your breath. Set minutes outside of downtown Queenstown, Queenstown Gardens is the perfect spot for a relaxing moment of tranquility, where walking paths hug the shore of the lake, and flowers burst with brilliant color from spring through early fall.
Horticulturists will appreciate the wealth of native and indigenous plants, and joggers will love the network of trails that weave across 36 acres. Even if it’s just stopping to play on the rope swings, or feed the ducks at the pond, Queenstown Gardens is a place where families can find some free entertainment. It’s also a popular place to spend an hour riding a bike, or visit as part of a Segway tour of central Queenstown sights. Of all the different flowers in the park, it’s easily the roses that get the most attention when they begin to bloom in the spring, engulfing whole hillsides in blankets of color as fountains splash in the distance. You’ll also find two memorials in the garden, one of which honors Robert Falcon Scott and his team that died in Antarctica, and the other commemorates the city’s first settlers, who arrived in 1860.
Insider's Tip: For a fun and affordable Queenstown experience, rent some golf discs from a shop in town and play the 18-hole disc golf course that’s hidden inside the gardens.
Practical Info
Queenstown Gardens is about half a mile away from downtown Queenstown. By foot the walk takes 15 minutes, and it’s less than five minutes away from downtown if you hire a bike for the day. There are toilets and basic facilities in the gardens, as well as a bowling club, tennis courts, skate park, and popular ice rink in winter.
Address: Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown, South Island 9300, New Zealand
Hours: 24/7
From $ 63
Ponsonby
Until the 1970s, Ponsonby had a reputation as a crime-ridden corner of Auckland. Now it’s one of the most fashionable inner-city districts. Known for its restaurants and cafés, boutiques, bookshops, clubs, and bars—and the art galleries that line Ponsonby Road—this vibrant neighborhood also offers plenty of art hotels.
The Basics
To get to know the history of this neighborhood, visitors can take a heritage walk and learn about its historical buildings, including the Ponsonby Fire Station, Ponsonby Post Office, The Leys Institute, and St. Mary's Convent. Admire restored 19th-century villas during a narrated full- or half-day Auckland sightseeing tour, or let a guide introduce you to the Ponsonby district’s highlights while zipping around on an electric bike.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Trendy, chic, hip: all describe Ponsonby and its visitors.
- Combine a tour of Queen Street, Ponsonby, and Devonport with an excursion to the Kumeu wine country.
- Parking availability can be a challenge, especially on weekends.
How to Get There
Located roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) west of central Auckland, Ponsonby is within walking distance of the Central Business District. Ponsonby Road and side streets provide some parking, but it can get crowded. After midnight, the bus stops become taxi stands. Pickup from centrally located hotels is provided on most tour itineraries.
When to Get There
There’s really no bad time to visit this hot spot in Auckland, day or night, year-round. Weekends can get busy, but that is also a perfect time to stroll the streets, enjoy a lazy brunch, or chat with the many food purveyors and boutique vendors. Sample Auckland nightlife at some of the district’s bars and restaurants.
Where to Find the Best Produce in Ponsonby
Ponsonby Central is a fashionable section of Ponsonby Road, full of pop-up shops and diverse eateries. It’s ideal for dining as well as shopping for organic fruits and vegetables, quality wine and cheese, baked goods, coffee, meats, fish, and more. Most of the cafés in the area offer free Wi-Fi.
Address: Auckland, New Zealand
From $ 57
Port Arthur
A moving reminder of Australia’s harrowing history, the former convict settlement of Port Arthur was a key part of often brutal convict discipline within the colonial system. Today, the Port Arthur historic site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tasmania’s most visited tourist attraction, with museums and memorials devoted to telling the area’s history.
The Basics
Journey back in time on a tour of Port Arthur and explore the vast ruins of the penal settlement, including the Penitentiary, Separate Prison, Dockyard, Port Arthur gardens, Coal Mines Historic Site, Cascades Female Factory, and Gothic church. Prebook a 2-day pass or take a private or small-group tour that leaves from Hobart, often combined with other regional highlights, such as a scenic cruise around Tasman Peninsula, a cliff-top walk to Waterfall Bay, or a Hobart city tour. Two-day entrance tickets to Port Arthur include a guided walking tour, a harbour cruise, and access to all sites, except the Isle of the Dead and Point Puer, for which guided tours are extra.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Port Arthur historic site is spread across 100 acres (40 hectares), so plan at least a half-day visit.
- Facilities at Port Arthur include a visitor center, restrooms, gift shop, and cafe/restaurant.
- Cell phone coverage is limited at Port Arthur, but free Wi-Fi is available on-site.
- Bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a raincoat, and plenty of water if you plan on taking a walking tour—weather can change quickly at the open-air site.
- Most of the Port Arthur historic site is wheelchair accessible, and a shuttle buggy service is available for those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
Port Arthur is located on the Tasman Peninsula, 37 miles (60 kilometers) south of Hobart. Public buses run from the city, and it’s a 1.5-hour drive along the scenic Arthur Highway, crossing Eaglehawk Neck, the narrow isthmus that joins the peninsula to the mainland. The closest airport is in Hobart.
When to Get There
Port Arthur is open year-round, although hours are extended in summer. The summer season (December to February) is busy so it’s best to arrive early to avoid crowds. Visiting out of season is generally quieter, but be prepared for changeable weather and less frequent tours.
Port Arthur Tours
The stories of Port Arthur are told in different ways. Interactive displays tell the tragic story of the 12,500 convicts who served time from 1830 to 1877, while after-dark ghost tours explore the site’s haunted buildings. Optional guided tours visit the Isle of the Dead, the final resting place for many of the convicts, and the Point Puer boys’ prison, an experimental prison that housed around 3,000 young boys between 1834 and 1849.
Address: Port Arthur Historic Site, Arthur Highway, Hobart 7182, Australia
Hours: Open 9am to dusk
Admission: Adults: AU$39
From $ 81
Powerhouse Museum
Since 1879, the Powerhouse Museum has served as the main attraction for Sydney's Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences. Its impressive halls are filled with all things technological—from science and communication to transport and computers—even massive steam engines.
Jam-packed with more than 400,000 artifacts, this Sydney staple has become a destination for train lovers, engineers, computer nerds, scientists, and the curious. While the permanent collection is pretty incredible on its own, popular temporary exhibitions, such as those that have showcased Star Trek, The Lord of the Rings, Fabergé and even singer Kylie Minogue, keep this classic museum contemporary and up to date.
Practical Info
The Powerhouse Museum is located at 500 Harris Street between William Henry and Macarthur streets. It’s open daily from 10am until 5pm.
Address: 500 Harris Street, Ultimo, Sydney, Australia
Hours: Daily 10am–5pm
Admission: Adults $15, Children (4-15 years old) $8
From $ 11
Puketi Rainforest
For as much attention as the Bay of Islands receives for its empty beaches and coves, one of the best sights near the Bay of Islands has nothing to do with the water. Rather, the Puketi rainforest is set inland from the coast in some of the best-preserved wilderness in the Northland.
Set only a short drive from the Bay of Islands, this lush expanse of native foliage stretches over 37,000 acres of terrain. Here, kauri trees over 120 feet in height keep a watchful eye over the forest, and parts of the land have remained completely untouched since the arrival of the island’s first humans. In addition to the kauri—native hardwoods which were prized by Maori and exploited by European shipbuilders—there are over 370 different species of plants which thrive in the Puketi rainforest. Given the unique climate of the Northland and its geographical obscurity, a few of these plants are endemic to New Zealand and exist nowhere else in the world.
More so than simply the trees and the forest, many travelers visit the Puketi rainforest for the numerous species of birds. This is one of the few places left on the North Island with a wild population of Kiwi, and other birds such as the New Zealand Pigeon (kukupa) have been known to be sighted in the forest. Thanks to the efforts of local conservation groups, other species such as the New Zealand robin (toutouwai) have been re-introduced to the forest, and environmental efforts are currently focused on creating a sustainable habitat for their survival.
While the Puketi rainforest is open to the public, the best way to experience the forest is with some sort of a guided tour. The tours are able to provide transport from the Bay of Islands, and the knowledgeable guides who lead walks through the forest can point out features which might otherwise go unseen. For the best chance of finding birds and wildlife, consider visiting the forest at night for a tour beneath the glow of a headlamp. Here, in the silence of the forest and the creak of the kauri above you, you can truly get the feeling for the beauty of the Northland as it’s existed since the island first formed.
Set only a short drive from the Bay of Islands, this lush expanse of native foliage stretches over 37,000 acres of terrain. Here, kauri trees over 120 feet in height keep a watchful eye over the forest, and parts of the land have remained completely untouched since the arrival of the island’s first humans. In addition to the kauri—native hardwoods which were prized by Maori and exploited by European shipbuilders—there are over 370 different species of plants which thrive in the Puketi rainforest. Given the unique climate of the Northland and its geographical obscurity, a few of these plants are endemic to New Zealand and exist nowhere else in the world.
More so than simply the trees and the forest, many travelers visit the Puketi rainforest for the numerous species of birds. This is one of the few places left on the North Island with a wild population of Kiwi, and other birds such as the New Zealand Pigeon (kukupa) have been known to be sighted in the forest. Thanks to the efforts of local conservation groups, other species such as the New Zealand robin (toutouwai) have been re-introduced to the forest, and environmental efforts are currently focused on creating a sustainable habitat for their survival.
While the Puketi rainforest is open to the public, the best way to experience the forest is with some sort of a guided tour. The tours are able to provide transport from the Bay of Islands, and the knowledgeable guides who lead walks through the forest can point out features which might otherwise go unseen. For the best chance of finding birds and wildlife, consider visiting the forest at night for a tour beneath the glow of a headlamp. Here, in the silence of the forest and the creak of the kauri above you, you can truly get the feeling for the beauty of the Northland as it’s existed since the island first formed.
Address: Puketi Forest, New Zealand
From $ 57
Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
Because of its remote, isolated location and the fact it’s surrounded by water, New Zealand houses species of birds found nowhere else on the planet. Unfortunately, decades of growth and introduced species have had drastic effects on their habitat, with many species having gone extinct from hunting, disease, and predation. One place the birds are thriving, however, is the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Center, located 2 hours north of Wellington in the Wairarapa region. When visiting this captive breeding sanctuary, you’ll see rare birds like takahe, stitchbirds, saddlebacks, and kokako, and this is the only place in New Zealand where many of these birds are living in captivity. Follow along with daily talks as staff discuss the bird species, and get the chance to feed playful kaka at one of the numerous feeding stations. You can also see New Zealand’s only white kiwi that’s currently found in captivity, and venture inside the nocturnal house for a look at its brown-feathered cousins. You’ll also find slippery, long filled eels and learn their fascinating history, and maybe even lend a hand in planting some native trees.
Practical Info
General admission includes daily talks as well as access to the aviaries. For an added fee, you can also experience multiple tours that range from foraging for tuatara food to wandering the center at night.
Trains are available from Wellington to Masterton, where you can rent a car, take a taxi, or board a Tranzit bus for Palmerston North and disembark at the wildlife center.
Address: 85379 SH 2, Mount Bruce 5881, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily 9am-4:30pm
Admission: Adults: $20; Children: $6
From $ 14
Port Hills
Separating Christchurch from Lyttleton Harbor, the Port Hills are a playground for Christchurch outdoors-lovers who are looking to work up a sweat. Rising to height of nearly 1,800 feet, the Port Hills are located a short distance from downtown and are criss-crossed by multi-use trails. Hit the hillside on a rented mountain bike or go for a scenic hike, or watch as paragliders leap from the slopes overlooking the beach town of Sumner. Many of the trails were closed as a result of landslides in the 2011 earthquake, but most of the trails have since been reopened and are a refreshing getaway from the city.
In addition to the trails, the Port Hills are known for the native birds which make their homes on the hillsides. Catch a glimpse of a New Zealand wood-pigeon as it floats above the hills, or hear the call of a native bellbird as it rustles about the bush. Or, if you’d prefer to simply take a drive and get high above the city, the roads leading up to the crest of the Port Hills offer some of the best views in Christchurch. On clear days you can see north up the coast towards Kaikoura, and the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps can often be seen in the distance. The south side of the hills offers dramatic views of Lyttleton Harbor and the Banks Peninsula, and it’s a romantic place to find your own patch of grass and enjoy a sunset followed by the stars. Though much construction still needs to be completed until all of the trails are open, the Port Hills are still one of the best places in Christchurch to get high above the rush of the city.
Address: Port Hills Road, Christchurch, New Zealand
From $ 25
Queensland Art Gallery
With more than 16,000 works dating from the 19th-century to modern-day, the Queensland Art Gallery is one of Australia’s leading art institutions and it’s the top ticket for art lovers visiting Brisbane. The gallery is split over two sites, the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG), which opened its doors in 1982, and the glass-fronted Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), inaugurated in 2006, and the neighboring museums form the focal point of Brisbane’s South Bank Cultural Precinct.
The gallery’s vast permanent collection features works from all over the globe, with a particular focus on contemporary Asia-Pacific art. Highlights include works by Australian artists like Arthur Boyd, William Dobell and George Lambert; a varied collection of Indigenous Australia art; and a dedicated Children’s Art Centre. There’s also a cinema, several temporary exhibition spaces, gift shops and a café-restaurant.
Practical Info
Queensland Art Gallery is located in South Bank, Brisbane and is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free.
Address: Stanley Place, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
From $ 74
Queenstown Hill
Arguably one of Queenstown’s best hikes, Queenstown Hill is home to the popular Queenstown Hill Time Walk, where informative placards provides an overview of Queenstown’s fascinating history. To native Maori, this hill was known as Te Tapu Nui, or mountain of intense sacredness, which makes sense considering the epic views you’ll get from the top.
Climbing over 1,500 feet in only 1.5 miles, the steep climb is rewarded by views looking out over Lake Wakatipu, as well as The Remarkables and Southern Alps that are often snowcapped in the distance.
Aside from hiking, ATV and quad bike tours are a popular way to visit, which crisscross over 15 miles of off-road trails on the hill.
Practical Info
The trailhead for Queenstown Hill is off Belfast Terrace about 1 mile from downtown. Be sure to bring water and have proper walking shoes, and the trail can often be snow covered in winter. Allow 2-3 hours round-trip for the hike, and bring extra layers since the temperature at the top is much chillier than the bottom.
Did You Know: Near the top of the walking trail, there’s a steel sculpture called “Basket of Dreams” which encourages visitors to look inwards at themselves and the time we are here on the Earth.
Address: 9300, 58 Belfast Terrace, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
From $ 194
Queensland Museum
In the heart of Brisbane’s Cultural Centre precinct, the Queensland Museum is a rich and ever-evolving exhibition space for art and culture, which celebrates more than 150 years of recording and exhibiting Queensland and global culture through world-class collections.
As well as hosting traveling exhibitions and the permanent museum collections, the Queensland Museum is home to the Sciencentre, a favorite attraction for families and school groups.
Take time to wander outside the museum, along the river front, past the fountains and sculptures and enjoy a break in the two museum cafes.
As well as hosting traveling exhibitions and the permanent museum collections, the Queensland Museum is home to the Sciencentre, a favorite attraction for families and school groups.
Take time to wander outside the museum, along the river front, past the fountains and sculptures and enjoy a break in the two museum cafes.
Practical Info
General admission to the museum is free, but entry charges apply to the Sciencentre and special events and exhibitions. Sciencentre admission costs $14.50 for adults, $12.50 for students and concession holders, $11.50 for children aged 3 to 5 years old.
Address: Melbourne St, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Hours: 9:30am-5pm daily. Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
From $ 74
Puffing Billy Railway
Chugging its way through the rugged bushlands, fern gullies, and ancient woodlands of the Dandenong Ranges, the Puffing Billy Railway is one of Australia’s most scenic train journeys. The spectacular views of the Yarra Valley are just part of the experience—the historic steam engines, Victorian-style interiors, and open-air carriages that allow for dangling legs make it a fun and memorable activity for the whole family.
The Basics
It’s possible to ride the Puffing Billy steam train in either direction, but most passengers start at Belgrave Station. From there, it’s 15 miles (25 kilometers) or 1 hour and 50 minutes one-way to Gembrook Station, with passage over the Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge and stops at Menzies Creek, Emerald, Lakeside, and Cockatoo. Tours from Melbourne often combine a ride on the historic railway with other regional highlights such as the Healesville Sanctuary, wine tasting at Yarra Valley wineries, a Melbourne city tour, or a visit to Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tickets sell out, especially during the summer holidays, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.
- All stations have parking, restrooms, and a cafe or snack bar.
- Luggage space is limited, so bring a small day bag and opt for a fold-up stroller.
- Steam locomotives are sometimes replaced with diesel locomotives during Total Fire Ban (when dry weather increases the risk of forest fires).
- Wheelchair access is available at all stations, but spaces are limited and must be booked in advance.
How to Get There
The Puffing Billy Railway runs from Belgrave to Gembrook through the foothills of the Blue Dandenong Ranges in the Yarra Valley. The starting point of the railway is at Belgrave Station, 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Melbourne. Trains run to Belgrave from Flinders Street Station in the city—just follow the blue line from Belgrave Station that leads to Puffing Billy Station, a short walk away. If you’re driving, it's around an hour's drive from downtown Melbourne.
When to Get There
The Puffing Billy Railway runs around four times daily, with both morning and afternoon departures from Belgrave. Trains run year-round, but they get crowded in summer, so it’s best to book ahead.
Special Events Aboard the Puffing Billy
For something more, book tickets for the special Steam & Cuisine journeys and dine aboard the century-old steam train, or enjoy a themed Jazz or Murder Mystery train ride by night. Those with kids in tow can treat the little ones to a Day out with Thomas, when Puffing Billy is transformed into Thomas the Tank Engine, or ride on the Santa Special Christmas trains.
Address: Puffing Billy Station, 1 Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave 3160, Australia
Hours: Open daily, except Christmas Day
Admission: varies
From $ 76
Queen Street
All roads in Auckland lead to Queen Street, the bustling heart of the city. Running from the Downtown Ferry Terminal all the way up to artsy Karangahape Road, Auckland city’s shopping and cultural center is stacked with restaurants, bars, hotels, theaters, and stores catering to all kinds of tastes and budgets.
The Basics
Queen Street is full to the brim with shopping, dining, and entertainment options, from high-end retailers and restaurants to op shops and food courts, often right next to each other. Many of these shops are in heritage buildings scattered throughout the street—Queen Street has been the center of Auckland’s metropolitan life since the 1840s, and many of the street’s buildings date back to the early 20th century and earlier.
Queen Street also has a number of cinemas, theaters, and live music venues, especially around Aotea Square, a large public plaza halfway up the hill toward Karangahape Road. You’ll find more of Auckland’s well-kept secrets in the street’s parks and laneways that sprout off the street—these gems hide plenty of intimate bars, cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops selling clothing, food, books, and more. Many city tours cruise along or around Queen Street; it’s also a cinch to explore on your own.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Queen Street is ideal for first-time visitors to Auckland, especially shopaholics.
- There’s plenty of accommodation, from budget to luxury, along Queen Street and in the nearby laneways.
- Queen Street’s resplendent Civic Theatre, located on the corner of Wellesley Street West, often hosts touring international musicals and big festival events, so keep an eye on what events are coming up there.
- One of New Zealand’s oldest shopping malls, the Queens Arcade, is located at the south end of Queen Street.
- Queen Street is built on a hill with a steep slope between Wellesley Street West and Karangahape Road, so people with limited mobility should take care.
How to Get There
As the city’s public transport hub, Queen Street is probably the easiest place to get to in Auckland. All of the city’s ferries and trains leave from and return to the bottom of the street; the Skybus from Auckland Airport stops all along the street; and most city buses travel through or near Queen Street. If driving, the Southern, Northern, and Northwestern Motorways have exits leading to Queen Street, and there are plenty of lots in the area, including one under Aotea Square that’s accessible from Mayoral Drive.
When to Get There
Queen Street is always bubbling with activity and can be particularly crowded on weekends. If you’re in Auckland in late November, keep an eye out for the annual Queen Street Santa Parade, which takes over the street with giant floats and wild performances.
Check Out the Sky Tower
Queen Street is a short 2-block walk from the city’s popular Sky Tower. In fact, Queen Street is within walking distance of many of Auckland’s best-known attractions, including the Auckland Art Gallery and Viaduct Harbor. The Auckland War Memorial Museum and Ponsonby Road are less than an hour’s stroll away.
Address: Queen St, Auckland, New Zealand
From $ 46
Questacon: Australia's National Science and Technology Centre
Science is hands-on and cool at Questacon: Australia's National Science and Technology Centre, where educational experiments and displays show kids everything from how tsunamis are made to earthquake experiences. Puppet shows, mind games, a roller coaster simulator and science shows round out the educational entertainment for kids and adults alike at this popular museum.
Practical Info
Questacon: Australia's National Science and Technology Centre is by Lake Burley Griffin in the Parkes museum precinct.
Address: King Edward Terrace, Canberra 2600, Australia
Hours: Open daily, 9am - 5pm. Closed on Dec 25
Admission: Adults: AU$20, Children (4-16yrs): AU$15
From $ 33
Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
Sumptuously decorated and timelessly elegant, central Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building is an unforgettable shopping destination. Built in High Victorian Romanesque style in 1898, and now meticulously restored, it stands on the site of the original Sydney markets.
The QVB's soaring central dome boasts translucent stained-glass clad in copper on the outside, and the shopping area takes up several balconied floors linked by grand staircases. Tiled floors, pillars, colonnades, balustrades, and arches. Chiming clocks and interesting historical displays complete the QVB’s flamboyant decor.
Originally the shops included tailors and florists; today there’s a wide range of specialist stores, from stationers to couturiers, cafes and coffee shops.
Practical Info
Sydney’s grandest shopping mall, the Queen Victoria Building takes up an entire city block, bound by George, Market, York and Druitt streets.
Town Hall Station is adjacent to the QVB on George Street, just over Druitt St. You can walk here from Circular Quay in around 10 minutes – just head south down George St.
Address: 412-414 George Street, Sydney 2000, Australia
Hours: Open at 9am - 11am, close at 5pm - 9pm depending on the day
Admission: Free
From $ 93
Queen Victoria Market
Fill up at Melbourne's marketplace, the historic, fun and friendly Queen Victoria Market! Operating since 1878, Queen Victoria Market is the finest place in town to shop for fresh fruit and veg, gourmet meats and cheeses, condiments, seafood – you name it, and you’ll find it.
Melbourne is a city that loves food, and Queen Victoria Market is where gourmets, chefs, office workers, families and just about everyone who eats come to do their shopping. The atmosphere is particularly busy and vibrant on Saturday mornings, especially if a feast like Christmas or Easter is just around the corner.
On Wednesday evenings in summer, a Night Market with food and entertainment lights up the marketplace. A souvenir and trash and treasure market operates on Sundays, with children's rides and outdoor cafes.
Practical Info
Trams run to the market along Elizabeth Street, or it's around a 10-minute walk from the city-center shops. To help you get around this huge shopping area, you'll find the Deli, Fish and Meat halls facing Elizabeth Street. The covered fruit and vegetable stalls are behind the halls, stretching for several blocks, and there's a Food Court facing Therry Street.
Address: Corner Elizabeth and Victoria Streets, Melbourne 3000, Australia
Hours: Closed Mondays, Wednesdays and public holidays
Admission: Free
From $ 41
Queensland Maritime Museum
Even though Australia is considered a continent it’s still an enormous island, so it only makes sense there’s a maritime history as storied as Australia itself. Here at the Queensland Maritime Museum on the banks of the Brisbane River, learn about the thousands of different ships that have wrecked on the Great Barrier Reef, and tour inside the Diamantina—a river frigate from World War II that’s the last remaining boat of its kind found anywhere in the world. Hear the tales of its service in the Pacific and experience the exceptionally cramped living quarters, and sit in the place where Japanese sailors signed surrender documents on board. Back on shore inside the museum, tour the exhibits on marine engines, lighthouses, and nautical equipment, or marvel at the exhibit of Happy II, one of the smallest vessels to every successfully sail across the Pacific. Hobbyists can marvel at a collection over 300 model ships, with styles ranging from modern construction to some of the world’s first sea craft.
Practical Info
Anyone choosing to visit the Diamantina should be comfortable navigating steep stairs and walking through narrow spaces. There are complimentary audio tours, as well as rotating exhibition from naval architects and shipbuilders.
Address: 412 Stanley Street, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia QLD 4101, Australia
Hours: Open daily 9:30am-4:30pm. Last admission at 3:30pm
Admission: Adults: $16; Children: $7
From $ 36
Queen Street Mall
Queen Street Mall is the bustling retail vein of Brisbane City, connecting the business district to the Queen Plaza, Wintergarden and The Myer Centre, as well as heritage retail arcades, food outlets and live entertainment. Big brand international retailers and boutique local businesses create a balance of style and charm in the Queen Street Mall.
Known as the cleanest city mall in Australia, Queen Street Mall is a community hub that offers performance space for buskers, community acts and local and international artists, as well as public art highlights.
A tourist information centre, located towards the Edward Street end of the Queen Street Mall, offers mapping, ticketing, tourism and retail information to visitors.
Known as the cleanest city mall in Australia, Queen Street Mall is a community hub that offers performance space for buskers, community acts and local and international artists, as well as public art highlights.
A tourist information centre, located towards the Edward Street end of the Queen Street Mall, offers mapping, ticketing, tourism and retail information to visitors.
Practical Info
In the heart of the city, Queen Street Mall is possibly the best connected area in Brisbane, with Central Train Station, Queen Street Busway, King George Square Bus Station, Roma Street Transit Centre and many city bus connections within minutes of the mall.
Address: Queen St, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Hours: Most shops are open 9am-5pm Mon-Thur and Saturday. 9am-9pm Friday and 10am-4pm Sunday and public holidays.
From $ 44