Ultimate Adventure: Explore Australia & New Zealand!

ARE you planning an adventure in Australia and New Zealand? Get ready to explore the best places these stunning countries offer!

From iconic city landmarks to breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities, there is something for every type of traveller.

Here we have curated 10 must-visit destinations that will make your holiday unforgettable.

Read on to discover the highlights of each location and start planning your dream getaway now.

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1. Sydney, Australia

A cityscape of the Sydney Opera House, harbour and bridge at sunrise. Photo: Shutterstock.

Experience the Iconic Opera House and Breathtaking Harbour Views

Spend your holiday in the vibrant city of Sydney, Australia, and immerse yourself in its iconic sights. The Sydney Opera House, a world-famous architectural masterpiece, awaits your exploration. Take a guided tour or catch a performance to truly appreciate its grandeur. Don’t forget to stroll along Circular Quay and indulge in stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

2. Melbourne, Australia

A dusk view of Melbourne’s famous skyline and cricket ground stadium. Photo: Shutterstock.

Explore the City’s Vibrant Street Art and Cultural Attractions

Discover the artistic heart of Australia in Melbourne. You can explore the thriving street art scene in areas like Hosier Lane in this cosmopolitan city. Dive into Melbourne’s cultural side by visiting its many galleries and museums, such as the National Gallery of Victoria and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. Enjoy the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, world-class restaurants, and buzzing nightlife.

3. Perth, Australia

Australia and New Zealand - Quokka on Rottnest Island, Perth.

A quokka is enjoying a swing on Rottnest Island, Perth, Australia. Photo: Hideaki Edo Photography, Shutterstock.

Visit Rottnest Island for its Stunning Beaches and Wildlife

Escape to Perth and embark on a day trip to Rottnest Island. This idyllic island paradise, located just off the coast, is a haven of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique wildlife. Be sure to keep an eye out for the friendly quokkas, small marsupials that have become a symbol of the island. Explore the island by bike or hop on a guided bus tour to make the most of your visit.

4. Auckland, New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand - Auckland cityscape.

A cityscape of Auckland’s skyline, New Zealand, at sunrise. Photo: Rudy Balasko, Shutterstock.

Take in the Picturesque Landscapes of the North Island

Head to beautiful Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island and let its stunning landscapes captivate you. Take a trip up the iconic Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city and its surrounding volcanic cones. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Waiheke Island, known for its vineyards and breathtaking beaches. Immerse yourself in Maori culture and explore the vibrant art scene in this remarkable city.

5. Queenstown, New Zealand

A majestic mountain and lake landscape of Queenstown, New Zealand. Photo: Naruedom Yaempongsa, Shutterstock.

Enjoy Adventure Activities Such as Bungy Jumping and Skydiving

For adrenaline junkies seeking excitement, Queenstown is the place to be. Nestled amidst New Zealand’s breathtaking Southern Alps, this adventure capital offers a plethora of thrilling activities. Take a leap of faith with bungy jumping off the Kawarau Bridge or experience the exhilaration of skydiving above awe-inspiring landscapes. Queenstown’s stunning scenery and heart-pumping adventures will make for an unforgettable adventure.

6. Christchurch, New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand - Christchurch

The restored Peacock Fountain in Christchurch Botanic Gardens at twilight with the Arts Centre in the background. Photo: Travellight, Shutterstock.

Explore the Historic City Centre and Gardens

Discover the charm of Christchurch, a city that perfectly blends history with natural beauty. Wander through the tranquil Christchurch Botanic Gardens and admire the vibrant flora. Don’t miss the incredible street art and innovative architecture that has emerged in the city following the devastating earthquakes. Experience the resilience and spirit of this remarkable place as it continues to rebuild itself.

7. Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand - Bay of Islands

An aerial shot of Urapukapuka Island, Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Photo: Ruth Lawton, Shutterstock.

Soak up Some of the Country’s Most Beautiful Scenery

Escape to the Bay of Islands, a breathtakingly beautiful region in New Zealand. With over 140 subtropical islands, this paradise is perfect for beach lovers and water enthusiasts. Explore secluded bays, snorkel or dive in crystal-clear waters, and cruise around islands teeming with wildlife. Immerse yourself in nature and unwind amidst stunning landscapes that showcase New Zealand’s natural splendour.

8. Gold Coast, Australia

A view from the water of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, Australia. Photo: Shutterstock.

Hit Up Some of the World’s Best Beaches for Surfers and Sunbathers Alike

Head to the Gold Coast, renowned for its pristine sandy beaches and sunny weather. Surfers Paradise is a must-visit for wave enthusiasts, offering excellent surfing conditions. If relaxation is what you seek, lounge on the golden shores, soak up the sun, and enjoy the lively beach atmosphere. Explore the coastal hinterland for lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant wildlife.

9. K’gari, Australia

Tourists flock to Lake Mackenzie on K’gari year-round to enjoy the cool fresh water. Photo: Cam Laird, Shutterstock.

Visit this Untouched Paradise off the Coast of Queensland

Discover the untouched beauty of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), an exquisite gem off the coast of Queensland. This World Heritage-listed site boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient rainforests. Explore the island’s unique attractions, such as the stunning Lake McKenzie and the vibrant Maheno Shipwreck. Embark on adventurous 4×4 tours or simply relax and soak in the tranquillity of this paradise.

10. Cairns, Australia

A professional underwater photographer captures nature and wildlife in the Great Barrier Reef near Cairns. Photo: ChameleonsEye, Shutterstock.

Immerse Yourself in the Lush Rainforest Surrounding this Popular Tourist Spot

Indulge in the lush rainforest and tropical beauty surrounding Cairns, a bustling gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Immerse yourself in nature as you visit the stunning Mossman Gorge or take an exhilarating cable car ride above the rainforest canopy in Kuranda. Dive into the breathtaking underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef or simply unwind on the palm-fringed beaches while enjoying the warm sunshine.

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Feature photo: A spectacular sunrise over the city of Perth, Australia, by Cloudsrest Images; Shutterstock.

Published: 16 September 2023.

Discover Cooktown in Far North Queensland

THERE’S no shortage of things to do at Cooktown, where in 1770 James Cook landed after his ship ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef.

The old adage “Seen one rainforest, seen ém all” certainly doesn’t apply.

Exploring Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula was just a blip on my travel radar until last December.

I’d already seen plenty of rainforests, so with many other exciting places beckoning, I figured if an opportunity arose to go to North Queensland, I’d go, but otherwise I wouldn’t make the effort.

An opportunity did arise after relatives moved to Cooktown in late 2014.

An airline company was offering cheap flights from Brisbane to Cairns, so that blip on my travel radar suddenly started beaming “visit me”.

I planned to make the trip before the 2016 wet season (January to March), but I’ve since learned the monsoon rains in summer renew wildlife spectacularly.

Waterfalls are also in full flow, so awesome photographic opportunities would have been greater than the month I chose, September 2015.

While Cooktown is accessible in a standard vehicle all year round, time was limited for my north Queensland jaunt, so I took a 45-minute flight from Cairns with Hinterland Aviation.

Cooktown is steeped in history dating from ancient Indigenous times, Captain James Cook’s landing on the bank of the Endeavour River in 1770, and the Palmer River Gold Rush of the late 1800s.

The town is located 28 kilometres north of Cairns.

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Top 11 things to do at Cooktown in pictures

1. Visit the botanic gardens.

2. Go crocodile spotting. The best time is during the dry season (July to December) on a low tide when they come out of the water to sun themselves on the river banks. Beware of venturing near the water on beaches and riverbanks where crocs view humans as prey.

Things to do in Cooktown - man at a waterfall

3. Visit the Trevathan Falls just south of Cooktown off the Mulligan Highway.

4. Enjoy spectacular views of Cooktown, the Endeavour River and the Great Barrier Reef from the Grassy Hill Lookout and Lighthouse.

Things to do in Cooktown - Cherry Tree Bay

5. Hike from the Grassy Hill Road to Cherry Tree Bay, Cooktown’s most secluded beach fringed by rainforest and large rock formations.

Things to do at Cooktown - visit Black Mountain

6. Visit the mysterious Black Mountains 25km south of Cooktown on the Mulligan Highway. The mountains of grey granite boulders are culturally significant for the Kuku Yalanji people, and tales abound of people, horses and cattle disappearing, never to be seen again.

Things to do at Cooktown - visit the Lions Den Hotel

7. Have a beer in the Lion’s Den Hotel, built in 1875 on the banks of the Little Annan River. Surrounded by mango trees and rainforests, the historic hotel, built of timber and iron, is famous for its quirky interior.

8. Take a sunset cruise along the Endeavour River.

9. Visit the James Cook Museum, located in the restored Sisters of Mercy convent school building, where artefacts from Captain James Cook’s ship Endeavour and diary extracts are housed. The museum also holds Indigenous Australian and Chinese displays.

10. See Indigenous Australian art, pottery and jewellery at the Wujal Wujal professional gallery near the Bloomfield River.

11. Take a walking tour of the town to see the water fountain, Elizabeth Guzsely Gallery, history centres, Milbi (story) Wall, a statue of Mick the Miner and the interactive Musical Ship. James Cook’s tributes include a statue, a cannon and a monument marking the spot where Cook beached his Endeavour in 1770. Markets are on Saturday mornings near the bowls club.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Australia and New Zealand