Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific

One of Tasmania's highlights is its historic Georgian-era towns, and Evandale is no exception.

With its Main Street lined with National Trust-listed buildings, the immaculately preserved little town offers a glimpse into centuries gone by. The best way to explore Evandale is to take a stroll past heritage buildings like St Andrews Church, Blenheim, the Royal Oak and the saddler's shop.

Evandale comes to life on Sundays for the weekly market, featuring local produce and crafts.

The annual Penny Farthing Championship turns back the clock each February and brings more camera-toting visitors than usual to the little town. Participants dress for the occasion in late-Victorian dress, and Evandale's Main Street becomes the route for penny farthing races.

There are some historic grand homesteads in the countryside surrounding Evandale, revealing glimpses into colonial days. Visit 19th-century Clarendon Homestead to admire neoclassical Georgian architecture and stroll through manicured formal parklands.

Pubs, bakeries and cafes are another Evandale attraction, the ideal pit stop for local produce, coffee, Tasmanian wines and gourmet cakes. You'll also find antiques stores and local crafts shops.

In a beautiful marquee under the brilliant stars you will dine in the rainforest at Flames of the Forest.

The rainforest setting will influence both the meal and the entertainment. The meal will feature heavily produce from the surrounding area and the rainforest itself. Ingredients like banana prawns and lemon myrtle pepper the delicious and adventurous menu and fine local wines are carefully chosen to complement the meal.

The entertainment takes the form of a cultural experience where local Aboriginal men will come and share the history and their personal stories about the local area.

The sounds of the rainforest will be all around you as you indulge in one of Australia's finest gourmet and cultural experiences.

Located toward the northwest of the main island of Bora Bora, Faanui is a village overlooking a namesake bay featuring calm, turquoise waters perfect for swimming. Here you'll find the remains of a US naval base, as Faanui Bay was used by the US Army between 1942 and 1946 to build their military station.

Fruit plantations give insight into the local agriculture, while stalls showcasing wraparound skirts (pareos) add color to the streets. You'll also find Farenua, a sacred place of worship built with stones called a "marae." It is the biggest of its kind in Bora Bora and for many, the highlight of their trip.

The most iconic landmark of Faanui, however, is its beautiful light pink church set in front of a lush green mountain background and marking the head of Faanui Bay. Nearby you'll be able to access a road which heads away from the coast and into the lush vegetation of inland Bora Bora.

Even though Auckland is the "City of Sails", not every traveler has their own personal sailboat to ply the waters of the Hauraki Gulf. Luckily, the boats run by Fullers ferries make it remarkably easy to explore around Auckland. The main ferry terminal is in the downtown city center, from where Auckland travelers can embark on a day trip to various spots around the city.

For a short cruise, you can cross the waters of Waitemata Harbor to the northern suburb of Devonport. While en route, be sure to snap a photo of the Auckland Harbor Bridge which famously punctuates the city skyline. For those who are looking for a bit of hiking, Fullers offers boats to Rangitoto Island where you can trek to the top of a dormant volcano. In December and January, Fullers ferries make the 2.5-hour journey to Great Barrier Island, where you can trek to hot springs, bake on the beach, or kayak your way through empty coves. Or, if you're just looking for a leisurely cruise, Fullers has narrated tours of the harbor which point out the sights as the boat cruises across the water.

Finally, for those who want to spend the day wine tasting at Auckland's trendiest vineyards, Fullers has ferries which make the crossing to the grape-covered shores of Waiheke Island. In addition to the ferry, Fullers offers guided tours of the island, and help out with transportation from bicycles to car hire.

For Auckland travelers and vacationing locals, Fullers ferries are not only a means of efficient public transit, but a convenient conduit connecting the city with many of its surrounding adventures.