Ever wanted to climb a bridge? The Story Bridge at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane is one of only four legally climbable bridges in Australia. With the height being the equivalent of a 22-storey building, it is not something for the faint hearted! Make sure you stop in at the Story Bridge Hotel for a celebratory drink afterwards.

Gustavia blends St Barts’ Swedish heritage with Caribbean flair, its pastel harbourfront lined with designer boutiques and cafés. For history and panoramas, hike Rue des Dinzey to Fort Karl, where 18th-century Swedish cannons and the ruins of a bottle-shaped lighthouse overlook Shell Beach and the marina. History lingers in every detail: from the ruins of the fort to the Wall House Museum’s island artefacts, Gustavia rewards slow exploration. Across the bay, the Gustavia Lighthouse offers a quieter escape. Locals and visitors often bring sunset picnics here, watching yachts navigate the harbour mouth. Time your visit for the monthly open-air market on Rue du Général de Gaulle, where straw hats and spices spill onto cobblestones.

Colombier Beach is St Barts’ crowning escape — a crescent of white sand accessible only by boat or two scenic hiking trails, ensuring its pristine seclusion. The Flamands Trail (20-30 minutes) starts past Petite Anse, winding along cactus-dotted cliffs with glimpses of rocky shores. For panoramic vistas, take the Colombier Lookout Trail (30-45 minutes) from the viewpoint parking lot, descending past iguanas sunning on volcanic boulders to reach the shore. Protected by a hilly peninsula, the bay’s calm waters reveal sea turtles and coral. Don’t forget to pack your snorkel! History lingers at the western edge, where hurricane-topped ruins of Laurence Rockefeller’s 1950s villa stand guard. No facilities mean packing sun shelter and water; early mornings reward hikers with empty sands and gentler heat.

Corossol Beach offers a window into St Barts' authentic soul. It’s a caramel-hued crescent where blue-and-orange fishing dories bob beside lobster traps, preserving the island's maritime heritage. This working harbour feels worlds away from the island's glamorous hotspots, with local artisans still weaving traditional palm-leaf baskets and hats outside their pastel cottages. The village behind the beach hums with unpolished charm: fishermen mend nets, volleyball games erupt spontaneously, and annual Saint Louis Day celebrations fill the air with Creole music. When hunger strikes, Le Régal serves up French-Caribbean flavours just steps from the salt-weathered docks. Come for the quiet rhythm of island life, stay for the sunset over the fishing fleet's silhouettes.