Busselton

Standing on the edge of Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere-and let's be honest, probably the longest you've ever willingly wandered out onto-you can't help but feel a mischievous thrill in defying gravity above Australian waters. Built back in 1865, primarily to tame nature into submission and ship lumber and wool far and wide, this nearly two-kilometer stretch now shepherds curious humans rather than cargo. Time your visit for early morning or late afternoon to dodge the midday heat-and the determined swarms of selfie-snappers trying to capture their best side against turquoise waves. Reserve a tour spot at the Underwater Observatory days ahead, because spontaneity, though charming, is not rewarded here. Tickets run around AUD35 a pop, which is perfectly reasonable given that descending eight meters below sea level into a reversed aquarium of vibrant marine life is much cheaper than scuba certification-and doesn't require you to squeeze into neoprene. Bring sunscreen, water, and a talent for humorously narrating the standoffish expressions of local fish. Ultimately, it's worth every cent and every step-because who wouldn't cherish the memory of strolling absurdly far out to sea on century-old timbers, just to spy on fish minding their own business beneath your feet?

There's something delightfully anarchic about spending the afternoon drifting from vineyard to vineyard on a Margaret River wine tasting tour-an experience as elegantly boozy as it is gently absurd, situated on the sun-kissed coast of Western Australia, a region that decided long ago that surfing and sauvignon blanc were equally noble pursuits. Sure, you'll swirl, sniff, and spout pretentious commentary about "hints of elderberry," but after the third tasting room, reality becomes pleasantly blurry and your palate suspiciously undiscriminating. Do yourself a favor and book at least a week ahead for a morning departure-when samples flow generously, the vineyards are still dewy, and you avoid the afternoon tourist crush. Expect to spend between $100-$200 per person depending on how upscale or down-and-dirty you want your experience, and don't forget a sturdy tote bag for the inevitable impulse buys or that sneaky stash of local cheese and chocolate. Ultimately, it's worth it not just for the rich, fruity cabernets and buttery chardonnays, but for the colorful locals spinning scandalous tales of wine-bar feuds and grape-jealousy dramas-because let's face it, everything tastes better when seasoned with gossip.

If your idea of a good time includes standing aboard a swaying boat at ungodly hours, squinting madly into the horizon, and convincing yourself every distant ripple is the next Moby Dick, then whale watching off the coast of Busselton is your kind of pilgrimage. From December through March, the coastline around this seemingly sleepy Western Australian town becomes a marine superhighway, hosting humpbacks and the occasional blue whale with all the grace and unpredictability of rock stars on tour. To avoid missing the action-or, heaven forbid, being stuck next to someone narrating every splash as impressive while clutching their selfie stick-book your spot at least a week in advance, drag yourself onto the earliest possible sunrise tour (trust me, whales have an annoying habit of early-morning exuberance), and budget roughly $100 for this maritime safari. Pack your sense of humor, sunscreen, a waterproof jacket, and some ginger pills-you'll thank me later. Sure, whale watching might sound like something for overly enthusiastic retirees or botanical tea enthusiasts, but once you catch sight of a barnacle-studded tail slap, or witness a humpback breach like an over-caffeinated gymnast, you'll treasure the bragging rights forever, if only for the story you'll embellish at pubs for years to come.