Top 5 Spooky Spots in Australia

Port Arthur, Tasmania  

Take a lantern-lit Historic Ghost Tour of the World Heritage listed site of Port Arthur by night and be guided on a mysteriously intriguing historical journey.

Learn of bizarre occurrences among the darkened ruins and heritage buildings where convicts, settlers and soldiers once walked. There is almost two centuries of documented sightings and reports of paranormal activity.

Port Arthur, Tasmania credit Peter Luxton

Old Melbourne Gaol

Once home to dangerous criminals, petty offenders, the homeless and the mentally ill, the Old Melbourne Goal is now a popular tourist attraction where you can step back in time and walk the road to the gallows of the 19^th century prison.

Between 1842 and its closure in 1929 the gaol was the scene of 133 hangings including that of Australia’s most infamous citizen, Ned Kelly.

Take a Ghost Tour by night and you could become of the many who have witnessed paranormal occurrences, or take the Hangman’s Night Tour and learn the stories of the ‘rope master’.

St Helena Island, Brisbane

St Helena Island National Park historic area once functioned as a high-security colonial prison from 1867, and was home to hundreds of society’s outcasts.

It was a tough life on St Helena, where severe punishments such as lashings, dark underground cells, gagging, and energy-sapping shot drill did not go astray.

Ghost tours of St Helena are taken by night, but be prepared for the unexpected at the island’s cemetery.

Brisbane, Queensland

The Rocks, Sydney

Take a tour of The Rocks in Sydney to hear true stories of murder, suicide, hangings, hauntings and ghosts as you journey along the cobblestone lanes.

From the earliest history of the settlement, the area had a reputation as a slum, often frequented by visiting sailors and prostitutes. During the late nineteenth century, the area was dominated by gangs and maintained a rough reputation until the 1870’s.

Many of the sites on The Rocks Ghost Tour have had recent reports of sightings and strange phenomena, where you may encounter shades of the dead lingering amongst the living.

The Rocks, Sydney

Fremantle Arts Centre, Western Australia

Built in 1867, the Fremantle Arts Centre is said to be the most haunted place in the Southern Hemisphere, mainly because of the amount of sightings people have had there.

Originally a mental asylum, it was condemned in 1900 after two deaths and a Government inquiry, though its patients weren’t relocated until 1909.

Ghost tours taken by night will prove paranormal activity is abundant in the old gothic-style building, which is said to be haunted by at least 10 restless spirits.   

Quirky places to stay in Australia

Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn – Kakadu, Northern Territory

The Gagudju Holiday Inn at Jabiru is situated in the heart of Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, and is one of the few World Heritage areas listed for both cultural and natural heritage.

What’s quirky about this hotel is its unique structure - in the shape of a big green crocodile. The crocodile jaws make the hotel entrance, which leads to a billabong like foyer.

Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn is situated just two and a half hours from Darwin, and is the ideal base to explore Ubirr and Nourlangie rock art galleries plus view the towering sandstone escarpment of Arnhem Land. 

Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn - Kakadu

Desert Cave Hotel – Coober Pedy, South Australia

The Desert Cave Hotel, situated in Coober Pedy, is best known for offering the opportunity to sleep in an underground hotel. You can enjoy the surrounds of the beautifully formed natural sandstone surrounds as you stay in this oasis in the desert.

Since 1915 Coober Pedy became famous for those seeking the elusive opal, but the locals found it more comfortable living in dugouts or underground homes to escape the sweltering all temperature above ground. The earth gives natural temperature control for cool, quiet living in this semi desert area of outback South Australia. 

Desert Cave Hotel - Coober Pedy

The Henry Jones Art Hotel – Hobart, Tasmania

The Henry Jones Art Hotel is Australia’s first and only dedicated art hotel. The hotel, situated neatly upon Hobart’s glorious waterfront, is a former IXL jam factory dating from the 1820’s that has been transformed into a luxurious first class hotel showcasing the work of Tasmania’s finest artists.

Located on Hobart’s Victoria dock, most of the 56 rooms have water views, and the hotel's decor offers an ingenious mix of contemporary design elements with traditional building structures and artworks, designed by award winning architects.

The Henry Jones Art Hotel - Hobart

Reefworld – The Great Barrier Reef

Don't miss the chance to stay overnight on Australia’s most remarkable natural landmark, The Great Barrier Reef with Reefsleep, located on Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld pontoon.

The Reefsleep features two types of air-conditioned accommodation, both with ensuite bathrooms: a luxurious king-size room ideal for couples or honeymooners and a bunk-style quad room for friends, family or other guests. Accommodation also includes sunset beverages, gourmet al fresco dinner with wine, full breakfast, buffet lunch, scuba dive or guided snorkelling safari. Optional activities include the underwater viewing chamber, waterslide, helicopter tours and massages.

This unique and unforgettable experience allows guests to enjoy the unique solitude and tranquillity of this World Heritage listed site over two days and one night. 

Reefsleep - Reefworld Pontoon

Peppers Convent – Hunter Valley, New South Wales

Peppers Convent in Australia’s world famous Hunter Valley wine country in New South Wales, is a romantic retreat that was once home to the Brigidine Order of Nuns.

Built in 1909, Peppers Convent offers 17 deluxe rooms, restored to reflect the buildings charming heritage and character. The buildings interior has been infused with a French Baroque flavour, illuminated through the constant symbol of cherubs, angels, gilt and toils du jour window furnishings, mixed with a distinctive character of an Australian country guest house.

Peppers Convent is surrounded by some of the best boutique wineries and restaurants the Hunter Valley has on offer, specifically the Pepper Tree wine tasting barn and renowned Roberts Restaurant.

Peppers Convent – Hunter Valley 

Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel – Launceston, Tasmania

The Penny Royal Hotel is a boutique property that offers modern facilities just a 5 minute walk to Launceston's city centre. Originally built as a corn mill in 1840, it was moved 54 kilometres to Launceston and was rebuilt as a hotel over 130 years later.

This unique traditional style hotel offers motel rooms as well as apartments, all with a distinctive heritage atmosphere. The rooms have recently been fully refurbished and are well appointed with all the modern comforts, while still retaining a unique heritage atmosphere. 

Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel – Launceston

Australia’s Top Casinos

Jupiters Casino Gold Coast - exciting expansions
Jupiters Hotel and Casino has been located on the Gold Coast's Broadbeach for 25 years. There is so much fun to be had with non-stop action of a 24 hour casino area, 7 exceptional restaurants, and 8 bars. Jupiters Theatre has just been given a $20 million dollar refurbishment and expansion, allowing them to host the world's hottest live shows. As well as great entertainment Jupitors Hotel and Casino has the luxuries of an international resort with 594 guest rooms, pool, sauna, gymnasium and spa.

Jupiters Hotel and Casino

Burswood Entertainment Complex

Burswood Entertainment Complex located in Perth is home to the only casino in Western Australia. As well as their lively casino, the complex is home to many restaurant, cafes, bars and live shows. The complex boasts several hotels, from the luxurious Intercontinental and ever reliable Holiday Inn, allowing you to be close to the action. 

Intercontinental Perth Burswood

 The Star Entertainment Complex

The Star is Sydney’s new one-of-a-kind leisure and entertainment venue is located in Darling Harbour. The Star is home to restaurants, accommodation, nightclubs and a Sydney's only casino. Choose from a wide range of hotel rooms, suites and serviced apartments to suites with magnificent views over the harbour.

The Darling, pool area

Treasury Casino and Hotel

The Treasury Casino and Hotel is located within the heart of the river city, Brisbane and is rich in history and hospitality. Housed in one of Australia’s grandest heritage buildings, it opened its doors in 1995 and continues to be a big part of Brisbane's entertainment. It is home to an array of exclusive restaurants and bars, a luxurious casino, majestic accommodation. Treasury Heritage Hotel is world class and offers 130 rooms situated in the grand buildings. 

Treasury Casino and Hotel

Crown Entertainment Complex

Crown Entertainment Complex is located on the southern bank of the Yarra River in Melbourne. It is home to cinemas, nightclubs, bars, shopping, and an indoor entertainment centre. Crown Casino is world renowned for never ending exciting, being own 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Crown Towers offers 481 luxuriously appointed oversized guest rooms full with the latest technology. Here you have the chance to experience Melbourne’s finest cosmopolitan dining from world class restaurants and Chef Neil Perry's high tea.

Crown Entertainemnt Complex

The Reef Hotel Casino

The Reef Hotel Casino is located in the beautiful Tropical North Queensland town of Cairns. The casino boats an array of restaurants, bars and prestigious accommodation. Pullman Hotel has 128 beautifully appointed rooms including in-room spas and private balconies. There are four restaurants that are located in the complex, making this the place to stay, play and dine in Cairns. 

The Reef Hotel Casino

Country Club Tasmania

Located 10 minutes from the heart of Launceston is the prestigious Country Club Tasmania. Surrounded by natural bush, parklands, lakes and a golf course the club offers accommodation, dining, live entertainment and a vibrant boutique Casino. Choose to stay in the hotel's manor suites, deluxe rooms or nearby self contained villas. There are five restaurants and four bars offering live entertainment and tasty treats. 

Country Club Tasmania

Wrest Point Tasmania

Wrest Point Tasmania boasts an absolute waterfront location, positioned on the River Derwent in Hobart. It's home to Australia’s first casino.. opening in 1973. The casino is one of Hobart's premier dining locations with 5 restaurants and 6 bars. Wrest Point also offers a range of accommodation in its renowned 41/2 star Tower, said to possess some of the best views in Tasmania. 

Wrest Point Tasmania

Twin Towns Clubs and Resorts

Twin Towns Clubs and Resorts is located at Tweed Heads, on the border of New South Wales and Queensland. New South Wales was the first state to legalise gaming machines, so Twin Towns was built on the border to allow Queenslanders could join in on all the gaming fun. Today Twin Towns is the largest Services Club in Australia and has something for everyone with entertainment, gambling areas, accommodation and dining. There are 5 bars and 9 restaurants to enjoy cuisine from around the world. Stay at Outrigger Twin Towns Resort and enjoy resort facilities and views of the pristine beaches of the Southern Gold Coast and Tweed River.

Twin Towns Clubs and Resorts

Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

By Sunlover Holidays ambassador David Reyne.

The D’Entrecasteaux Channel has been whipped into a frenzy. The ferry plows through the waves smacking at its side and even though Bruny Island is barely visible its paddocks and trees manage appear appealing.

Bruny Island Cruises

We wind down through rolling hills and along the narrow spit of sand that separates the vast Tasman Sea to our left and the Channel to our right. Timber cottages grip the hillsides determined to capture the heartbreaking views. The only industry visible seems to be farming: cattle, sheep, oyster, cheese and salmon. There’s even a chocolate farm.

We arrive at a seaside hamlet where neat holiday huts and fishermen’s cottages pump wood-smoke from stone chimneys. Since we’re here to take to the ocean on a Bruny Island Cruise on this winy day I’m a little concerned to discover we’re in a place called Adventure Bay.

Sunlover Holidays stars on Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

Several open-decked, open-sided boats battle at their moorings and you can imagine my apprehension when told they’d be taking us out into the heaving Tasman. We’re issued thick, red jackets which cover the entire body from head to foot. I look to the storm-whipped seas beyond the bay and as I drop my head in silent prayer I notice a label stitched to the front of my waterproof gear. It says, ‘Stormy’.

Three massive, super charged outboard engines purr. Our skipper nudges the throttle and we gun across the bay and slice effortlessly around the headland. Before us, an extraordinary coastline of magnificent, vertical cliffs rise from the ocean to soar more than 250 metres above us. The incredible manoeuvrability of the Bruny Island Cruise boat puts us right at their face, despite the threatening sea.

Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

We hurtle towards a massive rocky finger thrusting skyward at the edge of the plunging cliffs. A tiny gap of water appears between fingered monument and land mass. We’re headed directly for it. We squeeze through the gap at tooth loosening speed, too scared even to shiver. I throw a concerned glance back at our skipper. He’s grinning.

We edge forward hesitantly to a point at the cliff face that seems strangely unremarkable. The outboards roar thrusting us backwards just as the rolling swell climbs the rock. A haunting, guttural bellow emanates from the depths as an angry gush of seawater surges from its hidden abyss to rain down upon the deck of the boat.  

Bruny Island cliffs

We gun south, barely metres from the jagged land’s edge and scoot into a tiny bay. The dark opening to a sea cave yawns at the point where the cliffs plummet into the sea. The skipper pokes our nose into it and we rise and fall at its entrance with the surging ocean.

If it wasn’t for the absolute power and stability of the Bruny Island Cruise boat, I’m convinced that right about now I’d be turning the key in Davey Jones locker.

With a brutal squall behind and a lurching sea beneath, we dash home, screaming across the heaving swell. We finally turn into Adventure Bay, frozen to the core but utterly invigorated by the entire incredible experience.

Tasmania excels on many levels when it comes to offering the traveller something unique, breathtaking and inspiring, but the ace up Tassie’s sleeve is always Mother Nature. This time, once again, she turned it on but in a way that was completely unexpected.

Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

Tasmania - 5 attractions you can't miss

1. If you are after adventure, join a group for white water rafting on the Franklin or for a more gentle experience enjoy a cruise up the Gordon River and admire the ancient rainforest and mirrored reflections upon the still water.

2. Discover Australia’s brutal convict history and visit Tasmania’s world Heritage list sites at Maria Island, Port Arthur, Richmond or Sarah Island.  A guided tour will explain the hardships of convicts and the astonishing ghost encounters.

3. Discover the 40 million year old Hastings Caves (south of Huonville) with a tour of the magical chambers of flowstones and shawls.  At the end of the tour walk through the forests and relax in a thermal springs pool. Mole Creek just outside Deloraine offers the chance to enjoy year round 9 degree weather in one of three 45 minute cave tours. Explore sparkling crystals, stalactites and stalagmites, or sit in silence and enjoy the sounds of water dripping from the cave roof.

4. Enjoy the spectacular views of Hobart from 1,270 metres above Hobart’s harbour and the Derwent River from Mount Wellington. Bushwalking trails, barbecue and picnic facilities are available a top the mountain along with biking and abseiling activities.

5. Beauty Point is home to two of Tasmania’s wildlife attractions, Seahorse World and Platypus House. See the friendly seahorse in the Cave of the Seahorse and watch fish feeding, with the opportunity to touch interesting sea creatures. At Platypus House you may take a guided tour to see the enigmatic platypus in a bushland setting.

Mt Wellington, Hobart

Sleeping Around by Kerry Heaney

Introducing Kerry Heaney author of Eat, drink + be Kerry a food, travel and lifestyle blog. Kerry has kindly shared her recent post: Sleeping Around - Henry Jones, Tasmania. Enjoy.

Ooh Henry, I love your rugged, olde world looks, your quirky outlook and taste in food and you can show me your etchings anytime.

Is it wrong to fall in love with a hotel?  I shared two nights with Henry and it really wasn't enough.  It wasn't enough to get a good feel for the surprising town of Hobart and it left me wanting more.

Located on Hobart's waterfront The Henry Jones Art Hotel is a converted jam factory with all the charm, nooks and crannies of an old building. It includes Henry's Restaurant, The IXL Long Bar, Jam Packed Cafe and Henry Jones Design Gallery.



Who was Henry Jones? He was born on  July 19, 1862. His parents John and Emma were immigrants from England answering the call of emigration from the British Isles in the late 1850s.

The Henry Jones Art Hotel is located on Hobart’s waterfront and is Australia’s first dedicated Art Hotel. The site dates back to 1804, when Lieutenant-Governor Collins landed just footsteps from the front of the hotel's main entrance.

It houses one of the nations largest private companies and a brand still known today as H. Jones & Co. Pty IXL Jams.  The hotel houses over 300 original and contemporary works of art showcasing Tasmania’s leading and emerging artists, most of which are for sale.



So what have you got here?  A hotel well positioned to take in the best of Hobart, spacious rooms with personality and great art on the walls.

There's also a cute deli/cafe/gift shop right next door for those times when you just want something quick. Henry Jones Hotel

Tasmania’s Top 5 places to shop

1. Elizabeth Street Mall contains the major national chains including Target and Harris Scarf. The Cat and Fiddle Arcade links Elizabeth Street to centre point and houses specialty shops, a food hall and Myer.

2. Salamanca Place, a busy street of old warehouses from the early 1800’s is now occupied by restaurants and pubs, antique dealers and souvenir shops. Salamanca comes alive every Saturday with street musicians and 300 market stalls.

3. The Market, Penguin. This north western coastal town offers over 100 stalls in an undercover, all weather environment. See Tasmanian woodwork plus handmade craft and jewellery then dine on fresh local produce.

4. Launceston city centre. This small city has the benefit of affordable rent, allowing small boutique stores and independent giftware shops to thrive. Wonder through street wear, ladies boutiques, surf and skate shops along George Street and Charles Street then head to Brisbane Street Mall to see Australia’s oldest bookstore Birchalls and the best high street stores. The Quadrant mall off Brisbane Street offers giftware stores and an old fashioned sweet shop.

5. Latrobe, near Devonport is a small town full of antique and collectible stores that offer furniture, toys, collectibles, china, jewellery and art. The heritage listed buildings offer a wonderful ‘old world’ setting for this satellite town. On the outskirts of town, situated on the highway is The Cherry Shed, offering a fantastic range of cherry based items on their café menu and Anvers chocolate factory, with chocolate making viewing platforms and gift shop in site.

Salamanca Market



Tasmania's Top 5 Cafes and Restaurants

1. Launceston is home to the award wining restaurants of Stillwater, one of Tasmania’s most talked of and rewarded restaurants. Stillwater features modern Australian cuisine in a beautifully restored 1830’s flour mill beside the picturesque Tamar River in Launceston. For more information visit their website here. 

2. Recently nominated in the top 100 restaurants in Australia by Gourmet Traveller is the fashionable Garagistes wine bar and restaurant, in Hobart. Garagistes regularly change their menu as they source their produce from many local growers, fisheries and farmers to accompany internationally sourced wines from small artisan growers. For more information visit their website here. 

3. For a more simplistic meal indulge in Fish Frenzy on the Hobart and Burnie Waterfront’s for fabulous fresh seafood and chips. For more information visit their website here. 

4. For some of the best pizza in Australia visit the Italian Pizza House on George Street. This small, family owned café and take away store was created by two Italian immigrants and offers fantastic Tasmanian ingredients plus home made gelati.

5. Dine at the Gorge Restaurant in Launceston and you will enjoy fantastic surrounds. In the colour months the restaurant sets up a log fire for a wonderful atmosphere and summer sees the diners spill outdoors across the deck. This restaurant is extremely popular for romantic rendezvous and is regarded as a top wedding venue.

Tasmania - A Foodie's Paradise

Tasmania's four distinct seasons produces a haven ripe for fresh seafood, local produce and boutique wineries. Hire a car and you can take your time exploring the many cafes, restaurants, factories and vineyards offering an abundance of goodies from beef to handcrafted cheese.

Hobart

Hobart’s waterfront becomes the star of the Sydney – Hobart race each year. The waterfront is a lively fishing port offering crispy chips and delicious crumbed scallops fresh from the bay.

Battery Point Steakhouse offers the finest Tasmanian beef, dry-aged and grilled to perfection. Visit the 1920’s stable building of Experience Ethos. and enjoy trendy tapas or enjoy award winning wine and magnificent views of Coal River Valley at Meadowbank Estate.

Salamanca Markets, Hobart

A visit to Hobart isn’t complete until you enjoy the produce and local flavour at Salamanca Market, opening every Saturday morning of the year. 

  

Want to know the secret that divides Tasmania’s northerners and southerners? The beer. The local southern drop is Cascade Brewery, the oldest operating brewery in Australia. Not only do they produce beers of the finest quality, but they also produce one of Tasmania’s favourite beverages – Apple Isle, a sparkling apple juice you can find in takeaway stores all around the state.

Tamar Valley

The Tamar Valley Wine Route in the state’s north, offers internationally acclaimed pinot noir, pinot gris and riesling wines plus vineyard restaurants offering stunning views over the Tamar River. Journey onto Launceston and find some of Australia’s best pizza at the Italian Pizza House on George Street. Located at the entrance to the gorgeous Cataract Gorge and perched on the river’s edge is an old millhouse turned restaurant, Stillwater. Boasting local produce and an excellent wine menu, it is regarded by many as the best in town. For those who prefer beer, take a walking tour Boag’s Brewery on the city centre fringe, finishing with a sample of their award-winning beers.

Tasmanian Raspberries

Tasmania’s agriculture heart is the North West, with rich, fertile red earth and mild temperatures making the region perfect for growing saffron, poppies, tuplips, wasabi, raspberries, cherries, stone fruit and host dairy farming. Hobart may be home to Cadbury’s chocolate factory, but the north west produces and processes the milk. A drive between Launceston and Burnie will see you pass a raspberry café, 2 cherry sheds, 2 cheese factories with on-site shops, Anvers chocolate gift shop plus Elizabeth Town café boasting a range of local fudge. Don't miss the new Makers' Workshop in Burnie - home to The Cheese Shop and cafe, a local favourite is the chicken and camembert pie.  

Strahan

Strahan is a picturesque fishing village with lengthy convict history. The town’s port brings in the best, fresh seafood from the cold, clean west coast waters, includes oysters, abalone, scallops, crashfish and an assortment of fish.

King Island Dairy

King Island is dotted with farms producing an abundance of goodies from beef to handcrafted cheese. The ‘King Island Cloud Juice’ provides fresh drinking water from the cleanest air in the world. Its pure taste has lead to the ‘juice’ being served as table water in many exclusive French restaurants. All across Tasmania, local stores, gift shops and delis offer wasabi, gourmet sauces, handmade chocolates and fresh berry ice-cream.

Richmond Bridge

The best way to experience all Tasmania has to offer is to book a self drive package with accommodation, car hire, maps and comprehensive driving directions. For assistance booking your Tasmanian holiday, contact Sunlover Holidays on 13 88 33.  

Iconic Aussie things to do to celebrate Australia

Soak up Sydney’s gorgeous coastline with the Bondi to Bronte walk.

An easy to manage path is suitable for people of all fitness levels and offers some of the best views in the city. Stop at the lookouts to spot dolphins, whales, kayakers, surfers or just gaze upon the gorgeous Bondi Beach. Then wonder into Bondi’s café district to dine with the trendy locals or browse a few boutiques. Bronte Beach offers a large grassed picnic area for BBQs and salt water swimming baths for a cool dip.

Take a drive along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.

Walk down into the famous surfing spot - Bells Beach or count the number of the 12 Apostles are still standing. Visit Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village at Warrnambool to learn about Australia’s most infamous shipwreck coast, claiming over 180 ships in its maritime history. The coastline is famous for its surf culture and this could not be more apparent by the number of surf shops in Torquay, the birthplace of iconic brands Rip Curl and Quicksilver.

Never smile at a crocodile.

With an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 adult Saltwater Crocodiles in the Northern parts of Australia, from Broome in Western Australia, across the Northern Territory coastline and down to Rockhampton in Queensland, the safest place to get up close with these big guys is at a crocodile farm or crocodile park. Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin offers the experience to get in the water with a chomper.. while safely inside a glass cage of course. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, located 40 min north of Cairns is a tourist attraction and commercial crocodile farm. Enjoy a boat trip on the lagoon to watch the crocs lift half their body out of the water to claim the dangling chicken or fish on offer. The sound created from their powerful jaws crashing together is something you will never forget.

Sample a local drop.

Barossa Valley in South Australia offers the chance to sample world famous Shiraz in historic cellar doors and local produce at Maggie Beers farm shop. The Margaret River region in West Australia offers an array of vineyards and dramatic surf beaches. Yarra Valley offers more than 120 wineries and premier restaurants just 1 hour from Melbourne. Tamar Valley in Northern Tasmania has cool climate wineries with growing reputations and Hunter Valley in New South Wales is steeped with historical architecture and serene countryside.

Jacob's Creek Vineyard

Visit Hobart’s old and new attractions.

Constitution Dock and Salamanca Place is the finishing point for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Steeped in history, visit local boutiques, craft shops and cafes during the week and the Salamanca markets on a Saturday. For those who enjoy edgy art, take a short 30 minute ferry ride to Hobart’s newest attraction – MONA. Privately owned, the Museum of Old and New Art also has a winery and micro brewery on site.

Hobart

Take a dip in a Gold Coast beach.

There is a beach to suit everyone – families can relax in the shallow, sheltered waters of Currumbin Creek, surfers can take on the world famous waves of Snapper Rocks near Coolangatta and the sun worshippers can settle upon glitzy Surfers Paradise Beach.

Tweed Heads and Coolangatta

Hear the crowds at the MCG on game day.

Cricket may be in the name ‘Melbourne Cricket Ground’, but it is the other sport played here that is uniquely Australian. Aussie Rules is a fast paced contact sport with 18 players a side, played on an oval ground. The sport is played all over the country, but its spiritual home remains at the MCG. Join the enthusiastic crowds and see patrons from 10 to 70 years of age passionately cheering for their team. Don’t forget to keep out the Melbourne winter chill with a scarf bearing your favourite team’s colours – which you can swing round your head (Kevin Sheedy style) when your team wins.

Melbourne Cricket Ground

See The Big Things.

Starting in the 1960’s Australia’s big things were developed to offer road trippers a place to stop along their journey. From The Big Merino at Goulburn, The Big Crocodile in Normanton and The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour they often are built to represent Australia’s native wildlife and local produce industries. You can climb The Big Pineapple at the Sunshine Coast, pat The Big Koala at Dadswell Bridge in Victoria or pull an air guitar pose at The Big Golden Guitar in the country music town of Tamworth. For the ultimate Big Things, stay at the crocodile shaped hotel of Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn in the Northern Territory, or enjoy sophisticated luxury at the stingray shaped Saffire Freycinet in Coles Bay, East Tasmania.

Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn

Enjoy a day at the races.

Aussies love a punt, which is why the Melbourne Cup is known as ‘the race that stops a nation’. It is a right of passage for young Aussies dress up in their finest and enjoy a day at the races when they come of age. Whether you take in the urban, sophisticated Melbourne Cup, Sydney’s Easter Carnival or a country race day - we live in a lucky country where many of us receive a day off each year to attend our local horse races.

Have a beer in a traditional Aussie pub.

The type your grandad used to visit - beer stained carpet, wooden stools and free nuts at the bar. For real authentic experience visit a country pub where the men where akubras hats and utes claim the car park. The evening isn’t complete until you’ve enjoyed an icy cold local brew on tap with a hearty country meal of ‘meat and 3 veg’ (vegetables). To experience real country hospitality stay overnight at one of the oldest and most famous outback pubs, Prairie Hotel, situated in the Flinders Ranges region of South Australia.

Prairie Hotel

Snorkel on our magnificent reefs.

Tropical North Queensland is not the only place with great snorkelling in Australia. The Whitsundays offer easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and Heron Island Island (off Gladstone) and Lady Elliot Island (off Bundaberg) are coral cays – meaning there is the opportunity to snorkel amongst the coral and fish right off the beach. For uncrowded, pristine beaches with great visibility consider Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef (between Exmouth and Coral Bay). Here you can discover untouched coral and an arrange of water life within swimming distance from the beach.

Turtle