MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), Hobart

Australia's most talked-about museum, created by gambler and collector David Walsh and carved into a sandstone cliff beside the Derwent River. The collection mixes ancient antiquities with provocative contemporary art about sex and death, and it's deliberately challenging, funny and sometimes shocking. Instead of labels, you use a device that tells you about the works around you.

The best way to arrive is on the MONA ferry from Brooke Street Pier in central Hobart, about 25 minutes up the river. The grounds include the Moorilla winery, a brewery and restaurants. MONA also runs the Dark Mofo winter festival in June.