Seven things to do if you're heading to Australia over the next few months

Sydney Harbour in Australia
Kiwis are flocking overseas but there's more to do than lie on the beach. Photo credit: Getty Images

New Zealand's borders are open again and those in the tourism industry are hoping the visitors come flooding back.

But with COVID-19 restrictions largely lifted here, Kiwis are also heading overseas in droves.

Many are staying relatively close, however, with trips to the Pacific Islands and Australia proving particularly popular.

Of course there are plenty of beaches and theme parks to spend your time and money on - but what else could you be doing while across the ditch?

Newshub takes a look at seven different options for those hopping across the Tasman.

Bowral Beekeeping in Bowral, New South Wales

Mead Making Class

Join beekeeping experts for an exposition of one of the world's oldest alcoholic beverages, mead.

Bowral Beekeeping has partnered with Tractorless Vineyard to host a three-hour Mead Making Class that includes a tour of the hives, a lesson in fermentation and a five-litre jug of mead to drink on the rest of your holiday.

The workshop is a collaboration between Hamish Ta-mé from Bowral Beekeeping and head winemaker Jeff Aston from Tractorless Vineyard, based around their shared passion for bees, sustainability and local produce.

Wild South Coast Way, South Australia

Multi-day Walk

The Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail (WSCW) is a fully customisable, multi-day walking experience between Cape Jervis and Victor Harbour on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia.

The walking experience offers some of the state's most spectacular and awe-inspiring coastal walking imaginable. The WSCW provides visitors a genuine sense of wilderness, featuring remote beaches, native bushland, rugged cliffs, First Nations' history, and a rich diversity of native birds, bush and wildlife.

Each day of the walk delivers a new experience and challenge, starting with views across to Kangaroo Island before the full nature experience begins, encouraging the walker to 'tune in' to nature and 'tune out' of stress. 

Wilpena Pound Resort, South Australia

Lake Eyre Explorer Package

Experience the breathtaking Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre on a trip to the Flinders Ranges with this scenic flight, accommodation and extras package.

Marvel at the spectacular display of pastel colours from above, plus enjoy an opportunity to be immersed in the rich culture of the Flinders Ranges when staying at the base of Wilpena Pound.

This package includes a three nights stay in either a glamping tent, resort room or on the campground, and a Lake Eyre and William Creek six hour scenic flight including lunch, welcome drink on arrival, daily breakfast at the resort restaurant and access to all the resort facilities.

Hippos at Werribee Zoo
Photo credit: Getty Images

Werribee Zoo, Victoria

Mystery Tour

Werribee Open Range Zoo has introduced a new way to see the zoo, inviting guests on a mystery tour to discover the hidden sights and stories of the zoo.

Participants are joined by a highly knowledgeable and passionate ranger on a special behind the scenes adventure.

The itinerary for the tour isn't decided until the day itself, meaning that no two tours will be the same. The ranger will determine the best experience, based on the age and interests of the tour group.

Guests could witness the tortoises during a training session, meet the local fairy wrens, take a visit to the animal food prep kitchen, or even help to prepare some tasty enrichment treats at Werribee Zoo for the animals.

Museum Victoria

Tyama

A new immersive experience grounded in First People's environmental knowledge will soon launch at Melbourne Museum. Tyama (pronounced chah-muh) allows visitors to see Country from an animal's perspective, and is designed to reawaken our natural world connection.

The activation will immerse guests in 360-degree interactive projections. Fitted with beautiful soundscapes, visitors will be encouraged to play, connect and discover items from the museum's collection.

Cutting-edge technology is used to activate and control night-time worlds, animate spaces and reveal nature's secrets, all from the perspective of the creatures we share the sky, sea Museums Victoria and land with.

Sydney Opera House, New South Wales

Phantom of the Opera

Andrew Lloyd Webber's smash hit, The Phantom of the Opera arrives at Sydney Opera House this August.

Presented by Opera Australia in association with The Really Useful Group, the highly anticipated premiere marks almost 35 years since it opened in London's West End.

Australia is now only the third country to see this new production with its beloved and thrilling score including the hit songs The Music of the Night, All I Ask of You and Masquerade.

The show includes stunning new staging and scenic design, Maria Björnson's iconic original costumes and many special effects including a spectacular new realisation of the show's chandelier.

It will be performed in Australia by a cast and orchestra of 65, making it one of the largest musical productions ever in Australia.

Australia Zoo, Queensland

The Crocodile Hunter Lodge

Inspired by Steve Irwin's life, legacy and love for wildlife and wild places, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge offers luxury accommodation surrounded by wilderness and native fauna, helping guests reconnect with the natural world.

With unique, family-friendly rustic cabins, and spacious decks overlooking the vast bushland and wonderful wildlife, guests staying at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge receive complimentary breakfast and a gift pack, along with unlimited entry to Australia Zoo.

The Lodge includes eight family-friendly cabins, including an accessibility cabin, and offers services and facilities to suit everyone's needs, ensuring a pleasant and memorable stay. 

The Crocodile Hunter Lodge has built a remarkable multi-species habitat which is home to red kangaroos, emus and koalas.

Guests can admire these iconic animals while taking a dip in The Billabong, a 25-metre infinity pool, and enjoying a poolside snack or cocktail.