Top Australia & the Pacific How to Get Around - page 5

Ensure a memorable experience on the Outer Great Barrier Reef on this full-day cruise aboard a catamaran. Head for Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Outer Reef and plunge into the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel among its rich marine life or include an introductory or certified dive (additional cost). Includes a buffet lunch and morning and afternoon tea on board, all snorkeling gear, and wetsuits or stinger suits.

Sail away on a harbor cruise in Auckland and enjoy a 3-course dinner as you sail past Waitemata Harbour highlights, including the Sky Tower and Auckland Harbour Bridge. Board your yacht at the Viaduct Harbour and enjoy a welcome drink. Learn about Auckland and its scenic sights from your captain. As evening falls, dinner is served onboard while you sail.

Enjoy a hassle-free way to experience the best of Rottnest Island on this full-day trip. Travel to Rottnest by ferry from either Perth or Fremantle, then embark on a sightseeing tour of the island by coach. While listening to your guide’s narration, check out landmarks including the West End and Wadjemup Lighthouse. Then, have free time to explore the car-free island at your leisure, and see the sights that interest you most.

Start your Broome adventure with this guided tour. Learn about the town's unique history as you see the sights, including Cable Beach, Gantheaume Point, Roebuck Bay, Broome Port jetty, and more. Plus, see Broome's oldest buildings and the world's oldest operating open-air picture garden. Also, get recommendations for the rest of your visit.

Enjoy an America’s Cup sailing experience aboard an authentic racing yacht on Auckland's scenic Waitemata Harbour. Feel the exhilaration of yachting as you take the helm and participate with the professional crew, or just sit back and soak up the harbor views. No sailing experience is necessary and this is a fun activity for keen sailors and complete beginners alike. Wet-weather jackets and sunscreen keep you comfortable.

Head out from the hustle and bustle of Adelaide for a relaxing day spent sampling the wines of the Barossa Valley. The full-day tour takes you to Whispering Wall, Kies Family Wines, Turkey Flat Vineyards, and Rosenvale Vineyards. At each beautiful location, enjoy guided wine tastings and gain insight into Barossa's wineries. At lunch, dine on a gourmet regional platter, showcasing the finest local produce around—the perfect day for wine connoisseurs and foodies alike.

Escape into nature on this cruise along the Noosa River to Australia's Everglades in Cooloola National Park. Gain deeper insight into the flora, fauna and natural history of the area with live commentary as you go. Perfect for first-timers to Noosa who want to explore their surroundings at a leisurely, relaxed pace.

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.

Indulge in some of the best wines and foods produced in the Swan Valley on a day trip from Perth. Head into this lush wine region just north of the city, and hop from winery to winery to taste some acclaimed varietals. Visit local wineries for tastings, break for a gourmet winery lunch, and enjoy chocolate, liqueur, cheese, and beer tastings on top. Air-conditioned transport and specified tastings included.

Make the most of your time in Tropical North Queensland with this all-in-one day trip through the Atherton Tablelands. Take in natural beauty and cultural insight in one comprehensive experience. Start beneath the ancient Cathedral Fig Tree, where a guide reveals the rainforest’s deep spiritual and ecological roots. Take a dip in the waters of Lake Eacham, enjoy a hearty pub lunch made with local ingredients, and visit two of the region’s most scenic waterfalls—Millaa Millaa and Josephine Falls. Along the way, spot native wildlife such as tree-kangaroos, and end your journey at the Babinda Boulders.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at several “The Lord of the Rings” locations around Wellington that will delight fans of the movies or books. See where scenes were filmed, take a forest walk through Tolkien’s Rivendell, and step into Weta Workshop for a movie production tour of digital special effects. Your guide shares insider gossip on how the movies were made and takes you to lunch.

Experience one of Australia’s most impressive buildings—the Sydney Opera House—on a guided tour followed by lunch or an early dinner at Midden by Mark Olive, House Canteen, or Opera Bar. Learn all about the Opera House from your guide, then relax and soak in the show-stopping views at your choice of restaurant.

As New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington has a long history filled with stories of both Maori peoples and Western settlers. Explore the city on this half-day tour, riding the steep cable car to the summit to take in stunning views, discovering hidden gems around the city, and passing by some of Wellington’s most popular tourist attractions.

Swap the hustle and bustle of Adelaide for a relaxing day spent sampling the wines of the Barossa Valley. This guided tour takes you to four excellent Barossa wineries to sample their best wines and enjoy a delicious lunch. You can also round out the experience with something sweet at a local chocolate maker.

Animal lovers—this one’s for you. Enjoy a hassle-free day out to Australia Zoo with round-trip transfers from select Brisbane hotels. Ride comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle, then get into the zoo quickly as admission is included. Once inside, benefit from at least six hours to explore, catch live shows, and spot a variety of creatures, including tigers, giraffes, crocodiles, kangaroos, and more.

Sydney is known for its food scene, but finding standout spots without local knowledge can be difficult. This half-day guided food tour pairs you with a food-focused guide who leads you to restaurants and cafes that many visitors overlook, with tastings that add up to a satisfying meal. Along the way, see parts of Sydney beyond the usual dining circuit and pass landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, and The Rocks.

Make the most of an amazing seasonal event in French Polynesia with a whale-watching excursion between July and early November. After a pickup from an easy-to-find location in Moorea, head out into the ocean to spot migrating humpback whales in their natural environment. Look out for other marine animals, including whales and sharks. After whale-watching, return to Moorea Lagoon for some snorkeling, with all gear provided for your convenience.

Round-trip flights between Queenstown and Milford Sound save you hours of road-travel time in Fiordland National Park. Following a scenic flight with views of snow-covered peaks, remote valleys, and waterfalls, touch down for a cruise on Milford Sound. Traveling by both air and water takes you to dramatic places you'd miss by sticking to the road. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected central Queenstown accommodations.

Visit some of the top attractions outside of Hobart on this day trip to Mount Wellington, Mount Field National Park, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and the historical town of Richmond.

Discover the natural delights of Phillip Island with an eco-tour from Melbourne. See the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes, visit the beach and take some time to admire these historic landmarks. Head to the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park for an up-close encounter with kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and other native Australian wildlife. Finish the day at a local beach where you can watch hundreds of some of the world's tiniest penguins waddle out of the ocean and across the sand to their burrows.

Immerse yourself in the movie magic of Hobbiton—and enjoy a hassle-free way to explore—on this full-day tour from Rotorua. Following morning pickup from select hotels, head straight to Hobbiton, passing pretty scenery along the way. Upon arrival, head right in with your included admission tickets, go for a guided tour of the highlights, and even enjoy a tasty lunch before you go.

Take the day to fully explore Port Arthur with a guided tour of all the history of this former convict site, followed by a cruise. You’ll see the ruins and restored buildings, and the surrounding natural beauty of the Tasman National Park on this day out. When finished exploring the historic site, you can hop aboard your vessel, and sit back and relax as you enjoy a short cruise in the Port Arthur Harbour.

Take a break from land and unwind out at sea on this small-group catamaran sailing from Moorea. Enjoy a seamless experience that covers transportation, snorkeling equipment, fruit snacks, and drinks. Simply board the boat and relax for a few hours, taking in local marine life and taking a dip in the water.

With spaced-out highlights and an overwhelming mix of transport options, it can be hard to cover the best of Sydney on your own—especially if you're short on time. Keep things simple with this guided tour—with private and small-group options—and maximize your day with an itinerary that checks off plenty in one seamless experience. From the comfort of a private vehicle, visit The Rocks, Bondi Beach, and Watson’s Bay, and enjoy time to linger at sights such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.