Stunning sunsets and much more at Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie and the surrounding area are full of natural wonders including beaches, lakes, rivers and Natural Parks.

A stunning sunset over the river at Port Macquarie

390 kilometres north of Sydney, the town is located where the Hastings River meets the ocean. Besides the River and other waterways Port Macquarie has a range of beautiful beaches and average temperatures ranging from 7 to 27 degrees. These all ensure its a popular holiday area for fishing, surfing, beach and nature lovers alike. 

 We visited in August and enjoyed mild days of 22 degrees allowing us to fish in the River, explore the rainforest and visit a number of beaches including Town Beach, Flynns Beach, Shelly Beach and Lighthouse Beach. 

Here's a snapshot of some of the activities to enjoy if you visit the area.

Sea Acres Rainforest Centre


Located a short distance south of Port Macquarie the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is certainly worth a visit.

With a 1.3 kilometre boardwalk meandering through the rainforest the Centre is suitable for people of all ages.  Its also possible to spot wildlife along the boardwalk. We were luck to observe a bush turkey building its nesting mound and a small and large lace monitor. Birds can be heard in the surrounding rainforest and the sound of the whip bird  was a pleasing and regular occurrence. 

Lace Monitor

There is an amazing Aboriginal exhibit downstairs at the Centre called the "Spirit of the land exhibition". Hearing and seeing the 2 Birpai Aboriginal stories told via sand drawings was totally fascinating and well worth the gold coin entry fee. 

A cafe and souvenir shop is also located at the Centre.

Lighthouse Beach

A short drive south of Port Macquarie Lighthouse Beach is a 9 kilometre stretch of beach with Watonga Rocks sitting on the sand part way along the beach.

Lighthouse Beach from the Lighthouse

The beach is popular with surfers and at the southern end camel safaris and 4wd's share the sand.

Tacking Point Lighthouse 

The beach is named after Tacking Point Lighthouse  which is the 3rd oldest lighthouse in Australia,  built in 1879, after more than 20 ship wrecks occurred in the area. 

A number of viewing platforms have been built in the area around the lighthouse as its a great place to watch for whales as they travel along the coastline. Spotters for the whale watching boat tours are often seen at the lighthouse directing the boats to areas where whales are frolicking in the waters near the point.

A whale frolicking off Lighthouse Beach

Chinese Junk Cruises

For an interesting experience try a sunset cruise along the Hastings River in an authentic Junk.

There's also a lunchtime fish and chips cruise where I'm told dolphins are often spotted.


Ellensborough Falls

If you love waterfalls and don't mind driving a longer distance Ellensborough Falls is located in Manning Valley at Elands approx 85 kilometres west of Port Macquarie. 

The falls are one of the longest single drop waterfalls in the southern hemisphere and are easily viewed from the car park area. 

There is a short walk to the head of the falls or you can walk down more than 600 steps to view the falls from the bottom. 

A kiosk is located in the car park area but only open on Fridays, weekends and NSW school holidays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Other useful information

Port Macquarie beach guide

Beach safety in Australia

Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands Coastal Park is a narrow strip approx 32 kilometres long and located between Peterborough, at the western end of the Great Ocean Road, and stretches to Warrnambool further west.  

The town of Warrnambool was settled by the Europeans in the 1840s and Port Campbell in the 1870s. With European settlement came the ships that supplied the area and the treacherous coast caused many shipwrecks.

Amongst these the schooner 'Young Australia' in 1877 was driven ashore at Curdies Inlet after receiving damage to its fore-top mast at Cape Nelson during inclement weather. No lives were lost. 

In 1908 the 'Falls of Halladale', a 4 mastered iron barque built in Scotland, was wedged between two reefs at Halladale Point when the captain's judgment was impaired by heavy fog.

The Coastal Park, like nearby Port Campbell National Park, has sheer limestone cliffs and offshore islands. This fascinating coastline developed millions of year's ago when tiny marine animal skeletons built up beneath the sea and formed the soft limestone which was then eroded by the wild seas and winds of the Southern Ocean sculpting the limestone into the shapes we see today. Its a popular area for photography particularly at sunset and far less crowded than the 12 Apostles area.

The wild Southern Ocean also provided a wealth of resources for Kirrae Whurrong people, the traditional owners of the area. Evidence of their habitation of the area over thousands of years such as blackened shells (shell middens), scraping tools and other small artefacts, remain as indicators of a healthy and diverse diet.The Kirrae Whurrong continue to live in this area celebrating their traditional physical and spiritual connections. 

Lookout areas are located at the Bay of Martyrs, the Bay of Islands, Three Mile Beach and Childers Cove.

You can book a 1, 2, 3 or 4  day private tour with Longhorn YOUnique Tours which will include visiting these National Parks 

Tower Hill - inactive volcano

Tower Hill is an inactive volcano located south west of Melbourne a short distance from Warrnambool and Port Fairy.  The area was originally inhabited by the Koroitgundidj people who lived in the area of Tower Hill since before recorded history.

Tower Hill

More than 30,000 years ago violent explosions formed the shallow crater where the lake lies and further eruptions created the islands and cone shaped hills that now house the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve.

Artefacts found in the volcanic ash prove the Koroitgundidj people lived there at the time of the explosion. After the explosion the fertile soils produced a diverse range of vegetation including Manna Gum, Blackwood, Black Wattle, Swamp Gum and Drooping Sheoak. The area was rich with birds and wildlife.

Emus

In 1802 French explorer Captain Baudin led the first confirmed sighting of Tower Hill by Europeans. Following European settlement much of the vegetation was cleared for farming and quarrying.  In 1892 Tower Hill became Victoria's first National Park but environmental damage still continued until it was made a Game Reserve in 1961.

The view painted in 1855 by Eugene von Guerard

In 1961 revegetation of the area began using an 1855 painting by Eugene von Guerard.  Much of the wetlands dry up during drought times but today the area is once again rich with bird life and wildlife making it a great place to visit and take nature walks.

Worn Gundidj Visitor Centre

The visitor centre is operated by Worn Gundidj which was founded in 1992 as a not for profit organisation to foster traditional art and nature based tourism. At the visitor centre you can enjoy the cultural displays and buy Authentic Aboriginal Products. 

The centre is open Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm and weekends and public holidays 10.00 am - 4.00 pm.

You can also do a self guided walks in Tower Hill or join a range of tours conducted by the traditional owners. 

Join us on a private 1, 2, 3 or 4  day Great Ocean Road tour to see this amazing area

Torquay - the gateway to the Great Ocean Road

Torquay, originally know as Spring Creek, is a popular seaside town with holiday makers and one of the great surfing beaches found along the Great Ocean Road.  Its popularity stems from its close proximity and ease of access to Melbourne which improved substantially in recent years with the opening of the Geelong Ring Road.

Early morning near the Surf Life Savings Club

The area was originally occupied by the Wathaurong people for more than 40,000 years before white settlement occurred around 1871.  It was bountiful country for the Wathaurong with shellfish, mussels and oysters available all year round on the coastline and the grasslands inland providing significant grazing animals for hunting.

The Europeans modelled the beach front on European beaches with grass park lands and trees lining the beach.

Front beach Torquay

This area remains popular with families today with BBQ's, outdoor showers and toilets all available.

The Joseph Scammell was shipwrecked on the reef at Point Danger in 1891. Everyone was rescued from the ship but much of its cargo was looted by locals. Its anchor lay in the ocean for more than 80 years before being recovered and is now on display in the park at Front Beach.

The  Torquay Surf Life Savings Club opened in 1946 and is considered to be the oldest and largest club in Victoria. These clubs and their dedicated members play an important part in Australian seaside towns patrolling beaches, rescuing people in trouble and forming a social hub for the Community.

Torquay is one of the busiest beaches in Victoria and club members patrol the beach for more than 3,000 hours and perform between 20 and 30 rescues each year.  On weekends in the summer you'll find Nippers (young children) being trained on the beach, its a great sight as it means the next generation of life savers are being formed.

Torquay has grown substantially and now has a number of golf courses and hotels including the newly opened RACV Torquay Resort.   The Resort has accommodation,  a range of restaurants, a day spa and the Torquay Golf Club. 

RACV Torquay Golf Club

Peppers adjacent to the Sands Golf Resort also has a golf course, accommodation, a day spa and restaurant. The Whynham Resort is located at Zeally Bay Beach Torquay and also has a range of facilities.

If camping or caravanning is your holiday of choice these are well catered for at Torquay with Barwon Caravan Park, Torquay Holiday Park and Torquay Caravan Park.

Torquay has a range of restaurants, cafes and shops including a large and popular range of surf clothing outlets at Surf City Plaza. 

1 day Great Ocean Road Tour

2 day Great Ocean Road Tour

3 day Great Ocean Road Tour

3 day Melbourne to Adelaide Tour

4 day Melbourne to Adelaide Tour

Adelaide for free

With a population of 1 million people Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia. The Adelaide HIlls, outback South Australia and wine regions are within easy reach.

Free Transport

A free city loop bus known as Route 99C is available and runs every day. Check timetables as times change depending on the day of the week.

There are also 2 free trams - the City Tram runs between South Terrace and the Entertainment Centre and the Jetty Road Glenelg tram runs between Brighton Road and Moseley Square.

South Australia Museum

The South Australian Museum has a range of permanent displays showcasing South Australia's natural and cultural heritage. These include Ancient Egypt, Aboriginal Australia, Ediacara Fossils, Megafauna, Minerals and Meteorites, Opal Fossils, Mawson, Pacific Cultures, South Australia Biodiversity, Whales and Dolphins and World Mammals. 

There are also changing exhibits which may require payment of entry fees.

The Museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (opening at 12 noon on ANZAC Day). Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Migration Museum

The Migration Museum provides insights into the stories of the diverse range of individual and communities that make up the people of South Australia.

There are a number of defined collections. The migration stories collection includes textiles and documents and the Museum also houses the State Weapons Collection and the Historical Relics Collection.  

Open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends and public holidays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Botanical Gardens of Adelaide

These 16 hectare gardens are located in the heart of the city and feature a stunning collection of Australia natives, exotics and ornamental plants.

The Gardens feature the SA Water Mediterranean Garden with 3 elements that tell the story of Mediterranean plants, an International Rose Garden with its range of colours and beautiful scents.  

The Santos Museum of Economic Botany; the last purpose built colonial museum which features high ceilings and ornate Victorian detail and displaying touring and permanent collections. The Amazon Waterlily Pavilion; a glass palace for the Victoria Amazonica waterlily, the Australian Native Garden showcasing the use of Australian natives and the elegant curves of the Bicentennial Conservatory and much more.

Ducks, swans, pigeons and other wildlife can be found in the Gardens. Friends of the Botanical Gardens provide a free guided walking tour which leaves from Schomburgk Pavilion at 10.30 daily except for Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Admission is free and opening times vary so check the website for more information.

Rose Gardens Walking Trail

With over 5 million roses under cultivation in South Australia and a rose named after the City of Adelaide roses are special to the city. There are rose gardens scattered across the city and a rose garden walking trail has been developed to explore their beauty. Spring is the best time to visit.

Himeji Garden

These Japanese inspired gardens celebrate Adelaide's sister city Himeji in Japan. The gardens were established in 1985 and  are a popular destination for quiet reflection or just to wander and explore their tranquillity and beauty.

River Torrens Linear Park Trail

You can cycle, walk or jog this trail which runs right through the city centre. The trail passes the Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide Convention Centre and the Adelaide Zoo.

Adelaide Town Hall

Join a free tour of the Adelaide Town Hall which was hailed as the "largest municipal building south of the Equator" in 1866 when it opened. Tours are conducted  on Mondays at 10.30 a.m.

Art Gallery of SA

The Art Gallery of SA has a huge collection of Australian, European, North American and Asian works of art. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, textiles, ceramics, photographs, metalwork, jewellery and furniture.

Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Christmas Day. Entry is free except for special exhibitions.

Public Art

There is a range of public art throughout the city. A few that quirked my interest...

14 Pieces

Is a black granite sculpture located at the front of the South Australian Museum. The 14 pieces have been designed in an egg shape evoking the fossilised bones of a marine reptile displayed in the Museum.

A Day Out

4 bronze pigs in various poses are located in Rundle Mall. The pigs were named Truffles, Oliver, Horatio and Augusta after a public poll.

Girl on a Slide

A bronze sculpture, aptly name, is another quaint piece located in Rundle Mall.

Lie of the Land

Made from Kanmantoo Slate and consisting of 25 sculptural stone structures this interesting piece is located on Sir Donald Bradman Drive.

Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute

If you're interested in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture you should visit Tandanya where you can  experience contemporary and traditional  art, culture, history and heritage. The centre has a gallery and various displays and exhibitions. 

Open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Entry into the Gallery is free a $5 (adult) and $3 (children) entry applies to the cultural performance held at 12 noon Tuesday to Sunday.

Adelaide Festival

The Adelaide Festival which runs from late February to mid March has a number of free events listed for 2014. Check out their website for more information if you're visiting during that time. 

National Wine Centre

The National Wine Centre located on the edge of the Botanical Gardens showcases the Australian wine industry. With its eye-catching architecture, wine discovery journey and cellar door tastings. Its worth a visit.

The Centre is open  Monay to Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

Parliament House 

Visit Parliament House and see where the decisions of South Australia's Government are made. Entry to the public gallery in both the House of Assembly and Legislative Council is free and open to visitors when Parliament is sitting.

West Terrace Cemetery

This historic Cemetery dates back to European settlement and its endless rows of 19th century marble and slate headstones mark the graves of leading political, religious social and business people. 

Perth for free

Perth is the capital city of Western Australia and located on the shores of the Swan River. With a population of approx 1.9 million people the city is a vibrant centre of activity particularly for the resources industry.

Whilst there are many beautiful beaches to enjoy nearby this blog focuses on other activities that you can do for free. 

Art Gallery of Western Australia

The Gallery houses the State Art Collection which includes Western Australian art, Modern British Art an Indigenous Art.

The Gallery also hosts a range of exhibitions. Before visiting you should check that no fees apply to these.

The Gallery is open Wednesday to Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Good Friday, ANZAC Day and Christmas Day. Entry is free but they do ask for visitors to leave a donation.

Western Australian Museum

The Museum displays Western Australia's natural, social and cultural history collections. 

The Museum's long term displays include a Discovery Centre, WA Land and People and a Bird Galley. There is also a program of special exhibits, events and activities. 

The Museum is open every day 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day, ANZAC Day and Good Friday.  Entry is free but a $5 donation is suggested.

The Water @ Labyrinth

Using storm water recycled and harvested from Forrest Place is this water sculpture designed by Jeppe Hein. The Water Laybyrinth runs daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Forrest Place is also the location of events and markets.

Parliament House 

If you're interested in politics you can take a tour of Parliament House. These are run every Monday and Thursday 10.30 a.m. except on public holidays.

Kings Park Botanical Gardens

Kings Park is a 400 hectare park located right in the heart of Perth city and rich in Aboriginal and European history. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Swan and Canning rivers, the city skyline or the Darling Ranges to the east. 

Given the size of the Park there is a huge range of activities to enjoy. You can wander the Western Botanical Garden and see more than 3,000 varieties of the State's unique flora, visit the Avenues of Honour or Kings Park Memorials and Statues area. 

Two thirds of the park is protected bushland where you can enjoy bushland walks or cycle the paths. The best views can be experienced from the DNA Tower if you want to climb its 101 steps.  

Families can visit  Rio Tinto Naturescape where children can connect with nature and learn about the WA environment or play at the Synergy Parkland  which has a 75 metre elevated walkway, island fort and large scale replicas of extinct Australian mega fauna and an interactive water misting forest. 

Other alternatives are the Lotterywest Family Area which includes a Playground and an oval for ball sports and a learn to ride bicycle path or the Saw Avenue Picnic Area  with its innovative nature based play area with the iconic Jarrah Log.

You can also enjoy a free guided walk, browse the gallery shop or enjoy a coffee in the cafe.

Bold Park

Bold Park is a large bushland area offering a wilderness experience near the coast only 15 minutes from Perth city. The Park covers 437 hectares and has over 1,000 species of flora, fauna and fungi and an abundance of wildlife including birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

You can experience the park via a range of walking trails or cycling paths.

Burswood Park

Located about 5 minutes drive from the city of Perth Burswood Park is a unique parkland where you can see a range of indigenous birds and water fowl.

The Lake is the centrepiece of the Park with  Swan Fountain a stunning sculpture of black swans within its shores.  There are a number of riverside walks, recreational trails and picnic areas to enjoy. 

You can also take a free guided walking tour of the park which focuses on Western Australia's history, flora and fauna.

Whiteman Park

A natural bushland park located approx 25 minutes from Perth city on the doorstep of the Swan Valley.  There are bush walking trails, complete with interpretive notes and walking and cycling paths.   Perfect for children of all ages are the shaded playgrounds and a mini water playground with a wading pool, water spouts, soft fall surrounds and shade areas.  The park also includes picnic areas, BBQs and a cafe.

A range of other attractions are also located at the park. Some with entry via donation and some you need to pay an entry fee. These include transport related museums,a wildlife park and a range of shops. 

You can also take a free tour by jumping aboard the vintage Whiteman Park Explorer bus.

Darwin for free

Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory a sophisticated city that retains its relaxed charm.  Here are some ideas of what to do in Darwin for free.


Mindil Beach

Mindil Beach is Darwin's most popular beach and an amazing place to be at sunset or sunrise. Mindil Beach is the location for many celebrations including Territory Day with its stunning fireworks and the Darwin Beer Can Regatta. 

The beach is also the site of the famous Mindil Markets where you have an opportunity to enjoy the balmy Darwin evenings and taste an amazing selection of cuisines or browse the large range of art and craft stalls.

The market is held in the dry season on Thursday evenings 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Leanyer Recreation Park   

Located on Vanderlin Drive, Leanyer this Park is an amazing place for family fun. The Park has 3 massive water slides, a water park, water playground and swimming area. There is also a playground, skate park and a half basketball court.

You can enjoy a picnic, cook a BBQ on the free BBQ plates or eat in the Cafe.

George Brown Darwin Botanical Gardens

Surviving the attacks on Darwin during the 2nd World War and the ravages of Cyclone Tracy the Gardens include marine and estuary plants, North Australian monsoon flora and a range of other tropical plants.

The Gardens are located in the Fannie Bay area and open every day 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Charles Darwin National Park

A relatively new Park located in an area of cultural significance to the Larrakia people who used the land for thousands of years as evidenced by the shell middens found in the Park.

The Park includes picnic grounds, walking and cycling tracks and a WWII display centre showing Darwin's role in the Pacific War. The area includes bunkers and shelters used for storage between 1941 to the mid 1980's. 

The park is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fannie Bay Gaol

Operating as a Goal and Labour Prison from 1883 until 1979 a visit to the Goal provides macabre insights into the harsh reality of prison life. Inmates included lepers, refugees, juveniles and the mentally ill.

Exhibits also include video footage and pictures of Cyclone Tracy and the aftermath, the female prisoners section, mess area and the gallows where prisoners were executed until 1952. 

Located on East Point Road the Gaol is open daily 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and Good Friday.

Northern Territory Library

The Library has a wide collection of print and electronic resources to explore in a relaxed environment. They also provide a wide range of exciting displays and events. 

Open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. but closed during Christmas.

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

The Museum and Art Gallery includes Aboriginal, Southeast Asian and Oceanic collections featuring material and art from the Northern Territory's history.

There are also regular special exhibitions but entry fees may apply.  

The Museum is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends and public holidays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and Good Friday.

Public Art

While I'm talking about Art there is a range of Public Art on display in the Darwin Waterfront Precinct.  The Waterfront area also has a range of hotels, restaurants, the historic Stokes Hill Wharf and is the location of many events.

Lyons Cottage

The cottage was built as the residence of the company engineer of the Australasian and China Telegraph Company and is the only surviving example of colonial bungalow architecture in the city.

The Cottage displays historical photographs and exhibits providing insights into pearling, maritime history, early exploration and the Telegraph Station.

The Cottage is now run by The Aboriginal Bush Traders and you can buy arts, crafts, clothing and gifts.

The Cottage is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Berry Springs Nature Park

The Nature Park protects part of the Berry Creek catchment area which flows into Darwin Harbour. There are a number of walking tracks through the Top End's Natural wildlife habitat where you can enjoy the birds and natural plant life.   

You can also enjoy a swim and see the weir and a number of huts that were established by the Armed Forces during the Second World War.

Berry Springs is approximately 40 minute drive south from Darwin.

Litchfield National Park

If you're travelling a little farther from the city Litchfield National Park is an easy 90 minute drive from Darwin.   I love this NP as its still unspoilt with stunning landscapes and rich in cultural history.

There are a range of areas perfect for picnicking including Grennant Creek, Tabletop Swamp, Wangi Falls, Walter Creek and Florence Falls.

One of my favourite places is Bluey Rockhole where you can just sit and relax whilst the water washes you.

A kiosk is located at Wangi Falls.