Backed by the pink-tinged granite outcrops known as the Hazards, Freycinet National Park protects pristine white-sand beaches, sheer sea cliffs, azure bays, abundant birdlife, and a lighthouse with stellar views over the ocean. Take in one of Australia’s most photographed views from the lookout over Wineglass Bay.
Tucked away in the Adelaide Hills, the tree-lined lanes and historic taverns of Hahndorf have a distinctly Bavarian feel; so much so that the village has dubbed itself “Australia’s oldest German town.” Founded by German settlers in the early 19th century, Hahndorf displays its heritage in its culture, architecture, and cuisine.
Melbourne’s laneways—narrow, pedestrian-friendly alleys that divide up the central business district (CBD)—are a city signature. One of the first laneways in Melbourne, Degraves Street links the city’s fashion precinct with Flinders Street Station. Stop by for coffee, wine, snacks, meals, and shopping, or listen to the performers who line the bluestone cobbles.
New Zealand is known for its crisp whites and bold reds and there is no better way to sample its flavors than by taking a trip through Kumeu Wine Country. The scenic vineyards of this world-class wine destination are home to quiet cafes, small breweries, five-star restaurants, and, of course, some of the best wine-makers in the country.
Opened in 1892, the Royal Arcade is Melbourne’s oldest shopping arcade. It’s a visual feast, with a lofty glass ceiling that streams natural light onto the delicate Victorian metalwork, and home to a choice selection of boutiques, jewelers, chocolatiers, and cafes.
Mt. Tarawera’s claim to fame is its historic 1866 eruption that destroyed the recognizable Pink and White Terraces. Today, it's the center of a geothermal wonderland and a compelling attraction in its own right—take a guided tour to the mountain’s peak, or visit the many valleys and lakes carved out and altered by the 19th-century eruption.
Whether you’re embarking on a short day cruise from the marina or enjoying the vibrant nightlife, Viaduct Harbour is an energetic entertainment hub right on the Auckland waterfront. The harbor is best known for its food: there are more than 20 cafés, restaurants, and bars, almost all of them easily found on the harbor’s pedestrian mall.
First opened in 1856, the Parliament House of Victoria is home to the state parliament of Victoria, and its grand colonnaded frontage makes it a Melbourne landmark. The Parliament House steps are a popular spot for wedding photos—and for protesters, although the lawmakers here operate at local level and sit relatively infrequently.
Treat yourself to a day at the luxurious, award-winning Polynesian Spa in the North Island town of Rotorua, known for its bubbling mud pools and spurting geysers. With more than 20 pools fed by natural springs, the spa offers a menu of treatments designed to address various health and wellness needs.
The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are one of New Zealand's most mesmerizing natural wonders, boasting a labyrinth of grottoes, tunnels, dramatic rock formations, and underground waterfalls. Adventure abounds—visitors can cruise across Lake Te Anau, scramble through the caves, and marvel at a glittering canopy of tiny glowworms.
Lake Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand, at over 230 square miles (596 square kilometers). Formed by a prehistoric supervolcanic eruption, the lake now sits in the volcano’s dormant caldera. Walk the pristine shores of this naturaltaonga (treasure), kayak or waterski, or enjoy the trout fishing for which the lake is famous.
Showcasing contemporary art alongside antiquities, the largely subterranean Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) draws primarily from the private collection of owner David Walsh. A must for visitors to Tasmania, Mona is a provocative and engaging place to spend a few hours or even the night.
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.
Cascades Female Factory Historic Site is where Hobart’s female convicts were imprisoned and put to work back when Tasmania was a penal colony known as Van Diemen’s Land. Visitors today can explore the haunting site, which, at its peak, held even more prisoners than the much-feared Port Arthur.
Witness the ocean’s force as it pushes water up through the rocks, creating the spout of the Kiama Blowhole—the biggest natural blowhole in the world. Kiarama-a is believed to be the Aboriginal term, meaning “the noise of the sea.” Explosions of water can reach up to 80 feet (25 meters), which makes for quite the natural spectacle.
With its lush wetlands, limestone caves, and wildflower-filled plains, Yanchep National Park makes an attractive retreat from nearby Perth, and at less than an hour’s drive from the city, it’s a popular choice for a day trip. Established in 1957, Yanchep is also one of Australia’s oldest national parks.
The SEA LIFE® Sydney Aquarium encapsulates the diversity of Australia’s aquatic life. Wander exhibits that showcase everything from saltwater crocs and Southern Ocean penguins to turtles from the Great Barrier Reef and jellyfish. Plus, its prime Darling Harbour location lets you combine the aquarium with other family-friendly stops.
As the island’s largest town and main commercial hub, Kingscote is a historic gateway to Kangaroo Island. Perched on the northeast coast, it’s a lively town with a rich history—founded in 1836, it was the first European settlement in South Australia—and it's a starting point for many island tours, some specializing in food and wine.
A favorite of campers, hikers, and nature lovers, Ku-ring-gai Chase is Australia’s second-oldest national park. The lush rain forest landscape, quiet creeks, and mountain passes just might make you forget you’re still within Sydney city limits.
First opened in 1912, Luna Park Melbourne is a slice of theme park history. Enter through the mouth of Mr. Moon and ride historic attractions, including the Great Scenic Railway wooden roller coaster. Old-time favorites, such as a ghost train and hall of mirrors, offer thrills to kids, as do bumper cars, carousels, and modern rides.
One of the most distinctive sights in the Perth city skyline, the Bell Tower houses the historic St. Martin in the Fields bells—12 bells that rung for centuries in London until they were gifted to Western Australia in 1988. They now ring from the 271-foot (83-meter glass-and-copper tower that sits on the Swan River waterfront.
Nestled between two prominent headlands on the Bondi to Coogee Walk, this slight stretch of golden sand has such a glamorous reputation that it is affectionately known as “Glamarama.” While trendsetters flock to Tamarama simply to be seen, the Sydney beach is also a significant draw for surfers and sunbathers.
Located just outside of Broome, Gantheaume Point is one of the region’s most impressive natural landmarks and serves as an important paleontological site. The red-rock cliffs contrast with the waters of the Indian Ocean below and offer spectacular photo opportunities.
Russell Falls is among the most popular waterfalls in Tasmania, if not the whole of Australia. Located in the Mt. Field National Park, in south-central Tasmania, the three-tiered falls are easily accessible from Hobart. They’re reached after a pleasant short walk on wheelchair-accessible paths through a mossy, fern-filled forest.
Offering welcome relief from the sweltering temperatures of Queensland’s tropical north, the sweeping plateaus of the Atherton Tablelands lie within easy day-trip distance of Cairns. Covering an area of 20,000 square miles (32,000 square kilometers), the lush landscapes also provide scenic terrain for bush walking and bird-watching.
One of the world’s most scenic arenas, the Adelaide Oval dates back to 1871. Best known for cricket, the defining sport of British colonies, it also hosts concerts, rugby, Australian rules football, and more. Besides a cafe, fine dining restaurant, and corporate events spaces, it offers a museum devoted to cricket legend Donald Bradman.
Perched high on the sea cliffs at the edge of Cape Byron—Australia’s easternmost point—the Cape Byron Lighthouse has been guarding the rocky shores of the Pacific since 1901. One of Byron Bay’s most memorable landmarks, the lighthouse affords panoramic views along the coast and is home to a Maritime Museum.
Dating back more than 150 years, Fitzroy Gardens is an historic addition to Melbourne’s green spaces. The park is conveniently located near Melbourne CBD and features notable attractions such as Captain’s Cook Cottage, which was transported from England, the richly decorated Fairy Tree, and a model tudor village.
The oldest of Tasmania’s 19 national parks, Mount Field offers a nature-filled getaway that’s easy to reach from Hobart. The park is known for its waterfalls, backcountry hiking trails, and abundant wildlife that includes platypus, wombat, and the famed Tasmanian devil.
The State Library Victoria is an iconic Melbourne landmark and an important community resource. It is Australia's oldest public library and one of the world’s first free public libraries. Dominating an entire city block, on the corner of Swanston and La Trobe Streets, the library is worth exploring for its heritage architecture alone, which includes tiled floors, grand marble staircases, stained glass, and bluestone walls.
