Choose from 889 Fun Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific
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Stirling Range National Park
With its rugged peaks, forested plains and lush valleys carpeted with wildflowers, the Stirling Range National Park has no shortage of impressive scenery. A popular choice for hikers and climbers, the park is home to some of Western Australia’s highest peaks, with the Stirling Range stretching for some 65km and harboring a vast network of marked walking trails.
The ultimate challenge for hikers is scaling the 1,095-meter peak of Bluff Knoll, the park’s highest point, while the 26km Ridge Walk runs all the way from Ellen Peak to Bluff Knoll. For visitors who don’t fancy hiking, there’s also the Stirling Range Drive, a dramatic 42km route winding through the heart of the park and passing lookout points and landmarks like Red
Gum Spring, Bluff Knoll and White Gum Flat.
Wildlife enthusiasts will also find plenty to get excited about, with opportunities to spot kangaroos, wallabies and emus, plus an incredible variety of birds, including rare sightings like short-billed black cockatoos, western whipbirds and purple-gaped honeyeaters. During the summer months (October-December), the mountain valleys are also renowned for their magnificent array of wildflowers. Over 1,000 varieties of banksias, mountain bells and orchids bloom throughout the park, many of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Practical Info
Stirling Range National Park is located around 300km southeast of Perth in western Australia.
Address: 8580 Chester Pass Road, Borden WA 6338, Australia
From $ 697
Story Bridge
Story Bridge is Brisbane’s answer to Sydney’s Harbour Bridge. Iconic in its own right, Story Bridge is a heritage-listed, steel cantilever bridge that allows access between the northern and southern suburbs of Brisbane.
Story Bridge was built between 1935 and 1939, and was known as Jubilee Bridge until mid 1940. The main attraction of Story Bridge, as splendid as it is to view from afar, are the bridge climbs which began in 2005. A guided tour takes visitors up the bridge to stunning panoramic views of the city, out to Moreton Bay, and west across the aptly named Scenic Rim as they stand 80 metres above sea level. It’s also possible to abseil down one of the bridge’s pylons and into Captain Burke Park.
Practical Info
Story Bridge is part of the Bradfield Highway, and spans the Brisbane River from Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point. Visitors are free to walk across at any time. Climbing or abseiling the bridge carries a number of restrictions, including age and weight restrictions. Climbing the bridge takes place at three times: day, night, or twilight. Prices start at $100 for adults, $85 for children to climb or $120 /$102 to abseil.
Address: Brisbane, Australia
Hours: Daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
St Kilda
St Kilda is Melbourne’s iconic seaside suburb and is just a short tram ride (6km) away from the CBD. Featuring several attractions including the Victorian-styled fairground, Luna Park, St Kilda Sea Baths and the shopping and restaurant strips of Acland and Fitzroy Streets, St Kilda is a popular base for many travellers, particularly during the summer months.
Once a desirable suburb for Melbourne’s elite in Victorian and Edwardian times, St Kilda has a fascinating history and still features many of its original mansions and iconic attractions today.
Fitzroy Street runs from the southern side of Albert Park all the way down to St Kilda Beach. Packed with notable restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops, as well as budget and top end accommodation, it's a lively street that is great for people watching and hanging out in pavement cafés.
Acland Street runs parallel to the beach and offers more of the same attractions with the addition of the popular Sunday art-and-craft market (on the Esplanade) and some fabulously drool-worthy cake shops.
It is possible to walk along St Kilda beach for several kilometers in either direction. Head north towards the city and the suburbs of Albert Park and Port Melbourne or south to Elwood and the gentrified suburb of Brighton and beyond.
Once a desirable suburb for Melbourne’s elite in Victorian and Edwardian times, St Kilda has a fascinating history and still features many of its original mansions and iconic attractions today.
Fitzroy Street runs from the southern side of Albert Park all the way down to St Kilda Beach. Packed with notable restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops, as well as budget and top end accommodation, it's a lively street that is great for people watching and hanging out in pavement cafés.
Acland Street runs parallel to the beach and offers more of the same attractions with the addition of the popular Sunday art-and-craft market (on the Esplanade) and some fabulously drool-worthy cake shops.
It is possible to walk along St Kilda beach for several kilometers in either direction. Head north towards the city and the suburbs of Albert Park and Port Melbourne or south to Elwood and the gentrified suburb of Brighton and beyond.
Practical Info
St Kilda is easily accessible by tram from outside Flinders or Southern Cross train stations.
Address: Australia
From $ 22
St David's Cathedral
It’s impossible to miss St. David’s cathedral when walking through downtown Hobart. Rising up from the quadrangle of one of Australia’s best Georgian streetscapes, St. David’s cathedral towers above the historic city center, its stones and turrets reflecting a time that dates to Tasmania’s founding. Some of Tasmania’s original pioneers laid the original foundation of St. David’s cathedral in this spot in 1817, when previous structures of St. David’s church were repeatedly blown down in gales. Completely rebuilt in 1868 by the Victorian architect George F. Bodley, the cathedral is considered to be one of his finest works found anywhere outside of England. When visiting St. David’s Cathedral today, visitors are welcome to wander inside and seek sanctuary from the city, taking time to admire the interior and famous St. David’s organ. Regarded as one of the finest in Australia, the organ pipes music to congregations that can number as high as 650, as concerts are regularly held in the cathedral for residents and visitors to Hobart. You’ll also find a small museum with relics from Hobart’s past, and on special occasions the cathedral staff will showcase pieces from the vault—some of which date to Medieval times before the modern, western world even knew Tasmania existed.
Practical Info
Communion is held at 8am on Sunday, with choral Eucharist at 10:30am and evening prayer at 5:30pm.
Address: 23 Murray Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia TAS 7000, Australia
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 8:30am-5pm and Sun 8am-7pm
From $ 20
St. Mary's Cathedral
St Mary's Cathedral is one of Sydney’s oldest and grandest buildings. Built on land given to the Catholic Church during the earliest days of colonization (1820), the original church was almost completely destroyed by fire and later rebuilt in its current form. The building that stands on Sydney’s central College Street today was constructed from Sydney sandstone and is regarded as one of the finest examples of an English-style Gothic Cathedral in the world.
There are many notable architectural features in the Cathedral’s design, which was only fully realized 100 years after the architect William Wardell’s death. Most notable is the Cathedral’s local sandstone interior and façade, its beautiful stained glass windows (especially the three rose windows at the entrance and the huge chancel window), and the high central nave.
Don’t miss the Cathedral’s ornate crypt, which features a mosaic floor and an exhibition on the first Australian Catholics, which includes a detailed history of the Cathedral’s earliest beginnings.
There are many notable architectural features in the Cathedral’s design, which was only fully realized 100 years after the architect William Wardell’s death. Most notable is the Cathedral’s local sandstone interior and façade, its beautiful stained glass windows (especially the three rose windows at the entrance and the huge chancel window), and the high central nave.
Don’t miss the Cathedral’s ornate crypt, which features a mosaic floor and an exhibition on the first Australian Catholics, which includes a detailed history of the Cathedral’s earliest beginnings.
Address: St Mary's Road, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
From $ 59
Standley Chasm (Angkerle)
Standley Chasm, also known as Angkerle, is a place of great significance to the local Aboriginal people. A spectacular slot gorge, the deep, narrow chasm cuts through the tough quartzite of the native stone and puts on a magnificent display of color and form as the sun passes through the sky.
Surrounding the chasm is a lush valley and an abundance of walking trails. A short walk from the kiosk to the chasm is particularly rewarding at midday when the sun shines directly overhead. Another walk from the kiosk heads west and climbs to a saddle with views of the area's mountains and valleys. For more avid hikers, sections 3 and 4 of the Larapinta Trail meet at Standley Chasm and can be hiked as either long day trips or overnight hikes.
Standley Chasm is the easiest place to access the Chewings Ranges for those who do not wish to hike the Larapinta Trail. The Chewings Ranges are home to some of the most rare and threatened wildlife of the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Practical Info
Standley Chasm is best visited during the middle of the day, in order to view the rock walls at their most spectacular. For viewing wildlife, however, visit closer to the beginning or end of the day. Standley Chasm is open from 8am to 6pm, and it costs $8 for adults and $7 for students to enter the site.
Address: Hugh, Northern Territory, Australia 0872, Australia
Admission: Adults: $8
From $ 111
State Library of Victoria
The State Library of Victoria is an iconic Melbourne landmark and an important community resource. On sunny days, the lawns outside the library are strewn with students and inner-city folk taking a breather from the bustling city streets and catching some rays.
Dominating an entire city block on the corner of Swanston and La Trobe Streets, the library is worth exploring for its heritage architecture alone, which includes tiled floors, grand marble staircases, stained glass and bluestone walls. Free-guided tours are available that take you to the library’s spectacular domed-ceilinged and Redmond Barry Reading Rooms as well as the permanent and temporary exhibitions that are held in one of the library’s three galleries.
Many people visit the library for traditional activities such as work or study, or to read the free newspapers and magazines, however, you can also play traditional and online games, listen to music, watch movies or simply take advantage of the free wireless internet. Regular events also take place at the library including children’s activities, screenings, performances, classes and workshops. There is also an excellent bookshop and a popular café.
Dominating an entire city block on the corner of Swanston and La Trobe Streets, the library is worth exploring for its heritage architecture alone, which includes tiled floors, grand marble staircases, stained glass and bluestone walls. Free-guided tours are available that take you to the library’s spectacular domed-ceilinged and Redmond Barry Reading Rooms as well as the permanent and temporary exhibitions that are held in one of the library’s three galleries.
Many people visit the library for traditional activities such as work or study, or to read the free newspapers and magazines, however, you can also play traditional and online games, listen to music, watch movies or simply take advantage of the free wireless internet. Regular events also take place at the library including children’s activities, screenings, performances, classes and workshops. There is also an excellent bookshop and a popular café.
Address: 328 Swanston St, Melbourne, Australia
Hours: Open Mon-Thurs 10am-9pm; Fri-Sun 10am-6pm.
From $ 56
St Paul's Anglican Cathedral
Set smack in the middle of Dunedin’s Octagon—and thereby the center of town—St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral is unlike any other in New Zealand. First constructed in 1862, the cathedral endured an entire century of half-completed jobs, often because the building party eventually ran out of funds. Though the stone structure is still impressive, the multi-period styles of architecture created a noticeably curious look. The architectural oddities aside, the cathedral today isn’t known for looks, but rather, for its sound. Numerous professional musicians and singers have gotten their start in this choir, and the enormous organ with its 3,500 pipes is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest. On occasion, the cathedral will open around 1pm for a 20-minute concert, and the general public is welcome to attend and experience the holy acoustics. When the light is right, it falls through the stained glass of the large Dunedin Window, and Maori, Christian, and historical themes can be found in the colorful panes.
Practical Info
Services at the church are held on Sundays at 8 am, 10 am and 12:10 pm. For weekday concerts (most often on Tuesdays), there is a suggested donation of $5, but all visitors are free to enjoy without an official charge.
Address: The Octagon, Dunedin, New Zealand
Hours: Services are held on Sundays at 8 am, 10 am and 12:10 pm.
From $ 20
Strahan
Three hours from Devonport, on the secluded west coast of Tasmania, the fishing village of Strahan is a unique holiday destination. A small community built along the banks of the King River, Strahan is an authentic and nostalgic place to indulge in river cruise and fishing trips, and experience the Tasmanian wilderness.
Founded in 1877, there is little to remind visitors of the village’s more sinister past - Strahan is the closest town to the infamous Sarah Island, regarded as the worst convict prison in Australia. The 200 metre opening to the nearby Macquarie Harbour was dubbed ‘Hell’s Gates’ by convicts who had survived the tumultuous journey.
The smell of salty sea air and fresh fish mingles with the earthy scent of pine on pleasant harbour breezes. The calls of sea birds and the lapping of water provide a relaxing ambience. Fishing is, obviously, a popular local past time and a relatively easy skill to learn. Simply wandering around the edge of the bay can be an exercise in meditative, slow paced tourism.
Today, Strahan is a relatively untapped mecca for tourists wishing to take in the local area. Small shops and businesses dot the town’s harbour. Locals are friendly and unpretentious. Seafood is cheap and fresh, and activities of all sorts are available, including kayaking, jet boating, and all-terrain sand dune driving. Boat cruises along the Gordon River give travellers access to World Heritage Area wilderness, allowing them to travel through one of the last pristine temperate rainforests in the world, and showing off this truly unique part of Australia.
Founded in 1877, there is little to remind visitors of the village’s more sinister past - Strahan is the closest town to the infamous Sarah Island, regarded as the worst convict prison in Australia. The 200 metre opening to the nearby Macquarie Harbour was dubbed ‘Hell’s Gates’ by convicts who had survived the tumultuous journey.
The smell of salty sea air and fresh fish mingles with the earthy scent of pine on pleasant harbour breezes. The calls of sea birds and the lapping of water provide a relaxing ambience. Fishing is, obviously, a popular local past time and a relatively easy skill to learn. Simply wandering around the edge of the bay can be an exercise in meditative, slow paced tourism.
Today, Strahan is a relatively untapped mecca for tourists wishing to take in the local area. Small shops and businesses dot the town’s harbour. Locals are friendly and unpretentious. Seafood is cheap and fresh, and activities of all sorts are available, including kayaking, jet boating, and all-terrain sand dune driving. Boat cruises along the Gordon River give travellers access to World Heritage Area wilderness, allowing them to travel through one of the last pristine temperate rainforests in the world, and showing off this truly unique part of Australia.
Address: Strahan, TAS, Australia
From $ 74
Stonyridge Vineyard
Very few vineyards outside of France have succeeded in crafting a Bordeaux blend on par with the tastes of the Old World. One of those spots is Stonyridge Vineyard, Waiheke Island’s most prestigious winery and one of the best in New Zealand. Set in a rolling, north-facing valley just half a mile from the beach, Stonyridge Vineyard organically produces some fine, award-winning reds, including the heralded Larose Cab blend that’s bested some of the France’s best wines in international competition.
When visiting Stonyridge Vineyard today, sit and enjoy a glass of their wine while gazing out over the vineyards, nibbling on trays of tasty charcuterie that perfectly pair with the wine. For visitors staying in nearby Auckland, visit with a guided food and wine tour that spends the day touring the island.
Insider Tip: Every year, Stonyridge throws one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties in New Zealand.
Practical Info
When visiting from Auckland, enjoy the 35-minute cruise on the ferry to Waiheke Island. From here you can take a bus or taxi, or visit as part of a guided tour. Public tours are held Saturday and Sunday at 11:30am.
Address: 80 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island, Auckland 1971, New Zealand
Hours: 11:30am-5pm daily
From $ 128
St George's Cathedral
Often thought of as the main street of Perth, St George’s Terrace is the major arterial road through the heart of the city.
Named after St George’s Cathedral, the terrace was initially home to a number of the cathedral’s staff. These days, St George’s Terrace is a must-see attraction for visitors to the city – both in its own right, and for the number of other attractions that line it.
Marked in the west by Barracks Arch, the terrace runs parallel to the Swan River. Historic buildings including the Old Treasury Buildings hint at the history of the streetscape. St George’s Square, London Court, His Majesty’s Theatre, Stirling Garden, Government House, St George’s Cathedral, and the Perth Concert Hall are just some of the key attractions that sit upon the terrace.
At just under 2km long, St George’s Terrace is easily navigable on foot. The Eastern end of the terrace continues on to become Adelaide Terrace, or walk down to the Esplanade and the water of the Swan River to take in the rest of what the area has to offer.
Named after St George’s Cathedral, the terrace was initially home to a number of the cathedral’s staff. These days, St George’s Terrace is a must-see attraction for visitors to the city – both in its own right, and for the number of other attractions that line it.
Marked in the west by Barracks Arch, the terrace runs parallel to the Swan River. Historic buildings including the Old Treasury Buildings hint at the history of the streetscape. St George’s Square, London Court, His Majesty’s Theatre, Stirling Garden, Government House, St George’s Cathedral, and the Perth Concert Hall are just some of the key attractions that sit upon the terrace.
At just under 2km long, St George’s Terrace is easily navigable on foot. The Eastern end of the terrace continues on to become Adelaide Terrace, or walk down to the Esplanade and the water of the Swan River to take in the rest of what the area has to offer.
Practical Info
St George’s Terrace is barely a few minutes’ walk from Perth Train Station, and is a part of the Perth CBD. Visitors can also access the terrace via a few minutes’ walk from Esplanade Station.
Address: 38 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
From $ 48
Stokes Bay
When it comes to beaches on Kangaroo Island, many visitors head for the South Coast and never look back behind them. An hour west of Kingscote, however, Stokes Bay is a north coast outpost that can rival any south coast shoreline. In fact, the overall emptiness and rustic isolation add a degree of romance to this coastline, where a small campground and a handful of holiday homes are the only development around.
Aside from the white sand beach and the bluffs, the main highlight of Stokes Bay is the natural rock pool for swimming. This protected lagoon is the perfect place for wading in the water with small children, and you can listen to the rumble of crashing surf from the protected confines of the pool. Once finished soaking in the pool, head next door to Lathami Conservation Park on a search for endangered birds. The Glossy Black Cockatoo—of which only 250 remain—is only found on Kanagaroo Island, and one of the highest concentrations is located within this park less than a mile from the sands of Stokes Bay.
Practical Info
Stokes Bay is located 1 hour and 15 minutes from the main town of Kingscote, and nearly 2 hours from the ferry terminal at the small town of Penneshaw. The only facilities at the campground are toilets, and there are a small amount of rental homes for those who want to stay overnight.
Address: Stokes Bay, Australia
Hours: Daily
From $ 340
SS Yongala Dive Site
Townsville’s close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef has made it a destination for underwater adventurers. Travelers from across the globe gather here to don wetsuits and oxygen tanks in search of some of the most memorable deep-sea landscapes on earth.
Perhaps no dive is more famous than SS Yongala. It sends travelers far below the surface of the sea and more than 100 years back in time to 1911, when this notorious ship sank—along with all of its 122 passengers—in a massive ocean storm.
Today divers can explore the coral encrusted remains of this great ship while taking in the typical stingrays, tropical fish and sea turtles of standard dives. Travelers say that an impressive amount of ocean life paired with an up-close look the wreckage of one of Australia’s most famous nautical tragedies make this a truly memorable experience.
Practical Info
SS Yongala is located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, 12 nautical miles from Alva Beach. Trips depart daily, weather permitting.
Address: 56 Narrah Street, Alva QLD 4807, Australia
From $ 214
State Library of New South Wales
Opened in 1826, Sydney’s State Library of New South Wales is the oldest library in Australia and a repository for a huge and diverse collection of books. The iconic building is also home to over 1 million photos, maps and manuscripts. Architecturally grand from the outside, inside is modern, bright and attractive, and the Mitchell Library looks straight out of a movie with its book-lined walls.
The library also has five historic galleries in the Mitchell Wing which host both permanent and temporary free exhibitions — from collections of 18th-century Australian natural history illustrations to the diaries of Australian men and women writing in WWI.
Next to Parliament House and the Royal Botanic Gardens on Macquarie Street, the State Library of New South Wales also has its own book club. And on a regular basis there are also talks on literary, historical, and contemporary issues. Film screenings and workshops are often held at the library too.
You can also get to know the library better on one of its tours — there’s an introductory one if you want to get to know the services and resources, and there are also regular history and heritage tours. In the verandah and reading rooms are express computers that can be used for up to half an hour without a library card. There’s also free wifi available throughout the library, and, as well as having an onsite bookstore and gift shop, the library has its own cafe, Cafe Trim where you can pick up coffee and cake or a sandwich.
Practical Info
Near Martin Place train station on Macquarie Street, the State Library for New South Wales is open from Monday to Thursday from 9am-8pm. On Fridays, it’s open from 9am-5pm and from 10am-5pm on weekends. Cafe Trim is open from 7:30am-5pm Monday to Friday, and from 10:30am-4:30pm at the weekends. Entrance to the library is free.
Address: Macquarie Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
Hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm, Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
From $ 37
St Peter's Cathedral
St. Peter’s Cathedral dominates the skyline of Adelaide’s northern suburb, and the sound of its bells ringing out from the tower brings a festive joy to the city. Constructed back in 1869, the church features stunning stained glass windows and rises 168 feet from the street, with the set of eight church bells being the heaviest of their kind found anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. Aside from its impressive and imposing architecture, the church is riddled with religious symbolism from the altar to windows and nave, and guided tours are available for digging deeper into its past. Around Christmas, the church is busy with carolers joyously singing their praise for the season, and the cathedral choir has gathered here for over 130 years. When visiting the building, admire the windows, sculptures, and angels that were shipped to Australia from England, as well as a couple of stained glass windows that were made right here in Adelaide. There’s a small gift shop inside the Cathedral for purchasing souvenirs, and while photography is welcomed inside the Cathedral, a proper degree of decorum and respect is kindly requested by the church.
Practical Info
Guided tours of the cathedral are offered at 12:30pm on Sunday, and at 11am on Wednesday. The public welcome to attend weekly services, which range from 8am Communion on Sunday, to 8:45am prayer on Monday-Friday. To hear the choir, attend the Choral Evensong at 6pm on Sunday.
Address: 27 King William Rd, North Adelaide, South Australia SA 5006, Australia
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 9:30am-4pm and Sun 12pm-4pm
From $ 50
Story Bridge Climb
One of Brisbane’s most memorable landmarks, Story Bridge soars over the Brisbane River at the heart of the city. Walk, cycle, or drive across, but the most adventurous way to experience the bridge is a bridge climb, affording 360-degree panoramic views of the city below.
The Basics
Inspired by the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, a Brisbane Story Bridge climb lets you ascend the cantilever bridge and walk across the summit platform, all while safely attached to a climb line. Various climb options, including dawn and night climbs, an express climb for those short on time, and even the option to abseil back down, landing in Captain Burke Park, are available.
From the top, the views span Brisbane as well as the distant Glass House Mountains, Moreton Bay, and the Scenic Rim.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early to undergo the safety briefing for your 2-hour bridge climb.
- Participants must be 10 years old or older, more than 3.7 feet (115 centimeters) tall, and of reasonable health and fitness.
- No phones, cameras, or personal belongings can be taken on the bridge climb—secure lockers are provided.
- All climbs include a summit photo, and additional photos are available to purchase.
- Climbers are subject to mandatory Breathalyzer and metal detector scans before climbing.
- Jumpsuits are provided—wear light, comfortable clothes and enclosed rubber-soled trainers or hiking shoes.
How to Get to There
Story Bridge, part of Bradfield Highway, spans Brisbane River from Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point. Story Bridge climbs start at 170 Main Street, at the southern end of the bridge. Buses and taxis run there from downtown Brisbane, or you can take a ferry from Eagle Street Pier to Thornton Street Ferry Terminal, from where it’s a 5-minute walk.
When to Get There
Story Bridge climbs are available year-round and run in all but the most extreme weather conditions. Depending on your preferences, benefit from cooler weather with a dawn climb in the hot summer months (December–January), and dawn and twilight climbs offer the best lighting for photos. Alternatively, a night climb allows you to admire Brisbane’s glittering illuminations.
Climbing the Bridge
Suit up in safety harnesses and climbing gear, before setting out along the suspended walkway to the southern pylon base to begin your climb. Follow an easy route through the eastern bridge arm, all the way to the summit platform. Walk about halfway across the river, with plenty of time to admire the views and pose for photos atop the famous bridge, before returning to the starting point.
Address: 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 96
Stockton Bight Sand Dunes
Stockton Beach has sand like any other beach, but this New South Wales spot has dunes of sand that reach up to 90 feet high. Historically the beach has been the site of several shipwrecks; the wreckage of some continues to wash ashore. The most well known wreck was the Sygna, an enormous Norwegian freight ship that crashed during a storm in 1974. What remains of the ship can be seen from the beach and has become a local landmark.
Today the area is a popular camping, sand boarding and 4WD vehicle area due to its firm sands and massive sand dunes. Camel and horseback rides, quad biking, and surfing make the Stockton Bight sand dunes an adventure and activity hub. There is also fishing and scuba diving in the waters off the coast. Clear rock pools nearby are a fun way to see various marine wildlife as well. The coastal desert wilderness stretches nearly 20 meters.
Practical Info
Stockton Bight is located on the coast north of Sydney, halfway between Victoria and Queensland. It best to arrange activities on the dunes ahead of time.
Address: NSW, Australia, Australia
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 67
Star Casino
The Star Sydney Casino and Hotel on Darling Harbour is one of Sydney’s premier entertainment precincts. Hosting two gaming floors, seven restaurants and eight bars, the Star Casino is the second largest casino in Australia.
You’d be forgiven for calling The Star by another name. Formerly known as both Star City Casino and the Sydney Harbour Casino, it’s not uncommon for visitors to think the three are different places. The Star Casino features two gaming floors. The main gaming floor on level one is the one you’ll see if you’re visiting the Casino on a casual basis. The Sovereign Room is the VIP gaming floor, with heavily restricted access.
Aside from the gaming tables, the Star Casino also features a number of bars including a 24/7 sports bar, the Cherry cocktail bar, sexy Sokyo Lounge, and Rock Lily which often hosts live music. 5-7pm Monday – Friday is happy hour at casino and all of the bars mentioned offer $5 beer, wine and spirits. A wine room and aperitivy bar round out the Star’s collection. Restaurants offering a selection of fine and casual dining from a number of cuisines are dotted throughout the building to ensure you don’t leave hungry.
Practical Info
The Star Casino is located in Pyrmont, right on Sydney Harbour. It’s a quick walk from Town Hall train station, or hop on the Transdev Sydney Light Rail from Central Railway Station to be dropped off right on the doorstep. If you’re driving, the Star has its own carpark. The bars and restaurants have varying opening hours, so if you have something particular in mind it’s best to check it individually. Being a casino, the floor is strictly for ages 18 and over, and there’s a dress code, so make sure you’ve prepared appropriately before you get to the door.
Address: 80 Pyrmont Street, Pymont, New South Wales 2009, Australia
From $ 37
Stone Store
As the oldest stone building in New Zealand, Stone Store at Kerikeri has seen its share of history. Since the mid-1990s, Stone Store has been a part of a small museum, along with the neighboring mission house.
Built between 1832 and 1836, the Stone Store replaced an earlier wooden structure and became the Church Missionary Society’s Trading Post. It sold local fruits and vegetables to passing ships and European goods to the Maori.
By the mid-1830s, abundant European settlers and their private enterprises put the store out of business. Over the next 40 years, the building underwent near-constant change. It was converted to a mission library, taken over by Governor George Grey for use as a magazine, leased to become a Kauri gum trading operation, and, finally, served as a boys’ school house. In 1874, the building was sold to the Kemp family, who operated it as both a general store and quasi tourist attraction for nearly 100 years, until the New Zealand Historic Places Trust purchased the building back in 1975.
Practical Info
The Stone Store, which now operates as a museum, is located at Kerikeri, in the Bay of Islands. It is 150 miles (244 km) north of Auckland.
Address: Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Admission: $7
From $ 45
State Library of South Australia
Housed in a French Renaissance building from 1884, the State Library of South Australia has the state’s largest literary collection and public reference library. Now comprised of multiple wings, the museum is known for the Mortlock Wing and its architectural beauty, which has led to its inclusion on lists of the world’s most visually stunning libraries. Inside of the vaunted building is a cornucopia of knowledge, on everything from wines of South Australia to pieces of South Australiana that detail the area’s heritage. You’ll also find a large selection of texts on indigenous Australian heritage, as well as a library for the Royal Geographic Society of South Australia. At the Treasures Wall, ogle over rare books and highlights from the library’s collections, some of which date to the ancient world or are the only remaining document in print. Aside from the wealth of literary offerings, the library houses cultural collections of art and memorabilia, from Ernabella rugs from Pukatja aborigines, to over 30,000 items that comprise the Australian Aboriginal Ethnographic collection.
Practical Info
There are free tours daily at 11am and 2pm that are led by local volunteers. There are also services for genealogy and researching family history, as well as a café for a quick bite or drink.
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
Hours: The Mortlock Wing is open 10am-5pm daily, and the Spence Wing is open 10am-8pm Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm Thursday-Friday, and 10am-5pm on weekends. Closed on public holidays.
From $ 22