10 Epic New Attractions
The world as we knew it has changed since our last overseas trip - and we’re not just talking about the proliferation of masks and hand sanitiser. Some destinations have used their pandemic pause to roll out eye-popping, showstopping and record-beating new tourist attractions. Now, with borders reopening, its time to update your bucket list.
1. AIN DUBAI, UAE
The city that’s home to the world’s tallest building hasn’t let Covid slow its quest to enter the record books. Fresh from opening the world’s deepest swimming pool and the world’s largest fountain, Dubai welcomed the world’s tallest observation wheel in October 2021. The 250m-high Ain Dubai is nearly twice the height of the London Eye. Set on the artificial Bluewaters Island off Dubai Marina, it offers spectacular views across the city skyline, with each rotation lasting 38 minutes.
2. 516 AROUCA BRIDGE, PORTUGAL
You can cross it in as little as five minutes – longer if you stop to admire the extraordinary views or settle your nerves – but the 516 Arouca Bridge is the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. The 516m-long bridge hovers a thrilling 175m above the Paiva River in the Arouca Geopark, linking the Aguieiras Waterfall with Paiva Gorge. Opened in May 2021, it’s described as “the most exciting 516m of your life” as it wobbles a little with each step.
3. SUMMIT ONE VANDERBILT OBSERVATION DECK, NEW YORK, USA
The Empire State Building owned New York City views for years, but in recent years it’s been tough to keep up with the Big Apple’s observation decks. Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the western hemisphere, opened to visitors in March 2020, right as the pandemic hit. Two days later, it was forced to close for five months. As of October 2021, it has already been eclipsed as the city’s newest observation deck with the opening of Summit One Vanderbilt. Part observation deck, part art installation, Summit is a made-for-social-media experience, featuring mirrors, glass floors, “floating” metallic bubbles, a glass elevator on the outside of the building, and a sky-high garden terrace.
4. BUNGY CHINA, ZHANGJIAJIE, CHINA
China’s Grand Canyon of Zhangjiajie shot to global fame after its surreal scenery inspired the 2009 film Avatar. Then came a breathtaking glass viewing bridge – the highest and longest glass bridge in the world when it opened in 2016. And in 2020, it became the site of the world’s highest bungy jump. Thrill-seekers can now leap from the 260m-high bridge overlooking the dramatic gorge below, thanks to an operation led by Aussie daredevil and engineer Beau Retallick.
5. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, OSAKA, JAPAN
Oh, yeah! Mario time! One of the world’s first permanent theme park attractions to be based on a video game, Super Nintendo World opened in March 2021, bringing the Mario Bros universe to life. Visitors get to race in life-size Mario karts, ride on Yoshi, explore Princess Peach’s castle and eat at a restaurant housed inside a giant mushroom. There are already plans to bring Super Nintendo world to Universal Studios in Hollywood, Orlando and Singapore – and in Osaka, the next stage is set to see a massive expansion to the park to make room for Donkey Kong.
6. MALAHAT SKYWALK, BRISITSH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Vancouver Island is better known for its natural attractions than its modern architecture – but its newest attraction combines both. Opened in July 2021, Malahat SkyWalk is an accessible, elevated walkway through the treetops that leads to a stunning spiral wooden lookout, 250m above sea level, providing dramatic water, island and mountain views. Thrill-seekers can also walk out on an 84sq m net suspended above the centre of the tower. Best of all is the descent – an exhilarating 20m spiral slide to the bottom.
7. HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN HOUSE, ODENSE, DENMARK
When you combine the artistic inspiration of fairy-tale master Hans Christian Andersen with star architect Kengo Kuma, of Tokyo Olympic stadium fame, the result isn’t simply a museum – it’s an underground world, a magic garden and a hi-tech wonderland. The sprawling 5600sq m site is built around the small home where Andersen – the author of classic stories such as The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling – was born in Odense. A collaboration with 12 renowned artists, the museum brings Andersen’s universe to life through art, design, sound, light and images.
8. APUKUNAQ TIANAN, THE ANDRS, PERU
History has always loomed large in Peru, home to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu – and that’s certainly the case with its latest attraction, Apukunaq Tianan or Abode of the Gods. A series of enormous sculptures carved into the side of a mountain, Mount Rushmore-style, are inspired by the Incan legends that sculptor Michael de Titan’s grandmother shared with him. About 40 minutes from the city of Cusco and overlooking the Urubamba Valley, the astonishing display features sculptures up to 17m tall along with smaller carvings of wood and rock.
8. APUKUNAQ TIANAN, THE ANDRS, PERU
History has always loomed large in Peru, home to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu – and that’s certainly the case with its latest attraction, Apukunaq Tianan or Abode of the Gods. A series of enormous sculptures carved into the side of a mountain, Mount Rushmore-style, are inspired by the Incan legends that sculptor Michael de Titan’s grandmother shared with him. About 40 minutes from the city of Cusco and overlooking the Urubamba Valley, the astonishing display features sculptures up to 17m tall along with smaller carvings of wood and rock.
10. MARY SHELLEY’S HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, BATH, UK
The UK city of Bath is billed as “the original well-being destination” thanks to its ancient Roman baths, but it’s horror, not health, that’s celebrated in its new attraction. Mary Shelley lived and wrote most of her masterpiece in Bath, and 200 years later, the first museum dedicated to the author and her monster opened in July 2021. From the laboratory to the dank foreboding basement to an escape room, the house celebrates all things Frankenstein. Enter if you dare – expect ominous music, lighting and special effects and even electric shocks.
Article Credit: - Melinda Browning, Herald Sun Sunda Escape New Horizons in Travel