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Australia

Australia is a land of surprises — where ancient cultures meet modern life across vast ochre landscapes, vibrant laneways, and strikingly blue waters, all enriched by generations of newcomers from around the world.

1. Hosier Lane

Hosier Lane is Melbourne’s most iconic street art laneway, drawing crowds with its ever-changing canvas of graffiti, stencils, and installations. Stretching along a cobbled path opposite Federation Square, the lane extends through Rutledge Lane, creating a loop of bold political statements, counterculture expressions, and splashes of humor — all evolving day by day. Much of the art appears overnight and, while technically illegal, it’s welcomed as part of the city’s creative pulse.

Hosier Lane has featured works by renowned international artists like Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Invader, ABOVE, and D*FACE, alongside local legends such as Ha Ha, Prism, and Rone. Although Banksy’s famous “Parachuting Rat” was accidentally removed in 2010, the lane’s global reputation endures.

Originally inspired by New York’s 1980s graffiti scene, Melbourne’s artists moved from train tracks to the city’s hidden laneways, which soon became vibrant hubs of creativity. As the city embraced the movement, murals began appearing on commissioned walls across Melbourne, making Hosier Lane just the start of a larger street art journey. The 2005 documentary RASH explores this underground evolution in depth.

In 2020, a group doused the lane in paint using fire extinguishers — an act seen by some as protest, by others as vandalism. Regardless, Hosier Lane bounced back quickly with fresh artwork emerging almost immediately.

Getting There:
Hosier Lane is located off Flinders Street, directly across from Federation Square and near landmarks like the Forum Theatre and ACMI.

Where to Eat:
MoVida, a beloved Spanish tapas spot, anchors the southern end of the lane. Newer additions include Tres a Cinco, a lively Mexican cantina offering tacos and tequila in the former Misty bar location.

Tip:
Join a walking tour to explore Hosier Lane and other vibrant laneways nearby, like AC/DC Lane, for a full immersion into Melbourne’s thriving street art scene.

2. Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Just 20–30 km north of Sydney’s CBD, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers a striking blend of sandstone cliffs, native bushland, and serene waterways. Spanning 14,928 hectares, this protected area marks the northern edge of Sydney and is easily reachable by public transport, making it a perfect destination for a nature-filled day trip.

Why Visit?
The park is popular for its rich Aboriginal heritage, peaceful wilderness, and a variety of outdoor activities including bushwalking, cycling, kayaking — and whale-watching in winter.

Scenic Landscapes
With more than 100 km of coastline along the southern shores of Broken Bay, the park stretches into the Hawkesbury River. It’s divided into two main areas: Bobbin Head and West Head, with Barrenjoey Headland at Palm Beach — home to a historic lighthouse — also part of the park.

A Historic Place
Ku-ring-gai Chase became Australia’s second national park in 1894. It’s named after the Guringai people, the area’s original inhabitants, who suffered greatly following European colonization. Their legacy survives through more than 800 preserved Aboriginal sites, featuring rock engravings, cave art, and shell middens. For a deeper understanding of this history, Kate Grenville’s novel The Secret River offers a compelling and moving perspective.

Things to Do

Walking Trails
Clifftop trails offer sweeping views over Cowan Creek, Broken Bay, and Pittwater. Start at the Bobbin Head Information Centre for trail maps and tips. Facilities here include a marina, picnic areas, a café, and a mangrove boardwalk.

Waterfalls & Swimming Holes

  • Upper Gledhill Falls: A scenic, accessible waterfall with a secluded swimming hole.

  • Duck Hole (or Duck Pond): Located along McCarrs Creek, this peaceful spot features gentle cascades and a sandy shore — ideal for a quiet swim.

Camping

  • The Basin Campground: Accessible only by ferry, this remote site offers basic amenities like toilets, showers, drinking water, and picnic areas. Bookings are essential via the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service website.

Picnic Areas
Numerous picnic spots are scattered throughout the park. Many offer toilets, water taps, and barbecue facilities.

Park Entry Fees
Like all national parks in Australia, entry fees apply per vehicle and per person. Check the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service website for the latest pricing and payment methods.

Getting There

  • West Head: Via McCarrs Creek Rd, off Mona Vale Rd (Terrey Hills)

  • Bobbin Head: Via Bobbin Head Rd (North Turramurra) or Ku-ring-gai Chase Rd (Mount Colah)

  • Palm Beach/Barrenjoey: By Palm Beach Water Taxi

Where to Stay

Accommodation ranges from:

  • Camping at The Basin

  • YHA hostels at Pittwater and Collaroy

  • Houseboats on the Hawkesbury River

  • Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park in Narrabeen

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and outdoor adventure — a must-visit for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

3. Bondi Beach

Just 8 km from the heart of Sydney, Bondi Beach is more than just a beach — it’s a symbol of Australian surf culture. With its sweeping golden sands, energetic waves, and buzzing atmosphere, Bondi is undeniably one of the world’s most famous beaches.

The Beach Experience

Bondi offers consistently good surf, though it can get crowded. The average water temperature sits at a comfortable 21°C, making it great for a brisk swim — especially if you like a bit of adventure with your splash. For calmer waters, head to the saltwater sea baths at either end of the beach — both upgraded in 2019 — ideal for families and less confident swimmers.

Surfers can ride sandbar breaks at both ends of the beach, and beginners will find it a good place to learn. Swim safely by staying between the red-and-yellow flags — rips can be dangerous, and lifeguards patrol the area diligently.

Facilities and Accessibility

  • Changing rooms and lockers are available at the Bondi Pavilion.

  • Free beach wheelchairs for both children and adults can be booked through the Pavilion.

  • Barbecue zones with coin-operated grills sit at the northern end, perfect for picnics — just remember that alcohol is not allowed on the beach.

Community & Culture

Bondi is a welcoming and diverse beach. Near the North Bondi Surf Club, you’ll find a popular LGBTQIA+ gathering spot and a beachfront outdoor gym. It’s a key hangout for queer Sydneysiders who enjoy sun, surf, and community vibes.

Safety First: Surf Clubs & Lifeguards

Bondi is home to two of Australia’s oldest surf clubs: Bondi Surf Club and North Bondi Surf Club. These clubs patrol the beach and have been instrumental in shaping modern surf lifesaving.

The world-famous Bondi Rescue TV show began filming here in 2006, showcasing the daily work of lifeguards — but Bondi’s lifesaving legacy goes back to 1907, when locals first gathered at Bondi’s Royal Hotel to form what would become the world’s first surf life saving club.

Shark Safety

While headlines sometimes stir fear, shark incidents at Bondi are extremely rare. A shark net surrounds the beach, reducing the risk of larger sharks entering the area. Lifeguards and surfers alike keep watch, and alarms are sounded if any sightings occur.

The most recent shark alarm in 2019 turned out to be a false alarm — the ‘threat’ was just a harmless baby shark.

Bondi Beach blends natural beauty, energetic surf culture, and a rich heritage, all just minutes from Sydney’s city centre. Whether you’re swimming, surfing, picnicking, or simply people-watching, Bondi offers a slice of Sydney life like nowhere else.

4. Shrine of Remembrance

One of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks, the Shrine of Remembrance stands as a solemn and powerful tribute to the Victorians who served in war and peacekeeping missions — especially those who lost their lives during World War I. It is both a place of quiet reflection and a hub for major national commemorative events.

Commemoration & Ceremony

Every year, thousands gather at the shrine for the ANZAC Day Dawn Service (25 April) and the Remembrance Day Ceremony at 11am on 11 November. The latter marks the signing of the 1918 Armistice that ended WWI. At precisely 11am, a remarkable architectural feature allows a shaft of sunlight to pass through a roof aperture and illuminate the word ‘love’ engraved on the Stone of Remembrance. On all other days, this effect is simulated hourly with artificial light.

Shrine Forecourt & Eternal Flame

The shrine’s forecourt, added after WWII, includes a cenotaph and an eternal flame, lit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1954. It is a memorial to those who served and died in the Second World War. Several other monuments surrounding the shrine honour various branches of the armed forces and specific conflicts.

Galleries of Remembrance

Beneath the shrine lies the Galleries of Remembrance, a thoughtfully designed museum space that brings Australia’s military history to life. With over 800 artefacts and artworks, the galleries tell compelling stories of service, sacrifice, and legacy.

A Landmark of Classical Design

Constructed between 1928 and 1934, much of the shrine was built using Depression-era relief labour (known as ‘susso’). Its design draws inspiration from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, giving the structure a timeless grandeur.

Climb to the upper balcony for one of Melbourne’s best panoramic views. From here, you’ll see a perfectly framed vista of Swanston Street, stretching through the city to the skyline — a view protected by strict planning laws to preserve the shrine’s visual prominence.

Visitor Information

  • Free app: Download the Shrine of Remembrance app for a self-guided tour.

  • Guided tours: Join daily tours (free for Australian and New Zealand veterans and defence force members).

  • Kids’ explorer kits: Young visitors can borrow kits from the Visitor Centre, which include fun tools like a periscope, kaleidoscope, and magnifying glass, along with themed activity cards.

  • Security: The shrine is under 24-hour police guard. During opening hours, officers wear ceremonial uniforms inspired by WWI Light Horse regiments.

The Shrine of Remembrance offers a moving and meaningful experience — not just for those seeking to learn about Australia’s military history, but for anyone who values reflection, resilience, and remembrance.

5. Royal Botanic Gardens

A green oasis just moments from the city centre, the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest examples of Victorian-era landscaping. Spanning 38 hectares and attracting over two million visitors each year, the gardens are a stunning showcase of global botany and native Australian flora.

Explore Lush Landscapes & Mini Ecosystems

Meander through a variety of themed zones — from mini ecosystems and a herb garden to an indigenous rainforest. Serene lawns, perfect for picnicking, roll out beside tranquil lakes often graced by elegant black swans. From above, the gardens resemble a pair of green lungs breathing life into Melbourne’s urban fabric.

Events & Experiences

  • Moonlight Cinema: Each summer, the gardens host a beloved outdoor cinema experience, screening cult classics and new releases beneath the stars.

  • Open-Air Theatre: Seasonal performances range from Shakespeare to Wind in the Willows, often tailored for families and children.

  • Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden: A wonderland for little explorers, this interactive space encourages hands-on nature play, complete with water features and whimsical design.

Cultural Connections

Don’t miss the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, a deeply insightful experience led by Indigenous guides. You’ll learn about First Nations culture, traditional plant uses, and the spiritual significance of the land, which remains a sacred site for the Kulin Nation. It’s a meaningful way to engage with Australia’s rich Aboriginal heritage.

Tours depart from the Visitor Centre — bookings are recommended via the gardens’ website. Just nearby, the National Herbarium (est. 1853) houses over one million preserved plant specimens, supporting botanical research and identification.

Stargazing at the Melbourne Observatory

Also within the gardens is the Melbourne Observatory, a beautifully preserved 19th-century site offering fascinating night sky tours and a glimpse into the history of astronomical discovery.

Dining at the Gardens

No Melbourne experience is complete without great coffee and food. Jardin Tan, located near Entrance F, offers a modern French-Vietnamese menu in a garden setting — perfect for brunch or lunch before or after your visit.

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne

For those wanting more, the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne — located in Melbourne’s southeast — presents the Australian Garden, a spectacular native landscape with 10km of bushland walking tracks. It’s an immersive journey into the beauty and diversity of Australia’s natural environments.

Whether you’re seeking serenity, culture, play, or simply a beautiful place to unwind, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne offers a timeless experience in every season.

6. Melbourne Cricket Ground

With a seating capacity of 100,000, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, affectionately known as the “G”, stands as one of the world’s most iconic sporting arenas. It is a place of pilgrimage for cricket fans in summer and AFL (Australian Football League) supporters in winter. For many Australians, it’s more than just a stadium — it’s sacred ground.

A Storied History

Established in 1853, the MCG is one of the oldest major sporting venues in the world. It hosted its first Aussie Rules football match in 1858 and made history in 1877 as the site of the first-ever Test cricket match between Australia and England. Over the decades, it has continued to serve as a centrepiece of major international events:

  • Main stadium for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics

  • Venue for the 2006 Commonwealth Games

  • Host of two Cricket World Cups

  • Requisitioned as an army barracks during WWII

Although the structure has been modernised several times, the light towers from the 1980s remain the oldest visible features of the current stadium.

Australian Sports Museum

Located within the stadium, the Australian Sports Museum is a must-visit for fans and history buffs alike. Highlights include the original handwritten rules of Australian Rules Football, interactive exhibits, and memorabilia spanning a wide range of Australian sporting achievements.

Indigenous Heritage

The area around the MCG also holds cultural significance for Indigenous Australians. A scar tree near the stadium—used historically for crafting canoes—serves as a reminder that this land was a gathering place long before cricket matches were played. Some refer to the area as the Melbourne Corroboree Ground. A game known as marngrook, believed to have influenced the development of Australian Rules football, was played by Aboriginal communities and is honoured today in the annual Marngrook Trophy AFL match.

Planning Your Visit

Catch a Game:
Experiencing the MCG on a match day is unforgettable. Tickets for cricket and AFL games can be booked through the official MCG website. For those passing by during the season, it’s sometimes possible to enter free after three-quarter time (about 90 minutes into an AFL game) to catch the final thrilling moments.

Stadium Tours:
On non-match days, take a guided tour through the stadium’s stands, changing rooms, media centre, coaches’ boxes, and members’ lounges. For a deeper experience, combine your tour with entry to the Australian Sports Museum — discounted combo tickets are available.

Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or a curious traveller, the Melbourne Cricket Ground offers a unique insight into Australia’s national passions and proud sporting history.

7. Watsons Bay

Tucked between the city and Bondi, Watsons Bay is a serene slice of Sydney’s coastline with a rich maritime past. Once a humble fishing village, traces of its history linger in the heritage cottages lining its narrow streets—though today, they fetch sky-high prices.

Just a short ferry ride from Circular Quay, Watsons Bay makes for a delightful day trip, offering coastal walks, hidden beaches, and harbourside dining with unbeatable views.

What to Do

Walk South Head
Stretch your legs along the South Head Heritage Trail, where you’ll pass the iconic Hornby Lighthouse and panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean and Sydney Harbour. The trail is short and scenic, perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Visit The Gap
On the ocean side, The Gap is a dramatic sandstone cliff with sweeping views and a sobering history. It’s one of Sydney’s most iconic lookouts—bring a camera.

Swim at Camp Cove
Just a few minutes’ walk from the ferry terminal, Camp Cove is a calm, family-friendly beach ideal for a quick dip or a sunbake on the sand. Snorkellers can often be spotted near the small jetty, and amenities include a kiosk and public restrooms.

Lady Bay Beach
A bit more secluded is Lady Bay Beach, Sydney’s first officially recognised clothing-optional beach. Nestled in bushland, it offers peace, privacy, and views across the harbour—just remember, nudity is permitted on the beach only.

Where to Eat

Doyles on the Beach
A Sydney institution, Doyles has been serving fresh seafood on the beachfront since 1885. Grab a takeaway from their wharf kiosk or enjoy a sit-down meal with harbour views at the main restaurant next to the Beach Club.

Dunbar House
Housed in a beautifully restored 1830s mansion on Marine Parade, Dunbar House offers refined dining options including breakfast, lunch, and high tea, all in an elegant setting.

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Few places offer a better vantage point than the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. Located right by the ferry wharf, it’s famous for its Beach Club beer garden, where the must-do ritual is to watch the sunset over the Harbour Bridge, drink in hand.

Getting There

Ferry from Circular Quay
The easiest way to reach Watsons Bay is by ferry from Circular Quay (or as part of the Manly route). Services run every 30 minutes and take about 25 minutes. The journey itself offers postcard-worthy views of the harbour.

Leave the Car
Parking in Watsons Bay is limited and fills quickly, especially on weekends. Skip the hassle—take the ferry and enjoy the ride.

Watsons Bay is where city life pauses. Between its beaches, clifftop views, and waterfront dining, it’s an ideal escape for anyone seeking a relaxed yet iconic Sydney experience.

8. Taronga Zoo Sydney

Just 12 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo Sydney sits on a lush hillside overlooking the city’s glittering harbour. Home to kangaroos, koalas, platypuses and a wide array of exotic animals, it’s a place where wildlife meets one of the world’s most iconic backdrops.

The zoo’s residents may be unaware of the million-dollar views, but for visitors, it adds an unforgettable layer to the experience. Beyond its scenic setting, Taronga is globally recognised for setting high standards in animal welfare, conservation, and education. You can explore more about their initiatives on their official website.

Zoo Highlights

  • Nocturnal House – A chance to glimpse the elusive platypus and other night-dwelling creatures.

  • Great Southern Oceans – Get up close with seals, penguins, and pelicans in this immersive marine habitat.

  • Asian Elephant Enclosure – See one of the zoo’s most majestic species in a thoughtfully designed habitat.

  • Daily Shows & Feedings – Animal talks, feedings, and up-close encounters run throughout the day.

  • Twilight at Taronga – During summer, enjoy live music concerts under the stars in the zoo’s stunning setting. Check the schedule at twilightattaronga.org.au.

Tickets & Extras

  • Book online for 10–20% discounts on general admission.

  • Add on Wild Ropes, a treetop adventure course offering spectacular views—cheaper when bundled with zoo entry.

Stay Overnight

  • Roar & Snore – Spend the night in family-friendly glamping tents, complete with behind-the-scenes tours and night safaris.

  • Wildlife Retreat at Taronga – A more luxurious eco-lodge, perfect for adults looking for a tranquil wildlife escape.

Getting There

  • Ferry from Circular Quay – The most scenic way to arrive. From the wharf, take the Sky Safari cable car (check if in operation) or a shuttle bus to the top entrance. The zoo is best explored downhill back to the ferry.

  • Bus (M30) – Budget-friendly and direct from Wynyard Station in the city centre.

  • Car – Onsite parking is cheaper than metered street parking nearby.

Accessibility: The zoo is well-equipped for visitors with disabilities, including those arriving by ferry.

Taronga Zoo is more than a day out—it’s a journey through Australia’s unique fauna and beyond, with harbour views that make it uniquely Sydney.

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