Fur, feathers, fine food and family fun — Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is full of little surprises! There are lots of native furry friends and cuddly nursery animals, mini golf, train rides, playgrounds and barbecues. There's rabbit petting, face painting, a treehouse, and a reptile display including the local Brown Snake and Death Adder. All safe behind glass, of course. Visit the crocodile exhibit and cuddle a croc. Treat yourself to breakfast or lunch with some great local coffee and delicious food. Enjoy pancakes, homemade cakes and cookies. Specialties include macadamia baked cheesecake and their famous beef burger infused with macadamia nuts. The shop on the premises offers a wide range of gourmet macadamia products and tastings of hot, roasted nuts. There's a fascinating gift shop and a full display of the macadamia nut industry.

Built in 1782, the Grand Palace was the official home of the Thai king for over 150 years. The complex is packed with ornate buildings, gilded spires, and detailed murals — it’s easy to spend a few hours wandering. The highlight is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which houses Thailand’s most sacred Buddha statue. Arrive early to beat the crowds and heat, and dress respectfully: long trousers and covered shoulders are required, or you won’t get in.

Père Lachaise is the largest cemetery in Paris and is reputed to be the most visited in the world. It is a huge and peaceful park and the final resting place of many Frenchmen and foreigners who have enriched French life over the past 200 years, including Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Camille Pissarro, Marcel Proust, Molière, Max Ernst, Maria Callas, and Jim Morrison, to name just a few.

Kata Tjuta, also known as Mount Olga or The Olgas, is similar to Uluru but different in shape. Lying only about 365 km southwest of Alice Springs, it is — compared to its 'sibling' Uluru — only a stone's throw away, and definitely worth a visit. Once a single piece of rock, the Olgas are now made up of 36 domed formations that have weathered over millions of years. Admire the impressive rocks from afar, for example, by taking the Valley of the Winds walk — a looped trail with fantastic viewpoints. You can walk right through the grooves for some stunning vistas and fewer crowds.