It is an engineering marvel, the world's steepest steam-operated railway. This is Tasmania's West Coast Wilderness Railway, and it is 28 tonnes of special. Today, passengers are moved by the same locomotives that began the run from Queenstown back in 1896. They take a comfortable 16-kilometre run through the wildlands, uphill through spectacular landscapes and down to a place called Dubbill Barrill, with stops for a little gold panning and sightseeing. These locos were originally built to move copper ore for the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company, delivering the mine's deep riches out of a massive, landlocked deposit at Queenstown to the port of Strahan, and from there, to the world. And every passenger is greeted by one of the line's original workhorses, a 28-tonne steam locomotive that's ready to roll — and guaranteed to raise a smile.

Cesare Lombroso was an Italian criminologist, physician and phrenologist, who posed that crime is a characteristic trait of human nature. His role as the creator of criminal atavism remains controversial. You are invited to learn about the errors in his scientific method. In 2009, to mark the centenary of his death, the museum was revamped to better showcase the macabre collections: anatomical specimens and drawings, photographs, as well as valuable craft and artistic works created by asylum and prison inmates.

The Museum of Arts & Sciences of Daytona Beach offers a diverse experience, blending art, science, and history in one remarkable venue. Highlights include the Charles and Linda Williams Children's Museum, a hands-on space where kids can engage with interactive science exhibits, and the Root Family Museum, featuring vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia, train cars, and other fascinating collections. Art lovers will enjoy the rotating and permanent galleries showcasing works from around the world, while the state-of-the-art planetarium takes visitors on a journey through the stars.

A cruise down the Gordon River rewards with mirror-calm reflections of World Heritage Area rainforest. Gordon River Cruises and World Heritage Cruises can take you down this ancient waterway stopping off at Sarah Island where you'll get a history lesson as you walk among the ruins of this once notorious convict settlement.