Top Australia & the Pacific Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises - page 14

Explore the highlights of the West MacDonnell Ranges on a guided tour from Alice Springs—without the hassle of driving or planning. In just one day, check off multiple sites, including Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Ellery Creek Big Hole, and Glen Helen. Enjoy short walks into dramatic gorges, discover hidden waterholes, capture classic Outback photos, and swim at select spots (conditions permitting).

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.

Watch the dreamy sunset over the Whitsunday islands on this evening cruise, sailing on-board a traditional gaff-rigged schooner. Sip a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and tuck into light snacks as you glide around Pioneer Bay, and experience the beauty of Airlie Beach at twilight as you drift back to shore.

Take in the sights of Marlborough's wine-country scenery and taste some of the region's best offerings on this full-day tour from Blenheim or Picton. Make several stops at different wineries and taste Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Pinot Noir as well as some lesser-known varieties from the area. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for central locations, making your experience seamless and relaxing.

Discover the flavors of Yarra Valley without having to designate a driver on this full-day gourmet food and wine tour. Enjoy private wine and cheese tastings with your small group, and learn about regional wines from your knowledgeable guide and through discussions with local vintners. Savor a gourmet meal followed by cellar door tastings surrounded by the natural beauty of Yarra Valley.

Marvel over colorful corals and schools of tropical fish on this half-day tour of the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas. Set sail for a thrilling cruise around the Low Isles by luxury catamaran, including a delicious afternoon tea served onboard. Enjoy free time to swim or snorkel at the beaches or join a guided snorkeling tour or glass-bottom boat cruise, and learn more about the reef’s myriad sea life. This cruise is limited to 33 passengers and includes hotel pick-up and snorkeling gear.

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.

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.

Avoid the crowds along the Great Ocean Road by traveling in the reverse direction from typical day trips. Depart early from Melbourne and head first to the Twelve Apostles to view the attraction in the morning light, before other tour groups arrive. Continue to landmarks such as Loch Ard Gorge and Melba Gully National Park and look for wild koalas in the eucalyptus forest. A light lunch is provided.

Get a bird’s-eye perspective of Tropical North Queensland on an unforgettable hot air balloon flight at sunrise. Soar over the Atherton Tablelands as golden sunlight breaks across beautiful farmlands, rivers, and forests. Choose the duration of your flights and enjoy pickup and drop-off from your Cairns, Northern Beaches, or Palm Cove hotel. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful way to start your day!

Soar through the trees and experience New Zealand’s ancient native forest like never before on an incredible must-do adventure. You'll soar along several ziplines, experience New Zealand’s one-and-only volcanic cliff walk above the forest floor, incredible swing bridges, controlled descent, and an impressive tandem zipline so you can share the experience with a friend or partner.

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.

Admire the natural wonder that is Milford Sound on a nature cruise that lets you soak up the scenery from the water. Glide past granite walls, glacier-fed waterfalls, and stunning Mitre Peak on a spacious catamaran to avoid the crowds. Enjoy great photo ops of this famous South Island attraction situated within Fiordland National Park, and be on the lookout for Fiordland crested penguins and bottlenose dolphins.

Go kayaking with dolphins and 4-wheeling on the beach during a half-day tour on the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane. Visit a National Park location that is only accessible by 4WD vehicle, and kayak around Double Island Point looking for dolphins, migrating whales, turtles, rays and more. Includes kayak equipment and instruction, light refreshments, and transportation by 4WD and ferry.

Enjoy an easy way to visit Rottnest Island—known for its white-sand beaches, secluded bays, and scenic bike paths—with this convenient sightseeing package. After taking a ferry trip from Perth or Fremantle, explore at your leisure with an included bike rental. Follow scenic trails, spot pink salt lakes, and upgrade to include a snorkel rental. After a full day out, take a return ferry to your original departure point.

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.

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.

Take a window seat for a scenic round-trip flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound, and see the splendor of Fiordland National Park from the air and sea on this small-group excursion. Board a cruise and pass dramatic waterfalls and Mitre Peak as you travel to the Tasman Sea. Then soar over the Southern Alps on your return.

Katherine Gorge sits a few hours inland from Darwin, so seeing it in a day means a long drive plus a way onto the water once you arrive. Run out to Nitmiluk National Park by coach, then cruise between the sandstone cliffs with everything arranged for you. Look for rock art on the walls and crocodiles on the banks, and cool off in the pool below Edith Falls when conditions allow.

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.

Get close-up views of Australia's Great Barrier Reef on a full-day journey to Reefworld. The spacious, innovative pontoon provides gear, instruction, and expert guides for snorkeling and diving in the tropical waters. Alternatively, observe the reef without getting wet when taking a semi-submersible ride, accompanied by informative commentary by reef experts. This tour gives you the chance to experience this natural wonder and is suitable for all levels of experience.

Set out on a half-day catamaran tour to stunning Whitehaven Beach for swimming at this postcard–perfect slice of paradise. Considered one of the world's top beaches and the most beautiful one in the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach is a must-see in the Great Barrier Reef region. Travel in comfort from Port Airlie on a motorized catamaran with air-conditioning. Morning or afternoon tea is provided on board and your crew supplies beach activities and informative commentary along the way.

While many travelers come to Cathedral Cove to relax on the beach, this is a marine reserve so there’s so much to see beneath the surface of the ocean. Take a look on a glass bottomed boat ride, and jump in with a snorkel if you want to get up close to the fish. Learn all about the history of this important area while relaxing and enjoying the views of the rock formations and pinnacles.

Cruise through Sydney Harbour in style on board a spacious flagship vessel that departs from Circular Quay and King Street Wharf. Glide by the floodlit Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, among other landmarks. Sit down for a 4-course dinner with an array of international dishes including fresh seafood. Enjoy the views from your table or the viewing deck, with live music playing on the weekends.