St Barts Airport (SBH) thrills aviation enthusiasts with its dramatic 650-metre runway with one of the world's most challenging approaches. Landing aircraft must dive steeply right after clearing the hillside, then immediately pull up just a few seconds before touching down. The distance between the edge of the hill and the plane can be less than two meters! Prime viewing spots include St Jean Beach (where planes appear to skim sunbathers), the western runway perimeter, and the airport terminal cafeteria with its panoramic windows. For a grand perspective, the hills east of St Jean Bay frame the runway against turquoise waters. Note: never linger directly beneath flight paths — these low-flying aircraft leave no margin for error.

Explore the history of the various prehistoric farmers who settled in Ireland, from the Mesolithic period to the time of the Norman Invasion (1169). Reconstructed dwellings such as a mesolithic camp, a neolithic farmstead, a portal dolmen, a cyst grave, stone circle, medieval ringfort, monastic site, crannóg (ancient lake dwelling) and a Viking harbour are spread across 35 acres of parkland, estuary trails and wetland forest. The park also runs demonstrations on traditional rural life skills from blacksmithing to gold panning. This is a truly immersive experience exploring Ireland's roots and forgotten traditions.

Port Stephens is known for its unspoilt beaches with perfect surf breaks or sheltered bays for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. Or try parasailing over the bay. Walk along the beach at Shoal Bay to Tomaree Headland for splendid panoramas. At sunset, kayak with dolphins at Nelson Bay and Soldiers Point. Fingal Bay Beach has its own island. Surfers will be thrilled by One Mile Beach, Birubi Beach, Zenith Beach, Box Beach, or Samurai Beach. Families will love One Mile Beach, Boat Harbour and Birubi Beach.

During the 9th century this was the largest church in Spain and although now dwarfed by later and greater buildings, it remains of great significance in the history of Spanish religious architecture. The church is well worth a visit, especially for its magnificent array of gorgeously coloured murals.