Top Australia & the Pacific Outdoor Activities - page 13

Maximize your chances of seeing humpback whales by joining this tour from Byron Bay, led by a marine biologist. Head for areas that the whales are known to pass through as they migrate in winter (June–November), watch them as they majestically breach, and listen to them sing by using an underwater hydrophone.

Experience Sydney Harbour in a unique way: during a 30-minute wild ride on 'Thunder', a jet boat capable of slides, twists, wave riding, and fishtails. Enjoy some sightseeing between tricks with views of Luna Park, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Opera House, Rose Bay and other famous Harbour landmarks.

Explore the highlights of Kakadu National Park on this action-packed full-day adventure from Darwin. One of Australia’s best national parks, Kakadu is famed for its ancient rock art and rich Indigenous history, along with its spectacular scenery and saltwater crocs. You’ll visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, Bowali Visitor Centre, and either Ubirr Rock or Nourlangie (weather dependent). You can also add on a Jumping Crocodile Cruise for an extra thrill.

The Hobbiton movie set and the Waitomo glow-worm caves are two of the most popular attractions on New Zealand’s North Island. Visit both in one day and enjoy a more personalized experience on this small-group tour. Discover behind-the-scenes of the legendary LOTR films during a guided tour of Hobbiton, then cruise the underground river of the Waitomo Caves, beneath a glittering canopy of glow worms.

Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking on UNESCO-listed K’gari on this full-day trip from Hervey Bay. Spot dolphins, swim with turtles, then discover the island’s wild side on a bush walk. After the included buffet lunch, spend the rest of the afternoon kayaking or snorkeling the island’s beaches and bays. Even look out for migrating humpback whales between mid-July and October.

The Brisbane River, flowing directly through the city after which it’s named, is the longest river in South Queensland. Take a relaxing ruise along the river, seeing iconic sights including Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Brisbane City Center, and Story Bridge in a short amount of time. Fit a morning or afternoon departure into your vacation schedule.

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.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales off the coast of Hervey Bay with this morning or afternoon half-day cruise. Ride the sheltered waters of Platypus Bay in a stable catamaran that offers superior comfort and clear views of passing marine life, which may also includes dolphins, turtles and seabirds, and perhaps even a dingo on the sandy beach at Fraser Island.

If you’ve always wanted to learn to surf, the Sunshine Coast is a beautiful place to do it. Experience the thrill of catching your first wave at one of Australia’s most legendary surf spots during a surfing class in Noosa Heads. With all equipment provided and personal attention from a professional surf instructor, you’ll be taking to the waves in no time. Small groups keep the lesson personal.

Travelers in Rotorua don’t need to travel all the way to Waitomo to see twinkling glow-worms: there are groves in forests near the city, but you have to know where to look. Take an evening bush walk to see these increasingly rare creatures, and avoid getting lost as your guide leads the way. The evening timing means you can easily fit the tour into other daytime activities in and around Rotorua.

Discover the most beautiful sites on the island of Bora Bora during a Quad and Jet ski ride. Accompanied by a professional guide, you will discover exceptional landscapes. Our goal is to make you live memorable adventures through unusual landscapes and experiences. A Polynesian lunch will be served on a Motu during the experience. Our team is committed to being available 7 days a week to meet all your expectations, whether with friends, as a couple or as a family. Thank you and see you soon. Attention: A reservation on Viator corresponds to 1 quad and 1 Jet for 2 people.

Set off from Dunsborough on a whale-watching tour to look for humpback whales, southern right whales, and elusive blue whales, who cruise through these Australian waters on their northern and southern migrations, depending on the time of year. Learn more from your marine biologist guide. The purpose-built boat features indoor seating plus a spacious deck, and you can enjoy drinks and cookies. Tours depart daily between September and early December.

Relax and see Brisbane from a different perspective on this half-day river cruise. Instead of navigating busy streets or planning separate sightseeing activities, enjoy a smooth ride along the Brisbane River, with live commentary and scenic views of historic and modern landmarks. Back on land, enjoy an included lunch at a nearby pub.

Visit Wineglass Bay and other Tasmanian landmarks with a full-day small-group tour from Hobart. See seaside towns, historic sites, and coastal views as you travel to Freycinet National Park, where you’ll take an easy walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout, and view wildlife, beaches, and coves. Refuel with fresh local seafood, wood-fired pizza, and local Tasmanian wine (own cost). Learn more about this beautiful area from your guide.

Experience the thrill of falling at over 136 miles (220 kilometers) per hour for up to 60 seconds, before floating for 5-7 minutes above the turquoise waters and pretty coastlines of the Whitsunday Islands. If you’re concerned about safety, relax knowing that the team at Airlie Beach Tandem Skydive includes Australian and world-champion skydivers. Skydiving will always be a memorable experience; make it even better by skydiving in this beautiful location.

Experience one of the wonders of New Zealand’s natural world on this glowworm caving adventure in Waitomo. Pull on your boots and helmet before heading through the private farmland and native forest to the Mangarongapu Cave system with a local guide and small group. With your headlamp to light the way, hike around huge boulders and through shallow streams, and marvel at the millions of bright green glowworms illuminating the rocky limestone.

Short on time but want to experience the best of the Top End? This fast-paced adventure packs multiple highlights into one seamless day. Combine helicopter flights, airboat rides, river cruising, and guided overland travel to see the region from every angle. Spot crocodiles and native birdlife across Litchfield National Park’s floodplains, then cool off with a swim in a designated crocodile-safe pool.

A hot air balloon ride offers visitors to Melbourne a new perspective over one of the most beautiful cities in the country. This balloon flight experience is made extra special by departing at dawn, giving travelers stunning views of Melbourne’s cityscape as the sun rises, the perfect addition to an Australian holiday for those seeking something memorable.

Get ready for an adventure or a relaxing day in the mountains! Explore Mt Cook on a fully guided, small-group tour from Queenstown, with free time to hike, fly, or simply unwind. Highlights: • Mt Cook & Aoraki National Park • Lake Pukaki • Hooker Valley Track • Kawarau Gorge, Lindis Pass, the Southern Alps • High Country Salmon (time dependent) • Free time for activities & walks Enjoy approximately three hours of free time at Mt Cook to make your day as adventurous or relaxed as you choose: hike alpine trails, soar above glaciers on a scenic flight, or unwind at the Hermitage Hotel with a hot chocolate, soaking in the views. Make memories that last a lifetime.

Sail on a 2-masted schooner from Cairns to Green Island for a full day of snorkeling, swimming, and optional scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Spend time in the water around the magnificent coral reef, or laze on Green Island’s white sandy beaches. Refuel with a buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and indulge in a glass of wine as you cruise back to Cairns.

What better place to learn to surf than at Surfers Paradise on Queensland’s Gold Coast? Master the basics, practice standing up on your board, and catch your first wave with this beginner-friendly 2-hour surf class. Pick a morning or afternoon start time to suit your schedule. With all equipment included and expert instructors to guide you, you can feel comfortable in the water and make real progress.

Take a magical flight over some amazing water and natural formations from Broome, including flying over the Horizontal Falls. You’ll also learn from your pilot all about pearling history of the area, making a quick stop, and then continue flying by King Sound and Buccaneer Archipelago, Cape Leveque, James Price Point and much more.

Airlie Beach is a popular basecamp for visiting the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef, but there are plenty of opportunities for adventure activities without leaving town. This jet boat ride will get your adrenaline soaring, as you zoom past the glitzy marina; perform daring turns, drifts and power stops; and enjoy magnificent views of the Whitsundays as you cruise around Pioneer Bay.

Adventurous travelers will love this moderately challenging waterfall climb up towering waterfalls, with epic views along the way and from the top. Climb steel ladders and cross high, narrow bridges. Enjoy a sandwich and sweet treat lunch beside beautiful falls. While no experience is required and full safety briefings are given, this trip is best suited to active travelers who are sure-footed and unafraid of heights.