Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific

The Museum of Wellington City and Sea explores the maritime connection that ties Wellington so closely to the sea.

Mixing historical displays with cutting-edge technology, the museum brings history alive with maritime artifacts, interactive exhibits, holographs, audio-visual displays and documentaries screened on a giant cinema screen.

The museum is spread over 3 floors of the restored 1892 Bond Store warehouse. The building is a feature in its own right, with historic timber beams and virtual vermin to set the scene.

Another highlight is the sailing ship conservation project known as Plimmer’s Ark.

Admire the gleaming cityscape and natural beauty of Brisbane City from a lofty carriage on the Wheel of Brisbane. Likened to the famous London Eye, the Wheel of Brisbane offers an exciting chance to look across the city from above.

Take your time to spot the heritage buildings nestled among modern skyscrapers, admire the Brisbane River as it twists through the city centre, and enjoy the vibrant lights of the Brisbane’s attractions as they create an evening rainbow.

Set on the narrow southern head of famous Sydney Harbour, Watson's Bay is one of the city's most underrated attractions. Whether it's hiking the Hermitage Foreshore Track or bathing in the buff at Lady Bay Beach, this eastern suburb is about being outside and taking in the views of the harbor. That is, of course, unless you’re seated at a café enjoying some fish and chips, which locals suggest are some of the best you'll find in all of Sydney. History buffs can wander the bluffs to see guns, cannons and military installations that have guarded Sydney Harbor, while swimmers can head to Camp Cove Beach to splash in the protected waters.

In the heart of Australia’s Red Centre lie the Western MacDonnell ranges. 1,500 kilometres south of Darwin and just west of the infamous Alice Springs, the western MacDonnell Ranges offer an enchanting look into an ancient culture and an even older landscape.

The best ways to explore the often rugged territory are by 4WD, motor-home, or even on bike -a mode of transport that is surprisingly well catered for, with even the famous Simpson’s Gap providing a seven kilometre section of sealed bike track.

Covering an area of just over 2,000 square kilometres, the canyons, gorges, and waterholes in the National Park area provide a stunning and insightful backdrop for any number of outdoor activities, including camping, swimming, and hiking, to name a few.

Hiking enthusiasts should consider the 250 kilometre Larapinta Trail, which traverses the ranges from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder. This trail can be hiked either with a guided tour or independently, but independent hikers should seek expert guidance before their tour as the conditions can be harsh. Those not wishing to undertake the full length of the famous trail can choose to do shorter sections.

Dingoes, native fish, carpet pythons, and endemic birdlife frequent most areas of the Western MacDonnell ranges, especially those that are more obscure and located off the well travelled roads. The summer months see the Ormiston Gorge, in particular, a haven for a large assortment of native reptiles.

The Ranges are rich in indigenous culture and historical locales. The Ranges, like the rest of the Territory, are most pleasant in the cooler months of April to September. Camping facilities are well maintained and modern, and the National Park is accessible year round, with the exception of short periods of sporadic road closures following heavy rain.

The capital of New Zealand, but only its third largest city, Wellington is the geographic and cultural center of the country. Located on the southern tip of the North Island and sitting on a sparkling harbor, it is a primary departure point for ferries crossing Cook Strait to the South Island. With a vibrant arts scene and a variety of galleries, theaters and museums, Wellington has an undeniable charm and energy.

How to Get to Wellington

If you are arriving on a large cruise ship, you will dock at Aotea Quay, located between the Interislander Ferry Terminal and the train station. From there, a walk into the city center is about twenty minutes. You might also take a free shuttle if offered by your ship or catch a shuttle operated by the city, which costs around five New Zealand dollars. Smaller cruise ships dock at Queens Wharf, which is right in the center of town.

One Day in Wellington

Start your day in Wellington by taking the cable car from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn. Enjoy spectacular views over the city and harbor and then spend some time exploring the hilltop Botanic Garden and the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. You can walk all the way down to the city or backtrack and take the cable car back to Lambton Quay.

Next, head to the Museum of New Zealand, also known as Te Papa. Covering five floors, the museum features exhibits and interactive displays telling the story of New Zealand’s past, present and future. If you’re lucky, your visit will coincide with one of many special cultural performances. Allow a few hours to take it all in and then head to the waterfront to enjoy lunch at one of the many cafes along the quay.

After lunch, hunt down some of Wellington’s famous public art, including various sculptures, a cenotaph, a wind mobile and two stainless steel monoliths. A guide is available from the Wellington City Council. Time permitting, visit the Museum of Wellington City & Sea or the City Gallery before you return to your ship.

Nature enthusiasts may prefer a visit to the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary to check out rare New Zealand wildlife, including many of its native birds, while movie buffs will enjoy a “Lord of the Rings” tour, visiting many of the sites used in filming the popular trilogy.

Whakarewarewa, the Living Maori Village, provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the culture and traditions of the Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao people. Travelers have made their way to this living geothermal Maori village since the early 1800s, and it’s here that they can witness how the local people prepare and cook their food in thermal vents using steam and also get the chance to sample the traditional hangi meals onsite.  

A highlight of any visit to Whakarewarewa is Maori Haka, a cultural performance that harmonizes traditional songs of Maori stories and legends, shared by welcoming Whakarewarewa tour guides. These iconic shows run twice daily and are set against the backdrop of the geothermal valley, with its geysers, hot pools, and bubbling mud providing a unique story-telling experience.

It's truly wet and awesomely wild at this Gold Coast water theme park! The star attraction is the Kamikaze jet spray water slide, with its sheer drop and over-the-top speeds. The Tornado slide blasts visitors from a tunnel into a wet and wild storm. Travelers can also enter the Blackhole's dark, enclosed tunnels to go spiraling through the heart of darkness until the final splashdown.

Taking a ride on Wellington’s little red cable car is an essential experience.

The cable car has been operating since 1902, providing panoramic views over Wellington on its 5-minute chug up the hill to Kelburn village and the botanic garden.

At the top, visit the Cable Car Museum to learn more about this historic attraction, and get out your camera to snap must-have photos of those harbor views. Nearby, the Carter Observatory explains the mysteries of the southern night sky.