Experience firsthand why Portland is known as the "City of Roses" by visiting its Rose Test Garden, the oldest official rose garden in the U.S. Established during World War I, the garden was originally created as a refuge for roses threatened by bombings and potential extinction. Not only did the roses survive, but they have continued to thrive and bloom in Portland. The garden is open to visitors from April through October, with the peak bloom occurring in June.

The Solitary Islands Marine Park is the third largest marine protected area in New South Wales, covering a total area of 71,000 hectares and stretching along 75 kilometres of coastline from Coffs Harbour north to the Sandon River mouth. The park is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including tropical, temperate, and sub-tropical species of fish, coral, and algae, making it a major attraction for divers. Signage throughout the park indicates where specific activities such as diving, fishing, and collecting are permitted. Within its boundaries, the marine park includes tidal waters, estuaries, beaches, and headlands, all protected by a special zoning scheme designed to conserve fish habitats and preserve the area's natural beauty.

Dubbed the "home of American coffee culture," Portland knows what it takes to brew the perfect cup. In a 2016 survey of 100 U.S. cities, Portland topped the list, boasting the most coffee roasters per capita and the highest number of cafés. With so many spots to enjoy a great cup of coffee, you might think there's little room for discovery — but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Portland’s coffee scene continues to evolve, with unique additions like Oracle Coffee Company, run by Andy Hurley, the drummer of Fall Out Boy and a self-described "vegan straight-edge anarchist." The choices are endless, but for a glimpse of where it all began, visit the original Stumptown Coffee Roasters location at 4525 Southeast Division Street. Many credit this tiny space with launching Portland’s rise to coffee fame, now a chain with outlets from New York to LA.

Penang’s famous butterfly farm at Entopia Natureland is the world’s largest. With garden pavilions and breeding areas for more than 50 species of spectacularly colourful butterflies and insects, which all the same share this ecological space with a variety of other animal species such as invertebrates and small reptiles, up to 4,000 gorgeous living specimens can be seen at any time.