Stunning views from Eureka Skydeck

The Eureka Skydeck in Melbourne is a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike. 

View west along the Yarra River

The Skydeck towers 88 floors above Melbourne and provides stunning 360 degree views of the Melbourne skyline and surrounding suburbs. On clear days you can see surrounding mountains.

The Shrine of Remembrance 

Located on St Kilda Road, close to the city the Shrine of Remembrance is the National War Memorial dedicated to all those who served in armed conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

View East along the Yarra River 

This view shows the Art Centre Spire and Melbourne's sporting precinct including the Tennis Centre and MCG.

A closer look at the famous MCG where cricket and football are played

Sidney Myer Music Bowl

The Sidney Myer Music Bowl, located in Kings Domain Gardens, is a venue that hosts music events including Carols by Candlelight and the Melbourne Sympathy Orchestra's free summertime concert series.

Government House

Home to the Governor or Victoria, Government House is located between King's Domain and the Royal Botanic Gardens. 

Federation Square

Federation Square is an open space where major cultural and world class events are held. There is also a range of restaurants, bars and stores and a large tourist Information Centre.

Besides the stunning views there is a cafe, sovereign shop and The Edge where you are inside a glass cube that extends out from the 88th floor Skydeck and is suspended 300 metres above the ground. The Edge costs an additional $12 for adults and $8 for children.

Within easy walking distance of the CBD the Skydeck is located at Riverside Quay Southbank. Basically between the Southbank restaurants and Crown Casino.

The attraction is open every day.  Pricing is reasonable with adult tickets starting at $19.50, children $11 and family packages also available.

Come tour Melbourne with Longhorn YOUnique Tours

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.

Canberra - Australia's capital

Most capital cities are large but that's not the case with Australia's capital Canberra. This difference is historical as when the States of Australia agreed to form a Federation in 1901 neither NSW or Victoria (who were the largest cities at the time) would agree on the other city being chosen. So Canberra was selected due to its proximity to both Melbourne and Sydney.

Canberra was originally the home of the Ngunnawal people who occupied the land for 21,000 years as evidenced by rock paintings at Namadgi National Park and Birrigai Rock Shelter at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

A competition to design the capital was won by American Architect Walter Burley Griffin.     Influenced by both the City Beautiful and Garden City movements of the time; Burley Griffin designed a city with a large man made lake at the centre, green areas, wide boulevards and formal parks with water features.

Lake Burley Griffin

The original Parliament House was opened in 1927 and served Parliament until 1988 when a new and modern Parliament House replaced it. Today old Parliament House is a tourist attraction featuring a museum  dedicated to telling the story of Australian democracy.

Old Parliament House

On the land opposite old Parliament House is the site of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy which was established in 1972 as a protest to the Government's refusal to recognise Aboriginal Land rights.  

Site of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy

New Parliament House, built on the top of a hill, dominates the skyline and can be seen from many surrounding locations. 

Visit Parliament House when Parliament is in session and you can see our Politicians at work. Parliament House also has an amazing collection of art and  is a venue for many functions.

New Parliament House

Heritage listed Government House is the home of the Queen's representative in Australia the Governor General. Surrounded by 54 hectares of grounds the House is used for many official occasions including receptions, dinners for visiting Royalty and functions for community and special needs groups.

Government House

As the location of the Commonwealth Government Canberra tends to be a city that many people commute which makes many people think Canberra is a boring place to visit. I don't agree there is so much to see. 

National Gallery of Australia

On the cultural side visit the National Gallery of Australia with more than 100,000 works of art including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, Australian art and international art.

View of the road between the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery of Australia

At the National Portrait Gallery you can view portraits of more than 400 people who have shaped Australia's history, diversity and culture.

The Australian War Memorial commemorates the sacrifice of the men and women who served Australia in war. There is an enormous amount of history to explore and the Hall of Memory with the tomb of the unknown soldier evokes a sadness and respect for what the memorial represents.

High Court of Australia

Questacon is Australia's National Science and Technology Centre and a fantastic place to visit if you are holidaying with children. There are regular exhibits, displays and lots of hands on activities that provide a fun learning experience. 

There are many other interesting buildings in Canberra including a range of Embassies many designed to visually represent their home nation.

The Eagle

Memorials are also a regular sight like the Australian-American Memorial symbolises the strong relationship between these 2 countries. Its located on the forecourt of the Defence Offices.

From a nature and the outdoors perspective I like the Australian National Botanical Gardens which include a range of beautiful plants. Various garden designs represent a Rainforest Gully, Rock Garden, Eucalypt Lawn and Mallee Shrub lands. 

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve provides a great spot for a picnic or BBQ lunch.  You may also see a range of wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, possums and the endangered Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby.  Tidbinbilla also is the location of the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex which was a real surprise as it features  a number of "big dish" antennas that receive data from and transmit commands to a wide variety of spacecraft.

Burbury Hotel 

I stay at the Burbury Hotel located in the Realm precinct. The Realm Hotel located across the road is also a great option. 

Eat in Kingston or Manuka.

Great shopping at the Fyshwick Markets or DFO also located in Fyshwick. 

For more information see Canberra Tourism