Best Beaches to Visit in Hawaii

Popular Vacation Spots in Hawaii

There are many vacation spots in Hawaii, and where you stay depends mainly on the pursuits and type of vacation you are after.

Traditionally, Kauai Island and Oahu Island are popular holiday destinations amongst romantic couples and travelers looking for a relaxing getaway.

Having said this, island hopping in Hawaii is very popular so, should you decide you’d like to explore Hawaii fully; you could use one of the inter-island flights that run between the islands.

To give you an idea of what island might be for you, I’ve given a little overview below of each of the main islands, which I think you’ll find useful:

Kauai Island

Kauai Island Hawaii is a popular eco-tourist destination, and if you are a wildlife enthusiast and love bird watching, the island is home to over eighty different species of birds.

Oahu Island

Oahu Island is, perhaps, one of the most popular vacation spots in Hawaii, and it is here where you'll find the capital city of Honolulu HI and the famed Waikiki Beach.

Apart from beach activities and outdoor pursuits, Oahu Island is also home to a Polynesian Center, and war memorials such as Pearl Harbor in Honolulu.

Maui Island

Maui Island Hawaii is one of the most popular vacation spots in Hawaii for travelers looking to do plenty of water activities.

If you travel here between winter and late spring, Maui Island HI is popular for its whale watching tours, and you can spot the majestic humpback whales around the shores of the island

Big Island

If you are a hiking enthusiast and are interested in volcanoes and want to learn about Hawaii’s beautiful landscape, the Big Island of Hawaii is home to the popular Volcanoes National Park where you can enjoy educational tours as well as hiking trails.

Facts about Hawaii


If you’ve never been on a Hawaii vacation and are planning a trip there, I’ve put together a few interesting facts about Hawaii to give an idea of to expect of this enigmatic US state:

- Hawaii is the only US state that consists of islands

- President Barrack Obama was born in Hawaii

- Hawaii and Alaska are the only two US states that do not share a border with another US state

- Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in Hawaii, and it’s the second tallest island mountain in the world, after Puncak Jaya mountain in New Guinea

- Due to Hawaii’s isolation from the rest of the world, most of its flora and fauna can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

- Haleakala National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are the only two national parks in Hawaii

- Hawaii has primarily two seasons, a dry season which runs from May to October, and a rainy season which runs from October to April

- The official spoken languages in Hawaii are English and Hawaiian

- The majority of Hawaii’s population is of Polynesian and Asian descent.

- The islands of Hawaii location is the furthest from any other body of land in the world.

- Hawaii is known as the ‘Aloha State’, and its nickname comes from the ‘aloha spirit’, which means to help other people and care about other people.


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For those of you planning a New Zealand holiday for the first time, the country is actually similar to the Japan Islands, in that it comprises a few islands.

Top 10 Sights to See in New Zealand

In this case, New Zealand is actually comprised of three main islands – North Island, South Island and Stewart Island- and other smaller islands.

New Zealand is truly a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and it offers plenty of mountainous areas, national parks and volcanic plateaus where you can explore rare wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Having said this, apart from beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife, New Zealand does offers many shopping opportunities, lively nightlife spots, and plenty of fun events and festivals.

Interesting Places to Visit in New Zealand

There are so many wonderful places to choose for a getaway in New Zealand but in my opinion two of the most interesting places to visit in New Zealand are Invercargill New Zealand and Dunedin New Zealand.

Both Invercargill and Dunedin do get overlooked by major cities such as Christchurch and Auckland, but these two places offer a myriad of city attractions, as well as plenty of outdoor pursuits such as winery tours, whale watching tours, hiking and fishing opportunities.

Invercargill New Zealand

If you are true outdoors person and are looking to explore New Zealand’s great outdoors, Invercargill NZ is a short ferry ride from Stewart Island where you can explore the popular Rakiura National Park.

Dunedin New Zealand

If you enjoy all kinds of tours during a holiday, Dunedin NZ is, perhaps, one of the most interesting places to visit in New Zealand, as it offers plenty of opportunities for whale watching tours, brewery tours, fishing trips and kayak tours.

Apart from fun activities such as the ones mentioned, Dunedin NZ is one of the most historic cities in New Zealand with a proud Scottish heritage. It boasts 19th century castles, railway stations and Victorian houses.

Geraldton WA is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Western Australia for a vacation, as the city enjoys plenty great weather all year-round.

things to do on Australia's west coast

If you are visiting the city for the first time, some of the popular things to do in Geraldton WA include surfing, snorkeling, visiting a winery and enjoying and eco-tour to the Albrolhos Islands.

Geraldton WA is located around two hundred miles north of Perth Western Australia and can be reached within a five hour drive on Highway 1.

However, if you are not used to driving through the Australian Outback, we wouldn’t recommend traveling by car as you’d be driving through isolated areas.

Things to do in Geraldton WA: Outdoor Activities

If you are looking to enjoy fun outdoor activities, the town of Kalbarri is only two hours from Geraldton WA along the North West Coastal Hwy route.

Apart from being able to book fishing charters and other kind of tours in Kalbarri town, you can explore the nearby Kalbarri National Park where you can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, kayaking and whale spotting activities.

Hiking

Kalbarri National Park

If you are an experienced hiker, the park is home to many hiking opportunities where you can enjoy anything from a day trip to an extended hiking excursion.

For instance, the trail that runs along the coast from Eagle Gorge to Natural Bridge is around 4 miles long and takes a few hours to complete, and along the way you are treated to lovely views of the ocean.

For easy hikes, the park is home to a few lookouts that offer lovely views of the area around and the gorges.

Two such lookout points are Z Bend and The Loop, which are both sign-marked trails that can be easily reached within minutes..

Chapman River Nature Trail

For a hike closer to Geraldton WA, the Chapman River trail along the River Chapman is another popular place to observe plenty of wildlife while enjoying a fun hike.

Whale Spotting

The coastal area of Kalbarri National Park is home to the magnificent Red Bluff cliffs, which offer breathtaking panoramas of the ocean as well as a perfect vantage point for spotting whales and dolphins.

Water Activities

If you are looking to enjoy water activities during your vacation in Geraldton WA, the waters of the town of Kalbarri's estuary are one of the best places where you can enjoy paddle boating, canoeing, swimming and even fishing activities..

Surfing & Windsurfing

If you are a surfing enthusiast, two of the most popular places where you can ride a wave include Sunset Beach and Back Beach.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is located is only 5 miles north of Geraldton WA and it is only 20 minutes on Bus201. If you are using car rental, take the North West Coastal Highway (it takes around 10 minutes by car).

Apart from windsurfing, Sunset Beach is popular with other wind sports such as paragliding.

Back Beach

Back Beach is located south of Geraldton WA in the Mahomet Flats suburb. To get there by car, take Fitzgerald Street (around 8 minutes by car).

If you are a true surfing enthusiast, Back Beach is one of the most popular places in Geraldton WA to ride a wave, and body surfing.

Winery Tour

If you are a wine enthusiast, visiting one of the wineries in Geraldton is a must-add activity in your itinerary.

Two of the most popular vineyards where you can enjoy winery tours are Chapman Valley and Ego Creek Vineyard.

Ego Creek vineyard is the closest one to town (5 miles northeast), while Chapman Valley is located on Nanson Howatharra Rd (around 14 miles).

Things to do in Geraldton WA: Places of Interest

HMAS Sydney II Memorial

The HMAS Sydney II Memorial, located on Gummer Avenue, is a lovely remembrance memorial honoring the lives of the sailors that lost their lives aboard HMAS Sydney II in 1941.

If you are interested on a walking tour, the Geraldton Voluntary Tour Guides Association runs a 30 minute tour every day at the memorial.

Houtman Abrolhos

One of the most visited places on Western Australia it’s Houtman Abrolhos, which is a group of Islands located around 40 miles off Geraldton port.

If you are visiting the city for the first time, a visit to the Albrolhos Islands is another thing to do in Geraldton WA, which is worth adding to the itinerary.

The Albrolhos Islands are home to beautiful coral reefs and a wealth of marine life, which you can explore on a snorkeling trip.

However, the only way to get to the islands is through a tour or a fishing charter but book in advance, as only a certain amount of people are allowed every day on theses islands.

Glendenning Park

If you are traveling with kids to Geraldton WA, Glendenning Park is one of the most popular spots where families hang around for a fun day out..

The Park, located only 3 miles south along the Brand Highway, features kid’s play areas, picnic and grilling areas.

Old Geraldton Gaol Craft Center Tour

If you are a history buff, the Old Geraldton Gaol used to be a depot for convicts in the 19th century. Nowadays, this old depot serves as a craft center and open museum.

If you’d like to book a tour of the Gaol, you can do so at the Geraldton Visitors Centre.

Things to do in Geraldton WA: Shopping

The Old Geraldton Gaol Craft Center is a great place where you can purchase local handmade goods, which are ideal for souvenir gifts.

For retail shopping, head to Centro Northgate Shopping Center, located along Sanford Street near the Flight Center.

Things to do in Geraldton WA: Nightlife & Entertainment

The city of Geraldton WA has a buzzing nightlife with plenty of bars and pubs located along the city center.

For a bit of clubbing head to the ZUU nightclub, located between the corner of Fitzgerald Street and Lester Avenue.

If you love performing arts, one of the most popular things to do in Geraldton WA is to visit the Queens Park Theater, located between Corner Cathedral Ave and Maitland St.

The theater nightly performances range from fun comedy sketches to acrobatic performances such as Acrobatic Allstars, which happens next week.

Things to do in Geraldton WA: Events & Festivals

Geraldton Cup

If you are a horse enthusiast, the city is home to the Geraldton Cup thoroughbred horse race every March at the Geraldton Turf Club.

Sunshine Festival

The annual Sunshine Festival is one of the most popular events in Geraldton WA. If you are traveling with kids during September, the event features fun family activities and exciting competitions.

Big Sky Writers Festival

If you are a writer or love writing, the Big Sky Writers Festival is a great place where you can meet other like minded writers, share ideas, and participate in workshops.

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Cairns, along with Darwin, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Queensland and an excellent gateway destination for exploring Australia’s Northern Territory.

Best places for hiking in South Australia

If you are traveling to this city for the first time, Cairns Queensland is very touristy and has a feel to the French Riviera, with luxurious accommodations and expensive yachts.

Nicest Beaches in Australia

However, what makes Cairns Queensland so popular is its wealth of natural attractions and outdoor opportunities such as hiking at one of the national parks or forest reserves.


If you are traveling to Australia consider the following places: Perth, Brisbane, Tasmania and Adelaide.


Things to do in Cairns Queensland: Fun Outdoor Activities

Hiking & Canoeing

If you are an outdoor enthusiast and are looking to enjoy the Queensland's natural scenery, Barron National Park is just a short drive from the city center (around 30 minutes by car).

Apart from great hiking trails at the park, you can kayak along Barron River and enjoy picnicking as well as a free tour of the Barron Gorge Hydro-Power Station.

Beware that camping is not allowed at the park but if you are looking to camp out, the nearby Speewah State Forest has campsites there.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Fitzroy Island

One of the best places for diving and snorkeling opportunities it’s Fitzroy Island, which is an easy forty minute ferry ride from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to Marlin Marina.

Once you get to Fitzroy Island, you can hire diving and snorkeling gear, paddle boats and kayaks.

Don’t forget to book the popular glass bottom boat tour, which allows you to see colorful fish and marine plants.

Apart from water activities, the Fitzroy Island is home to a National Park home to many hiking trails that will allow you to explore all the areas of the Island.

Low Isles

The Low Isles are another hot-spot for snorkeling and diving as the waters are crystal clear and the coral is excellent.

To reach the Low Isles, head to Port Douglas where you can find many tour companies that will take out on the outer reef and the Low Isles for scuba diving and snorkeling trips.

Helicopter Tour

If you are not on a tight budget, a helicopter tour is another popular way to discover the area around Cairns from overhead.

A typical helicopter tour takes you around the rain forest and the Great Barrier Reef, allowing you to take unforgettable pictures.

Cable-way Ride

If you are visiting the town of Kuranda, another activity worth adding to your itinerary it’s a ride on the Skyrail Rain-forest Cableway, which runs between the towns of Kuranda and Caravonica (return trip takes around 3 hours)

During the ride you can get amazing views of the forest, the Barron River and the water falls.

Things to do in Cairns Queensland: Beaches

If you are looking to spend most of your vacation at the beach there are plenty of northern beaches to choose from.

Machans Beach and Holloways Beach are the nearest beaches to Cairns Queensland. You can reach these two beaches on Bus7, but if you are driving it’s around 20 minutes along Captain Cook highway.

Three of the most popular northern beaches are:

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is just 10 miles from Cairns and offers plenty of amenities such as restaurants, picnic tables, lodging and even shopping places.

Trinity Beach is a cool 20 minutes by car, and 50 minutes on the Bus2A.

Palm Cove

Palm Beach is one of the best international beach destinations in Cairns Queensland and features a sandy shoreline with beautiful palm trees reminiscent of Los Angeles and Miami beaches.

Palm Cove is just 30 minutes by car, and around 60 minutes on the Bus1X.

Four Mile Beach

Four Mile Beach is a short walk from Port Douglas and it is another beautiful sandy beach where you can enjoy plenty of beach activities such as Kite surfing.

Things to do in Cairns Queensland: Day Trip

Kuranda

Kuranda town is located 15 miles northwest of Cairns’ city center. There are a couple of options for getting to Kuranda and these include public transit, car and railway.

If you are using car rental, take first the Captain Cook Highway towards Macalister Range then the Kennedy Highway (It takes around 30 minutes by car).

Having said this, one of the best ways to enjoy a trip to Kuranda town is with the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

The Kuranda railway line offers breathtaking mountain scenery views and an amazing vertical drop view as it passes through Stoney Creek Falls Bridge.

The Scenic line also cuts through the Barron Gorge National Park and stops at Barron Falls allowing you to catch a glimpse of these majestic waterfalls.

Once in Kuranda, you can check out a koala and butterfly sanctuary as well as the Cairns Wildlife Safari Reserve.

Things to do in Cairns Queensland: Shopping

For retail shopping, the Cairns Central Shopping center (located on Spence Street, near Cairns Central Station) offers plenty of department stores to choose from as well as a food court.

Pier Market Place, adjacent Marlin Marina, is another popular shopping center that offers over 100 different department stores, cafes and a food court.

For souvenir shopping, the Chinese night market on Esplanade Street (along the waterfront) is one of the best places where you can find all kinds of handmade items.

Things to do in Cairns Queensland: Nightlife & Entertainment

The nightlife in Cairns Queensland consists of bars and a few nightclubs mostly located on the city center.

Along the waterfront on Esplanade Street you can find a few bars and cafes where you can enjoy a quite drink.

Bungalow district, along Spence Street, also features plenty of bars and nightclubs such as Tropos nightclub, which plays mainly hip-hop and R&B music.

Things to do in Cairns Queensland: Events & Festivals

Port Douglas Carnivale

The Port Douglas Carnivale, held in May in Port Douglas, is a popular event that features a different theme every year.

This year the event features a vintage era theme and you’ll be able to see vintage cars, beautiful street parades, amazing floats and plenty of live entertainment.

Go Troppo Arts Festival

The Go Troppo Arts Festival, held in October in Port Douglas, is one of the most popular cultural events in Australia. The festival is a community event, and brings together artists, performers and dancers from all over the region to share their passion for art.

Cairns Blues Festival

If you love Blues music, and are traveling in early May, you can catch the Cairns Blues Festival at Fogarty Park.

Cairns Show

The Cairns Show is a two day event that happens in July on Severin Street. The event features the best arts and craft in the northern territory, along with farming shows, and fun competitions such as wood chopping contests.

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Invercargill is located south of New Zealand and north of Stewart Island, which is home to the majestic Rakiura National Park.

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Those of you traveling from Scotland will feel quite at home in this part of New Zealand as locals are proud of their Scottish heritage, and they even have a Scottish twang to their accents.

If you are looking to explore nearby cities, Invercargill New Zealand is just a couple of hours drive from Queenstown and Dunedin New Zealand.

Things to do in Invercargill New Zealand: Places of Interest

Queens Park

Queens Park, located between the Windsor and Avenal neighborhoods, is one of the most popular urban parks in Invercargill New Zealand.

Apart from being able to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities, the park is home to a golf course, an art gallery museum, an observatory and a botanical Garden.

Thomsons Bush

The Thomsons Bush is an excellent park home to a mile of walking paths, and open areas where you can enjoy recreational activities.

Thomsons Bush, located in the Waikiwi neighborhood, is actually a protected native forest, and as you walk along the paths, you can marvel at the lush forest.

Elizabeth Park

If you are traveling with your pet, Elizabeth Park is one of the few pet-friendly parks where dogs can roam freely.

Also, if you are planning in renting bikes, Elizabeth Park (located on Rockdale neighborhood) has a cool BMX circuit.

Splash Palace Water Park

If you are traveling with the family, one of the most popular things to do in Invercargill with kids it’s to visit Splash Palace.

The water park is located on Elles Road (adjacent Rugby Park), and features water areas for the little ones, water slides and a spa pool for adults to relax.

Oreti Beach

If you are traveling to Invercargill New Zealand, you can spend some time at the Oreti Beach, which is located 5 miles west of Invercargill's city center.

Things to do in Invercargill New Zealand: Fun Day Trips

Stewart Island

If you love hiking and would like to explore New Zealand’s great outdoors, a day trip to Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island should be high on your agenda.

You can get to Steward Island by plane but the ferry ride is one of the most fun ways to get there.

To reach Stewart Island, you need to get to the seaport town of Bluff, which is just 12 miles south of Invercargill New Zealand along the Bluff Highway (the drive takes less than 30 minutes).

The ferry service is between Bluff town and Oban village (Steward Island) and the trip takes around 60 minutes (ticket prices hover around $60 one way).

The natural scenery at the Rakiura National Park is quite breathtaking and once you get here, you can expect lush forest with plenty of fauna to observe, as well as many trails to hike along.

Rakiura National Park can be enjoyed on a day trip, but if you wish to make it a two or three day affair, there is a variety of accommodations around the Oban village to suit all budgets.

Fiordland National Park

Another day trip worth adding to your Invercargill itinerary, it’s a visit to Fiordland National Park.

This park is located northwest of Invercargill’s city center and the overall driving time to reach the park is 3 hours.

To gain access to the park, you need to take the 'Te Anau Mossburn Highway' towards Te Anau town (around 2 hours drive).

From there, you need to take the 'Te Anau Milford Highway' towards Milford Sound (a further 90 minute drive).

Once you get to Fiordland Park, you can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking and canoeing.

Milford Sound

Apart from exploring Fiordland Park, don’t forget to visit Milford Sound for breathtaking views of cliffs and waterfalls.

Milford Sound features an underwater observatory where you can marvel at black coral,and if you want to get better views of Milford Sound, there are many tour companies offering boat tours of Milford Sound, departing from the Milford Sound Visitors' Centre.

Things to do in Invercargill New Zealand: Shopping

For retail shopping, the Glengarry neighborhood is home to the 'Challenge Glengarry' and Make ‘n’ Bake shopping centers (both of these shopping centers are located near the Stadium Southland).

Another popular shopping center it’s the 'A Streak A' head, which is located in the Gladstone neighborhood, near Queens Park.

For boutique shopping, along Esk Street you can find many small stores and boutique shops with the usual popular designers.

Things to do in Invercargill New Zealand: Nightlife & Entertainment

The city center of Invercargill is the heart of the night scene in the city.

Along Dee Street, Esk Street and Tay Street is where you can find many restaurants, bars and the popular Tillermans bar and nightclub.

Things to do in Invercargill New Zealand: Events & Festivals

Invercargill Gypsy Fair

The Invercargill Gypsy Fair, held in April at Queens Park, is an annual event where you can enjoy a fair gypsy style. At the fair you can enjoy tarot reading, tattooing, live entertainment and more.

Dunkley's New Zealand Craft Show

The Dunkley's New Zealand Craft Show, held in September at the Stadium Southland, is one of the most popular craft events in New Zealand. At the event you can see the country’s best craftsmen and their works.

Teretonga Race Track

If you are a car racing enthusiast, Teretonga Race Track (located along Sandy Point Road) features various types of monthly racing events such as Drifting and Clubsport events. 


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If you are traveling to Dunedin New Zealand for the first time, the city is home a myriad of Victorian and Edwardian buildings reminiscent of those found in Edinburgh in Scotland.

Apart from glorious buildings and a wealthy heritage, Dunedin New Zealand offers plenty of outdoor opportunities such as cycling and whale watching.

There are many things to do in Dunedin New Zealand and the city can be a great base for exploring Queenstown and Fiordland.

Things to do in Dunedin New Zealand: Fun Activities

Marine Life Tours

Whale Watching Tour

One of the most popular fun things to do in Dunedin New Zealand is to explore its marine life. The best way to experience the marine life, it’s by arranging a whale watching tour with one of the tour companies there.

A typical whale watching tour takes you out in the Otago Peninsula and allows you to get close to seals as well as swimming with dolphins and whales.

Apart from whale watching, taking a tour at Penguin Place and the Royal Albatross Center are two must-add attractions to your Dunedin New Zealand Itinerary.

Penguin Place Tour

Penguin Place, located on Harington Point Road, is one of the best places to see the yellow-eyed penguins. You can get up-close to the penguins without disturbing them as the center has purposely-built trenches around the site.

Penguin Place tours last 90 minutes and they’re normally conducted in small groups.

Royal Albatross Centre Tour

Royal Albatross Centre, located nearby Penguin Place, also offers a guided tour which lasts around 60 minutes. At the end, visitors are allowed to watch the nesting albatross from the observatory.

Biking & Walking

Biking

If you love cycling, Dunedin New Zealand is home to many cycling tracks in the city center and biking tracks around the city's green belt.

If you are traveling with the family, cycling is in fact one of the most popular fun family outdoor activities in the city.

For instance, one of the most popular cycling tracks it’s Jubilee Park (along Serpentine Avenue), which is a safe and easy circuit that also features some challenging sections for experienced bikers.

Another popular place for biking, it’s at the Signal Hill Reserve. The reserve, located in the Octago Peninsula, is home to many single tracks to suit all skill levels.

Walking

Woodhaugh Gardens, located nearby Dunedin Botanic Gardens, are an excellent place if you fancy a quite walk. The gardens feature gravel tracks which are also suitable for wheelchair users.

If you love walking or hiking both Jubilee Park and Signal Hill Reserve are also great for walkers or joggers.

Kayak Tour

Another popular activity you can add to your Dunedin itinerary it’s a Kayak tour along Dunedin inner and outer harbor.

A Kayak tour is also a great way to enjoy bird spotting and the lovely scenery, as well as exploring some of the secluded bays.

Fishing Trip

If you are a fishing enthusiast, the south of New Zealand region is known as an angler’s paradise, home to many lakes and rivers with crystal clear waters.

One of the best places nearest to Dunedin New Zealand for fishing of salmon is at the Taieri River, which is located 25 miles southwest of the city center (60 minutes drive from Dunedin)

Brewery Tour

A brewery tour is another activity worth adding to the itinerary. The Speight's Heritage Center offers a 90 minute brewery tour that includes a walk through the historic brewery.

At the end of the Speight’s Brewery tour, you get to sample very fine brews.

List of Dunedin Urban Parks

Center of Dunedin: Robin Hood Park, Unity Park, Mornington Park and Jubilee Park.

North of Dunedin: Ellis Park, Logan Park, Prospect Park and Opoho Park.

South of Dunedin: Bathgate Park, Tonga Park, St. Clair Park, Kettle Park and Hancock Park.

Things to do in Dunedin New Zealand: Places of Interest

Dunedin New Zealand Historic Places

Ferntree House

Ferntree House, located on Taieri Road, is one of the oldest houses in New Zealand and a great example of a period house.

Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle, located near Camp Street in the Otago Peninsula, is the only castle found in New Zealand and features over 40 rooms. The castle is open for public viewing and offers lovely views of the Otago Peninsula and Harbor.

Dunedin Railway Station

The Dunedin Railway Station built in early 1900’s is, architecturally, one of New Zealand jewels, constructed in the Flemish renaissance style with lighter Oamaru stone facings.

Dunedin Botanic Gardens

The Dunedin Botanic Gardens are the oldest in New Zealand and are divided into upper and lower sections.

The lower section of the gardens contains a rose and herb gardens and a Japanese garden, while the upper section features an African garden, a wetlands garden and a small aviary.

Dunedin Northern Cemetery

The Northern Cemetery, adjacent the Botanic Gardens, is a historic cemetery that contains the graves of notables such as the mausoleum of William Larnach.

Dunedin Visitor Center

If you are traveling to Dunedin New Zealand for the first time, the Dunedin Visitor Center is an excellent place to find out further information about events and other activities happening during your vacation.

The visitor center is located at the Octagon near Saint Paul's Cathedral Office and the Otago Theater.

New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame

If you are a sports fan, a visit to the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame would be high in the itinerary.

At the Hall of Fame, you can learn about New Zealand's sporting past such as the kayak in which Ian Ferguson and Paul MacDonald won Olympic gold medals.

Things to do in Dunedin New Zealand: Shopping & Food

The main shopping areas in Dunedin are the Octagon, Murray Place and, along George Street where you can find a variety of local and Asian shops, as well as the Meridian Shopping Mall

Sampling New Zealand local produce is also a popular thing to do in Dunedin New Zealand. The Otago Farmers Market is a great place where you can find all kinds of New Zealand fresh produce such as lamb, fresh fish and organic fruit and vegetables, and more.

Things to do in Dunedin New Zealand: Nightlife & Entertainment

Dunedin New Zealand is a University town and features a variety of clubs, bars and pubs offering live music and entertainment such as karaoke nights.

The area around the Octagon, the Main Street (George Street), south Dunedin and Mornington are home to plenty of bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants.

For instance, along Princess Street you can find the Orbit 107 and Millennium nightclubs, while the popular Terrace pub is located on the Octagon.

Things to do in Dunedin New Zealand: Events & Festivals

Dunedin Rhododendron Festival

The Rhododendron Festival, held in October at the Dunedin Botanical Gardens, features talks and horticultural workshops. If you love plants and want to learn some techniques this is an event you may not want to miss.

Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival

The Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival, held in July, is a popular family event where you can enjoy chocolate related activities such as a chocolate cooking class, chocolate painting and more.

Rally of Otago

If you are a rally car enthusiast, you may not want to miss the Rally of Otago. The Otago Rally is held in April and features the second leg of the New Zealand Rally Championship.

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Fun things to do in Adelaide Australia
Must see places in Edinburgh
Interesting places to visit in New Brunswick
Places to visit in New South Wales

Adelaide, located in South Australia, is one of the smallest cities in Australia and it is often overlooked over cities such as Sydney or Melbourne.

Best places for hiking in South Australia

If you are looking for a big-city feel destination without the large crowds, Adelaide Australia tourism offers many fun things to do in and out of the city. For instance, Fleurieu Peninsula is home to stunning beaches and charming towns such as Victor Harbor town which is home to marvelous horse-drawn tram.

Apart from many fun things to do in Adelaide Australia, the city is also a great base for exploring some of Australia's Islands such as Kangaroo Island and Tasmania.

Fun Things to do in Adelaide Australia: Tours & Activities

Torrens River Gondola Ride

For those looking for romantic things to do in Adelaide Australia, a Gondola ride along Torrens River is one of the best ways to spend a relaxing hour marveling at Adelaide’s landmarks.

Nicest Beaches in Australia

Whale Watching Tours

Just like whale watching in New Zealand, whale watching is a popular pastime in Australia’s coastal areas.

If you are traveling to Adelaide Australia between summer and autumn months, tour companies operate mainly from the south of Fleurieu Peninsula.

Old Gaol Tour

The Old Gaol, located in Adelaide Park, is an old prison complex open to visitors for guided or self-guided tours where visitors can explore and experience ‘apparent’ sightings in the complex.

Wine Tasting Tour

Visiting one of the wine regions is one of the most popular fun things to do in Adelaide Australia, and if you are looking to enjoy a wine tasting tour can explore more than five wine regions in the Adelaide area.

The National Wine Centre of Australia, located in the center of the city, has a great place to sample some wines and find out more information about Australia’s wine regions.

Two of the best wine regions in Australia are Adelaide Plains and Adelaide Hills, where you can find many wineries offering winery tours.

Surfing & Water Activities

One of the best surfing spots nearby Adelaide Australia is in Victor Harbor Town (an hour's drive from Adelaide) where you can find popular surfing beaches such as Waitpinga.

Victor Harbor Town is also home to the popular Greenhills Adventure Park where you can enjoy a myriad of fun activities such as rock wall climbing, canoeing and go-karting.

Parks & Sanctuaries

Those interested in exploring Adelaide’s wildlife and flora can do so at the Cleland Wildlife Park and at the Warrawong wildlife sanctuary.

The Cleland Park is just fifteen minutes away from Adelaide City Center, and if you are traveling with kids, you will all enjoy petting koalas and baby kangaroos.

Warrawong center is a sanctuary for endangered species and it is a great place to explore with the family as visitors are allowed to wander around freely.

Fun Things to do in Adelaide Australia: Beaches

Glenelg Beach

Glenelg, located on the shore of Holdfast Bay, is home to one of the touristy beaches in Adelaide where you can also find 'The Beachhouse' amusement park.

*Distance (8miles from Adelaide City Center, 26 minutes car ride)

Port Noarlunga Beach

Port Noarlunga Beach, located in the City of Onkaparinga, is a popular beach home to the popular the Port Noarlunga Reef and Onkaparinga Estuary Aquatic Reserve where you can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving.

*Distance (19 miles from Adelaide City Center, 49 minutes car ride)

Maslin Beach

Maslin Beach is another beautiful beach with an area reserved for naturist.

*Distance (24 miles from Adelaide City Center, 59 minutes car ride)

Fun Things to do in Adelaide Australia: Places of Interest

Adelaide City Center

One of the best ways to explore the city center of Adelaide is on a bus tour. The main points of interest in the city are the Parliament House, Adelaide Town Hall, the Migration Museum and the South Australian Museum.

Fleurieu Peninsula

The Fleurieu Peninsula is another beautiful area to explore on a day trip from the City, and it is just an hour’s drive South of Adelaide. The peninsula is home to many towns worth exploring. Two of the most popular include:

Victor Harbor Town

One of the most popular attractions in Victor Harbor is the horse-drawn tram that connects the harbor to Granite Island, where you can see a large colony of Fairy Penguins.

Willunga Town

The town of Willunga is a lovely place home the Willunga Farmers' Market and many charming traditional shops where you can purchase all kinds of local crafts.

The town also comes alive in the summer months where you can enjoy fun summer festivals such as the Fleurieu Folk Festival and the historic Almond Blossom Festival

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island, located on the west coast of Fleurieu Peninsula, is a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts and it is home to Flinders Chase National Park where you can explore stunning rock formations and enjoy hiking and camping.

Kangaroo Island is easily reached by ferry from Cape Jervis (an hour’s drive from Adelaide)

Fun Things to do in Adelaide Australia: Sports

If you are sports enthusiast, attending an sport event during your vacation in Adelaide Australia is a must-add in your itinerary. The city is home to an Australian Rules Football league, a Soccer league and One Day International cricket matches.

Fun Things to do in Adelaide Australia: Shopping

In the heart of Adelaide’s City Center is where you can find a variety of shops, shopping malls, boutiques and the popular Adelaide Central Market.

The Adelaide Central Market is home to many vendors selling all kinds of produce and goods, and it is an ideal place for buying souvenir presents such as jewelery, rugs and local crafts.

For retail and high-end shopping, the Rundle Mall district is where you can find a great variety of designer boutiques and shopping malls such as the famed Myer Shopping Mall.

Fun Things to do in Adelaide Australia: Nightlife & Entertainment

Being a cosmopolitan city, Adelaide Australia is home to a great variety of bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues to suit all.

For instance, the Skycity Adelaide Casino located in the Adelaide Plaza is a great place to spend a few hours playing casino games or simply lounge around and enjoy a variety of live performances.

The L!ve club, located on Light Square, is another popular venue known for hosting different music nights such as salsa and hip-hop nights.

Another popular district is Hindley Street which is known for its atmosphere and active nightlife.

Fun Things to do in Melbourne Australia: Events & Festivals

Adelaide Racing Carnival

The Adelaide Racing Carnival, held at the Morphettville racecourse in March, is home to one of the most prestigious thoroughbred racing events in Australia.

Adelaide V8 Supercar

The Adelaide V8 Supercar, held at the Victoria Park Racecourse in March, is one of the biggest car events in Australia, and a great event to see amazingly fast v8 engine cars.

Tour Down Under Race & Be Active Tour

The Tour Down Under Race, held in January, is a popular cycling event attracting famous riders from all over the world, and it is ranked high along with the famed Tour De France.

The 'Be Active Tour' is a similar event where the public are allowed to ride on the same route as the main race, and aims to promote health awareness.

Maslin Beach Olympics

The Maslin Beach Olympics, held in January at the Maslin Beach, is a fun event where the public participate in informal competitions such as three-legged races.

See. things to do on Australia's west coast
Top natural attractions in Australia

The city of Perth, located on Western Australia, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia and it’s one of the best destinations in February if you are looking for a late winter holiday.

things to do on Australia's west coast

Perth is one of the biggest draw in Australia tourism, and due to its location on the Indian Ocean the city enjoys a great amount of sunny days and great weather all year-round.


Apart from the many fun things to do in Perth Western Australia, the city is a great base for taking a cruise along the Australian coastline and explore cities such as Hobart where you can enjoy fun things to do in Tasmania.

Fun Things to do in Perth Western Australia: Outdoor Activities

Parks

King’s Park

King’s Park, located in downtown Perth, is another popular tourist attraction in Perth as it is home to beautiful botanical gardens where you can take a stroll, and visit memorials such as the State War Memorial Precinct located on Mount Eliza.

Yellagonga Regional Park

The Yellagonga Regional Park in Joondalup, located around thirty minutes drive north of Perth city center offers a great opportunity for those looking to enjoy Western Australia natural famed bush lands.

The Yellagonga Regional Park is home to caves and a few hiking trails where you can also enjoy some bird spotting and picnicking along the way.

Whiteman Park

Whiteman Park is located in the outskirts north of Perth and it is a great national park that also features a wildlife sanctuary where kids can pet the Kangaroos and other wildlife.

Tours around Perth

Brewery & Wine Tours

If you are a fan of beer and wines, taking a brewery and wine tour is another popular activity to add on your itinerary. Brewery and wine tours can be organized once you arrive in the city, and a typical tour takes you on a visit to leading vineyards and microbreweries in Swan Valley.

Bus Tour

If you are visiting Perth on a day trip, a bus tour of the city is one of the most time-effective ways to explore the city’s hot spots and popular landmarks such Swan Bells tower, Perth Town Hall and Saint Mary's Cathedral.

Sailing Tour

Another popular way to explore Perth landmarks is on a sailing tour along the city’s largest river, Swan River. A typical Swan River tour can be booked from either Barrack Street or Fremantle Port.

Nicest Beaches in Australia

Whale watching Tour

Just like New Zealand whale watching, if you visit Perth between September and November, you can take a whale watching tour and catch the migration of Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales along Perth's coast.

Diving & Snorkeling

If you are looking to enjoy some diving and snorkeling during your vacation, the coast of Perth and reefs off the coast offer some of the best diving and snorkeling opportunities in Australia.

One of the most popular spots is Rottnest Island, where you will find sank shipwrecks and a wide variety of marine life.

Fun Things to do in Perth Western Australia: Beaches

Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe Beach is one of the Perth’s most popular beaches and it is only a ten minute drive from Perth’s city center. Cottesloe Beach is also a popular beach amongst families due to its shallow waters ideal for snorkeling and body surfing.

Scarborough Beach

Scarborough Beach, located northwest of Perth’s city center, is another popular beach in Western Australia for wind sports.

The beach is also popular amongst backpackers due to the cheap accommodation available there, and it is just a twenty minute drive from the city center.

Swanbourne Beach

Swanbourne Beach, located southwest of Perth’s city center, is also popular amongst wind sport enthusiast, as well as families and naturists.

Naturism is unofficially permitted in Perth but as it stands, the north end of the beach is designated for nudists, while the south end is designated for families.

Fun Things to do in Perth Western Australia: Places of Interest

Perth Mint

If you are interested in how gold is melted, a visit to Perth Mint is another popular fun thing to do. Apart from seeing how gold is melted, the Mint houses a great collection on all sorts of coins.

Western Australian Museum

Visiting the Western Australian Museums is, undoubtedly, another attraction to add on your Perth itinerary.

The museum houses a great variety of exhibits, galleries and interactive rooms where you can learn all about dinosaur fossils, local wildlife and more.

Perth Zoo

If you are traveling with the family, the Perth Zoo is one of the most popular fun things to do in Perth Western Australia for a day with the family. The Perth Zoo has a massive variety of animals from the different habitats including an African Safari and an Asian rain-forest.

Fremantle Port City

Those of you interested in Australia’s colonial era will enjoy a visit to Fremantle Port City.

The main points of interest in Fremantle Port City are the 19th century buildings that include the Round House, the Fremantle History Museum and the Fremantle Prison.

Fun Things to do in Perth Western Australia: Shopping

Downtown Perth is home to great opportunities for retail shopping. For instance, the Murray district has many department stores and specialty shops lining the street, as well as the Murray Street Mall which has a very popular food court & seafood restaurant overlooking the street.

For local handmade goods and souvenir shopping, the Fremantle Markets are one of the best places to go in Perth. The markets are located on the corner of South Terrace and Henderson Street, and you can find over one hundred stalls selling anything for local produce to arts and crafts.

Fun Things to do in Perth Western Australia: Nightlife & Entertainment

Nightlife

The nightlife in Perth is a lively one and ranges from English, Irish and local pubs as well as all kinds of nightclubs.

One of the most popular areas to hang-out in Perth is North-bridge which is where you will find the bulk of all the pubs, restaurants and nightclubs such as the popular Metropolis Concert Club, the Jackal and Club A.

Entertainment

The Burswood Entertainment Complex is one of the most popular venues in Perth that offers all kinds of entertainment all-in-one. The complex is home to a casino, a theater and a Dome that regularly hosts tennis tournaments and international concerts.

Fun Things to do in Perth Western Australia: Events & Festivals

The Joondalup Festival

The Joondalup Festival, held in March, is one of the most popular events in Perth and features street parades and all sorts of live entertainment such as dancing and circus shows, as well as activities for the little ones.

The Red Bull Air Race

The Red Bull Air Race, held in November along the Swan River banks, is an exciting event where planes compete in a race flying meters away from the Swan River.

Fun Things to do in Perth Western Australia: Sports

If you are a sports enthusiast, a visit to a game of Australian Rules football is a great way to spend an afternoon and soak in an electrifying atmosphere.

Just like Brisbane and Melbourne, Perth loves their game of football and you can catch a weekly game at the Subiaco stadium between early spring and late summer.

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The Island of Tasmania (formerly known as Van Diemen's Land) is located on the southernmost part of Australia and is home to stunning natural formations such as the Devil’s Kitchen and the Tasman Arch found in the Tasmanian Peninsula.

Best places for hiking in South Australia

Tasmania is an outdoors enthusiast's paradise primarily and other fun things to do in Tasmania include visiting the historic buildings and landmarks from Australia’s colonial past.

Apart from enjoying the natural scenery and the many fun things to do in Tasmania, the Island is also an ideal holiday base for trips to Australia and New Zealand.

Fun Things to do in Tasmania: Fun Outdoor Activities

Hiking

Hiking is, undoubtedly, one of the most popular fun things to do in Tasmania.

One of the best places to enjoy the natural wilderness is at the Hartz Mountains National Park, located just an hour’s drive southwest of Hobart. At the park most people enjoy the four hour walk to the summit of Hartz Peak, which offers stunning views of the area around.

Another great area that offers fantastic outdoor opportunities is at the Tasman National Park, which is located in the Tasmanian Peninsula (just a couple of hours drive from Hobart). The Park is a great place to enjoy hiking, camping, boating, fishing and swimming.

Scuba Diving

Tasmania’s southern east coat is home to some of the best diving sites in the world. Those of you interested in exploring Tasmania’s marine and coral life will find some of the best diving sites at Eaglehawk Diving Center.

Nicest Beaches in Australia

The center is located in Eaglehawk Neck (just an hour’s drive from Hobart) and offers a diversity of scuba diving opportunities such as exploring the Waterfall Bay caves.

Winery Tour

Visiting a winery is another of the popular fun things to do in Tasmania for first time visitors.

Apart from being able to sample fine Tasmanian wine and learn how wine is made, a winery offers beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere where you can take a peaceful stroll.

Those of you staying in the city of Hobart can enjoy a winery tour at Moorilla Estate Vineyard, which is only a twenty minute drive northwest of Hobart.


Fun Things to do in Tasmania: Places of Interest

Seahorse World

Seahorse World is another interesting place to visit in Tasmania, especially if you love marine life. At the center, you can see thousands of seahorses, and visitors get a fantastic guided tour that explains the different types of seahorses there is.

Richmond Town

Visiting Richmond Town (located within a short drive of Hobart) is like stepping back in time. Taking a tour of this historic village is one of the most popular fun things to do in Tasmania.

The highlights of visiting Richmond Town include a visit to the oldest bridge and the oldest jail in Australia

Port Arthur

Port Arthur, located in the Tasmanian Peninsula, is another popular tourist attraction in Tasmania and a great place to catch a glimpse of Australia’s colonial period.

Port Arthur is home to many historic buildings, as well as the ruins of a 19th century British prison settlement, where visitors can explore the old jail cells.

Fun Things to do in Tasmania: Shopping and dining

One of the best places to hang out and enjoy a bit of shopping in Tasmania is in Salamanca Place in the city of Hobart.

Things to do on the East Coast of Tasmania

Salamanca Place is home to many lovely shops, pubs and restaurants. At the weekend, roads leading to Salamanca Place are closed as Salamanca Place turns into the Salamanca Market. The market is a great place to shop for local produce, as well as handmade goods for gifts and souvenirs.

Fun Things to do in Tasmania: Nightlife & Entertainment

Those of you looking to enjoy a bit of nightlife during a vacation in Tasmania, the city of Hobart it’s the life and soul of Tasmania.

As mentioned earlier, Salamanca Place has many restaurants and pubs but the waterfront is also a great place where you can enjoy a nice drink out.

Fun Things to do in Tasmania: Festivals & Events

Richmond Fair

Richmond Fair, held in Richmond Town in March, is a popular event in Tasmania where you can enjoy culinary events, traditional Tasmanian music and kids activities.

Bloomin Tulips Festival

The Bloomin Tulips Festival, held in the town of Wynyard during the spring, is a fun event where you can find local arts and craft, sample delicious foods and enjoy different types of competitions.

Hobart Summer Festival

The Hobart Summer Festival, held in Hobart in late December, is one of the most popular Tasmanian events and a great event for anyone to attend. The event spans over ten days and involves fireworks, fun competitions, kids’ activities and all sorts of cuisine delights.

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things to do on Australia's west coast