Historically, Wollombi has always been an important centre for travellers along the Great North Road, built by convicts in the early 19th century. Today, the town retains its fine architectural heritage and you'll also enjoy cafés, wineries and comfortable guesthouses. Nearby are national parks great for bushwalking and well-preserved Aboriginal rock engravings.

Grand Fond reveals St Barts’ untamed Atlantic coast — a pebble-strewn beach where surfers challenge the crashing waves, and swimming is wisely avoided amid the rocky shallows. This wild counterpart to nearby Toiny offers raw drama: wind-sculpted vistas stretch to offshore islets, while the relentless surf soundtrack drowns out all traces of the island’s glamour. A 15-minute hike west along slippery coastal trails leads to the Piscines Naturelles Grand Fond, where volcanic rocks cradle seawater pools. Time it right (avoid midday sun and check tides) for safe dips between sea urchin colonies. The full 3-kilometre out-and-back trail offers panoramic ocean views. Just be sure to pack sturdy shoes and water for the scramble over jagged terrain. Shellfish hunters take note: collecting is prohibited, but the beach makes a spectacular picnic spot for those craving salt-sprayed solitude.

In the heart of Bangkok, the Democracy Monument was built in 1939 to mark the 1932 coup that ended the absolute monarchy and introduced a constitutional government. The central sculpture shows soldiers and civilians, but the change of power happened mostly without bloodshed while the king was away. It’s a quick stop if you’re exploring Rattanakosin, and the surrounding traffic circle gives you a real sense of the city’s pace and energy.

This historic building is one of the town's most unique heritage places, and erected for government residents back in 1928 already, it even hosted Queen Elizabeth in 1963. On the inside, local history and historic events get displayed right next to the toilet or ’royal throne’ that the Queen used during her visit.