Choose from 146 Fun Things to Do in New South Wales
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 146 listings.
Manly Beach
Straddling the peninsula of North Head on Sydney Harbour, the town of Manly is Sydney’s most popular seaside resort. It offers the best of both worlds, with calm harbor beaches on one side and wild ocean waves on the other.
Linking the two is The Corso, lined with cafes and restaurants. Along with swimming, surfing, wining and dining, Manly’s most popular attraction is of course Oceanworld, on Manly Cove Beach on the harbor side of the town. Sharks and rays swim overhead curving walkways, or you can don a wetsuit and go diving with these monsters of the deep (if you dare!).
Manly is surrounded by gorgeous beaches linked by scenic seaside walkways. Boating, kayaking, surfing and cycling are popular pastimes in summer, while winter is a good time to visit the historic former quarantine facility Q Station or take a North Harbour walk to Shelly Beach or The Spit.
Practical Info
Manly is on the northern side of Sydney Harbour, on North Head guarding the entrance to the harbor. Manly Cove is on the harbor, while North and South Steyne beaches are washed by the Pacific Ocean and lined by Norfolk pines.
Manly Cove is 7 nautical miles from Circular Quay by ferry, the time-honored and most fun method of travel. It’s 30 minutes one way by ferry and a speedy 15 minutes by Jetcat. To get here by car takes at least an hour from central Sydney, so ditch the car and take the ferry!
Address: The Corso, Sydney 2095, Australia
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 33
Madame Tussauds Sydney
The famous wax museum, Madame Tussauds, with its incredibly life-like wax figures of famous people, can be found all over the world. Sydney was added to the list when this location opened its gates in 2012.
Now, Australians and visitors from all over the world can take the opportunity to stand next to their favorite glitz and glamour star. From TV personalities, famous sport players, musicians, actors and A-List celebrities to world leaders, scientists and the key players in world histor –the wax museum lets visitors meet a wide range of personalities from different fields and time periods.
In addition to international celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Barack Obama and Michael Jackson, Madame Tussauds in Sydney also makes an effort to include local personalities. The history zone is filled with founders and well-known names from the times of colonial Australia. In addition, next to Kylie Minogue, you can also find the stars of the Australian sports and media scene.
Practical Info
Madame Tussauds is located right next to the Sydney Aquarium and Wild Life Sydney on Darling Harbour. While there are a couple car parks in central Sydney, it is easiest to arrive to the wax museum by public transport. There is regular ferry service to Darling Harbour and if you arrive by train, Madame Tussauds is only a short walk from the Town Hall or Wynard Stations. If you take the city sightseeing bus, get out at stop 24. The museum opens daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: Sydney Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia
Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Adults $40 AUD, children $28 AUD
From $ 30
Kiama Blowhole
See (and hear) water from the ocean’s force as it is pushed up into the rocks, creating the spout of Kiama Blowhole — the biggest natural blowhole in the world. Kiaram-a is believed the be the Aboriginal phrase meaning “the noise of the sea.” As water entered the enclosed space in the rock formation, the air is compressed and released with a low sound and the upward spouting of the water. Explosions of water can reach up to 80 feet high — quite the natural spectacle.
Coastal explorers first discovered the blowhole in 1797, though it had been significant to local Aboriginal communities for centuries prior. There is also a lighthouse overhead and a smaller blowhole fittingly called “Little Blowhole” a few minutes walk away. Picnic facilities and rock pools are present beside the blowhole, as well as a small cafe and visitor information center.
Practical Info
Find the blowhole at the end of Blowhole Point Road in Kiama, New South Wales. The facilities and visitor center are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Stand back from the viewing platform unless you want to get wet!
Address: Kiama, NSW, Australia 2533, Australia
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 81
James Craig Tall Ship
To say the James Craig has had a lengthy history would be a bit of an understatement. Its restoration process took 40 years, and before that it spent 40 years washed up on a Tasmanian beach. Despite that 80-year period, however, when the ship was incapacitated, the James Craig still spent 56 years of sailing out on the seas, rounding Cape Horn 23 times and serving her country in World War I when stationed up in New Guinea. Today, after all that hard work restoring the ship and saving it from the sand, she’s the Southern Hemisphere’s only 19th century tall ship that’s fully operational, regularly taking passengers for cruises out on Sydney Harbor and beyond. In total, the ship has 21 different sails and over 140 lines, and for an added fee you can scale the mast and experience swaying nearly 35 feet above the heaving decks. While enjoying a cruise on the James Craig, take in views of Sydney sights as you make your way out to the Heads, and feel the wind rushing through your hair like salty sailors of old.
Practical Info
Sailing excursions on the James Craig regularly take place twice per month, with dockside viewing available at Wharf 7 at Sydney’s Pyrmont Bay. All children must be at least 2 feet tall in order to board, and passengers are expected to be able to climb steps and navigate narrow passageways.
Address: Wharf 7, 58 Pirrama Road, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 2009, Australia
Hours: Full day sails are from 9:30am-4pm, and half day sails are from 1-6pm.
Admission: Children: $60; Adults: $120-170 (depends on cruise length)
From $ 89
Hyde Park Barracks Museum
The foundations of Sydney were built on convict labor, and the Hyde Park Barracks are where criminals who were sentenced to live out the rest of their days in Australia were housed. Opened to hold male convicts working on the government projects and later to house orphan girls escaping the Irish famine, it was after that also used as a female immigration depot, an asylum for impoverished women and a courthouse. All through history, it was the place where people in Australia certainly did not want to end up. Now, as a museum, the barracks tell the stories of those unlucky enough to pass through its doors.
The building itself was also built with convict labor, after it was decided that housing the criminals in one place would improve productivity as well as their moral character. The structure looks nothing short of imposing with its massive shingled roof standing above a simple, durable façade of sandstock brick. It impressed Governor Macquarie so much that the convict who had been assigned to design it, architect Francis Greenway, got a full pardon out of it. But while he earned his freedom, many others weren't so lucky. A guardsman once described the barracks housing up to 1,400 men as “a perfect accumulation of vice and infamy."
When restoration on the building began in 1975, archaeologists were able to pull thousands of personal items out of cracks and from beneath floorboards. This collection, together with displays and stories, now make up the museum and teach about the living conditions of the men and women who once lived here.
Practical Info
Located at the southern end of Macquarie Street, the barracks are only a five-minute walk away from the St James train station and the Elizabeth Street bus station. The Hyde Park Barracks Museum opens daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is only closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Address: Queens Square, Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Hours: Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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 $ 44
Ku-ring-gai Chase
Located in northern Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is the second-oldest national park in the country and a favorite among campers, hikers and nature lovers. Its lush rainforest landscape, quiet creeks and mountain passes lead visitors to forget Ku-ring-gai Chase is still within Sydney city limits, but its incredible views, thick mangroves and scenic drives make it the perfect escape from center city hustle.
The park is on the Australian National Heritage List, and travelers often wander its well-kept walking paths that wind through the Australian jungle. Driving may prove the easiest way to navigate the area, but many visitors prefer to call upon bicycles and horses to explore. An ideal day trip, Ku-ring-gai Chase offers public picnic spaces, paddle and sailboats and scenic overlooks like the Barrenjoey Lighthouse.
Practical Info
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is accessible by car from Turramurra, Mt Colah, Terrey Hills and Church Point. It is open from sunrise to sunset but may close in inclement weather, so it’s best to call ahead during poor conditions. Gates near Bobbin Head and Appletree Bay are closed between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily, and gates to West Head are closed from 8:30 p.m. until 6 a.m. Entry fees are $11 per vehicle per day.
Address: Bobbin head Road, North Turramurra, New South Wales, Australia
Hours: Daily
From $ 37
Jenolan Caves
One of Australia’s oldest and most impressive cave systems, Jenolan Caves are a highlight of any visit to the Blue Mountains. The caves serve up some spectacular scenery, with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, underground rivers, and unusual limestone and crystal formations.
The Basics
The only way to explore the caves is on a guided tour, and there are more than 10 different show caves to discover. Each cave has its own unique selling point—Lucas and Imperial are the largest and most accessible, Chifley Cave is riddled with secret chambers, and the Orient and Temple of Baal caves have stunning rock formations. There’s also River Cave, set around a subterranean river, and the Ribbon Cave, with its unusual crystal formations.
Various combination tickets and tours are available. Day tours of Jenolan Caves from Sydney often include a visit to the Blue Mountains, stopping at regional attractions, such as the Three Sisters rock formation and Jamison Valley, the mountain villages of Leura and Wentworth, or Featherdale Wildlife Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is a minimum age of 6 or 10 years for some cave tours, which are graded according to their difficulty level.
- Temperatures in the cave average 60°F (16°C) year-round, so bring warm clothing. Sturdy, enclosed shoes and comfortable clothing are also essential.
- Most caves are not wheelchair accessible, but visits to Orient Cave can be arranged with prior notice. For those with reduced mobility, Imperial Cave is the most easily accessible.
- The Jenolan Caves complex has a number of hotels, restaurants, cafés, and on-site facilities for visitors.
How to Get There
Most travelers opt to visit Jenolan Caves as part of a Blue Mountains tour. There is no public transport to the caves, but trains run from Sydney to Katoomba, from where coach tours operate to the caves. There is plenty of free parking on-site.
When to Get There
The caves are open daily year-round. The busiest time to visit is during the summer months of January and February, when advance booking is essential.
Adventure Activities at Jenolan Caves
Jenolan Caves’ striking topography affords adventurous travelers plenty of opportunities to explore. Visit rarely seen caves on an “off the track” tour; take a thrilling night excursion; or strap on a headlamp and helmet, and squeeze, scramble, and crawl through the “Plughole.” Hikers can also enjoy a number of bushwalks around the caves, with popular choices, including Carlotta Arch Walk, Jenolan River Walk, and McKeown's Valley Track.
Address: Australia
From $ 31
Jervis Bay National Park
Though six times the size of Sydney Harbor, Jervis Bay remains relatively undiscovered, despite containing the whitest sand beach in the world (Hyams Beach, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.) The clear turquoise waters located in the park are lauded as some of the purest in the world. Outside of its beautiful beaches, the park has wetlands, forests, and bays rich in Australian wildlife and Aboriginal artifacts. The diverse landscapes offer excellent bird-watching, hiking, snorkeling, and swimming.
Whales and dolphins have been known to make appearances, and fishing is plentiful and popular here. Greenfield Beach is a favorite area, with facilities for visitors. The main town of Huskisson is a launching off point for the many aquatic activities available in the Jervis Bay Marine Park. The protected area lies on 4,854 hectares in total, so there’s plenty to explore.
Practical Info
The national park is situated on the western and northern shores of Jervis Bay in southern New South Wales, about three hours driving time from Sydney. It is bordered by Booderee National Park and St. George’s Basin.
Address: Jervis Bay Territory, ACT, Australia 2540, Australia
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 26
Leura
Leura, sometimes called the “Jewel in the Mountains Crown,” is a small Blue Mountains village located about 60 miles (100 kilometers) west of Sydney. Smaller than neighboring Katoomba, with a quaint, cherry tree lined town center called the Leura Mall, the village exudes mill-town charm. There are cafes, bakeries, antiques shops, and high-end boutiques, with brightly colored flowers decorating the streets.
The Basics
Visitors often stop in Leura for a relaxing lunch while sightseeing in the Blue Mountains, The village is packed with dining and shopping options, and is also home to its own bush walks like the Leura Cascades, Leura Forest, Gordon Falls, and Sublime Point, which leads to a luxury golf course. Visitors can also stop by the Everglades Gardens, a lovingly maintained 1930s Heritage Trust site with a grotto pool and teahouse.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Laura is known for its meticulously maintained flower gardens. Many of the town’s gardens are private, but they open to the pubic during the annual Garden Festival.
- There are a number of dining options from casual to upscale in the village.
- Give yourself ample time to explore Leura’s town center with antiques shops, trendy boutiques, cafes and coffee shops.
How to Get There
Leura is located in the Blue Mountains about 60 miles (100 kilometers) west of central Sydney. The villa can be reached by car: it’s about a 90-minute drive or a 2-hour train ride on the Blue Mountains Line from Sydney’s Central Station.
When to Get There
Laura offers different activities and local festivals throughout the year. The popular, annual Garden festival and village fair take place in October.
Three Sisters
The Three Sisters is an ancient rock formation located in the Blue Mountains National Park in the town of Katoomba, just a short drive or train ride from Leura. The towering trio of stones has a mythical dimension: An Aboriginal Dreamtime legend tells of three sisters who lived in the Jamison Valley, fell in love with three brothers from a rival tribe, and were forbidden to marry. Visitors can access the landmark via Echo Point.
Address: Leura, NSW 2780, Australia
From $ 37
Hawkesbury River
Along with its main tributary the Nepean River, the Hawkesbury River circles the area where Sydney is located. Visitors to the Hawkesbury Valley can enjoy boating, riverside dining (the oysters are most popular,) and see the last remaining river boat postman, which delivers mail to a few of the smaller riverside towns. Hiking, picnicking, mountain biking, and fishing are available in the natural surrounding area.
The Hawkesbury region is was one of the earliest colonial settlements in Australia. As such there are many historic buildings and Heritage Trails listed with the National Trust. Many travelers also choose to stay on the river in a houseboat, or in one of the small towns. Richmond and Windsor are the most central and well known, but there are various other small settlements to see as well. Or visitors can explore the many farms, orchards, and vineyards of Hawkesbury — 15% of all produce grown in Australia is found here.
Practical Info
Hawkesbury River is situated on the edges of the Wollemi and Blue Mountains National Parks, about an hour’s drive northwest of Sydney.
Address: NSW, Australia, Australia
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 108
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
One of only four giant observation wheels in the world, along with the London Eye, the Singapore Flyer and the Las Vegas High Roller, the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel has some big names to live up to, but with its 360-degree panoramic views reaching as far as the distant Mount Macedon and Dandenong mountain range, there’s no other attraction like it in the city of Melbourne.
Riding in one of the 21 air-conditioned capsules is an experience in itself, reaching heights of up to 400 feet (120 meters or the equivalent of 40 stories) during the 30-minute tour and offering an unbeatable bird’s eye view of the surrounding Docklands and Port Phillip Bay from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The most atmospheric time to ride the Melbourne Star is during the evening hours, when the wheel’s specially engineered multi-colored LED-lighting creates a dazzling lightshow over the waterfront.
Practical Info
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is located along the waterfront of Melbourne's Docklands and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with last admission at 9:30 p.m. (from 1 p.m. on Christmas Day and Anzac Day). Adult admission costs AU$32.
Address: 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands, Melbourne VIC 3008, Australia
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Admission: AU$32
From $ 27
High Court of Australia
Anyone standing in the Parliamentary Triangle will notice the High Court of Australia. A towering building of concrete and glass that rises 130 feet, the court is an award-winning piece of architecture on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. The glass is meant to symbolize transparency in Australia’s judicial process, and visitors are welcome to sit on proceedings whenever court is in session. Many of Australia’s most notable cases have been conducted here in this building, and the laws that govern the entire nation are handed down from these halls.
Three different courtrooms and a public hall are accessible to courthouse visitors, and even during times when court isn’t in session, the public hall can host cultural events or even afternoon concerts. Informative placards highlight events that have shaped the court system’s past, and with the exception of marble that has been imported from Italy, all of the timber and beams in the courthouse are made from Australian wood. Part functioning legal facility and part design attraction, the High Court of Australia is a noble stop when visiting downtown Canberra.
Practical Info
The High Court of Australia is open for visits on Monday-Friday, 9:45am-4:30pm, and admission is free. Court is usually in session for two weeks out of every month, with the exception of January and July when the court is in recess. For visitors who do end up sitting in court, it’s customary to bow upon entrance and exit and to sit for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Address: Parkes Pl, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:45am-4:30pm
From $ 140
Milsons Point
Travelers love Milsons Point because of the uninterrupted views of Harbour Bridge and the iconic Opera House. During hot summer nights, locals gather on this tiny peninsula in Sydney Harbour opposite Sydney Cove and watch the sun dip down over the central business district skyline. This quiet spot has become a destination for those looking to capture a perfect picture of the city.
When day turns to night, young couples can be found holding hands as they stroll along the neon-lit midway of nearby Luna Park. The low-key crowd will appreciate the well-manicured suburbs of the north shore that are ripe with quiet cafes, continental restaurants and plenty of friendly locals.
Practical Info
Milsons Point is within walking distance of Luna Park, the Chinese Christian Church and North Sydney Olympic Pool. Firework shows often take place after dark, making evening hours one of the best times to visit. Travelers can easily find free parking in the area from the late afternoon on.
Address: Sydney, Australia
From $ 41
Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary
Not to be confused with the Sydney SEA LIFE Aquarium in Darling Harbour, the Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary on Sydney’s North Shore has recently undergone a name change (from Oceanworld Manly) and has gained a number of new attractions.
A new breeding habitat called Penguin Cove was opened in late June 2012 and now houses a small population of cute Little Penguins. As an endangered population that live and breed on Sydney’s busy natural coastline, the penguins in Penguin Cove are provided a safe place to raise their young and be observed by visitors.
Another big attraction that sets Manly SEA LIFE apart from its Darling Harbour cousin is its ‘Shark Dive Xtreme.’ Thanks to a large colony of non-aggressive but fearsome looking Grey Nurse Sharks, this dive is an opportunity to swim amongst the marine life cage-free!
If that doesn’t whet your appetite, Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary has an underwater viewing tunnel for close up but dry views of sharks, sting rays, turtles and other marine life. There are also a number of interactive rock pools where you can clearly see all the weird and wonderful undersea creatures that call Sydney Harbour their home.
The easiest and most fun way to get to the Sanctuary is on a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf.
A new breeding habitat called Penguin Cove was opened in late June 2012 and now houses a small population of cute Little Penguins. As an endangered population that live and breed on Sydney’s busy natural coastline, the penguins in Penguin Cove are provided a safe place to raise their young and be observed by visitors.
Another big attraction that sets Manly SEA LIFE apart from its Darling Harbour cousin is its ‘Shark Dive Xtreme.’ Thanks to a large colony of non-aggressive but fearsome looking Grey Nurse Sharks, this dive is an opportunity to swim amongst the marine life cage-free!
If that doesn’t whet your appetite, Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary has an underwater viewing tunnel for close up but dry views of sharks, sting rays, turtles and other marine life. There are also a number of interactive rock pools where you can clearly see all the weird and wonderful undersea creatures that call Sydney Harbour their home.
The easiest and most fun way to get to the Sanctuary is on a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf.
Address: West Esplanade, Manly 2095, Australia
Hours: Open daily: 10am-5:30pm (closed Christmas Day)
Admission: Adults: $24; Children: $12
From $ 37
Melbourne Aquarium
All things fishy swim inside the Melbourne Aquarium, right beside the Yarra River in central Melbourne. The focus is on creatures from the Southern Ocean. Penguins are a particular highlight, along with other Antarctic creatures. Those who dare swim with the sharks, while more gentle creatures swim in the coral atoll, rock pools, mangroves and billabongs.
Creatures from around Australia swim in the River to the Reef exhibit, while Weird and Wonderful highlights nature’s variety – from Nemo clownfish to scuttling crabs and UV-lit transparent sea jellies. Another star attraction is the creepy Oceanarium, with its viewing fishbowl filled with gray nurse sharks, stingrays and turtles.
Creatures from around Australia swim in the River to the Reef exhibit, while Weird and Wonderful highlights nature’s variety – from Nemo clownfish to scuttling crabs and UV-lit transparent sea jellies. Another star attraction is the creepy Oceanarium, with its viewing fishbowl filled with gray nurse sharks, stingrays and turtles.
Practical Info
Melbourne Aquarium is an easy stroll from either Flinders Street Station or Southern Cross Station. Trams run along Flinders Street, including the free Tourist Shuttle, dropping you outside the aquarium. You can also walk across the Yarra River to reach here from the Crown Entertainment Complex.
Address: Corner Flinders and King Streets, Melbourne 3000, Australia
Hours: Open 9:30am - 6pm every day
Admission: Adult: AU$32.50 Child (3-15yrs): AU$18.50
From $ 31
Healesville Sanctuary
With more than 74 acres (30 hectares) of natural bushlands and hundreds of animal residents, Healesville Sanctuary is one of the best places in Victoria to spot native Australian animals. Kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, platypus, emus, and Tasmanian devils are just some of the many creatures that call the sanctuary home.
The Basics
Standard entry to Healesville Sanctuary includes access to all the main attractions, including the bushland walks and exhibits, the live shows and zoo keeper talks, and the Australian Wildlife Health Centre, which cares for sick and injured wildlife. Entrance to the sanctuary is free for iVenture card holders.
Many travelers opt to visit as part of a day tour from Melbourne, often in combination with nearby attractions, such as a ride on the Puffing Billy steam train or wine tasting in the Yarra Valley.
Things to Know Before You Go
- On-site facilities include free car parking, picnic areas, and a selection of restaurants, cafés, and gift shops.
- Most of the sanctuary’s exhibits are outdoors and you will likely do a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and water.
- Healesville Sanctuary is fully wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair rental is available.
How to Get There
Healesville Sanctuary is located close to the Yarra Valley, an approximately 1.5-hour drive east of central Melbourne. To arrive by public transport, take the train from Melbourne to Lilydale Railway Station, followed by the 686 bus to Badger Creek.
When to Get There
Healesville Sanctuary is open daily, year-round, but the busiest time to visit is during the summer peak season (December–January) or during school holidays. To avoid the crowds, opt for a weekday visit in offseason, or if visiting with your own transport, make an early start and arrive at opening.
Animal Sightings at Healesville Sanctuary
The Kangaroo Country, Koala Forest, Dingo Country, and Platypus Creek exhibits allow visitors to admire native animals in an environment similar to their natural habitats. At the Cool Conservation exhibit, learn about the sanctuary’s breeding programs, including endangered species, such as the mountain pygmy-possum and southern corroboree frog. Animals of the Night exhibition features an indoor area devoted to Australia’s nocturnal creatures. Bird lovers will adore the spectacular Spirits of the Sky bird show.
Address: Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Luna Park Sydney
This iconic park has been entertaining locals and travelers with a lively midway, carnival games, giant Ferris wheels and contemporary Big Top concerts since 1935. With more than 20 rides, including the dizzying Spider, hilarious Tumble Bug and the classic carousel, visitors to this Sydney standard are sure to have a fun-filled day at the harbor. Travelers agree the best time to visit is during hot summer nights, when city views from atop the Ferris wheel are most impressive and the glow of neon lights lends the park a true sense of nostalgia.
Practical Info
Luna Park is located at Milson’s Point on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour near Lavender Bay. It’s easy to get to by car, public bus, train or ferry. There are ride closures during various times of the year, so it’s best to check the schedule before making a trip. Park entry is free, and ride tickets vary in price and range from $20 to $40.
Address: 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point, New South Wales 2061, Australia
Hours: Vary by season
Admission: Free entry; rides $20-40AUD each
From $ 19
Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park
Enjoy a quintessential Australian wildlife experience – in the dark – by taking a nocturnal tour at Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park. Revealing mysterious nocturnal creatures that visitors seldom see, the eco-conscious crew at the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park offer both day and night viewing sessions.
Your wildlife encounter may include patting koalas, feeding wallabies and watching for dingos and snakes by day, before searching for quolls, owls and sugar gliders in the moonlight.
Sprawled across 10 hectares of bushland at the top of the picturesque Mornington Peninsula, the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park is just outside of Melbourne and makes an easy daytrip for groups, tourists and locals alike. Best of all, you can leave feeling like you’ve not only encountered Australian wildlife in natural environments, but also helped to support the conservation and education programs run by Moonlit Sanctuary.
Your wildlife encounter may include patting koalas, feeding wallabies and watching for dingos and snakes by day, before searching for quolls, owls and sugar gliders in the moonlight.
Sprawled across 10 hectares of bushland at the top of the picturesque Mornington Peninsula, the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park is just outside of Melbourne and makes an easy daytrip for groups, tourists and locals alike. Best of all, you can leave feeling like you’ve not only encountered Australian wildlife in natural environments, but also helped to support the conservation and education programs run by Moonlit Sanctuary.
Practical Info:
The Moonlit Sanctuary is less than one hour drive from Melbourne, using the tolled Eastlink freeway, or the Monash Freeway (M1) and Westernport Highway (A780). The street address is 550 Tyabb Tooradin Road, Pearcedale.
Other transport options include taking a tour, or catching a train between Melbourne and Frankston, then the 776 bus service between Frankston Railway Station and Pearcedale Shopping Centre.
Daytime admission is from 10am to 5pm daily, except Christmas Day. Adult day admission costs $17, or is included in the Mornington Peninsula Attraction Pass offered by local tourism organisation, EMMP. Night tour times vary and must be booked in advance at a cost of $40 for adults.
Cheaper admission for both day and night sessions is available for concession holders, kids, aged between four and 15 years, and little ones under four years old.
Other transport options include taking a tour, or catching a train between Melbourne and Frankston, then the 776 bus service between Frankston Railway Station and Pearcedale Shopping Centre.
Daytime admission is from 10am to 5pm daily, except Christmas Day. Adult day admission costs $17, or is included in the Mornington Peninsula Attraction Pass offered by local tourism organisation, EMMP. Night tour times vary and must be booked in advance at a cost of $40 for adults.
Cheaper admission for both day and night sessions is available for concession holders, kids, aged between four and 15 years, and little ones under four years old.
Address: 550 Tyabb Tooradin Road, Pearcedale, Melbourne 3912, Australia
Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults: $17
From $ 93
Kings Cross
Sydney’s late-night revelry hub is east of the city center in raffish Kings Cross. Restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs throng the main thoroughfare, Darlinghurst Rd, which winds its way north to Macleay St and more-sedate Potts Point.
The focal point of Kings Cross is the gaudy neon Coca-Cola sign crowning William St, which leads east from Hyde Park. Take a walk along the area’s leafy streets, lined with double-story terrace houses fringed with lace ironwork balconies, and stop off for a coffee or refreshing drink at this vibrant area’s many cafes and pubs. If you follow Macleay St north, you’ll catch panoramic views of the harbor and Woolloomooloo; steps lead down to the water and the famous Harry’s Cafe de Wheels pie cart.
When the sun goes down, Kings Cross transforms, with adult entertainment at the fore. The area is busy and well policed, but leave your inhibitions at the door.
Practical Info
Kings Cross is 10 minutes away from the Sydney City Center by car. Kings Cross station is on the corner of Victoria St and Darlinghurst Rd. The station is on the Bondi Junction line, and you can catch a train from Central, Town Hall or Martin Place. Several bus services run to the Cross from Circular Quay.
Address: Darlinghurst Road, Sydney 2011, Australia
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 35
Katoomba
Katoomba is one of the most visited towns in the Blue Mountains. Home to Echo Point, where visitors can see the Three Sisters rock formation and Scenic World, Katoomba offers ample attractions and activities to delight all kinds of travelers. While it maintains a small-town feel, it’s home to a large selection of accommodations, dining options, and shopping in the center of town.
Basics
Katoomba is most famous for its proximity to the Three Sisters Rock formation, which can be accessed from Echo Point in the Blue Mountains National Park. Many visitors also come for Scenic World, an eco-amusement park with railways, cable cars, and treetop walks. But the historic town has a thriving cultural and dining scene as well with a long list of annual events and festivals, plus unusual landmarks like the Explorers Marked Tree, which has been carved with the initials of explorers dating back to 1813
Things to Know Before You Go
- Katoomba is easily reached by train from Sydney.
- You’ll find a range of accommodation and ample dining options in Katoomba.
- Katoomba’s Edge Cinema has one of the largest movie screens in the southern Hemisphere.
- The Blue Mountains is occasionally affected by bushfires in the summer months.
How to Get There
Katoomba is located in the Blue Mountains about 60 miles (100 kilometers) west of central Sydney. The village can be reached by car in about 90 minutes or by a 2-hour train ride on the Blue Mountains Line from Sydney’s Central Station.
When to Get There
Local festivals happen throughout the year in Katoomba. The Blue Mountains region is sometimes affected by bushfires in the summer and can be wet in winter months.
Wentworth Falls
Wentworth Falls, just a short drive or train journey from Katoomba, is a charming town located in the Blue Mountains Heritage Site. Known for its eponymous waterfalls, the town has a number of walking and hiking trails, picnic and BBQ areas, preserved Aboriginal sites, and a charming downtown with historic buildings and gourmet coffee shops.
Address: Katoomba, NSW 2780, Australia
From $ 37