A mere 5 minutes from the city centre, Fannie Bay is a suburb of Darwin with a ton of activities to offer. There is a small but lovely beach with barbecue facilities and playgrounds, an artificial lake safe for swimming all year, bike trails and a walking path through the mangrove, and the interesting Fannie Bay Gaol Museum.

Loterie Farm is a private nature reserve and the perfect spot for an ecological adventure and a gourmet experience. Dine and drink some wine or participate in one of the numerous outdoor activities like climbing, hiking or gliding over the treetop canopy.

Phuket and beaches go hand in hand; whether it’s surfing, people-watching, or just sinking into quiet sand, there’s a stretch of coastline for every mood. Freedom Beach stays quiet for a reason: it’s tucked behind the jungle and can be reached either by longtail boat or by a steep trail for those willing to hike. The effort pays off with soft sand, clear water, and almost no facilities. Kata Beach has more going on, with surf lessons, cafés, and plenty of space, while Kata Noi, just around the corner, is calmer and more relaxed. Patong Beach is the opposite end of the spectrum: long, busy, and lined with bars, shops, and nightlife. Somewhere in between, Karon, Nai Harn, and Surin offer long stretches of sand without the chaos, still with enough restaurants and sunbeds if needed.