Museums, Theaters, Architecture, Cairns

Just metres short of a mountain, Castle Hill is the giant pink granite monolith that stands proud in the centre of Townsville - a perfect place for visitors to orientate themselves. As well as offering vehicle access, Castle Hill provides a number of popular walking tracks, which are frequented by more than 2,500 locals a day! The 360-degree views of Townsville at the top are well worth the journey. Be sure to have a camera on hand, particularly for sunrise or sunset as these are photo opportunities which shouldn't be missed. Apart from being an iconic centrepiece for the city and a lookout for spectacular scenic views, Castle Hill has a significant history. The Hill's vantage was used by visiting American soldiers during World War II. According to local legend, the visitors famously offered to demolish the hill and use the rock to build a bridge to Magnetic Island. A World War II observation bunker sits on one corner of the Hill reminding visitors of Castle Hill's military history. https://www.queensland.com/en-au/attraction/castle-hill

The award-winning Museum of Tropical Queensland provides a snapshot of this diverse region of North Queensland, from World Heritage listed rainforest and reefs to the story of the shipwrecked HMS Pandora, the ship sent to capture the Bounty mutineers. The Museum's family-friendly exhibitions and displays explore life in the tropics from prehistoric times to modern day. Located in the heart of Townsville, the Museum has temporary and permanent exhibitions to captivate visitors and their school holiday programs offer something for kids of all ages. https://www.queensland.com/en-au/attraction/museum-of-tropical-queensland

A popular place in the Burdekin for visitors to take photos is located in Plantation Park, Ayr. The giant carpet snake is an impressive feature, and makes a fantastic backdrop. This 60 metre artwork depicts Gubulla Munda, the Aboriginal totem and the protective spirit for the Birri Gubba people. Gubulla Munda holds sacred cultural and spiritual significance to the Traditional Owners. https://www.queensland.com/en-au/attraction/gubulla-munda

Discover the arts and culture of the Mackay region when you visit Artspace Mackay, the regional art gallery and museum in the centre of the city. This architecturally award winning building provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the people and history of Mackay through the Spirit and Place: Mementos of Mackay exhibition. Group tours can be booked with well trained volunteer guides who will provide visitors with insights into the exhibitions on display. https://www.mackayregion.com/artspace-mackay

Built on reclaimed land near Ela Beach in Port Moresby’s central business district, this glazed conference facility is a gracious nod to the cultural caretakers of the Capital City, the Motu-Koita people. The iconic design resembles a Lakatoi sail, from the Motu-Koita’s distinctive double-hulled boat, to symbolise international trade negotiations. As you enter the building, you’ll see additional local designs referenced with a giant timber feature wall in the lobby engraved with a stepped traditional tattoo and every last corner of the new conference rooms paying respect to the incredible cultures of our 22 provinces. https://www.papuanewguinea.travel/apec-haus

Papua New Guinea’s Parliament House is a must see landmark whether parliament is sitting or not. Built in the style of a Maprik Haus Tambaran (house of spirits from East Sepik Province), this impressive building was first opened in 1984 and the grounds are lovely. https://www.papuanewguinea.travel/parliament-house

Wander through the awe-inspiring collections at the National Museum & Art Gallery (NMAG). Here you will see a careful curation of objects from 19 provinces of Papua New Guinea. The earliest collection is by Sir William MacGregor and dates back to the 1800s during early administration of Papua. NMAG was built on Independence Hill in 1975 and opened to the public 1977. It is the national centre for anthropology, archaeology, natural history, contemporary arts, research and conservation. https://www.papuanewguinea.travel/nmag

Gladstone Maritime Museum focusses its collection on maritime history of the Gladstone Region. Visit to view history from prior to Captain Cook up to modern times. Special features include the shipwreck wall, Jenny Lind figurehead and a library. Naval and sailing ship models are of interest. https://www.gladstoneregion.info/gladstone-maritime-museum

The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum was established in 1985 and is a community cultural initiative funded by the Gladstone Regional Council. It is dedicated to promoting art and heritage for and by the communities of the Gladstone Region and Central Queensland, acting as a focal point for the preservation and display of the region's history and cultural heritage. https://www.gladstoneregion.info/gladstone-regional-gallery-and-museum

Roma Street Parkland sits on 16 hectares in the centre of the Brisbane CBD and a veritable oasis in the middle of the city. The parklands are adjacent to the Brisbane Transit Centre and Roma Street Station and are considered to be the world’s largest subtropical garden in a city centre. The parklands are home to grassy picnic spots, subtropical plant displays, colourful flower displays, fern groves, rocky peninsulas, barbeque areas and playgrounds for kids.There's something for people of all ages with a visual feast everywhere you look. One major drawcard is the artworks displayed in The Roma Street Parklands. When the site was first developed, 16 Queensland artists were commissioned to create a collection of 15 pieces of works for the parkland. They each tell a story in a different medium including sculptures, mosaic, paving, bronzes and murals.There’s a self guided walk which you can take to lead you past all the different works. http://www.brisbane-australia.com/roma-street-parklands.html

Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is located across two riverside buildings in South Bank’s Cultural Precinct. QAGOMA presents an evolving program of Australian and international exhibitions, with a focus on the contemporary art of Australia, Asia and the Pacific. Immerse the family in creativity at the Children’s Art Centre and see the best in international film and video at the Australian Cinémathèque. QAGOMA offers cafes, modern dining and shopping to complete your visit. https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/brisbane/things-to-do/arts-and-entertainment/galleries/queensland-art-gallery-and-gallery-of-modern-art--qagoma?sc_lang=en-au

Whether you are a local or a tourist to Brisbane, a guided tour provides an opportunity to learn something about the art, architecture and history of City Hall. The building known in Brisbane as "the People's Place", City Hall was built between 1920 and 1930. The heritage-listed Brisbane City Hall is seen as the heart of Brisbane and has been the backdrop to many cultural, social and civic events. City Hall is the civic seat of the city and is home to the Lord Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and plays host to community and corporate events daily. City Hall is a bustling, active working building, so you may find that some of the rooms and features are not open to the public on certain days. Accompanied by a professional guide, these tours provide further access to different parts of the building as possible. https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/information/articles/activities/clock-tower-tour?sc_lang=en-au

Queensland Museum is the State’s centre for natural history, cultural heritage, science and human achievement. Home to permanent and changing exhibitions and collections, the museum also provides innovative public programs, educational experiences plus holiday and early child hood activities. The Queensland Museum is also home to the Sciencentre, where visitors can take part in exciting - and educational - kinetic and interactive displays and experiments. https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/brisbane/things-to-do/arts-and-entertainment/galleries/queensland-museum-and-sciencentre?sc_lang=en-au

Brisbane City has a unique blend of historic and modern buildings dotted with city parks and gardens where you can sit back, unwind and watch the thriving city go about it's business. Visit museums, go shopping, eat a picnic in one of the gardens or take in a show at the theatre. There's something for everyone in the Brisbane City CBD. http://www.brisbane-australia.com/brisbane-city-centre.html

South Bank Parklands is Queensland’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination, open 365 days a year. Its world-class entertainment and leisure facilities include South Bank Parklands, Little Stanley Street, Grey Street and South Bank Cultural Precinct. South Bank Parklands covering 17 hectares of riverfront land, the free swimming facilities, walking tracks, licensed picnic areas and more. It is also home to a year-round calendar of events and plenty of eateries, including the award-winning River Quay. Little Stanley Street known as one of Brisbane’s most popular eat-streets, is bursting with more than 30 cafes, bars and restaurants offering an array of cuisines styles including Vietnamese, Italian and more. Like its sister street Little Stanley, Grey Street is a foodie haven - a stroll along the street will offer you plenty of places to eat. Grey Street is also home to the South Bank Cineplex, which is renowned for its cheap prices. The South Bank Cultural Precinct has something to suit all ages. It includes the Queensland Performance Arts Centre; Queensland Museum and Sciencentre; Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art; and State Library of Queensland. https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/brisbane/things-to-do/shopping/south-bank-parklands?sc_lang=en-au

Nestled on the beautiful banks of Brisbane River (beside New Farm Park) the former power station has become a distinct landmark, both as a stunning industrial creation and as a hub for everything creative. The Brisbane City Council New Farm Powerhouse was designed by Brisbane City Council Tramway architect, Roy Rusden Ogg. At its peak in the post-war years it supplied electricity for the largest tram network in the southern hemisphere. As trams were replaced by buses, it was decommissioned in 1971. The redeveloped Brisbane Powerhouse was designed by Brisbane City Council architect Peter Roy and was opened on 10 May, 2000 by Lord Mayor Jim Soorley. Seven years later the building underwent a further stage of development, re-opening on 6 June 2007 by Lord Mayor Campbell Newman with increased audience capacities, restaurant and bar facilities as well as functions and conference spaces. Brisbane Powerhouse boasts a flexible 400 - 700 seat 'end on' stage theatre, an intimate 200 seat apron stage theatre, an 800 viewer open platform, two restaurants, conference and rehearsal rooms and offices. https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/brisbane/things-to-do/arts-and-entertainment/heritage-and-architecture/brisbane-powerhouse?sc_lang=en-au

The Alice Springs Telegraph Station is a historic museum precinct, presenting the story of the connection of Australia to the rest of the world through Telegraph Communication in 1871. Since being declared protected as a Historical Reserve in 1963, it has become the best preserved Station along the Overland Telegraph Line. Guided tours of the heritage precinct run from March to November at 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm & 3:30pm. Visit the original "Alice Spring" and learn about the origins of the town. Enjoy NT roasted coffee and homemade snacks at the Trail Station Wi-Fi Cafe and browse through the gift and souvenir shop and send a postcard from the towns original red Postbox. https://www.discovercentralaustralia.com/alice-springs-telegraph-station

The most visited landmark in Alice Springs, Anzac Hill is the ideal spot for an overview of the town. The lookout offers a panoramic view of Alice Springs and the beautiful surrounding ranges. The Anzac Hill Memorial was unveiled on 25 April 1934 (Anzac Day) and was originally dedicated to all those members of the armed services who had paid the supreme sacrifice during World War I. It has now become a memorial to all those who have served in the defence of their country during all wars in which Australia has participated. Facing the Gap, interesting and comprehensive interpretative signs border the lookout. These detail some of the local Arrentte people's creation stories, featuring the Yeperenye Caterpillar of the MacDonnell Ranges and Mparntwe (Alice Springs). http://www.discovercentralaustralia.com/anzac-hill

Central Australia's unique natural and geological history is explained at the Museum of Central Australia in Alice Springs. The evolution of the magnificent Central Australian landscape and the fascinating creatures that inhabited it, are described in the exhibitions. See meteorite fragments, fossils and interpretive displays as well as a replica of the ancient Alcoota waterhole. This internationally significant fossil site was home to giant freshwater crocodiles and the largest bird that ever lived. Contemporary Central Australia is explained in a display about the birds, mammals, reptiles and insects you will see as you tour the outback. The Museum of Central Australia also houses the Strehlow Research Centre, an important collection of film, sound, archival records and museum objects relating to Indigenous ceremonial life. The Strehlow Collection was accumulated by the Lutheran Pastor Carl Strehlow and his son Professor TGH Strehlow over two generations of anthropological research with the Aboriginal people of central Australia. http://www.discovercentralaustralia.com/museum-of-central-australia

The Araluen Arts Centre is the focal point of the visual art and performance scene of Central Australia, presenting an annual program of exhibitions, performances, and film. Known as the keeping place of stories, Araluen holds within its spaces some of the most significant works of art in Central Australia and brings to the stage world class performances from around the nation (and at times the world). Literally built around a culturally significant 300 year old corkwood tree that now sits in the centre of the Sculpture Garden, the Araluen Arts Centre is the heart of the Araluen Cultural Precinct, which includes the Galleries and Theatre, the Museum of Central Australia including the Strehlow Research Centre, the Central Australian Aviation Museum, Central Craft, Yaye’s Café, and a host of significant public works of art and Arrernte sacred sites. The Araluen Galleries showcase the Contemporary Aboriginal art movement, particularly of Central Australia and the Western Desert Region as well as significant local contemporary artists. The Araluen Art Collection also includes original artworks by world renowned watercolourist Albert Namatjira. His artistic response to the breathtaking Central Australian landscapes are captured in this rotating collection. https://www.discovercentralaustralia.com/araluen-arts-centre

Prepare to be amazed as you experience the entertaining and unique wax museum right in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Meet people who made history, movie stars, scientists, explorers, villains, royalty and world leaders all presented with startling realism and dressed in authentically reproduced costumes. http://www.surfersparadise.com/things-to-do/attractions/the-wax-museum

Sit back, relax and grab a bite to eat while you take in the unsurpassed 360 degree views of the Gold Coast. SkyPoint located on top of the iconic Q1 Building, one of the world's tallest residential towers, takes you to the highest point above the Gold Coast and offers spectacular 360 degree views from the surf to the hinterland and beyond. https://www.skypoint.com.au/skypoint-observation-deck

Serpentine Gallery is a local artist's initiative dedicated to showcasing the diverse artistic creations of local emerging artists. The gallery supports artists of all mediums and is dedicated to building a strong artist community in the Northern Rivers. The gallery has approximately 180 artists on their register and supports all styles of art. The gallery has been operating since 2006 and has developed a reputation for displaying emerging artists who are still raw, who are not affected and are freely expressing themselves. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/lismore-area/lismore/attractions/serpentine-gallery

The award-winning Richmond River Historical Society Museum has one of the best historical collections in regional Australia. The museum is located in the heritage-listed former Lismore Municipal Building, with the main exhibition displayed within the old Council Chamber. Panels of local rainforest timbers line the walls of the museum. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/lismore-area/lismore/attractions/lismore-historical-society-and-museum

The Lismore Memorial Baths were reopened in September 2005, after more than two years of redevelopment work. The multi-million dollar aquatics facility sets a new benchmark on the Northern Rivers. The Memorial Baths not only provides a great place for families and the community to enjoy their leisure time, they also cater for the more serious swimmers. The facility meets international specifications and is capable of hosting major events. State of the art equipment includes an electronic timing system available for major swimming carnivals and a moveable boom for short-course events and multi-programming. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/lismore-area/lismore/attractions/lismore-memorial-baths

Come and discover the hidden underground street art culture of The Back Alley Gallery in Lismore. The Back Alley Gallery is transforming the laneways of Lismore. You cannot walk down the streets without finding something new on the walls. There are over sixty artworks including large scale murals, graffiti art, paste ups, stencils and installations. This outdoor art gallery is here for the community to enjoy and to see that street art is alive, thriving and an important part of the local art scene. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/lismore-area/lismore/attractions/the-back-alley-gallery

Lismore Regional Gallery’s Mission is to facilitate the exchange of ideas locally and nationally through a distinctive and innovative program of exhibitions and events. Lismore Regional Gallery is the oldest cultural organisation in the Northern Rivers. Established in 1953, and opened by then Director of the Art Gallery of NSW, Hal Missingham, they have played an active role in the cultural life of their community for generations. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/lismore-area/lismore/attractions/lismore-regional-gallery

The Darwin Military Museum is located at East Point adjacent to the Defence of Darwin Experience. The site is within a heritage listed area that contains WWII fortifications. The No.2 gun turret is located within the Military Museum and, along with the No.1 gun turret, is one of the major fortifications at East Point. The Museum aims to collect artefacts from all conflicts where Australian troops were deployed https://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/see-and-do/darwin-military-museum

The World War II Guadalcanal American Memorial is located on Skyline Drive overlooking the town of Honiara, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. It was built through the joint efforts of ABMC and the Guadalcanal-Solomon Islands Memorial Commission. It honours those Americans and its allies who lost their lives during the Guadalcanal Campaign of World War II (August 7, 1942, to February 9, 1943). The memorial consists of a 4-foot square, 24-foot tall pylon on which is inscribed: This memorial has been erected by the United States of America in humble tribute to its sons and its allies who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the liberation of the Solomon Islands 1942-1943. There are four directional walls pointing to the four major battle areas. Inscribed on these walls are a description of the battles and a listing of the U.S. and Allied ships that were lost. https://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/pacific/guadalcanal-memorial#.WLFBLPkrLIU

The Solomon Islands National Museum was first opened on June 1969. It is situated in Honiara, the capital, in Guadalcanal Province. It is the only national museum in the whole country at present. Solomon Islands National Museum is a museum, cultural centre, government department or ministry and also houses ww2 relics. The major part of the collection consists of cultural materials with some examples of natural history specimens, World War II relics and archaeological material. The Museum also houses a collection of Audio-Visual material and reference books. Number of items in the collection: over 2,000 items The collection contains items of the following types: Art, Heritage, Photography, Archaeological, Natural History (Animal Specimens, wet and dry), Contemporary, Scientific or Technology, Audio/visual material, Books or Journals, Posters, Pamphlets, Documents or Paper-based items, Outdoor sculpture, art or monuments. http://solomon.spla.pro/en/file.organization.solomon-islands-national-museum.10748.html

Built in 1879 by NSW architect James Barnet, Tacking Point Lighthouse is the thirteenth oldest lighthouse in Australia. The lighthouse is located in the picturesque coastal town of Port Macquarie, NSW, and sits atop a rocky headland which offers stunning panoramic views along Australia’s Mid-North Coast. Due to the elevation of the rocky headland, the lighthouse itself is only eight metres high, and the area itself is a popular location for whale-watching during migration. Explore the gorgeous beaches of Port Macquarie along a stunning coastal walk, starting at Town Green foreshore and finishing at Tacking Point Lighthouse. This 9.1 kilometre trek offers exquisite views of Port Macquarie’s beaches, foreshore shrubbery and native wildlife. https://www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au/see-do/tacking-point-lighthouse

The ancient red rock formations of Kata Tjuta rise from the dusty land to make an incredible sight in Central Australia. Witness the spectacular rocks as they appear to change colour and immerse yourself in the Aboriginal stories of this special place, 500 million years in the making. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is jointly managed by its Anangu traditional owners and Parks Australia. Kata Tjuta is sacred to the Anangu people, who have inhabited the area for more than 22,000 years. The sandstone domes of Kata Tjuta are believed to be about 500 million years old https://www.australia.com/en/places/alice-springs-and-surrounds/guide-to-kata-tjuta.html

Located in a lovely historical building, Taree Craft Cottage displays and sells a diverse range of quality items handcrafted by their talented members. This is the ideal place to shop for that perfect gift for any occasion. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/forster-and-taree-area/taree/attractions/taree-craft-centre