Laze away the day at Cataract Gorge Reserve only a few minutes from the centre of Launceston. There are peacocks and wallabies, rock climbing and a swimming pool at this popular urban playground. Follow a pathway along the cliff face looking down onto the South Esk River. On the shady northern side, known as the Cliff Grounds, is a Victorian garden with ferns and exotic plants. Wander across the footbridge and take a chairlift ride across the river.

Lake Taneycomo is accessed by way of Downtown Branson, south of Highway 76 in Hollister. The lake is clear and coldwater, restocked each year with around 750,000 rainbow and brown trout. There are full-service marinas, outfitters, resorts, campgrounds, and RV parks on Lake Taneycomo, making it a great vacation destination.

Nestled amidst the Ozark Mountains is Table Rock Lake, a Mecca for aquatic enthusiasts and fishermen. Swimming, wakeboarding, skiing, tubing, racing, and diving can all be done in the lake, while hikers will find the endless trails and wildlife alluring. Underneath Table Rock is the massive Missouri cave system—which is also open for exploration. Fishermen will be interested to know the record largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and other fish that reside at the lake. And all of Branson’s attractions lie just beyond the hills.

Another must-see in Leipzig, the Bach Museum, is devoted to the life and works of Johann Sebastian Bach, whose 27 years as cantor and the city’s music director shaped Leipzig’s musical life. Visitors can explore sheet music, documents, artworks, musical instruments and period furniture, as well as the opportunity to listen to some of Bach’s music in the complementary audio guides.