Fur, feathers, fine food and family fun — Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is full of little surprises! There are lots of native furry friends and cuddly nursery animals, mini golf, train rides, playgrounds and barbecues. There's rabbit petting, face painting, a treehouse, and a reptile display including the local Brown Snake and Death Adder. All safe behind glass, of course. Visit the crocodile exhibit and cuddle a croc. Treat yourself to breakfast or lunch with some great local coffee and delicious food. Enjoy pancakes, homemade cakes and cookies. Specialties include macadamia baked cheesecake and their famous beef burger infused with macadamia nuts. The shop on the premises offers a wide range of gourmet macadamia products and tastings of hot, roasted nuts. There's a fascinating gift shop and a full display of the macadamia nut industry.

Trail Ridge Road is probably the most well-known route for a scenic drive through the Rocky Mountain National Park. Locals also recommend several other trails, such as Devil's Gulch Road, Dry Gulch Road and Colorado Highway 7. The Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Institute offers guided bus excursions.

Try your hand at kitesurfing on the sandy beach of Sotavento. A shallow, tidal lagoon makes this a perfect location for kitesurfers of all levels, with courses available for beginners.

Just north of Sharm (roughly 35 kilometres), this protected area mixes desert, mangroves, and coral reef into one quiet stretch of coastline. You’ll spot mangrove trees growing straight out of the sea, and if you’re lucky, herons, foxes, or even a gazelle in the dunes. The offshore reef is solid for snorkelling, and the seagrass beds sometimes attract turtles.