Founded in 1670, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of the world's oldest and most respected scientific gardens in the world. Its beautifully landscaped grounds offer a serene escape with a rich collection of plants, from a world-famous rock garden to colourful rhododendron displays. The splendid Victorian Palm Houses are a major highlight, housing exotic flora (entry fee applies). A second key attraction is the modern, eco-friendly John Hope Gateway, which features exhibitions on biodiversity and sustainability. More than just a park, it's a living institution of global significance, perfect for a peaceful stroll or deeper exploration.

Cayos Zapatillas offer some of the best skin diving in the marine park, windward from Crawl Cay. The variety of underwater ecosystems includes fan gardens and coral reefs. Choose from a variety of depths and currents to suit your skills. More intrepid and experienced divers can explore a series of nearby caves at a depth of 40 feet and require underwater lights.

Cradle Mountain, at the northern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, safeguards part of the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area. The surrounding landscape is diverse and includes grassland, rainforest and ancient plants. The park also provides a rich habitat for wildlife including Tasmanian devils, quolls, platypus, echidna and several bird species. Embark on the Dove Lake Circuit track that hugs the lake shoreline for a pleasant, relatively flat six-kilometre walk beneath the towering spires of Cradle Mountain.