Top Australia & the Pacific Unique Experiences - page 4

Tired of the usual tourist stops? Discover a hidden gem at Broken Bay Pearl Farm, New South Wales’ only pearl farm. Located around an hour north of Sydney on the Hawkesbury River, this experience lets you meet the dedicated farming team, learn the secrets of pearl and oyster cultivation, and enjoy a guided tour. Then, choose whether to browse the Pearls of Australia jewelry collection or simply relax with freshly shucked local oysters overlooking stunning Spectacle Island.

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.

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.

Indulge your inner foodie and learn to make dumplings like a pro with this cooking class in Melbourne. Enjoy a hands-on experience in a fun atmosphere and discover how to prepare the perfect dough for Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese dumplings using a variety of meats and vegetables. Then, savor your creation in a small group setting.

Learn to surf like a true Aussie with a 3-hour surf lesson at the Bryon Bay Surfing School. Surf school founder Gaz Morgan or head instructors David and Sam, expertly guide small group classes and provide all equipment, making this the ideal opportunity for beginners to master the basics. After learning to paddle and stand-up on your board, take to the water to put your newfound skills into action and have a go at catching your first wave.

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.

Escape the city for a full-day cycling adventure and pedal your way along the soaring sea cliffs, golden beaches and tree-lined promenades of Manly. Hop on your rental bike and set out on a self-guided route, passing landmarks like Manly Corso, Manly Lagoon and Cabbage Tree Bay. Stop along the way to take a dip at Shelly Beach, see the Collins waterfall or admire the scenery of Sydney Harbour National Park.

Take a surfing lesson at Middleton Beach, located in South Australia just outside of Adelaide. Your qualified surfing instructor teaches the basics of how to surf or assists you to refine your existing skills. Choose a morning or afternoon lesson that includes the use of a high-quality surfboard, rash top, sunscreen, and wetsuit.

Discover the coastal charm of Perth and Fremantle on this diverse half-day sightseeing tour. Take in views of the cityscape at Kings Park Botanic Gardens, and then get a closer look at cultural landmarks on a commentated coach tour. Head to the coast to admire the famous sandy stretches of Cottesloe Beach and soak up the seaport ambiance of historic Fremantle.

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!

Watch the sunrise over Queensland’s mesmerizing landscapes with this thrilling hot air balloon flight from Brisbane. Take to the skies above Ipswich and enjoy unforgettable aerial views over the historic town, the Great Dividing Range and the Scenic Rim. Enjoy the best of both worlds as you float over serene countryside and city streets, then celebrate your safe landing with a sparkling wine breakfast and a personalized flight certificate.

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.

Get an enchanting new perspective on Melbourne aboard a hot-air balloon flight over the city at sunrise. Soar over modern skyscrapers, urban parks, famous sporting arenas, and the Yarra River as early morning light bathes the skyline in a rosy glow. After your unforgettable flight, toast the new day with an optional buffet breakfast.

Soar over the Yarra Valley during the golden light of sunrise during an unforgettable hot-air balloon flight. Float over the scenic landscape of gentle rolling hills and vineyards as day breaks across this beloved winemaking region. Upgrade to enjoy hotel pickup and/or a delicious buffet breakfast at Balgownie Estate after touching down back on solid ground.

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.

Discover some of Central Otago’s top wineries on this small-group wine tour from Queenstown. Enjoy guided tastings at three wineries, such as Gibbston Valley Winery, Mt. Rosa, Waitiri Creek Winery, or Chard Farm Winery. Sample some of the delicious wines and cheese produced in the region, and gain insight into the delicate balances of scent and flavor at play in your glass.

Take a day trip from Cairns to Kuranda on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and return via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Alternatively, make the 1-way journey by railway and return by skyrail. Enjoy a tranquil ride as you soar above the rainforest canopy, with views from Cairns all the way to the Great Barrier Reef, and spend free time in Kuranda Village. If you wish, upgrade your transport with admission to the Rainforestation Nature Park — the latter option with or without lunch.

Take to the waves at one of Sydney’s top surf spots with a surf class at the beautiful Maroubra Beach. In a small-group lesson with a qualified instructor and a maximum of 6 people, learn about water safety, master the basic skills, and enjoy a fun time on the water.

Discover Melbourne's bar scene, including "hidden" bars you won't find in any guidebooks, on this small-group bar-hopping tour. Visit several venues for cocktails, Australian wine, and beer, stopping into a classic pub, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked into the laneway, a wine bar with options from the nearby Yarra Valley, and another bar selected by your guide depending on your group’s interests. Plus, get tips for additional places to visit on your own.

Surfing can be a great way to get to know a new area, but it can be a challenge to find the right beaches in unfamiliar territory. The instructors on this half-day surfing lesson take care of finding surf spots for you, taking you to the best beaches depending on the weather conditions. That means you can spend more time enjoying yourself and improving your surfing.

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.

Visit four craft breweries on the Gold Coast during a full-day tour that includes lots of beer tastings and a delicious lunch. Meet the brewers, sample plenty of fresh beer, and learn what goes on behind the scenes during the brewing process. For added convenience—and so you can focus on enjoyment without worrying about driving—round-trip transfers from the Gold Coast are included.

With its abundance of breweries and bars, Melbourne is a mecca for beer lovers. Visit some of the bars favored by locals on a private craft beer tour that promises to take you off the beaten path. Taking a private tour means that you’ll benefit from the undivided attention of a guide and receive recommendations tailored to your craft beer preferences.

Australian owned and operated by guides who have lived in the region for years and work alongside the aboriginal local community. Discover the highlights with insights to the outback and a private tour that offers you flexibility. We provide the most authentic experiences and on request can include an Aboriginal guide ( Anangu guide) on the day. This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the truth of the region and learn from the locals directly. We guide you through Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park where you will be able to witness the stunning rock formations, explore waterholes and ancient rock paintings. Our local expert guide will share with you more of the cultural history of Uluru from past and present. Choice of Sunset or Sunrise half day - Mutitjulu Waterhole - Mala Walk - Kuniya Walk - Caves with rock art - Learn the cultural stories of the rock features - Indigenous Culture Center (on request) - Dunes View Spot - Sunset/Sunrise over Uluru Start times may vary.