Fundació Mona is a pioneering primate rehabilitation centre dedicated to rescuing and caring for chimpanzees and macaques recovered from abusive situations like circuses, the advertising industry and the illegal pet trade. Here, primates regain physical and emotional health while living in social family groups within large, naturalistic enclosures. Visits are educational and ethically focused: guided by expert staff, you’ll learn about primate behaviour, conservation challenges, and the stories of individual animals. Advance booking is essential, and tours emphasise respect for the residents’ well-being over entertainment. Through its work, Mona raises awareness about wildlife trafficking, species extinction, and the importance of protecting our closest evolutionary relatives.

Located west of Newcastle, this region is home to many of Australia’s top wineries, most of which are centred around Polkobin, although Cessnock is the area’s main town. The main attraction here is visiting the wineries and tasting the locally-grown fruits. There is no public transport between the wineries in Hunter Valley, so your best bet would be to hire a tour company.

Perched high in the Serra de Rodes mountains, the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes is a masterpiece of Catalan Romanesque architecture. Founded in the 10th century, this former Benedictine complex features a sophisticated church, a majestic bell tower, and cloisters arranged on terraces with sweeping views of the Cap de Creus peninsula. Notable for its classical-inspired sculptures and the remnants of a finely carved portal, the monastery was a major spiritual centre until the 14th century. Nearby, the ruins of Santa Creu de Rodes medieval village and its pre-Romanesque church complete this historic landscape.