The San Antonio Zoo spans 35 acres and is home to over 3,500 animals representing 750 species from around the globe. This family-friendly destination offers incredible up-close experiences with some of the world’s most extraordinary creatures. Hippos, crocodiles, and colorful African cichlids from Lakes Tanganyika and Malawi can be observed through mesmerizing underwater viewing windows. Beyond that, the zoo features immersive habitats, conservation-focused exhibits, and fun experiences like giraffe feeding and behind-the-scenes animal encounters.

This nature reserve offers plenty to entertain visitors, but its definitive highlight is the nightly parade of penguins returning ashore and heading to their sand dune homes at sunset after spending the day hunting for fish. Expect to sight anywhere between a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand penguins.

Once known as the Convent of the Good Shepherd, the Convent provided refuge for vulnerable women, children and orphans. Nowadays, the convent building and formal gardens play host to events and festivals, workshops and classes, music and theatre performances, and in summer, outdoor cinema. Located on a bend of the Yarra river, the historic site features beautiful and eerie gothic spires of the convent, lush lawns, secluded courtyards and a meticulously restored formal garden. Entry is also free and the garden is open late. Have a beer or even join a team of gardening volunteers.

Burleigh Head is a small national park, located on the Gold Coast in South East Queensland. Here you can climb the park’s highest point, an ancient volcano, to see the 20 kilometres of unbroken white beach stretching far into the distance — what a sight. Have a picnic on your way and try spotting at least a few lizards.