Choose from 889 Fun Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific
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Tivua Island
Tivua Island is a glorious Fijian hideaway surrounded by 500 acres (202 hectares) of spectacular coral reef. The reef is home to tropical fish, starfish, octopus and sea cucumber making for some of the finest snorkeling in Fiji. During the nesting season Tivua Island is a sanctuary for turtles.
Perfect white beaches ring Tivua Island and are fantastic for swimming; only a limited number of visitors are allowed on the island each day so it is never crowded. When you're done lying on the beach there are canoes to take out on the water and give your muscles a workout.
If you've fallen in love with Tivua Island then you can secure one of the two accommodation huts on the island. A romantic candle-lit dinner on the beach is a must if you're staying overnight.
Practical Info
The island is 3.5 hours from Nadi by boat. Close enough to get there and back in a day with some quality beach time.
Address: Fiji
Admission: Free
From $ 118
Vanua Levu
Known also as Sandalwood Island, the waters surrounding Vanua Levu have some of the best dive spots in the South Pacific. These include the world-renowned Rainbow Reef and Savusavu Bay.
The island itself does not have the best lazing beaches, but the snorkeling is unsurpassed. In fact, it impressed Jean-Michel Cousteau so much he built a resort overlooking Savusavu Bay.
Savusavu is the fastest growing town in Fiji. It has a lively expat community, a flourishing bar and restaurant scene, and it's popular with people island hopping by boat to stop and grab supplies at.
The interior of Vanua Levu is heavily forested in parts and offers excellent birdwatching, walking and trekking. The land given over to agriculture supports sugarcane and coconut plantations.
Practical Info
If you're short on time or not fond of long boat trips then it is best to get to Vanua Levu by airplane; there are a number of reliable carriers and the flight from Vitu Levu is less than 30 minutes.
Address: Fiji
Admission: Free
From $ 113
Signal Hill
On a sunny day, you'll find the best view in all of Dunedin is from the top of Signal Hill. This 1,289-foot forested promontory rises high above Dunedin Harbor, and offers sweeping views of the blue Pacific and green of the surrounding hills. On clear summer days you can find locals and visitors enjoying the uphill stroll to the summit, and mountain bikers whirring down the numerous trails that weave their way through the woods.
While walking maximizes the hill's beauty, there's also a road that winds its way up to the scenic reward at the top. Not far from the Signal Hill summit, a large memorial commemorates New Zealand's 100th anniversary that took place in 1940, and two bronze statues on the side of the memorial are an ode to the original Scottish settlers who founded the waterfront town.
Practical Info
Signal Hill is approximately 1.5 miles outside of the Dunedin City Center. There is no admission to the summit or walking trails, and even on fine, sunny days, the top can still have a brisk wind that warrants bringing jacket.
Address: Signal Hill, Dunedin, New Zealand
From $ 46
Phillip Island Nature Parks
Only 90 minutes from the teeming streets of modern, fast-paced Melbourne, Phillip Island is known for its wildlife and scenic, rural shores. The fact that the island has remained so wild is in large part due to the Phillip Island Nature Parks that preserve, protect"”and importantly, promote"”the island's wildlife wealth. Though the parks are commercial enterprises that charge admission fees to visit, all of the money goes directly back into wildlife conservation.
The Phillip Island Nature Parks cover 4,460 acres and include the Koala Conservation Center, The Nobbies Center, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and the famous Penguin Parade. The organization also manages conservation areas such as Pyramid Walk and Cape Woolamai, where the rugged nature of the island's coastline impresses with every turn. The parks are by far the most popular activities when visiting Phillip Island, and over the course of a single day you can watch as seals stretch out on the rocks, hang with furry koalas in the treetops, enjoy craggy rock formations and white sand beaches, and watch as thousands of Little Penguins come scurrying ashore at sunset.
Practical Info
With the exception of the Nobbies Center, each of the Phillip Island Nature Parks has their own separate admission fee. If you plan on visiting multiple parks, you can save money by purchasing a ticket that is good for all three parks.
Address: Phillip Island, Australia
Hours: Vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 143
Regent Theatre
An evening of glamour and performance awaits you at Melbourne's landmark Regent Theatre on Collins Street. Golden and ornate, with velvet drapes, gleaming chandeliers, rich tones and stunning Renaissance Revival architecture, the Regent offers old-world elegance and a contemporary events schedule.
This historic Melbourne venue dates back to 1929, when it was a grand picture palace opening just before the start of the Great Depression. Since then, the theater has endured fire and flood, depression and wartime, dereliction and city development, and has been honored by the National Trust of Australia and the Victorian Heritage Register.
The refurbished theater was reopened in 1996 to seat more than 2,000 people and has since hosted some of the biggest stage productions in Australia, such as The Lion King, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Wicked, Westside Story and Cats. It is also one of the Melbourne Comedy Festival venues. Restaurants and wine bars flank the streets surrounding the Regent, making it the perfect area to have romantic night out with dinner and a show.
This historic Melbourne venue dates back to 1929, when it was a grand picture palace opening just before the start of the Great Depression. Since then, the theater has endured fire and flood, depression and wartime, dereliction and city development, and has been honored by the National Trust of Australia and the Victorian Heritage Register.
The refurbished theater was reopened in 1996 to seat more than 2,000 people and has since hosted some of the biggest stage productions in Australia, such as The Lion King, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Wicked, Westside Story and Cats. It is also one of the Melbourne Comedy Festival venues. Restaurants and wine bars flank the streets surrounding the Regent, making it the perfect area to have romantic night out with dinner and a show.
Practical Info:
Located at 191 Collins Street in Melbourne's city center, the Regent Theatre is easy to spot, with traditional theater steps and a grand arched entrance. Flinders Street Station is the closest major transport hub, which can be reached in less than 10 minutes by walking along Swanson Street.
Address: 191 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 41
Torlesse Wines
Torlesse Wines is one of the older wineries in the Waipara Valley and owns the title of being the first winery in Waipara to bottle with a screw cap instead of a cork. It started with one wine, and now all of Torlesse Wines have screw caps.
The winery produces a dozen wines including sauvignon blanc, Gewurztraminer, rose and a cabernet. The Torlesse Cellar Door is open for tastings seven days a week, from 11am to 5pm.
Practical Info
The Waipara Valley is one of New Zealand's newest and fastest growing wine areas. Torlesse Wines is only a 40-minute drive north of Christchurch International Airport and Christchurch city, making it an easy day trip for visitors.
Address: Loffhagen Dr, Waipara 7483, New Zealand
From $ 71
Susannah Place Museum
At the foot of Sydney's Harbour Bridge lies the city's historic birthplace, the Rocks: a quarter of winding streets, small sandstone houses and some of the oldest pubs in town. It was here that the colonists from the First Fleet settled, and the site soon became home to the strong community network of Sydney's working class.
The Susannah Place Museum, a small complex dating back to 1844, tells the story of these former residents. It consists of four terrace houses and a mom-and-pop shop that sells historical artifacts and typical Australian souvenirs. The museum gives fascinating insight into the hard urban life of the working class during colonial times, with workers' stories reconstructed through oral histories. Visitors are shown a documentary about those who lived here and are then given a tour through the buildings, which are all preserved in their original condition. Only essential repairs were carried out on the houses, with their low ceilings, worn-out steps and old furniture from different epochs.
Practical Info
The Susannah Place Museum is open daily from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and is only closed on school and public holidays. It's a 10-minute walk from Circular Quay to the museum.
Address: 58"“64 Gloucester Street, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Hours: Open daily 2 pm - 5pm. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Admission: Adults $12 AUD, Children (Age 5 - 15) $8 AUD (under 5 years free), Family $30 AUD, Members Free
From $ 81
Twelve Apostles
Situated right at the end of Victoria's Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles are a set of eight rock formations"”there used to be twelve"”jutting out of the Southern Ocean. These limestone pillars were once connected to the nearby cliffs but have been eroded away into caves, pillars, and arches from the harsh conditions of the ocean.
The Basics
A majority of the tours to the Twelve Apostles are full-day tours leaving from Melbourne in the early morning. There are many stops and photo opportunities along the way as you drive down the Great Ocean Road, such as Loch Ard Gorge, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell. Discover the native wildlife, such as koalas and kangaroos, and learn about the local indigenous culture. For those who want a bird's-eye view, take a helicopter tour over the Victorian coast.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Twelve Apostles can be viewed from the viewpoint above or down on the beach, reached via the Gibson Steps.
- The Great Ocean Road can be very chilly due to the strong winds from the Southern Ocean, so it's best to dress in layers.
- The Twelve Apostles Visitor Facility, located across the B100 highway, has an information center, restrooms and a drinking fountain (with wheelchair accessibility), a large parking area, and a small cafe.
How to Get There
For those who would like to road trip on their own, drive along the coastal B100 highway to reach the Twelve Apostles. Visitors can also rent a bike or book a cycling tour to explore the Great Ocean Road at their own pace. For the truly adventurous, the 65-mile (104-kilometer) Great Ocean Walk from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles may be of interest.
When to Get There
The Twelve Apostles is one of Australia's most popular attractions. Avoid the large crowds from tourist buses by getting to the rock formations in the early morning or late afternoon. Alternately, if you drive inland to get to the sight, and then take the Great Ocean Road back to Melbourne, it's generally a less crowded route.
The Shipwreck Coast
The Bass Strait was once a very busy shipping route, bringing supplies and immigrants to Melbourne from all over the world. But the waters were quite treacherous during bad weather. This resulted in upwards of 700 ships meeting a bitter end along this coastline, some of which can still be seen today between Port Fairy and Cape Otway.
Address: 12 Apostles, Port Campbell 3269, Australia
Hours: Open daily
From $ 86
St Patrick's Cathedral
Located on the city's eastern fringe and surrounded by gardens, St Patrick's Cathedral is a striking feature on Melbourne's skyline.
Built in the Gothic Revival style of the early 14th century, the Cathedral layout is based on a Latin cross, with a nave and transepts, a sanctuary with seven chapels, and sacristies. Famed ecclesiastical architect William Wardell designed the cathedral as well as many of the brass items and mosaics that can be seen today including the sanctuary lamps, a Paschal candle stand and the eagle lectern.
St Patrick's excellent acoustics and original pipe organ make it popular with musicians and choral groups and a cathedral choir has existed here since 1939.
Visitors are welcome to explore the cathedral and attend the daily mass, which is accompanied by organ and cantor on Sunday's at 9.30am, 11am and 6.30pm.
Built in the Gothic Revival style of the early 14th century, the Cathedral layout is based on a Latin cross, with a nave and transepts, a sanctuary with seven chapels, and sacristies. Famed ecclesiastical architect William Wardell designed the cathedral as well as many of the brass items and mosaics that can be seen today including the sanctuary lamps, a Paschal candle stand and the eagle lectern.
St Patrick's excellent acoustics and original pipe organ make it popular with musicians and choral groups and a cathedral choir has existed here since 1939.
Visitors are welcome to explore the cathedral and attend the daily mass, which is accompanied by organ and cantor on Sunday's at 9.30am, 11am and 6.30pm.
Address: 1 Cathedral Place, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
From $ 53
Sydney Tower Buffet Restaurant
Lofted above the metropolitan skyline atop the 1,014-foot (309-meter) Sydney Tower, the Sydney Tower Buffet is one of the Southern Hemisphere's highest revolving restaurants. Soak in 360-degree views of nearby landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and (on a clear day) the Blue Mountains while enjoying lunch or dinner as the restaurant slowly rotates high above the city.
The Basics
The Sydney Tower Buffet offers a casual self-select dining experience, sans dress code, with more than 60 dishes covering both local and international cuisines. Try fresh seafood from Australia's shores, a variety of fresh meats and veggies, and national specialties such as crocodile or kangaroo. Book ahead to get the time slot that best fits your needs for lunch or dinner.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The buffet meal provides a casual dining option with an only-in-Sydney twist, and works well for families with kids and groups.
- The Sydney Tower Buffet is wheelchair accessible (advance notice is requested).
- Dining time is limited to 1.5 hours.
- The restaurant does not have a dedicated children's menu and does not charge for kids under 3.
- Gluten-free, vegetarian, and Halal options are available on the menu.
How to Get There
Located at Pitt and Market Streets, Sydney Tower is about a 10-minute walk from Circular Quay. The closest train stations are St. James and Town Hall, while city buses stop at Elizabeth Street, Castlereagh Street, and the Queen Victoria Building. Enter the Westfield Sydney shopping mall on Market St; the restaurant reception is on Level 4.
When to Get There
Sydney Tower Restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, with booking windows running from 11:30am to 2pm for lunch and 5 to 11pm for dinner. Book ahead to make sure you get a table. To see the city in daylight, at sunset, and after dark, book your visit just before twilight.
Views at the Sydney Tower Restaurant
Turning at the rate of one full revolution every 80 minutes, the Sydney Tower Buffet offers different perspectives on Sydney throughout the meal. Every table is placed next to floor-to-ceiling picture windows.
Address: 100 Market Street, Sydney Centrepoint 2000, Australia
Hours: Open daily for lunch and dinner
Admission: Pricing varies by day
From $ 44
Steavenson Falls
Tumbling 122 meters from the steep cliffs of the Steavenson River valley, the Steavenson Falls make an impressive sight, with the river cascading over 5 tiers. Despite being among the areas damaged in Victoria's 2009 bushfires, the area remains one of the region's most scenic natural reserves, surrounded by the looming peaks of the Yarra Ranges, ancient woodlands and lush pockets of rainforest.
Most visitors to the falls follow the short trail to the viewing platform beneath the falls, but there are also ample options for hiking and bird watching in the surrounding countryside. The most atmospheric time to visit is in the evening hours before midnight, when the falls are dramatically floodlit.
Practical Info
Steavenson Falls is located close to the Yarra Ranges, approximately 80 km northeast of Melbourne. There is no admission fee.
Address: Marysville, Victoria, Australia, Australia
From $ 100
Sullivan's Cove
Sullivan's Cove, a waterfront district on the western shore of the Derwent River, was the original settlement of the British in Tanzania. Boats from around the globe, including some traveling from as far as Antarctica, dock at this nautical site, which retains much of its original charm because of its historic architecture.
Visitors can explore the docks before heading to MONA"”the Museum of Old and New Art, or spend a Saturday afternoon leisurely strolling through the stalls of nearby Salamanca Market. Travelers can also cruise along the River Derwent or wander through the historic villages of nearby Richmond, Pontville and Kempton, or catch a show at the Theatre Royal.
Practical Info
Sullivan's Cove serves as the main port to the city. Visiting cruise ships frequently berth in here so the area can get crowded.
Address: Sullivan's Cove, Hobart, Australia
From $ 26
Refuge Cove
While it definitely isn't Australia's most accessible beach, Refuge Cove is more than worth the effort it takes to get there. Ensconced inside the forested refuge of Wilson's Promontory National Park, Refuge Cove gets its name from the protection it offers passing sailors. There aren't any roads leading into this bay"”which is accessible by boat or trail"”and it's a favorite of Australia's yachting community in need of anchorage in storms. For all other visitors who are traveling on foot, Refuge Cove requires a 10-mile hike from the parking lot at Telegraph Saddle, with many opting to break the trip up by camping at Sealers Cove. There's also a campsite in Refuge Cove at the southern end of the beach, where you can wake to the sound of waves striking sand and birds chirping in the trees. Watch the sunrise from golden sands that face the eastern horizon, and spend the day swimming in turquoise waters that seem clear enough to drink. If it weren't for a rule that limits camping to a maximum of two nights in a row, it would be easy to spend the days swimming and suntanning"”not wanting to head back home.
Practical Info
Refuge Cove is located on the east coast of Wilson's Promontory National Park. All hikers and campers must first make a booking at the Tidal River Visitor Center, or download an application from the Parks Victoria website. Since Refuge Cove is a backcountry location, all drinking water, supplies, and cooking equipment must be carried in by hand.
Address: Wilson's Promontory National Park, Australia, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 185
Tinderbox Marine Nature Reserve
Located in Tasmania, not far from Hobart, the Tinderbox Marine Nature Reserve is ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers. The site is home to more than 30 species of seaweeds, and its abundant plant life provides habitats for a large assortment of marine life.
Swimming and boating are allowed in the reserve, and along with numerous types of fish, visitors may catch sight of sea dragons, urchins and sea-stars. Octopus, squid, shrimp and crabs also call the Tinderbox Marine Reserve home, so visitors are asked to leave the wildlife as is and to use care to protect the environment.
Practical Info
The Tinderbox Marine Nature Preserve is an easy 45-minute drive from Hobart. The best time of the year to visit is usually during summer and autumn.
Address: Tinderbox, Australia
From $ 67
Ulva Island
This isolated island off the coast of New Zealand is a Mecca for birders thanks a predator-free environment that supports dozens of species of winged creatures that can no longer thrive on the mainland. Visitors will find South Island saddlebacks, yellowhead and Steward Island robins, southern brown kiwis, red-fronted parakeets and even the South Island kaka forest parrot. Travelers can explore the breathtaking landscapes that include unique plant species and beautiful flowers and get an up close look at portions of the island that endangered yellow-eyed penguins use as their breeding grounds. Guided island walking tours are available with expert naturalists who can point out rare birds and unique plants on a stroll through the lush landscapes of Ulva Island.
Practical Info
The island is located inside the Paterson Inlet and measures about 2.5 km long. It is easily accessible from nearby Stewart Island.
Address: New Zealand
From $ 70
South Hobart
A tour of the historic Cascades Female Factory and a couple of beers at Cascade Brewery, Australia's oldest brewery, top the list of attractions in this southern suburb of Hobart. But visitors willing to wander the streets will enjoy views of some of the most beautiful homes in the city, including the famous Ashleigh and Milton residences, as well as quaint cottages and historic townhouses.
The heritage site, All Saints Anglican Church, is also worth a stop. Afterwards, rent a bicycle and ride the path along the Rivulet, or wander the foothills of Mount Wellington via the trails behind Cascade Brewery, the oldest brewery in Australia.
Practical Info
Cascades Female Factory is an easy walk from South Hobart, and plenty of signage along the Rivulet and Molle Street provide historical details for those passing through.
Address: South Hobart, Australia
From $ 26
Polly Woodside
Launched in Belfast in 1885 at a time when sailing for commercial shipping was starting to come to an end, the three-masted Polly Woodside would go on to sail nearly a million miles across all corners of the globe. She rounded Cape Horn 16 different times, and carried everything from nitrate to wheat across the seven seas. During World War II, she served in New Guinea as a supply ship before returning back to Australia, with her owners eventually choosing to scuttle the ship in the early 1960s. Thankfully, a group of local maritime enthusiasts saw the historic and educational value in preserving the crumbling ship, and worked out a deal where it was sold to the National Trust for only a single cent. When visiting the Polly Woodside today, which has been masterfully and expertly restored, visitors will walk the wooden decks and go below in the holds"”experiencing life as it would have been while sailing out on the seas. Hear the rations allotted to sailors while harnessing wind between ports, and try your hand at maritime skills like sewing or cutting cloth. It's amazing to think that early Australians arrived on ships just like these, and it's a classic dose of Australian history in the heart of Melbourne's downtown.
Practical Info
Since school groups occasionally hold functions on the Polly Woodside, check ahead to ensure availability and the schedule for planning your visit.
Address: 21 South Wharf Promenade, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia VIC 3006, Australia
Hours: Open daily 10am-4pm
Admission: Adults: $16; Children: $9.50
From $ 19
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
There's plenty of history to soak up on a visit to Hobart, Australia's second-oldest settlement. Get a lesson in history with a visit to Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), established in 1843 by the Royal Society of Tasmania. You'll see archaeological and colonial relics, Aboriginal artifacts, old photographs, ephemera and fine examples of colonial decorative arts.
Practical Info
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is on Macquarie Street behind Sullivan's Cove in the heart of Hobart. Entrance is free, but donations are accepted.
Address: 40 Macquarie Street, Hobart 7000, Australia
Hours: Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm, closed ANZAC Day, Good Friday and Christmas.
Admission: Free
From $ 26
Town Hall
Grandiose in its Baroque design, Auckland's Town Hall is one of Queen Street's most prominent and notable buildings. Constructed back in 1911, the Town Hall is one of Auckland's best venues for musical performances and shows, as its concert chamber is considered to have some of the best acoustics in the world. In the Great Hall, where over 1,500 people can gather in a theater-style setting, many of the world's top symphonies and orchestras have performed for global dignitaries, and the biggest names in rock and roll have similarly graced the stage.
A permanent fixture is the Town Hall organ, which is not only New Zealand's largest instrument, but having completed a restoration in 2010, is often considered as one the world's most marvelous symphony instruments. Aside from the acoustics, Auckland's Town Hall is visually stunning from the rafters down to the floor, as stained glass windows filter light that falls on kauri wood floors, and chandeliers dangle from a ceiling adorned with exquisite plaster design. It's a building that was purposefully built to impress, and it continues to do so over a century later, right in the heart of downtown.
Practical Info
The Town Hall is often seen on walking tours of Auckland.
Address: 303 Queen Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
From $ 56
St Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Cathedral stands right in the heart Melbourne, opposite the cultural precinct Federation Square and diagonally across from Flinders Street Station, the city's central transport hub. A metropolitical and cathedral church, it was built on the site of Melbourne's first public Christian service that took place in 1835.
Built in sandstone in the Gothic Transitional style, the Cathedral has the second tallest Anglican spire in the world and a magnificent organ that is believed to be the finest surviving work of British organ builder T.C. Lewis.
Visitors are welcome to explore and worship at the Cathedral, and join the daily Evensong and other services. Sights of interest within its walls include the Moorhouse Tower Lantern, the processional doors, the Persian tile and the pentacles or five-pointed star. A range of gifts and religious items are on sale in the Cathedral Shop (10am-3pm) located inside the Cathedral.
Built in sandstone in the Gothic Transitional style, the Cathedral has the second tallest Anglican spire in the world and a magnificent organ that is believed to be the finest surviving work of British organ builder T.C. Lewis.
Visitors are welcome to explore and worship at the Cathedral, and join the daily Evensong and other services. Sights of interest within its walls include the Moorhouse Tower Lantern, the processional doors, the Persian tile and the pentacles or five-pointed star. A range of gifts and religious items are on sale in the Cathedral Shop (10am-3pm) located inside the Cathedral.
Address: Australia
Hours: Open Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm; Sat, 9am-4pm; Sun, 7.30am-7pm.
From $ 41