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Things to Do in Australia And The Pacific

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Coolangatta

At the southern end of the Gold Coast, Coolangatta is known for its rolling surf and long sandy beaches, complete with plentiful boardwalks and lookouts, all with a laid-back small-town beach vibe. With an abundance of cafés, restaurants, and bars, as well as accommodations to suit every budget, there’s something for everyone here.

The Basics

In contrast to most other beaches along the Gold Coast, Coolangatta features bays and headlands, resulting in more-protected beaches and waves of all sizes—perfect for both beginner and experienced surfers. For more-sheltered conditions, head to Greenmount Beach or Rainbow Beach. For surfing, try Kirra Beach. Enjoy the expansive views, north to Surfers Paradise and south to Snappers Rock.

It’s easy to explore Coolangatta on foot, as most things are within walking distance. Those looking for a little more excitement can learn to surf, or take to the skies in a tandem-skydiving experience. Multi-day surfing expeditions will often make a stop here, as do day trips up and down the Gold Coast.

Things to Know Before You Go

Coolangatta is a good option for families with kids, as the beaches here are more sheltered than other options along the Gold Coast.
Temperatures in the summer can reach over 80°F (27°C), so don’t forget to pack a hat and sunscreen.
Swim only in designated areas and when lifeguards are present, as there may be a strong undertow. Red and yellow flags indicate the beach is patrolled.

How to Get There

Coolangatta is located at the southern end of the Gold Coast, about 16 miles (25 kilometers) south of Surfers Paradise and on the border with New South Wales. It’s located about 68 miles (110 kilometers) south of Brisbane Airport, and less than 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) from Gold Coast Airport. By car, take the Pacific Motorway and exit at Gold Coast Highway.

When to Get There

The sun shines year-round at Coolangatta, so it’s always a good time to visit for those seeking the sun. Prices are highest in November and December. Visit in April or May for fewer crowds and lower prices. Those interested in surfing competitions may want to be here in October for the Coolangatta Gold surf-lifesaving competition or March for the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro world tour.

Sister City of Tweed Heads

Right across the border in the state of New South Wales is Coolangatta’s sister city of Tweed Heads, known for the Tweed River. Here visitors can go on a crab-catching cruise, hire a barbecue pontoon to explore the waterways, or join a charter for some offshore deep-sea fishing. When visiting in the summer, remember that the two states are in different time zones, which means that those visiting over New Year’s Eve can actually celebrate the new year twice.

Queensland, Australia

From $ 103

Cradle Mountain

With its jagged dolerite peaks standing watch over a trio of glacial lakes, Cradle Mountain is the grand centerpiece of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tasmania Wilderness, the natural landmark also marks the north end of the famous Overland Track.

The Basics

Surrounded by ancient rain forest, lakes, and alpine heathland, Cradle Mountain is a favorite among hikers. The long-distance Overland Track is the star attraction, but day visitors can enjoy a variety of short and long-distance trails, including the 2-hour Dove Lake Loop, a more challenging 3-hour hike to Marion’s Lookout, the Weindorfers Forest Walk to Weindorfers Chalet, or the short Rain Forest City and Pencil Pine Falls trails.

Day trips to Cradle Mountain from nearby Launceston usually include views of the mountain and Dove Lake, a stop at the visitor center, and one or more short hikes. It’s also possible to visit on a one-way tour from Launceston to Hobart, including Cradle Mountain, Freycinet National Park, and Port Arthur.

Things to Know Before You Go

Visitors to the national park are required to purchase a park pass. A pass is also required to hike the Overland Track between October and May.
Information, maps, park passes, and amenities are available from the visitor’s center, outside the park entrance, and from the ranger station inside the park.
The park has a number of basic lodging options, including cabins, chalets, and campgrounds.
The weather can be changeable in the park, even in summer, so dress in layers and be prepared for wind, rain, and low visibility, especially in the mountains.
Some of the park’s trails are wheelchair-accessible, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available to rent from the visitor center.

How to Get to There

Cradle Mountain lies about 93 miles (150 kilometers) west of Launceston, a 2.5-hour drive. From Hobart, the 187-mile (302-kilometer) drive takes just over four hours. The mountain is located at the northern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Claire National Park and regular shuttle buses run there from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Center, just outside the park entrance.

When to Get There

High season in the national park is from October to May, when there are regular shuttle buses and ranger-led walks. During this period, the Overland Track can only be walked from north to south and advance bookings are recommended. December to April is the optimum time to visit the park, when alpine wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is most reliable.

Hiking the Overland Track

The 40-mile (65-kilometer) Overland Track runs from Cradle Mountain in the north to Lake St. Clair. The track takes about six days to travel. It is a difficult route that’s best suited to experienced hikers, but those who accept the challenge are rewarded with spectacular scenery and the chance to spot wildlife such as wallabies, Tasmanian pademelons, spotted-tailed quolls, and Tasmanian devils.

Australia

Varies

From $ 97

Dandenongs

Victoria's Dandenong Ranges lie just east of Melbourne and overlook the Yarra Valley wine region, offering a mountain retreat on the city's doorstep. What the peaks lack in size—the highest are under 2,620 feet (800 meters) above sea level—they make up for in scenery, such as ash forests, valleys of tree ferns, and wild bushlands.

The Basics

The Dandenongs' lush landscapes are ideal for hiking, cycling, and bushwalking, but one of the most popular ways to get around is the historic Puffing Billy Steam Train. Tours from Melbourne often include highlights such as the Mount Dandenong Lookout, with its panoramic views over Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay; wildlife spotting at Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary or William Ricketts Sanctuary; and wine tasting in the Yarra Valley.

Things to Know Before You Go

Temperatures can reach over 86°F (30°C) in summer, so be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent. There may be lots of walking, so bring comfortable shoes.
Facilities at the Dandenong Ranges Visitor Center include restrooms, a shop, a café, and free Wi-Fi.
Mount Dandenong National Park has wheelchair-accessible trails, as well as TrailRider all-terrain wheelchairs available to rent.

How to Get There

The Dandenong Ranges are located roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Melbourne. Trains run from central Melbourne to Belgrave, a major town at the foot of the mountains. From there, buses connect to the mountain villages of Sassafrass, Olinda, and Kallista. By road from Melbourne, it's a 1-hour drive along Burwood Highway to the Dandenong Tourist Road, which winds its way up into the mountains and through the villages.

When to Get There

Summer (December through February) is the most popular time to visit, although temperatures can reach upwards of 86˚F (30˚C) and the area can get busy, so it's recommended to book accommodations and activities in advance. Autumn (March through May) and late spring (November) bring the best weather for outdoor activities, while the winter months (June through August) offer cheaper prices on accommodations and activities, plus fewer crowds.

Outdoor Activities in the Dandenongs

The trails around Mount Dandenong offer a variety of terrains for hiking, running, and bushwalking, as well as horseback riding and cycling. Head to Dandenong Ranges National Park to walk the Dandenong Ranges Tourist Track, the Olinda Creek Walking Track, and the Living Bush Nature Walk; explore the popular Sherbrooke Forest area; or visit highlights such as One Tree Hill, the Thousand Steps, or the Kokoda Walk.

Melbourne 3788, Australia

Open daily

From $ 27

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Set minutes from the Gold Coast beaches, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places in Queensland to see native Australian animals. Founded in 1947, the sanctuary encompasses 27 hectares (66 acres) of rain forest; its resident fauna includes kangaroos, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, and rainbow lorikeets.

The Basics

General admission to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary includes entrance to the Lost Valley rainforest and a variety of daily shows, including an Aboriginal dance show, a free flight-bird display, and lorikeet-feeding demonstrations. For the best value, opt for a Gold Coast Attraction Pass, which covers activities such as the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, jet boating, and whale watching, or invest in a Gold Coast Roo Pass, which offers hotel pickup and round-trip transfers to the wildlife sanctuary, plus the Gold Coast theme parks.

Things to Know Before You Go

Lines can be long in peak season, so it’s best to book your tickets in advance.
On-site facilities include paid parking, storage lockers, a gift shop, and cafés and restaurants.
Most of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s attractions are wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the Gold Coast Airport and 10 minutes north of Coolangatta by car. The site is serviced by public Surfside Buses 700, 760, and 765, which run from Palm Beach, Burleigh Heads, and Surfers Paradise.

When to Get There

The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is open daily year round, and it’s worth planning your visit to coincide with the daily shows, feedings, and talks. The busiest times to visit are during peak summer season (December and January) and school holidays; if you want to avoid the crowds, opt for a mid-week visit outside of these times.

Family Fun at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers a range of activities and interactive experiences, including guided Segway tours through the rainforest and a thrilling ropes course. Animal lovers will also enjoy encounters with the park’s fauna (for an additional fee and under supervision of experienced handlers). In addition, you can learn how birds are trained for the free-flight shows.

20 Tomewin Street, Currumbin, Queensland 4223, Australia

Varies

From $ 30

Creswick Woollen Mills

There was once a time when wool-spinning mills were prevalent throughout Australia, and sheep were clustered in rural paddocks stretching far out into the hills. Today, however, the wool spinning industry is in rapid decline, which is all the more reason that Creswick Woollen Mills is an important Victoria highlight. The mill, in fact, is the lone remaining mill of its kind found anywhere in Australia, and alpacas provide the fiber for scarves, sweaters, socks, and shawls. When visiting the mill, tour the exhibit “A Very Fine Yarn,” which allows you to follow the wool making process from growth through harvest and production, and is one of the only places in Australia to watch manufacturing as it happens.

You can see the alpacas from the viewing deck and feel their luxurious wool, and even have the chance to feed the alpacas as they eat right out of your hand.

Practical Info

Tours of the Creswick Woollen Mill are offered daily at 11am, noon, 1pm, and 2pm, and cost $15 for adults. Each adult admission includes up to three children for free, and the admission fee can be used as a rebate on purchases of $50 or more.

Railway Parade, Creswick VIC 3363, Australia

Daily 9am-5pm

$15

From $ 1

Dampier Peninsula

Located to the north of Broome, the Dampier Peninsula is a huge, largely uninhabited stretch of land running from the northern edge of Coulomb Point Nature Reserve to Cape Leveque.

The Dampier Peninsula is one of the last true wildernesses in Australia. Residents in the area include tiny communities, pearling camps, the occasional tourist resort and the communities of the Bardi, Njulnjul and Djaberadjabera people – the traditional owners of the peninsula and the region surrounding it.

Dampier Peninsula is known by the Aboriginal people as Ardi, which means "heading north." The landscapes of the Dampier Peninsula are stunning. Turquoise blue waters shelter coral reefs and abundant tropical fish life, turtles and dugongs, whilst deeper waters are home to dolphins and, seasonally, migrating whales. Inland, the rich red earth dominates the landscape.

One of the best ways to explore the Dampier Peninsula is with the local Aboriginal people. Sample bush foods, learn to make spears, catch mud crabs, and be introduced to a way of life that existed for thousands of years before European settlement.

Practical Info

The Dampier Peninsula is only accessible by an unsealed road – for that reason, it is highly recommended that visitors only attempt the trip in a 4WD or as part of a tour. Flooding occasionally closes the road during the summer wet season. Dogs are not allowed on the peninsula. Camping and cabin style accommodation is available.

Dampier Peninsula, WA, Australia 6725, Australia

From $ 199

Cooks' Cottage

In the heritage-listed Fitzroy Gardens sits a historic building that is one of the most significant in Australia. Built in 1755 in England before being shipped to Australia in 1934, that building is Cooks’ Cottage – built by the parents of one Captain James Cook, the man who claimed Australia for the empire.

Today, after having being carefully dismantled, thoroughly labelled and shipped halfway around the world to be reconstructed, Cooks’ Cottage serves as a museum to the exploits of Captain Cook. Modern interpretations of his adventures are displayed alongside antiques in a very English cottage and garden.

As Captain Cook’s Childhood home, Cooks’ Cottage is a step back in time. The building has been carefully restored and great emphasis is put on the experience of visiting the cottage, including the 18th-century costumes worn by the staff. Entry to the cottage includes a self-guided tour and comprehensive fact sheet available in many languages, and school holiday programs run for children four times a year.

Practical Info

Cooks’ Cottage is a 15-minute walk from Federation Square, or very close to the Treasury Gardens stop on the free City Circle tram. The cottage is open from 9am-5pm daily, with the exception of Christmas Day, and last entry is at 4:45pm. Entry is $6.50 for adults, $3.60 for concession, and $3.50 for children up to 15 years.

230-298 Wellington Parade, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

9am-5pm daily

Adults $6; children up to 15 $3

From $ 41

Cornwall Park

A large, popular green space in the Auckland suburb of Epsom, Cornwall Park is a great option for a day of outdoor fun. The park houses restaurants and cultural attractions, and, as the site of a pre-European Maori settlement, is also archaeologically significant.

The Basics

Cornwall Park has marked trails, barbecue and picnic facilities, and plenty of space for casual sports. More than just a green space, the park is home to a working farm and Auckland’s oldest surviving wooden building, Acacia Cottage. Find out about all the natural and cultural attractions at the park’s information center, Huia Lodge, an early 19th-century heritage building that itself is worthy of a visit.

It’s easy to visit Cornwall Park independently. As it’s right next to One Tree Hill, many visitors combine a stroll in the park with a climb to the top of the hill for panoramic city views. Guided park walks, which include the site’s Maori archaeological remains, can be arranged on-site. Guided tours are not allowed inside the park.

Things to Know Before You Go

There are three food outlets within the park: Cornwall Park Bistro, Cornwall Park Café, and the Creamery.
Visitors can join the 3-mile (5-kilometer) park run that departs from the Band Rotunda every Saturday morning.
Cornwall Park is on the 10-mile (16-kilometer) coast-to-coast walking route between Waitemata and Manukau harbors.

How to Get There

Free car parking is available to visitors with their own vehicles. The closest train stations are Greenlane (a 15-minute walk along Green Lane West) and Remuera Road (a 10-minute walk along Market Road). No bus runs directly to the park, but buses that travel along Manukau Road, Green Lane West, and Great South Road will get you close.

When to Get There

Cornwall Park is open during the daylight hours, with varying opening times depending on the season. Its popularity with Aucklanders means it’s busiest at weekends. Seasonal events are held throughout the year, particularly in summer, with entertainment for kids and free outdoor concerts.

Tour Auckland’s Volcanoes

Auckland is a city of visible volcanoes—around 50, in fact—and Cornwall Park is located at the foot of one of them (One Tree Hill, or Maungakiekie). Travelers interested in seeing and exploring Auckland’s other volcanoes have plenty of options: kayaking around Mount Rangitoto in the harbor, climbing One Tree Hill and Mount Eden in the central city area, or visiting the Auckland War Memorial Museum at the top of Pukekawa.

One Tree Hill, Auckland 1051, New Zealand

From $ 37

Craters of the Moon

An otherworldly landscape of bubbling mud pools and steam-puffing vents, Taupo’s Craters of the Moon park offers a dramatic introduction to the region’s geothermic wonders. With Lake Taupo situated in the caldera of an ancient volcano and the surrounding area dotted with hot springs and geysers, Taupo has long been a center of geothermic activity and the Craters of the Moon is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to take in its highlights.

Inside the park, two walking trails loop around the principal attractions, with the raised walkways snaking through the heart of the active geothermic terrain. Look beneath your feet and you’ll see steam escaping through the cracks in the boardwalk; just out of arm’s reach, pools of murky grey mud spit and splutter, as if gasping for breath. The landscape unfolds in a moon-like vista worthy of its name, swirling with deep craters, fumaroles and tropical vegetation. Located in the Wairakei Tourist Park – New Zealand’s largest geothermal field - since the 1950s, the Craters of the Moon is now looked after by the Department of Conservation and is open to visitors year-round.

New Zealand

Adult: $6, Child: $2.50

From $ 155

Coral Gardens

Bora Bora is one of the most famous islands in French Polynesia. The main island is surrounded by a lagoon, a barrier reef, and tiny islets that help keep the water calm most of the time. On Bora Bora across from the main island, you'll find the fascinating Coral Gardens. This coral reef is not far below the surface of the water, so it makes for easy and fun snorkeling. Visitors will get to see colorful coral as well as a variety of fish that live in the area. Some of the fish you could see include butterfly fish, parrot fish, puffer fish, Picasso trigger fish, snapper, tang, goat fish, grouper, trumpet fish, zebra unicorn fish, wrasse or Japanese moray eels. In some areas, it's possible to even see sharks and stingrays.

There aren't many public beaches on Bora Bora since the resorts own them privately. This makes access to the Coral Garden reefs a bit limited depending on where you're staying. Many companies operate boat tours, shark and stingray feedings, snorkeling, and scuba diving excursions. These tours are especially helpful in bringing visitors to see parts of the coral reef located farther from shore.

Practical Info

The Coral Gardens section of Bora Bora's reef is easiest to access, and it is located east of the main island and across from the Sofitel Marara resort.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

From $ 135

Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak is New Zealand’s oldest ski field and remains a popular choice for people heading to the slopes during the southern hemisphere’s ski season. Snow bunnies can take to one of the ski field’s many trails, while sightseers can enjoy the stunning views of the Wakatipu Basin and the Southern Alps from the summit of the peak.

The Basics

Located fewer than 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Queenstown, Coronet Peak has a large number of trails designed for skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels, from beginner courses at the base of the mountain to black diamond slopes that branch out from the summit. Lessons are available for first-timers young and old.

Coronet Peak isn’t just a hot spot for snowsports, though. Sightseers can take a chairlift up to the top of the summit and relish the panoramic views of the Otago region and the rest of the Southern Alps. Experienced hikers and mountain bikers can start the picturesque Devils Creek Track on Coronet Peak Road. Visitors looking for a bit more adventure can try hang gliding or paragliding from the summit.

Things to Know Before You Go

Coronet Peak is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, and with daycare options and free passes for children under 5 years old, it’s a great ski field for families.
Temperatures on the mountain can dip below freezing, so make sure to wear boots, warm layers, and waterproof jackets and pants.
Ski and snowboarding gear, jackets, pants, and helmets are all available for rent from Coronet Peak’s rental shop.
If heading to the nearby Remarkables ski field the next day, you can have your rental gear transferred to the field.
Coronet Peak has two cafés and a restaurant that are open for most of the day. If you fancy a wine or beer while looking out over the Southern Alps, the Ice Bar is located just off the M1 trail.

How to Get There

Coronet Peak is a short drive from Queenstown, but you’ll need chains to make it the whole way there. Alternatively, catch the express bus from the Queenstown Snow Centre on Duke Street, which leaves every 20 minutes during the morning—or, for a small fee, you can get the bus to pick you up from your hotel.

When to Get There

Ski season typically runs from June or July to October, and snow cover is usually best in late July and August—the snow starts melting when spring hits. If you’re more interested in excitement and atmosphere than top conditions, plan to visit in early July, when the annual Queenstown Winter Festival takes over the mountain day and night.

Ski by Night at Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak is typically open only during the day, but the slopes remain open late during the height of the ski season. If you time it right, you can ride the slopes during an Otago sunset, then head to the restaurant or Ice Bar for food, drink, and a live DJ performing late into the night.

Coronet Peak, New Zealand

From $ 21

Crater Lakes National Park

Consisting of both Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine, Crater Lakes National Park has the two clear, blue bodies of water set against the backdrop of lush Australian rainforest. The park is part of the Wetlands World Heritage Area, with hiking trails and picnic areas that allow visitors to take in the pristine scenery. Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and bird watching also bring many to the area.

Both lakes were the result of craters formed by explosions of groundwater millions of years ago. The surrounding forest displays remnants of centuries of climate change and volcanic activity. It is a protected area maintained by the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service. Towering, ancient Kauri pine trees dominate the forest. Australian animal life — from musky-rat kangaroos to pythons to thousands of species of birds and butterflies — can all be found here.

Practical Info

Located on the eastern part of the Atherton Tableland in Queensland, the Crate Lakes National Park is about an hour’s drive from Cairns on the Gillies Highway. An information center located at Lake Eacham is a great spot to start, with a self-guided walk through the rainforest that begins at the center.

Gillies Hwy, Lake Eacham QLD, Australia

From $ 145

Cooloola Recreation Area

Massive sand dunes, rocky cliffs, saltwater beaches, thick wooded forests, wildflower patches and freshwater lakes make Cooloola Recreation Area the perfect place to escape the bustle of Queensland and get back to nature. From family-friendly tent camps to remote bush sites, Cooloola offers travelers a low-key, high-quality Outback experience that’s certain to be a trip highlight.

Miles of walking trails and hiking passes wind through Cooloola. Visitors can spend a few hours trekking along one of the circuits, or take an overnight hike to one of the park’s scenic overlooks. But perhaps the most popular activity in Cooloola Recreation Area is canoeing on the upper Noosa River. A number of popular routes link visitors to campsites, fishing points and hiking paths, where wildlife viewing is at its peak.

Practical Info

Cooloola Recreation Area is located north of Brisbane between the coastal towns of Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended and access permits are required on beaches and some inland roads. A Noosa River ferry operates daily between 5:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. and allows access to the beach and Noosa North Shore.

Cooloola Recreation Area, Cooloola, Queensland, Australia

Daily

From $ 145

Crown Casino

Covering a significant portion of Melbourne’s Southbank, Crown Casino is an entertainment complex with three hotels, spas, a cinema, a casino, and a number of bars and restaurants that overlook the Yarra River. The fun never ends at the casino, which is open 24 hours and welcomes guests with a dazzling water jet and fire show.

The Basics

The Crown Entertainment Complex is the crown jewel of Melbourne’s city center. It features a number of upscale fashion brands such as Prada and Louis Vuitton as well as famous restaurants like Nobu, Rockpool, and Bistro Guillaume. Take an adventurous kayak tour along the Yarra River to get a glimpse of the Crown and the rest of the Melbourne skyline. For a more relaxing journey, hop on a sightseeing cruise to discover the best of Melbourne from Federation Square through the Docklands to the Port of Melbourne.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Crown Casino is a must-visit for casino lovers and party animals, as it boasts some of the best bars, restaurants, and views of Melbourne.
Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to enter the Crown Casino gaming and gambling areas.
The Crown complex also offers a number of wheelchair-accessible facilities, including some restrooms, parking bays, gaming areas, and eateries.

How to Get There

The Crown Casino is located on the Southbank Promenade, just across the Yarra River from Flinders Street Station. Visitors can take a number of trams and trains to Flinders Street and walk across Queens or Princes Bridge to access the complex. Trams 12, 58, 96, and 109 also leave guests right in front of the casino. There’s also a parking facility available for those who would like to drive.

When to Get There

The casino is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with the exception of Christmas Day, Good Friday, and Anzac Day. For those who love gastronomy, the Crown Casino hosts a number of events during the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival held every March. Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival are also lively times to visit.

The Gas Brigades of Crown

In one of Melbourne’s coolest shows, eight towers along Southbank shoot large fireballs into the sky along the Yarra River’s bustling promenade. Once the sun sets, the fireball show begins, every hour on the hour. It’s free to watch, and not to be missed.

Yarra Promenade, Southbank, Melbourne 3000, Australia

Open daily

From $ 19

Daintree Rainforest

From the dramatic jungle-clad gorges, wild rivers, and tumbling waterfalls of Daintree National Park to the deserted coast of Cape Tribulation along the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest is Australia’s largest stretch of rain forest, covering 460 square miles (1,200 square kilometers). A protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and a hiker’s paradise, the rainforest is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity.

The Basics

The Daintree National Park is an adventure playground for nature lovers. Book a guided tour to get the most out of the rain forest. Most tours set out from Cairns or Port Douglas and take in highlights such as the Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, or Marrdja Boardwalk. Adventurers can also discover the region’s rich Aboriginal culture, zipline through the rain forest canopy, take a 4WD safari, spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, go horseback riding, or hike through the ancient rainforest.

Things to Know Before You Go

Temperatures can reach upwards of 86°F (30°C) in summer, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as well as insect repellent and comfortable shoes.
Facilities at the Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre include restrooms, a shop and cafe, audio guides, and free WiFi.
The Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre offers wheelchair-accessible boardwalks, aerial walkways, and lookout towers, but not all park activities are accessible to those with limited mobility.

How to Get There

Daintree Rainforest National Park is located in North Queensland, about 62 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Cairns and 35 miles (56 kilometers) north of Port Douglas. The best way to visit is by car or as part of an organized tour by 4WD or coach. The park is split into two main sections—south of the Daintree River, entered via the Mossman Gorge, and north of the river (crossed by cable ferry), where the main entry point is at the Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre.

When to Get There

The most popular time to visit the Daintree Rainforest is during the dry season (April to October), when the weather is cool and less humid—it’s best to make an early start during this time. To bypass the crowds, visiting in wet season (November to March) is a possibility, although flash floods and landslides do occur, and box jellyfish can appear along the coast.

Wildlife Spotting in the Daintree Rainforest

As one of the oldest stretches of tropical rain forest in the world, the Daintree Rainforest harbors some 430 bird species, more than a third of Australia’s mammals, and an impressive number of rare and endemic species. Top sightings include the endangered cassowary, Macleay's honeyeater, Boyd's forest dragon, white-lipped tree frog, paradise kingfisher, Bennett’s tree-kangaroo, and spectacled flying fox, while you might also spot echidna, platypus, and saltwater crocodiles.

Mossman-Daintree Road, Daintree 4873, Australia

Open daily

Free

From $ 112

Crocosaurus Cove

Even though it’s located in the middle of the city, Darwin’s Crocosaurus Cove lets you feel like you’ve wandered out into the Top End of Northern Australia's wilderness, where turtles, saltwater crocodiles, and barramundi fish reside in their natural habitat. You can visit the sanctuary full of yellow-faced turtles or observe the fish swimming around in the aquarium, where you can also catch a glimpse of a whipray—the freshwater cousin of stingrays. Throughout the day there are staff-led talks and chances to view trainer-led crocodile feedings.

While Viator tours do not include these activities, visitors have the opportunity to observe crocodiles from an underwater glass enclosure or to hold a baby crocodile under careful staff supervision for an additional fee starting from $120.

Practical Info

Crocosaurus Cove is located just outside of Darwin city center, close to Bicentennial Park. You can get there via the Stuart Highway, or walking from most downtown attractions and the Darwin bus station. The cove is open every day from 9am to 6pm, and admission costs $35 for adults, and $23 for children agres four to 15. Additional activities must be booked well in advance. There are showers and changing rooms inside the facility.

Did You Know? Saltwater crocodiles are the world’s largest reptiles, and can grow up to 18 feet (5.5 m) long.

58 Mitchell Street, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800, Australia

9am–6pm daily

Adult: $35, Child: $23

From $ 27

Customs House

Located in bustling Circular Quay, historic Customs House stands on the spot where modern Australia was founded. This is the site where the famous First Fleet came ashore in 1788, to establish a British penal colony in a land very far away. When the building was constructed in 1845, it was built in a classically Georgian style that’s exceptionally well preserved today, and simply the exterior is a sight in itself in the middle of Circular Quay. All the way up until 1990, Customs House served as the Customs Service headquarters for anyone entering the country, but today is a popular public space for just lounging and killing some time. On the top story, a café looks out over Circular Quay and is a nice place for grabbing a coffee, while the Sydney Library and it’s 400,000 books are open for viewing below. There’s free wi fi throughout the building—which is somewhat of a rarity in Sydney—and there’s even a miniature replica of the city in a glass atrium in the floor.

Practical Info

Customs House is a popular public meeting and gathering area, and is the logical place for meeting with friends or joining a group downtown. There’s no admission to enter the building, which definitely warrants a casual stroll while exploring Circular Quay.

31 Alfred Street, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia

Monday-Friday 8am-Midnight, Saturday 10am-Midnight, Sunday 11am-5pm

From $ 21

Cooktown

The relaxed coastal town of Cooktown is a popular excursion from Port Douglas.

Captain Cook beached his ship the Endeavour here, hence the name. These days daytrippers come here to visit the intriguing James Cook Historical Museum, to pay their respects to his statue overlooking Bicentennial Park, and order up a seafood platter at a local restaurant.

Cooktown has some impressive buildings for an outback coastal town, thanks to the 1870s to 1890s gold rush at the nearby Palmer goldfields. The town’s impressive botanic gardens date from this period.

Practical Info

Cooktown is one of the most northerly settlements on Australia’s far north coast, before the wilds of Cape York Peninsula take over. Port Douglas is 267 km (166 miles) south of Cooktown.

A tour to Cooktown from Port Douglas can combine the scenic coastal route, traveling through the Daintree to Cape Tribulation along the Bloomfield Track, and the inland Mulligan Highway for iconic outback landscapes.

Charlotte Street, Cooktown 4895, Australia

Free

From $ 219

Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe Beach’s Indian Ocean waves and sugar-like sand make you forget quite easily that you're in the middle of a major Australian city. When you’re lying on a beach towel, gazing out at the clear turquoise water, listening to kids splash around and feeling the soft white sand beneath your fingers, you’d almost think you were on a tropical Caribbean island. That’s the magic of Perth – all the urban features you need and idyllic beaches to get away from it all. Cott, as it’s affectionately known, is anchored by Indiana, a restaurant housed in a beautiful building where you can sip a cocktail and enjoy a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset. Beware Sunday afternoons when the beach becomes crowded with local teenagers who walk down from the adjacent neighborhood.

Australia

From $ 48

Cullen Bay

Cullen Bay is about 10 minutes outside of Darwin. Its drawcard is a big sleek marina packed with yachts. In an uncertain tropical climate like Darwin's, this marina offers yachting traffic the security of a man-made environment with a locked waterway and sea walls that close. This means it's accessible in the low Spring tides and a registered cyclone haven - hence its popularity.

For the landlubber, Cullen Bay is an equally sleek oasis of shops, restaurants, bars and day spas. It's a popular place for visitors to stay, as its serviced apartments are so close to all these amenities - and water views. It's also close to the ferry terminal, so you can take off on trips to Mandorah and Tiwi islands.

Practical Info

There are also plenty of charter businesses that can take you out on fishing trips, sightseeing expeditions or sunset cruises.

Darwin, Australia

Free

From $ 27