Top Australia & the Pacific Arts & Design - page 2

Gain insight into Kiwi culture when you visit the All Blacks Experience in Auckland. Whether you’re an avid rugby fan or simply interested in learning more about the Haka and the New Zealand national teams, this interactive experience entertains and informs. Hear interesting stories about the team and famous players, see All Blacks memorabilia, and even watch a powerful haka.

Access parts of the Australian Sports Museum that are usually off limits during a tour of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. You’ll enjoy an exclusive glimpse into the inner sanctum of MCG as you walk on the pitch and enter changing rooms used by cricket legends throughout the years. Plus, admission to the Australian Sports Museum is included.

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.

Visit the original Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs working base that commenced in 1939. Have a look at the wide variety of historic radios including a Traeger Pedal Radio and learn what it was like to communicate before telephones were invented. There is a large display of historic medical equipment that would have been used on the RFDS flights of the past. See the evolution of aeroplanes used by RFDS with a range of model aeroplanes to take you through each decade. Relive the true experience of a patient and see what its like to fly with RFDS Pilot with our RFDS virtual reality Walk through the museum and meet Alf Traeger and Nurse Kathy through interactive technology. Learn about the history and the activities of the RFDS’s pilots, engineers, doctors and nurses, and the experiences of the patients that are cared for each day.

Brisbane’s bar scene offers plenty of choice, but deciding where to go can take time. This small-group walking tour removes the guesswork, with a guide to lead you between a curated selection of small bars. Enjoy a complimentary drink at the first bar, learn about favorite local haunts, and as you walk between venues—discover street art murals and creative corners you might otherwise miss.

Sydney’s modern skyline hides layers of history that can be easy to overlook without local context. This small-group walking tour brings the city’s past to life as you explore the historic waterfront around Customs House and the surrounding streets of The Rocks. Along the way, learn how Aboriginal heritage, British colonization, convict history, and later migration shaped the city's development.

While many people start with the city center of Melbourne and its laneways when exploring, there’s much more to Melbourne than this one area. Experience different sides to the city in one compact tour on this shared bus tour that goes beyond the laneways and places you can easily walk to. Explore different suburbs, each with their own vibe and feel, and visit bayside beaches for a well-rounded city tour.

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 Taj Mahal. Staff is on hand to help orient you and provide creative inspiration.

Save time and hassle when visiting the Gold Coast Wax Museum with this skip-the-line priority access ticket. Have fun “meeting” a wide range of realistic-looking personalities and historical figures. Then embark on a half-hour guided tour of the Chamber of Horrors–not for the faint of heart! See instruments of punishment from around the world, and learn the history around them.

Spend the morning or afternoon visiting Middle-earth on this half-day “The Lord of the Rings” tour from Wellington. A guide with insider knowledge entertains Frodo fans on a journey into the scenic New Zealand countryside. Get a behind-the-scenes look at LOTR movie production on a tour of the Weta Workshop and discover why director Peter Jackson selected this region to film the renowned trilogy, along with “The Hobbit” movies.

The Cascades Female Factory is a World Heritage-listed historic site that reflects on the story of the displacement, mistreatment and forced migration of convict women and girls, and their contribution to the history of Australia from colonisation to the present day. Interwoven are the First Nation’s stories of Palawa, a culture which was so gravely impacted by colonisation. Additional tours can be selected to be included in your ticket: The 45 min Convict Women's Tour is the essential tour for first-time visitors, introducing the site's history, the women, and the convict system. Discover what life was like for women who were transported to Van Diemen's Land. The 60 min Notorious Strumpets storytelling experience delves into the lives of seven remarkable convict women who defied adversity. Discover their resilience, the societal challenges they faced, and how some managed to triumph against all odds. Check official website for other options or special events.

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.

If you’re short on time in Napier, or wanting an overview of the city’s striking Art Deco architecture before exploring further alone, this morning tour is convenient. Admire the beautiful buildings of the Ahuriri and Marewa districts; see Art Deco landmarks such as the National Tobacco Building; and learn more about the distinctive design style. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

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.

Make the most of your time in Auckland with skip-the-line access to the Auckland War Memorial Museum (also known as the Aukland Museum). Housed in a beautiful heritage building, the museum's three floors showcase New Zealand's diverse culture, rich heritage, and its role as a place of remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives in war.

Sport holds an important place in Australian culture and you can get an insight into this national obsession on this guided walking tour. Visit Sydney's home of sport where sporting heroes play cricket, rugby, soccer, and Australian rules football, run down the tunnel, admire trophies, and learn all about its colorful history.

Begin your day at Glenelg Beach, then explore city highlights including a drive by iconic points like North Terrace, Victoria Square, and the Adelaide Oval. Enjoy time to indulge and wander at the Adelaide Central Market, then unwind through the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Take in panoramic views from Mount Lofty Summit and finish your journey soaking up the charm of the Hahndorf main street

Embark on a gorgeous sunset cruise along the Thompson River. The crew shares stories about the wildlife and indigenous cultures as you enjoy the scenery and on-board bar with complimentary snacks. As the stars come out, you’ll dock at Smithy’s Out back Dinner & Show for a memorable two-course camp-oven-style dinner with live entertainment.

You will have the opportunity to: • Sit in a real fighter jet • Explore the many weapons, radars, ejection seats and artifacts on display • Try your hand at flying an F/A-18 Hornet in one of our motion simulators (bookings essential on 02 4965 1810 – additional cost) • Be amazed by the Norm Forrester Collection of hand-made model aircraft When you've finished viewing the many displays it’s an easy step up to the Observation Deck where you can sit and watch some of the world's most advanced aircraft take-off and land and don't forget to stop at the souvenir shop for something truly unique. Of course, it's always a pleasure to revel in the warm welcome, great food and friendly atmosphere of the cafe where you can stay cosy inside or venture outdoors to enjoy all the noise and activity of the fully operational Air Force Base. The choice is yours.

Explore beyond the major tourist attractions and get to know one of Sydney’s most diverse and interesting neighborhoods–Newtown–on this street art and food tour. Avoid the hassle and discomfort of large tours as this one is capped at twelve participants. Learn more about local culture on an art walking tour, then refuel at four food stops, which might include Egyptian, Pakistani, Turkish, Japanese, and more.

Ia Ora Na With a maximum of two participants, embark on an exclusive private walking tour of Papeete, where you'll uncover the hidden gems and vibrant culture of Tahiti's capital city. These 2 hour tours seamlessly blend history, culture, and more, promising an authentic journey through the vibrant city of Papeete. Join me in uncovering local treasures, from iconic landmarks to bustling markets, and immerse yourself in the essence of Tahiti along the way. Our itinerary includes stops at the stunning Bougainville Park, the charming Assembly of French Polynesia, the historic Catholic Cathedral, the lively Market place, and the majestic Town Hall. I'm eager to share my passion for this city with you! Pauline NOTE : On weekends and public holidays, an alternative stop can be arranged at Jacques Chirac Place instead of the Assembly, as it remains closed during these times. IMPORTANT : Please take into account that your reservation is made in local time and date.

Explore the largest underground wine cellars in the Southern Hemisphere and discover the story behind the making of Australia's very own Sparkling Shiraz. Your guide will share the fascinating stories from the historic cellars, including tales of the previous owners and the wines they developed.

Cruise along the Mooloolaba canals and watch the sunset aboard a historic vessel. You’ll enjoy gourmet snacks of local meat and cheese and cocktails made with local spirits (including one that’s complimentary) as you relax and listen to live music on the boat. Enjoy this memorable, peaceful experience in nature with unique amenities.

A fun and informative introduction to Wellington. Meeting and leaving from the main entrance of the Wellington train station, a quick walk to the Parliament grounds will provide insight into New Zealand and Wellington politics. From here we'll take a walk atop the Wellington seismic fault line to the botanic gardens, these gardens marry the exotic with the native beautifully, and we shall garner an understanding of New Zealand's unique flora and fauna as we walk through some dense New Zealand bush. Reaching the top of the gardens, at the top of the cable car, we'll take in the beautiful view, point out some landmarks and generally orientate ourselves. From here we will walk through suburbs and places most tourists will never see, winding up on Cuba st, the heart of the city, for a quick refreshment. We will finish at the national Museum on the waterfront. Guests are guaranteed to come away from this tour with a better understanding of Wellington and New Zealand.