Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific

Just eight miles north of Perth, Trigg Beach is a white sand haven for surfers, boogie boarders, swimmers, snorkelers, and visitors just watching the waves. One of the best places in Perth for surfing, the swimming here can also be good on days when the surf is down—just be sure to stay between the flags that mark the designated swim zone. The beach is separated into two different parts by a large, limestone “island,” which in reality is connected to the coastline by sand but is nevertheless known as Trigg Island.

Originally known as Round Hill after the creek it sits near, the town of 1770 was renamed in 1970 to commemorate the 200-year anniversary of James Cook and his crew landing in Australia. Today, travelers flock to this destination on Queensland’s Discovery Coast in the Joseph Banks Environmental Park. 1770’s close proximity to the scenic Coral Sea, crystal blue Bustard Bay and Agnes Water make it the perfect destination for ocean lovers.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a World Heritage Area and iconic Australian destination. Preserved within the park are two of Australia's most striking natural landmarks: Ayers Rock (Uluru) and the Olgas (Kata Juta).

The park is co-managed by the Anangu people and the Australian government. The traditional owners run walking tours through the park and co-manage the park's cultural center which provides valuable insights into the land's significance for Anangu culture. At the cultural center you can also browse traditional carvings, paintings and ceramics made by central Australia's Anangu communities.

Along with sunrise or sunset viewings of Ayers Rock (Uluru) and the Olgas (Kata Juta), you can take a tour of the park by camel, motorbike or scenic flight, witness traditional activities such as boomerang-throwing, or see the park through the eyes of the Anangu on a cultural tour.

Located a 20-minute drive from Cairns, Trinity Beach is a tropical jewel just miles away from an urban center. Crystal clear waters lap the sandy beaches of this popular community, where paved walkways wander past lush gardens and beach almond trees cast shade from the sweltering sun. The calm waters are patrolled by a local lifeguard, and a stinger-proof enclosure protects swimmers during the high season, from November to May.

Like a vein through the heart of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the trail through rugged “Valley of the Winds” is a scenic, mind-bending journey.  Far less crowded than the trail at Uluru and in many ways more powerful, the Valley of the Winds traverses land that’s used by Aborigines for traditional cultural ceremonies. It’s a spot where the silence can often seem deafening—even in busier times of year—and the sun bathes the rocky Olgas in a deep, reddish hue. The first lookout is less than a mile from the main trailhead parking lot, and the entire loop past both lookouts is approximately 4.5 miles. Allow three hours to complete the hike—and be sure to pack plenty of water—as portions of the trail are actually closed in summer for stifling desert. As the longest hike in the Kata Tjuta, Valley of the Winds is the deepest foray you can make out into this landscape, where dreamtime stories and ancient spirits all seem to drift on the wind.

Located in downtown Papeete, Vai'ete Square is a nice place to take a relaxing waterfront stroll during the day. At night, however, the atmosphere becomes much more lively at colorful food wagons (roulottes) offering local cuisine and decadent desserts open to the masses. From 6pm to around 3am, visitors can sample everything from Tahitian pizza to French crepes to grilled calf heart. Live music from a nearby pavilion as well as live performances of all kinds add to the vibrant atmosphere, while tables littering the square allow you to relax and enjoy your meal.

After you're done eating, you'll be able to wander the downtown to explore some of the island's nightlife options. Not surprisingly, the square becomes rowdier as the night goes on. On certain nights of the month, you can also find traditional dance performances taking place.

Situated at the entrance to Palmetum gardens, the Tumbetin Tea Rooms are part of Townsville’s historic Tumbetin Lodge. Built from Australian Silky Oak in 1934, it served as both a railway house as well as a Catholic school. After being relocated to Palmetum gardens in 1993, it now provides visitors a classy site for brunch and afternoon tea. Relax inside the historic venue with a cup of loose leaf tea, and nibble on freshly baked pastries and cakes just steps from thousands of palms. Popular among locals for wedding receptions, the Tumbetin Lodge is one of Townsville’s most comfortable and scenic venues, and after sipping that last cup of tea, enjoy a stroll through the neighboring gardens and hundreds of species of palms. If you’re lucky, you might spot a Blue Winged Kookaburra flitting about in the palms, or brush turkeys silently stalking their way through the bush below.

The drone of a didgeridoo, the chanting of the indigenous Anangu people, and the clapping sticks that drive their chanting and dancing can be heard as you approach the Tjukurpa Tunnel. This is your welcome to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

Tjukurpa is the story and the spiritual law of the Anangu people, and the Tjukurpa Tunnel is where you are encouraged to begin building your understanding of their way of life before your visit to Uluru or Kata Tjuta. Much of Tjukurpa is considered sacred and cannot be discussed publicly, so this is a fantastic opportunity to take in those parts which can be shared.

Artefacts and informational plaques are displayed throughout the tunnel, and documentary DVD’s are screened on a loop, providing fascinating insights.

After experiencing the tunnel, visitors can check out a cafe, souvenir shop, and indigenous art galleries, which are all owned and operated by the indigenous community. An information and booking desk operates, where indigenous tours of the park can be organised. Free Cultural presentations and tours are also frequently available.