Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific

If you want to know more about Australia’s indigenous owners and wish to see or purchase genuine Aboriginal arts and craft, consider a visit to the Waradah Aboriginal Centre (sometimes referred to as Koomurri Aboriginal Centre) in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains.

One of Australia’s best Aboriginal cultural centers, Waradah is the place to learn more about Australia’s unique heritage and first peoples, as well as witness traditional Aboriginal dance and didgeridoo performances.

Various shows featuring Aboriginal dancers or musicians in traditional costume are scheduled throughout the day and include an introduction to the story and an explanation of the significance of each performance.

The recently refurbished fine art gallery contains genuine Australian Aboriginal paintings, while the center’s shop has a large collection of more affordable and varied Aboriginal art and crafts, such as totem statues, ceramics, glasswork and didgeridoos.

The Waradah Aboriginal Centre is just a short walk away from the Blue Mountain’s famous Three Sisters and Giant Stairway at Echo Point, Katoomba.

Magical, enchanting and serene are just a few of the adjectives people use to describe Wanggoolba Creek. A fresh water creek containing crystal waters cascading through lush rainforest over white sugar granules, you’ll be amazed at how fertile an island made of sand can be. In appearance Wanggoolba Creek is similar to Eli Creek, however, has a much less touristy vibe, retaining an air of peace. Those who enjoy biology will be interested to know the spot contains a beautiful and rare King Fern or Giant Fern.

Feeling stressed or need to relax? Wading in the creek’s still and lucid waters is said to have calming effect. Another option is to enjoy a leisurely hike along a walkway around the creek’s perimeters, a favorite for photographers. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery, and stop in the visitor center to learn more about the area.

In a region teeming with geothermic attractions, the Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley has a lot of competition, but while the scenery doesn’t quite live up to the mind-blowing landscapes of the nearby Craters of the Moon or Orakei Korako Cave, the park is still one of Taupo’s most unique accommodation options.

A traditional Kiwi campsite complete with its own thermal garden, hot pools and petting zoo, the Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley offers a great introduction to the area’s geothermic attractions. A walkway takes in the main attractions, including natural steam vents, bubbling mud pools and geysers, on a site next door to a geothermal power plant. Even if you’re not staying on site, you can still enjoy the thermal attractions and there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy, including bathing in hot pools, spotting the colorful native birds that frequent the area and hand feeding the small park’s many animals.

When the North Island of New Zealand’s Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886, it forever changed the Rotorua landscape into a valley of steaming wonder. This is a mystical land where lakes boil and mountains are bathed in steam, and walking past pools of bubbling mud is just another daily occurrence for visitors here. Of all the places in Rotorua to encounter this geothermal wonder, the Waimangu Volcanic Valley area offers one of the largest zones for exploring.

Walpa Gorge is the shortest and easiest trail in Kata Tjuta. For what it lacks in length, however, it makes up for in dramatic views looking out over sandstone domes. Far less crowded than popular Uluru, Kata Tjuta is where Aborigines still practice cultural ceremonies. There’s a certain power to Kata Tjuta that emanates out of the rocks, and the 1.5 mile trail through the gorge is a way to experience the energy. Flowers here are in greater abundance than on neighboring Valley of the Winds, and the gorge is particularly scenic in afternoon when the valley is filled with light. A viewing platform at the end of the trail provides sweeping views of the Olgas, which have stoically weathered millennia of storms to be shaped how they are today. To have the gorge trail all to yourself, consider hiking at first light when the air is nice and cool. 

Watarrka National Park protects one of the Northern Territory's most legendary destinations, Kings Canyon.

It's a rocky red desert park of rugged geological formations and sheer-edged sandstone gorges plummeting to waterholes and unexpected oases of cycad palms.

Walking trails lead to lookouts for views over the canyon, and there are picnic tables at the sunset-viewing area and Kathleen Springs.

The overnight Giles Track takes you along the top of the range from springs to canyon, while the much easier Kathleen Springs walk takes 1.5 hours and is recommended for families.

To get the most out of your visit to Watarrka National Park, take a guided walk with a ranger or guide to learn about the spiritual significance of this land for the local Anangu people.