Australia & the Pacific attractions

With its combination of horse-drawn trams and elegant architectural styles, Victor Harbor is one of South Australia’s most charming seaside resorts. In a prime location along the southern coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula and within easy day-trip distance of Adelaide, it’s surrounded by surf beaches, rocky islands, and scenic coastal hikes. Wildlife lovers will also be in their element—southern right whales, sea lions, and little penguins all call the coastline home.

The reflection of New Zealand’s two tallest mountains, Aoraki/Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman, on the glassy surface of Lake Matheson is one of the South Island’s most famous postcard images. To see these views, you’ll need to complete the 2.7-mile (4.4-kilometer) Lake Matheson Walk, an easy, accessible loop through beautiful native forest.

Station Pier cruise terminal serves as the gateway to Australia’s second-largest city and is located about 30 minutes from the center of Melbourne by car. But before you head straight to Melbourne CBD, spend a few hours on neighboring Melbourne Beach and explore the trendy suburb of St. Kilda.

Red river gums tower over the wide streets of Adelaide River, a historic town on the river shore, and nothing here moves too fast. Despite its name, the Adelaide River is located in Australia’s Northern Territory and offers you a sense of Australia beyond the major cities. Whether you’re just passing through for a leisurely lunch or you’ve come specifically for the jumping crocodile cruises, the town of Adelaide River is worth a visit.

Located between Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads is known for its beautiful clean beaches lined by scenic parkland, as well as its world-renowned surf. Laid-back and relaxed, yet full of hip and trendy dining and shopping options, idyllic Burleigh Heads has plenty to offer visitors.

The sprawling 158-acre (64-hectare) Auckland Botanic Gardens have over 9,000 plant species and ample places to rest, play, walk, and enjoy nature. Gardening enthusiasts will especially enjoy the many different zones, including gardens dedicated to roses, palms, podocarps, spring blossoms, threatened native New Zealand plants, and much more. There’s also a children’s garden, too.

Four Mile Beach is exactly that—4 glorious miles of unimpeded golden sands stretching into the distance. The long stretch of beach, backed by palm trees and with little development in sight, offers access to the calm waters of the Coral Sea, perfect for swimming. A reef offshore provides an easy snorkeling opportunity.

Australia’s two biggest ski resorts, Perisher and Thredbo, are located in New South Wales’ Kosciusko National Park. While each has world-class skiing and riding—along with a fun après ski scene—the two resorts have distinctive personalities. Whether you’re a first-time skier or looking for challenging terrain, here’s what you need to know.

Westland Tai Poutini National Park’s Fox Glacier can be tricky to catch sight of from ground level. One way of getting a good view is from the Fox Glacier South Side Walkway/Cycleway, an easy 2-hour walk or 1-hour mountain bike ride. It follows the south bank of the Fox River, which flows from the glacier, through forest.

The Wanaka region is one of New Zealand’s most storied and scenic landscapes, and best explored by tackling the popular, backcountry Rob Roy Glacier Track. This half-day adventure takes you into the wilderness of Mt. Aspiring National Park, past waterfalls, streams, fern-laden valleys, and glaciers that cling to the mountains. Though its elevation is just 2,000 feet (610 meters), the trail has the feel of an alpine adventure where snow-streaked ridgelines and creaking glaciers hang right at the edge of the tree line.

Carved by glaciers and now covered in beech forests and tussock grass, Eglinton Valley is an important conservation site in Fiordland National Park. It’s one of the only valleys in the park with road access, so many travelers pass through this scenic spot en route between Te Anau and Milford Sound.

With one of the largest collections of restored classic vehicles in existence, Bill Richardson Transport World is one of Invercargill’s most popular tourist attractions. Car enthusiasts ogle the retro Kombi vans, Model Ts, 1930s V8s, and vintage gas pumps, while kids enjoy the play area and wearable art displays.

Steam-powered trains chug along a 4.6-mile (7.5-kilometer) section of historic tracks at Glenbrook Vintage Railway. To learn more about New Zealand’s railroad heritage, take your seat on rides ranging from classic steam-train jaunts to first-class experiences featuring viewing balconies and lavish high tea.

Complete an open-air climb along the outside of the Q1 Resort & Spa, one of Australia's tallest skyscrapers, in the Gold Coast suburb of Surfers Paradise. As you hike, you’ll be treated to thrilling views of seemingly endless golden beach and the brilliant blue of the Pacific Ocean—885 feet (270 meters) below. During the experience, guides will share information about the surrounding buildings and sights.

The short, easy Mirror Lakes Walk is a great place to break up the trip between Te Anau and Milford Sound, on the Milford Road. As its name suggests, you’ll see the reflections of the Earl Mountains on the small lake’s surface, when the weather conditions are right. The short walk is wheelchair accessible and takes about 10 minutes, there and back.

An Adelaide original, Haigh’s has been crafting chocolate since 1915 and is still family-owned today. At their factory, just south of Adelaide city center, the Haigh’s Chocolate Visitor Centre offers free tours plus the chance to shop Haigh’s specialties, from truffles and liqueurs to their signature chocolate frogs.

Rotoroa Island is a bird and wildlife sanctuary with an interesting history--for most of the 20th century, it was an alcohol rehabilitation center and was closed to the public. Now it’s open to visitors for both day and overnight trips. At an hour’s ferry ride from Auckland, it’s a relaxing place to go for a day in nature, and to learn more about New Zealand’s native birds and animals.

The Chamorro Village is a complex of more than 40 restaurants and stores where locals sell locally-made products and food. Located in Guam’s capital Hagatna, Chamorro Village provides a taste of local food, from barbecue to banana lumpia (spring rolls).

Part of the University of Sydney, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (or the Con, as it’s known to locals) is the preeminent music school in Australia—it was once the site of Australia’s first full orchestra composed of both professionals and students. Today, the Conservatorium provides musical education, research, and some of the city’s top performances. Plus, its music library is the largest in the southern hemisphere.

Rugby fans–or anyone interested in learning about sports culture in New Zealand–won’t want to miss the All Blacks Experience. The interactive museum takes visitors behind the scenes of the All Blacks, New Zealand’s national rugby team. Join a 45-minute tour, see the famous haka being performed, and try some hands-on activities.

Stirling Falls, called Waimanu Falls in Te Reo Māori, is a 495-foot (151-meter) high waterfall in Milford Sound. When it rains—which it often does in Fiordland National Park, the wettest place in New Zealand—many temporary waterfalls gush from the mountains, but Stirling Falls is a permanent feature of the landscape. It’s usually seen from cruises on Milford Sound.

In southwestern New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, this remote sound remains one of the least modified areas of the mainland. There’s no road access, though cruise ships often pass through, because it’s actually the largest and longest of Fiordland’s sounds. Otherwise, it’s off the main tourist circuit.

Arnhem Land, at the far north-east of Australia’s Northern Territory, is a huge wilderness area inhabited mostly by Yolngu Aboriginal people. Some of the most ancient rock art sites in the country can be found in Arnhem Land, as well as rainforest, woodlands, gorges, wetlands, escarpments, beaches, and rivers. Outsiders must usually visit on an approved guided tour, and have a permit to enter.

Aussie’s most memorable creatures and critters can be found at Hobart Zoo and Aquarium, along with exotic animals and rare and endangered species from around the globe. The small family-friendly park is popular among animal lovers and provides the opportunity to see Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, koalas, and emus, without leaving Hobart.

Dedicated to the Royal New Zealand Air Force, this museum includes exhibits that vary from historic aircraft to a hands-on flight simulator. Memorials here are dedicated to members of the air force who have died in service, while a collection of photographs offers a window into New Zealand’s military history.

To'ata Square (Place To'ata) is the main hub for cultural events, performances, rock concerts, and festivals in Papeete, including the annual Heiva Festival, the largest annual cultural festival in Tahiti. Anchoring the square is a 5,000-seat pavilion with an outdoor stage. Onsite snack bars sell light bites and drinks in the evenings.

Learn about the history, culture, and environment of Northern Queensland at the Queensland Museum Tropics. A branch of the Queensland Museum Network, this government-run museum educates locals and visitors about this unique part of the country through permanent exhibits, temporary exhibits, talks, and tours.

A science museum focused on getting kids interested in the way things work, Scitech is home to several exhibits and experiences that appeal to young children, those in school, and adults. Features include a planetarium, films, and hands-on activities.

One of the country’s largest water parks, Wet’n’Wild is the ideal way to cool off from the blazing Australian sun. Colorful water slides rise around you, lazy rivers flow, and private cabanas offer a respite from the action. It’s the ideal destination for anything from a fun family vacation to a first date or a summer day with friends. Whether you crave the rush of a plunging water slide or just want to bob in the wave pool, the park caters to everyone.

With its colorful art, oversized mosaics, blooming flowers, and whimsical gardens, The Giants House is among Akaroa’s top attractions. In fact, the creative energies of horticulturalist and artist Josie Martin have turned this 1881 property into a kind of living art-piece, one that changes with every passing season.