Top Australia & the Pacific Culture - page 5

Immerse yourself in the history and modern practices of pearling luggers on this guided group tour in Broome. Learn about Broome's maritime and pearling history, watch rare archival footage, see diving artifacts, discover how pearling practices have evolved, hold valuable pearling and mother of pearl artifacts, and enjoy an exclusive tasting of pearl meat, a rare delicacy from the Pinctada maxima oyster.

Experience the magnetic allure of Uluru (Ayers Rock) on a morning tour of the sacred landmark. Get more than you would out of a brochure and learn about Uluru’s long history, from sacred Aboriginal site to postcard star, with a guide. Then, embark on a guided 6.5-mile (10.5-km) walk around the base of Uluru, stopping to see the waterfalls of Kantju Gorge and admire the Aboriginal rock art at the Mutitjulu Waterhole.

Ideal for travelers short on time this private tour covers the highlights of Nadi in one day of sightseeing from Denarau. Highlights include visiting a temple, market, and nearby coastal village; checking out the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, home to hundreds of orchid varieties; and relaxing in natural hot spring mud baths.

Whether you’ve just arrived in Perth and want to explore or you’ve already seen all the major sights and want to dig deeper, this easy-going walking tour is a great way to see the city and discover what’s on offer: food, art, nightlife and much more that you won’t find in any guidebook. Walk the streets and laneways in a small group so you’re not fighting to see your guide or stay on the footpath.

Make the most of a short time in Dunedin on this action-packed one-hour V8 trike tour of the city and Otago Peninsula. Starting in the central city, pass some of the most beautiful historic buildings and learn about Dunedin’s culture and heritage. Continue your drive out to the peninsula, where you can enjoy views of hills and beaches, and maybe even spot some birds and wildlife.

Enjoy cycling around Auckland without the effort on an e-bike tour that helps you zoom up hills and travel smoothly on flat ground. Ride through the Auckland Domain, summit Mt. Eden, enjoy harbor views, and more. Travelers with varying fitness and cycling experience can ride together, making this a great family trip. Get fitted with a headset to listen to your guide’s commentary as you cycle.

Discover the natural beauty and flavors of the Margaret River region on this small-group tour by luxury 4WD. Take a canoe trip on the Margaret River, enjoy an exhilarating off-road ride and hike on remote sea cliffs; stop for lunch and wine tastings at a renowned winery; and visit a waterfall; see an ancient waterhole where you learn about Aboriginal traditions and taste local honey.

To see another side of Tahiti from the beach resorts you’d normally need to rent a 4-wheel-drive vehicle and brave the rugged roads. Simplify your adventure by letting someone else drive on a small-group day tour along coastal and mountain roads. After starting at black-sand beaches and coastal villages, travel deep into the mountains, visiting lakes, waterfalls, and remote valleys. Refresh with provided tropical fruits.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must-visit North Island attraction, and while many day tours depart from Auckland, this handy tour is ideal for independent travelers who can make their own way to the caves. The Ruakuri Cave is the longest, with impressive rock formations, subterranean rivers, and thousands of glittering glowworms. Explore the magnificent cave on a guided walking tour and learn more about Māori culture as you go.

Experience the scenic Yarra Valley on the Puffing Billy train. This full-day trip takes you through the Dandenong Ranges to Emerald Lake, the Healesville Sanctuary Zoo, and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. At the last stop you can enjoy free samples and chocolate shopping. This trip starts and ends at The Hotel Windsor in Melbourne.

Uncover the best of Brisbane—without being stuck on a busy sightseeing bus—thanks to this small-group guided walking tour. Along the way, pass by City Hall, the City Botanic Gardens, and Queensland Parliament House—all with entertaining stories from your guide that you’d miss out on if exploring alone. Enjoy included snacks and a gift during your intimate tour experience.

There are plenty of great Yarra Valley wine tours to choose from, but some of them feel a lot more rushed than others. With this tour, you move at a chilled-out pace, checking out three specially selected wineries with the option to indulge in a cheese platter or charcuterie at one of the stops to fuel up. Note that lunch is not included on this tour.

Melbourne's landmarks are spread across the city, and on your own, it's easy to walk past the ones worth stopping for. Join a small group to see the main sights with someone who knows the routes, taking in Collins Street, the MCG, Fitzroy Gardens, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Shrine of Remembrance. It's a way to get your bearings early in a trip, then head back to the spots you want more time in.

See the awe-inspiring Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland on a half-day tour, led by a knowledgeable guide. Follow a well-marked path alongside bubbling hot springs and volcanic craters at Rotorua’s most comprehensive geothermal site. Be amazed by the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser, then take a tour around Waimangu Volcanic Valley, a young geothermal ecosystem.

Discover the Fiji Highlands on this adventure-packed tour. First, take a longboat ride up the scenic Navua River, which offers views of cascading waterfalls, tropical rainforest, and picturesque island scenery. Then, visit a Fijian village to observe how the locals live. Following that, you’ll float downstream on inner tubes over gentle rapids. A riverside lunch is also included.

See some of Dunedin’s main attractions on this short city tour. Designed for those arriving into Port Chalmers on cruise ships, this tour is open to everyone and only operates on cruise ship days. Take in the views of the city from Signal Hill, visit the Botanic Gardens and see Baldwin Street - the steepest residential street in the world. See impressive architecture including the iconic Octagon and the Railway Station.

Skip the beach and join this half-day riverboat tour that introduces you to Guam's history and culture—in an entertaining way. Cruise through the rainforests, along the Talofofo and Ugum rivers, learn about local flora and fauna, and visit an ancient Chamorro village to learn how old traditions are being kept alive.

See Sydney’s top sights on a half-day private city tour that still leaves you with time to enjoy the rest of the day on your own. You’ll check off Sydney’s must-see attractions, including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and Circular Quay. Hear about the city’s history and modern-day culture from a private guide-driver, and take in daily life around neighborhoods like Paddington and Darlinghurst.

Enjoy an off-road adventure in the wild of New Zealand while visiting filming locations from the Lord of the Rings trilogy on this half-day excursion from Queenstown. Take in beautiful scenery while you see visit key spots used as the Misty Mountains, Minas Tirith, and the Pillars of the Kings, and stop to pan for gold on the Arrow River.

Guarantee your admission to the Katherine Outback Experience with this prebooked entry ticket that includes skip-the-line access. The show is a lighthearted introduction to life on an Outback cattle station, and an easy alternative to outdoor adventures and sightseeing. See horse-starting and working dog demonstrations set to live Australian country music and story-telling.

Learn all about the history of the beautiful city of Cairns on this small group walking tour. Your guide will talk about the history that is 40,000 year old, at least. Learn about the architecture, art, and landmarks, as well as outdoor aboriginal artworks. Talk about colonialism, pirates, the opium trade, and much more, giving you a rich picture of what Cairns is all about.

With waterfalls cascading down mighty cliffs and some of New Zealand’s most impressive natural scenery, Milford Sound is one the South Island’s must-see destinations—but its remote location makes it hard to reach alone. On this tour, spin through the New Zealand countryside in comfort from central Queenstown with your guide. Admire panoramic views from your glass-roof, low-emissions coach, and cruise the calm waters.

Sydney’s highlights are spread across the harbor, and covering them on foot can take hours. This guided cycling tour lets you see more in less time while staying active. Pedal past icons such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, along with hidden corners and local favorites, as your guide shares insights into the city’s history and culture.

Enjoy an insider’s perspective on the iconic Sydney Opera House during this small-group shore excursion. Learn about the performances, history, and architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed building as your guide fills you in on insider secrets and stories. Get photo ops from vantage points that are normally off-limits, and have the option to dine at the famous Opera Bar or House Canteen.