Just because the sun is going down, doesn’t mean it’s time to go home and get a good nights sleep. If you’re a night owl, your day (or night) is just starting. Fortunately, Australia’s East Coast has plenty to offer for those who want to explore the area after the sun sets. Here are a few ideas for your next night trip at the East Coast.
Night diving at Cairns
Diving at Cairns is definitely a breathtaking experience. There are amazing underwater creatures to see. To make the experience more unforgettable, book a diving trip at night. Once it goes dark under water, nocturnal sea creatures such as crayfish, shrimp, and sharks start their nightly hunt for prey. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see schools of Parrot Fish, Clown Fish, and Puffer Fish following the beams of your diving flashlights.
Image by www.thalabeach.com
To join a night diving trip at Cairns Great Barrier Reef, book a trip heading to any of the outer reefs such as Norman Reef and Cod Hole. The best time to go for a night dive is during the yearly coral spawn, which occurs four to six days after a full moon in November and December. During coral spawning, shimmering polyps release eggs and sperms for fertilisation. Resembling an underwater snowstorm, this event is a must-see for divers and underwater enthusiasts.
Night safari at Victoria’s Grampians National Park
If diving isn’t your thing, head to Victoria and join a night hike/tour at the Grampians National Park. Seeing nocturnal animals at their natural habitat is an amazing experience. From cute Koalas to rare creatures that roam the park at night, you’ll never run out of sights to see. You can choose from either a night hike or a 4WD trip. The tours usually leave before dusk, which is the perfect time to view nocturnal animals because this is when they’re the most active.
Image by www.visitvictoria.com
Before going to the park for a night tour, familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations to make sure you don’t disrupt the animals and lessen your environmental impact. Spotlights used on these tours have a special filter to prevent blinding the animals, and binoculars are used so you could view animals at an ideal and safe distance.
Eating and shopping at Sydney’s Chinatown night market
Want to do a bit of shopping and chow down some Chinese treats? Then head to Sydney’s Chinatown at 4pm and check out the night market. Market stalls offering Asian dishes, gourmet food, clothes, and crafts should keep you busy until 10pm to 11pm. Food stalls offer delicacies not only from China, but also from Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. After having your fill of delicious Asian goods, walk to Dixon Street’s south end until you reach Kimber Lane. This street is home to Sydney artist Jason Wing’s art installation “Between Two Worlds”. Step into a whole new world as you marvel at colourful murals and glowing metallic figures that seem to light your way.
Image by www.shoppinginfocus.com
The night market at Dixon Street opens every Friday at 4pm. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothes since you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Don’t forget to charge your digital cameras or smartphones because this night market offers plenty of picturesque shots.
Exploring the East Coast at night is definitely a worthwhile experience. Whether you’re with friends or family, you’ll never run out of fun and exciting things to do after the sun goes down. To make it easier for you to roam around East Coast at night, check out our cheap car rental deals and get a car that’s perfect for your group at a great price.