Top Australia & the Pacific Unique Experiences - page 3

A hot air balloon ride over Melbourne offers unprecedented views of the city’s attractions including the MCG, Shrine of Remembrance, and Albert Park. This early morning flight, which departs at dawn and includes a complimentary breakfast, elevates an already special experience to an unforgettable one. The perfect way to see the city for travelers looking for something unique and luxurious.

See two remarkable glaciers from the air on a 30-minute helicopter tour of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. Lift off from a helipad at Fox Glacier twon, then fly across ice falls, formations, and crevasses on your way to Franz Josef Glacier, and touch down on a glacial snowfield for a photography session. Departures are available throughout the day for this 30-minute helicopter tour of two New Zealand glaciers.

Experience the Great Ocean Road from a fresh and unforgettable perspective. Departing early, this journey takes you straight to the dramatic western coastline, where you'll witness iconic landmarks like London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, and the 12 Apostles in the soft morning light. Travel through national parks, relax in the seaside town of Apollo Bay, and capture classic moments at the Memorial Arch. This itinerary blends natural wonders, history, and coastal charm into one seamless and memorable day.

Discover more real ghost tales of Toowong Cemetery including Jack the Ripper, Hungry Ghosts, “Spook Hill”, “He Was Waiting” and more… Discover even more of the haunted history, myths and legends on the Toowong Cemetery THE OTHERSIDE Ghost Tour. Is Jack the Ripper buried in Toowong Cemetery? Decide for yourself as we visit his possible grave, hungry Chinese ghosts, weird “Spook Hill”, a creepy crypt, and where the bones of Governor Blackall lie…on this 2 hour guided historic ghost tour of THE OTHER SIDE of Toowong Cemetery. Brisbane’s original historic ghost tours (est.1998) operated by haunted-historian Jack Sim, author of Ghost Trails Series GHOSTS OF TOOWONG CEMETERY.

Discover Melbourne’s growing craft beer scene and get the inside scoop on where to drink in the city. This private tasting tour can be customized to suit your tastes, whether you want to uncover the latest start-ups, visit the city’s most famous brew pubs, or sip bespoke microbrews. During the evening, visit three different venues and sample a range of beers from wietbier to pilsners to bocks, accompanied by delicious snacks and local delicacies.

Take to the skies for an unforgettable hot-air balloon flight over the Gold Coast hinterland. After a pickup from your Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach accommodation, soar over beautiful vineyards, pastures, and forests as the landscape is bathed in the golden morning light. After your thrilling-yet-serene flight, refuel with a buffet breakfast with sparkling wine, and visit a winery cellar door for a tasting

It is an unique experience to learn how the chocolate is made from the beans to the bar and taste the different chocolate from different islands origin and with local ingredients such as coconut, coffee, local nuts (Nangai), sea salt, kava, cristallized ginger, cristallized turmeric, cocoa nibs and chili pepper. Aelan Chocolate Makers has a strong social responsibility as it is owned at 80% by the local NGO ACTIV (Alternative Communities Trade In Vanuatu), which assists the cocoa producers and the local communities from the archipelago of Vanuatu for best agricultural practices training and market access. The ACTIV centre made of local materials regroups the Aelan Chocolate factory, the extra Virgin Coconut oil factory and the Handicraft centre with the Island shop, which is access-free. The facility is suitable for family with kids and wheel-chairs. Saturday tours do not show production working as clean up day but explanations and tastings included.

While in Australia, learn the art of surfing during a full-day excursion from Sydney. Head out of the city center to a private beach for an informative and exciting introduction to surfing. Your fully qualified surf instructor teaches you the basics of standing up on the board and catching waves at a beach that has perfect waves for beginners. Not only will you enjoy a great workout and tons of fun, you also get a barbecue lunch buffet and the chance to see wildlife in Royal National Park.

If you've always wanted to surf, a long weekend or mid-week break in Byron Bay offers the perfect opportunity to learn to master the waves. Avoid the stress of learning on your own, or from an exasperated friend; with these progressive classes, go from success to success with the help of a patient tutor.

Hone your surf skills with this half-day lesson in beautiful Byron Bay. Head to a beach that suits your skill level, throw on your gear—included in the lesson price—and learn basic techniques from an expert coach. Then, continue your lesson in a small-group setting with a teacher-to-student ratio of 1 to 7. If you don’t stand up by the end of the session, receive a free class.

Sip your way around Martinborough — a once sleepy colonial town that’s now a prominent wine village at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail — on this private day trip from Wellington. Following hotel or port pickup and a scenic drive through the Wairarapa, you’ll visit three of Martinborough’s renowned wineries. Enjoy a guided wine tasting at each and a lunch platter with wine at Poppies Martinborough. Then, choose to continue hopping around Martinborough’s wineries or travel to nearby Greytown, whose pretty streets are thronged with cafes and antique stores.

Exploring Marlborough’s wine scene on your own means designating a driver and juggling reservations. This full-day tour from Picton removes the hassle, taking you to a curated selection of local wineries for guided tastings and insight into what makes this region one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine destinations. Along the way, learn about Marlborough’s winemaking style as you sample its wines, and enjoy free time to purchase lunch at a winery restaurant.

Australian South Sea Pearls are among the most prized in the world and are harvested along the northwest coast of Australia. On this tour, visit Willie Creek Pearls at Elizabeth Quay and witness the fascinating harvest process for yourself. Learn all about pearl farming and the pearling industry, watch as the pearls are extracted from the oysters, then visit the showroom to marvel at the exquisite pearl jewelry.

Connoisseurs of craft beer can enjoy a delicious introduction to some of Noosa’s top breweries—all without having to worry about transport or logistics—during this brewery tour in the Noosa area. Your driver-guide leads a small group, limited to 11 passengers, to three unique breweries, where you learn about the brewing process, sample a wide range of local beers, and enjoy a hearty lunch in between. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

There’s no need to travel far out of Auckland to see glowworms as there are great places to see them right in the city. On this small group tour, you’re taken to a hidden glowworm dell in a bush reserve. The walk is easy, once your eyes adjust to the dark. Learn more about the cool little creatures on a short evening tour that leaves time for other activities.

Marvel at the Gold Coast from above on an exciting 30-minute hot air balloon ride! Maximize your time with a short but scenic route and float over the golden beaches, shimmering waterways and forested hinterlands on a thrilling flight. Best of all: your sunrise flight means you’ll see the landscapes at their most magical, beneath the ethereal glow of the rising sun.

Take to the treetops for a thrilling ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway with this customizable full-day tour from Port Douglas. Ride the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway, browse the stalls at the Kuranda Heritage Markets, or pay a visit to Birdworld, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, or Kuranda Koala Gardens (extra cost).

Ditch the guidebook and explore Australia’s most populous city, Sydney, with a local guide. Craft an itinerary that suits your interests and hit the streets with an insider, visiting landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, as well as authentic local institutions and hot spots. Benefit from a resident’s perspective on this diverse metropolis and explore areas you might otherwise miss out on.

Looking for a one-of-a-kind Melbourne outing? On this craft beer tour, you'll visit the city's hip Collingwood district, and will head to locals-loved beer bars that most visitors miss, all with just a small group for company. Led by your beer-expert guide, learn more about Melbourne’s beer scene. You'll also enjoy tutored tastings at three different venues, the opportunity to try numerous beer styles, and even snacks to go with.

Take a full-day wine tour from Blenheim to discover the wines of the Marlborough region, which are famous throughout the world. You’ll visit six or seven wineries for tastings and a winery lunch (own expense). Relax on this comprehensive tour that includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, so there’s no need to risk drinking and driving or to designate a sober driver.

Perfect for beer lovers or just those wanting to get out and explore the Hunter Valley, this brewery tour takes you to visit 3 great craft breweries. Jump on the air conditioned minivan and then head out for the day, enjoying plenty of fresh craft beer and cider. With lunch and snacks included, this is sure to be an enjoyable, stress-free day out in one of Australia’s most charming regions.

Beginner surfers often have to fumble through surf shops to find the right rental equipment—and then fumble through their first waves. This private surf lesson helps you find the right equipment and hit the waves with a surf instructor, who gives you and your group lessons and undivided attention for several hours.

Surfs up! Live out your surfing fantasies with a 2-hour beginner-friendly surf class at Anglesea beach, located on Australia’s famous Great Ocean Road. Make the most of the shallow waters and gentle waves as you master the basics, practice standing up on your board, and try to catch your first wave. With all equipment included and expert instructors to guide you, you’ll be hitting the waves in no time!

Feel the thrill of catching a wave at one of Australia's most famous surf hotspots when you sign up for this 2-hour beginner surf lesson at The Spit in Surfers Paradise. Master the basics under the guidance of an expert instructor, and have fun in the process. Changing rooms, safe storage areas, and outdoor showers are also available to you.