Top Australia & the Pacific Arts & Design

Visit Albany's Historic Whaling Station to learn about a piece of Australian history through activities, short films, and other exhibits. Stand inside converted whale-oil tanks, marvel at the skeleton of a blue whale, admire marine animal art and a collection of precious scrimshaw art, explore exhibits of whaling artifacts, and climb aboard the *Cheynes IV*, the only preserved whale chaser ship in the world.

Become part of the art at the incredible ArtVo Gold Coast, an art gallery with a difference. Queensland’s first trick art gallery is a fun destination to visit with your family or friends. Be amazed by the skillful art, spread over a huge area, and stop for plenty of photos and selfies. Staff are willing to help out if you need. Pre-purchase your tickets for a smooth arrival.

Te Papa Museum of New Zealand is unique for its innovative, interactive exhibits that engage visitors through cutting-edge technology, its deep respect and authentic representation of Māori culture and heritage, its comprehensive displays of New Zealand's diverse natural history and cultural narratives, and its commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, making it a dynamic and inclusive cultural hub.

Lose yourself in a sea of color at ArtVo, an interactive art space in The District Docklands, a short distance from the Melbourne CBD. As visitors explore more than 100 paintings across 11 themed zones, they are encouraged to touch and interact with the art. Take a selfie against angel wings or a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. Staff is on hand to help orient you and provide creative inspiration.

The Dreamery is a must see experience, unique only to Queenstown. Discover nine immersive installations with seven rooms combining digital art, tactile play, and sensory wonder. Every room is custom build to amaze and be interacted with. Plus will leave you with amazing dynamic videos and photos.

Learn more about Cairns' unique culture and history at the interesting Cairns Museum. This ticket saves you time, so you can straight into the museum and check out its interactive exhibits. There are family friendly displays that all members of the family can enjoy, plus refreshing air conditioning when the heat of tropical North Queensland gets too much.

Experience the excitement of Australia's Gold Rush at Sovereign Hill, a recreated 1850s mining camp and town brought to life by costumed characters and 18 historically inspired activities. Try your luck with gold panning, catch a coach ride, explore an underground mine, and watch town residents like blacksmiths and candlemakers ply their trades. The whole family will love time traveling back to the era of fortune seekers and wild frontiers.

Stand on the spot where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. Find out how this document was forged with admission to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Your day pass is valid for two consecutive days and includes an informative guided tour, an introductory film, a cultural performance, and full access to the historic site.

Enjoy a rare chance to visit the Tiwi Islands and witness an Indigenous Australian community that holds on tightly to its traditions. Located off the coast of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands experience is led by an Indigenous guide who shares local history and traditions. Partake in a traditional morning tea with Tiwi Islanders before visiting the Tiwi Museum and joining Indigenous Australian artists for an art-making workshop.

Gain entry to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Te Puia on a guided tour of this geothermal hot spot. Take a walking path up to steaming vents, boiling mud pools and erupting Pohutu Geyser at Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley; observe the emblematic kiwi bird; and discover Maori traditions at the cultural center. Upgrade to include a cultural performance of Maori song and dance, including the warlike ‘haka.’ Showtimes are available several times a day during admittance.

Experience inspiring exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. BEST OF AUSTRALIAN ART PRIZES: ARCHIBALD, WYNNE & SULMAN | 9 May – 16 Aug 2026 A single ticket gives you access to see three prestigious awards for Australian art. AVATAR: FORMS OF VISHNU | 20 June - 5 Oct 2026 Discover a realm of wonder, drama and divine beauty NOLAN: ORIGINS | 3 Oct - 7 Feb 2026 Discover an Australian icon SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER TAKASH MURAKAMI | 5 Dec 26 - 18 Jul 27 Experience Australia’s first dedicated exhibition of superstar Japanese artist Takashi Murakami Image credit: Takashi Murakami Cherry Blossoms Fujiyama JAPAN 2020, ©2020 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.; Installation view of Takashi Murakami Mononoke Kyoto Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum, Kyoto, Japan 2024, photo: Joshua White ©2024 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved; Takashi Murakami, photos by Shin Suzuki ©Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved;

Experience more than the beautiful beaches of Fiji at this fun evening cultural performance. Learn all about Fiji’s culture and history through drumming, song, dance, and amazing costumes. The show tells traditional Fijian stories of mystical giant women, octopus gods, a shape-shifting iguana, and more. You’ll be amazed by the spectacular lighting and staging, too, while delving deeper into Fijian history.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at several “The Lord of the Rings” locations around Wellington that will delight fans of the movies or books. See where scenes were filmed, take a forest walk through Tolkien’s Rivendell, and step into Weta Workshop for a movie production tour of digital special effects. Your guide shares insider gossip on how the movies were made and takes you to lunch.

The ultimate movie adventure Dive into our immersive world at Auckland’s SkyCity and get hands-on with movie magic like never before. This is your all-access pass to a world where creativity knows no limits. Come to our place, where imagination and creativity reign supreme. With our entertaining hosts at the helm, we’ll guide you on an adventure beyond our doors to break into our secret world of practical movie effects. Join us and journey through three jaw-dropping, highly imaginative films created by our visionary Wētā Workshop crew where everything is not as it seems. It's our time to share with you! We’ll reveal the workshop magic kept under wraps and how we bring the impossible to life. Unleashed isn’t just a tour, it’s a hands-on magical carpet ride through the practical effects making process. We believe there's a creator in everyone. Ready to fuel your curiosity and ignite your imagination? Your movie adventure begins now! Jump on board.

Take a break from sightseeing or daily life and enjoy an interactive and immersive art experience at Metartworld, the largest metal art gallery in Australia. Ideal for all ages, admire more than 200 metal artworks and make your way through the mirror mazes in the starry night exhibition. Paid workshops available.

Acclaimed artist Bruce Munro was so inspired by Ayers Rock (Uluru) that he created the Field of Light, an illuminated installation that channels the spiritual energy Munro felt during a visit the Australia’s Red Desert. Observe the radiant display and watch a magical sunrise at Ayers Rock (Uluru) on this tour, which includes hotel pickup and drop-off. As you watch the sun rise majestically over the iconic Australian landmark, you’ll enjoy tea and coffee in the observation area and listen to commentary from your guide.

Fans of the Lord of the Rings movies won’t want to miss this fun half-day tour to various filming locations in the Southern Alps. You’ll enjoy exclusive access to private Arcadia Station and will also visit the beautiful Mt. Aspiring National Park. Be amazed by the natural beauty while reliving your favorite movie scenes. Don an LOTR costume and sword too, if you like.

Discover famous sites from Middle-earth on this Hobbiton™ Movie Set shore excursion from Port of Tauranga. Enjoy a guided tour of Hobbiton™, which featured in screen adaptations of Tolkien's epic novels. Also explore some natural highlights of the area, including McLaren Falls Park, Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park, and a kiwifruit orchard—something that other Hobbiton™ tours miss out on.

Get an in-depth look at Melbourne's street art scene during this walking tour. Led by a street artist, this tour allows a peek into the underground art scene, including a visit to the famous Blender Studios for a look around, accompanied by refreshments.

Art, craft, and culture-loving travelers will enjoy this guided tour of a New Zealand jade (pounamu) carving studio. Learn about the cultural significance of jade to the local Maori people, and about traditional and contemporary designs. Get the chance to meet jewelry artists and to see them at work. Choose a piece of jade to string and keep as a memento.

Combine two top Hobart experiences with this tour package. Admire the Tasmanian capital from the summit of Mount Wellington, then experience a different kind of beauty at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), one of Australia’s newest and most controversial art museums with a varied collection including Egyptian mummies and edgy contemporary installations. Hotel pickup adds convenience to your day.

Whether you’ve just arrived in Perth and want to explore or you’ve already seen all the major sights and want to dig deeper, this easy-going walking tour is a great way to see the city and discover what’s on offer: food, art, nightlife and much more that you won’t find in any guidebook. Walk the streets and laneways in a small group so you’re not fighting to see your guide or stay on the footpath.

Discover the story of Brisbane on this expert-led small-group walking tour, while hitting all of the city’s main attractions. Perfect for those who have just arrived, as well as locals and those who want to go deeper in learning about Brisbane’s history, culture, society & First Nations people. Starting from the top of Queen Street, you’ll hear about Brisbane’s colonisation by the British – and how their arrival impacted the original inhabitants. Your guide will provide you with a range of perspectives on Brisbane’s development as you weave your way through the city. From tough penal colony origins to its more recent transformations as the city prepares to host the 2032 Olympics, you’ll discover the real Brisbane. Your tour ends with beautiful views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge, finishing at a popular drinking spot with a small beverage included. Walk the streets in a small group so you’re not fighting to see & hear your guide or stay on the footpath.