Top Australia & the Pacific Outdoor Activities - page 11

Watch the golden rays illuminate the countryside on this sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Avon Valley near Perth. Starting from Northam, this ballooning and breakfast experience includes a relaxing and memorable flight through the sky and a delicious post-ballooning breakfast. While you’re in the air, your friendly pilot will also give you the chance to lend a hand—if you wish—and will join you for coffee and questions afterwards.

Go white-water rafting on the Kaituna River for a thrilling outing from Rotorua. Your guide leads you on an action-packed ride down 11 rapids and Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall at 23 feet (7 meters). This rafting trip takes place in a gorgeous jungle canyon and is suitable for active people, with no prior rafting experience required.

Be amazed and take a journey of discovery through SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s themed zones including the Penguin Expedition. Experience the sub-Antarctic during and interactive exhibit to meet spectacular King and Gentoo penguins. Come face-to-fin with more than 4,000 animals from 300 different species including majestic dugongs, grey nurse sharks, jellyfish, and an array of tropical fish.

Enjoy the ultimate day out in paradise at South Sea Island, in Fiji’s Mamanuca archipelago. After a cruise from Port Denarau, arrive at your tropical destination and choose from various activity options. Snorkel to discover the stunning coral reefs, kayak in the lagoons, ride a semi-submersible vessel, or upgrade to scuba dive. Feast on a barbecue lunch with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks throughout the day.

Explore the waters of Airlie Beach on this guided jet ski tour. Zip across the bays at high speed, with the chance to possibly encounter marine life such as sea turtles. The Sea-Doo skis are suitable for both experienced riders and beginners. No experience required. There is a maximum of two passengers per jet ski.

This full-day adventure includes a “funyak” (inflatable canoe) and jet boat ride on the Dart River, within Mt. Aspiring National Park. Take the complimentary return coach from Queenstown or make your own way to Glenorchy. From there, speed upriver on a thrilling jet boat before climbing aboard an easy-to-handle funyak. No previous experience is necessary and you paddle in a flotilla behind your guide.

Add a bit of mystery to your day when you opt for the pilot’s choice glacier tour. Fly deep into the Southern Alps and over Franz Josef Glacier, admiring views that you can’t get from the ground. Then, depending on the day’s conditions and your pilot’s judgment, fly over Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier, and into the Southern Alps for a snow landing and special photo opportunity.

While in Rotorua, take a wild and wacky ride in an inflatable ZORB ball. Enjoy the thrill of rolling downhill inside an inflatable ball with water to make things more slippery and fun. After instructions from the knowledgeable team, experience the world’s longest zig-zag Sidewinder Track and the smooth-and-fast double Straight Track.

Spend a day immersed in the animal kingdom at the Melbourne Zoo. Encounter native species including koalas, wombats, and kangaroos, and local Victorian species such as indigenous penguins and seals splash. Also admire mighty Asian pachyderms at the Trail of Elephants, elegant African zebras and giraffes in open-air habitats, the energetic primates at Lemur Island, an elevated orangutan exhibit, and more.

Get a rounder perspective of the Great Barrier Reef by viewing it from the air on this scenic flight from Cairns. Soaring over the UNESCO-listed reef allows you to take in its colors and appreciate its vastness. Enjoy unobstructed photo opportunities from your window seat as you take in such sights as Green Island, Upolu Cay, Vlassof Cay, and Michaelmas Reef.

Cruise Lake Wakatipu on a vintage Edwardian steamship with tickets for a cruise aboard TSS Earnslaw from Queenstown. Watch the stokers feed the TSS Earnslaw’s coal fires and enjoy views of the mountains and the lake. This scenic cruise departs from a central location in Queenstown, with multiple sailings throughout the day.

Experience Cape Tribulation on a half-day snorkeling adventure. After a convenient pickup at your hotel, board a sturdy ocean safari vessel and head for the cape. Throw on your gear and dive in, watching for sea turtles, eagle rays, giant clams, brilliant coral, starfish, and tropical fish as you swim along the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at the Daintree Rainforest—a UNESCO World Heritage site—from the water.

To truly immerse yourself in the marine biodiversity of Moreton Island, join this all-inclusive day tour departing from Brisbane with hotel pickup. The island paradise is just a short journey away. Take a guided snorkel tour of the Tangalooma Wrecks, enjoy a buffet lunch, and relax on the beach. Cruise on the Spirit of Mulgumpin, keeping an eye out for dugongs, turtles, and dolphins, which are commonly seen around here.

From natural landmarks to Aboriginal culture, this day trip from Perth through Western Australia’s wheat belt area introduces you to the regional history and geological beauty that lie outside the city. Visit York, the oldest township in Avon Valley; Wave Rock and Hippo’s Yawn, unusual rock formations; Mulka's Cave, an ancient Aboriginal sacred site; and make a stop for tea in a quaint country town. You may see wildflowers in bloom from the coach between September and November.

Explore the fascinating underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day sailing catamaran cruise to Low Isles. Snorkel straight from the beach on this beautiful coral cay known for its resident population of green sea turtles. View coral gardens and tropical marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour, explore the tropical on a guided nature walk and relax on the pristine, sandy beaches. The fun-filled day at sea includes a buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea

Experience the Tasman Peninsula by both land and sea on this day trip from Hobart that includes a cruise along the coast of Tasman National Park. Gaze up at towering sea cliffs, look for wildlife like falcons and seals, and learn about the peninsula’s ecosystem. Then visit the UNESCO–listed Port Arthur Historic Site for an in-depth look at Australia’s penal history at this former penal colony.

Learn about Australia’s diverse wildlife on this full-day tour of Phillip Island from Melbourne, including round-trip transport. See native Aussie animals at the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve. Then, take a tour of Phillip Island, visiting scenic lookouts and beaches. End the day watching the memorable sunset Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach. A must-do tour for animal enthusiasts and families, without the hassle of self-driving.

Soak up the sights of the Gold Coast on this lunch cruise that departs from Surfers Paradise and travels up the Nerang River to the Broadwater. Commentary about landmarks that you pass, such as the Southport Yacht Club, Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace hotel, Wave Break Island, and South Stradbroke Island, offers more info than you'd get alone. Enjoy a buffet lunch with seafood and chicken main dishes, and have the option to purchase drinks at the bar.

See a side of Fiji that many travelers overlook by taking a small-group tour of Nadi. Learn more about Fijian culture beyond the beaches by exploring city highlights such as the markets, Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, Sabeto Hot Springs, and more. You won’t struggle to hear or keep up with your guide as this is a personalized small-group tour.

Enjoy a dose of adrenaline and take in amazing views of native forest with this zip lining experience. For approximately 2.5 hours, fly through the air on ziplines, traverse swing bridges and wander along boardwalks as you get closer to the environment. This operation exists in partnership with a local Māori tribe, Ngāti Hinerangi. As part of their conservation efforts, plant a tree in your name on departure.

Set out on a thrilling ATV adventure, just five minutes from downtown Queenstown. Begin with a short training session before riding through a private 650-acre adventure park with a guide, navigating rugged trails and hill climbs that lead to panoramic views over the Shotover River, Coronet Peak, Central Otago, and the Southern Alps. Tours are tailored to the group’s skill level, with small group sizes ensuring personalized guidance. All your gear is included for ease, and finish your experience with complimentary photos.

Maximize your chances of spotting whales on this half-day cruise from Hervey Bay. Hop aboard a purpose-built vessel designed for comfort, visibility, and responsible eco-tourism, and listen as the crew guides you through close-up whale encounters and shares insights into their behavior. Listen to whales sing via an onboard hydrophone, and watch for other marine life as you cruise the bay.

Ride to the Low Isles on this Great Barrier Reef sailing and snorkeling cruise from Port Douglas. You'll enjoy a full day relaxing on white-sand beaches, snorkeling and sailing the reef in a glass-bottom boat. With an expert marine biologist as your guide, explore pristine tropical waters filled with marine life. You're served a buffet lunch by an attentive crew aboard a luxury catamaran, limited to 33 passengers.

Get out on the Bora Bora Lagoon with this combo Jet Ski and snorkeling tour that includes a shark and stingray boat safari. Avoid booking activities separately and instead opt for a convenient package. Select a single or double Jet Ski and zip around the Polynesian paradise in the morning with an experienced guide. After lunch, head to a shallow lagoon for a snorkeling eco-adventure at the reef with sharks and stingrays.