Top Australia Culture - page 4

Experience one of the wonders of the natural world up close and personal on this snorkeling and diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. Climb aboard a superyacht in Cairns and set sail to two different outer reef locations. Explore the colorful world underneath the water, and snorkel or dive for a closer look. A delicious barbecue lunch and light refreshments are included.

Many whale-watching tours head straight into open water, but this cruise begins in Sydney Harbour, where you can enjoy breakfast or a barbecue lunch (depending on the option selected). After your meal, sail past sights such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge en route to the Pacific Ocean, in search of migrating humpback and southern right whales. A naturalist guide provides live commentary along the way, and helps you spot marine life.

Learning to surf on your own means guessing at technique and trying to access equipment—difficult to arrange on vacation. Book a small-group lesson at Bondi Beach with a local instructor to cover surf and safety basics, warm-up, paddling, catching waves, and standing up. All the gear is included, so you can turn up and get straight in the water.

Ride a heritage steam train and experience a piece of Melbourne’s history first-hand on this unique sightseeing experience. Soak up the scenery of the Dandenong Ranges with your legs dangling out of the unique open-sided carriages. Explore the Puffing Billy Railway Lakeside Visitor Centre, where you can traverse Emerald Lake Park and grab some food. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Enjoy a full-day visit to the Blue Mountains from Sydney. Your tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed park visits highlights including the Three Sisters, Wentworth Falls, and the Jamison Valley. En route, stop at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park to see native Australian wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas that you may not get a chance to see in the wild.

Join a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour by double-decker bus to discover the highlights of Sydney and Bondi Beach. Enjoy unobstructed views and recorded onboard commentary as you travel along two routes to top destinations including the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Bondi Beach. Go in-depth wherever you like by hopping off the bus to explore. Experience the city’s most noteworthy attractions at your own pace.

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.

Discover the natural wonders of Tropical North Queensland on a full-day tour to Chillagoe Caves and Granite Gorge. Travel from Cairns by rugged 4WD vehicle with a naturalist guide, passing over the McAllister Ranges and the Great Dividing Range as you explore the Australian Outback. Visit Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, drive near the wetlands to spot Australian native wildlife, and stop by historic mining towns. This small-group tour also included morning tea and a pub lunch.

Visiting the Blue Mountains independently can be tiring to do independently, with long distances between viewpoints. This full-day tour from Sydney simplifies the journey, connecting the region’s highlights while a driver tackles the roads. Take in sweeping views from Kings Tableland, walk to scenic spots such as Wentworth Falls or Leura Cascades, and visit the towns of Leura and Katoomba to see the Three Sisters. The day ends with a relaxing cruise along the Parramatta River back to Circular Quay.

Take in views from one of Sydney's best vantage points, the revolving restaurant at Sydney Tower, 81 stories above the ground. Dining experience includes 3-Course a-la-carte menu served with freshly baked bread, cultured butter, and Chef's selected side dish. This sophisticated restaurant offers an intimate, stylish fine dining experience, with contemporary Australian-French fusion cuisine.

A piece of paradise in the Indian Ocean just off the coast of Perth, Rottnest Island is a favorite day trip getaway due to its white-sand beaches, isolated turquoise bays, biking paths and vehicle-free environment. Travel to the island on the high-speed ferry from either Perth or Fremantle—make your choice when booking. Then spend your time on the island however you please before returning the same day by ferry. Popular activities include snorkeling, biking and looking for quokkas, the resident wildlife.

Join a morning or afternoon excursion to Manly to snorkel in the calm waters of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Just a short hop from Sydney, see diverse marine life on a guided snorkeling tour from Shelly Beach. After a swim test, your guide leads your small group into the water from the beach, so you can snorkel with confidence. Also stroll along the headland for great Northern Beaches views.

Discover the boutique wineries of Mt. Tamborine on a full-day, small-group tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Your wine-savvy guide takes you to some of Queensland’s best local wineries to taste award-winning wines. Round-trip transportation from central meeting points is provided, so nobody needs to be the designated driver—or risk drinking and driving.

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.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef and a lush island rain forest on this catamaran tour to Green Island from Cairns. Create your own perfect day on this protected coral cay with a variety of activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, Seawalking, nature walks, and tours on a glass-bottom boat. Upgrade to include a delicious buffet lunch on board the catamaran and/or a ride in a semi-submarine. It’s a fantastic way to discover the underwater wonders of the world’s most famous reef.

Enjoy the convenience of a private transfer by luxury vehicle from Sydney Airport (SYD) to your Sydney area accommodation. Skip the airport taxi lines and relax with door-to-door service operated by a professional driver. You'll travel directly to your Sydney hotel or residence in a spacious vehicle with a safe and reliable driver, a perfect way to begin your Sydney vacation or business trip.

Explore Kakadu National Park and learn about Australia’s Aboriginal heritage on a full-day tour from Darwin. You'll see the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed park, including ancient rock art of Ubirr Rock and views from the Nadab lookout. Then take a Guluyambi cultural cruise along the East Alligator River, traveling with an indigenous guide who stops along the way to show you the dramatic landscapes of Arnhem Land. Note: March and April visit the Burrungkuy and Nourlangie Rock galleries and ride the Billabong cruise.

If you want to explore Rottnest Island the easy way, this guided day trip from Hillarys Boat Harbour in Perth takes care of the logistics for you. Cruise across the Indian Ocean on a high-speed ferry in roughly 40 minutes, then enjoy free time to explore the main settlement, nearby beaches, and spot the island’s famous quokkas. When you’re ready to see more without the walking or cycling, hop on an air-conditioned bus tour and relax as your driver shares live commentary on the island’s history, culture, and natural highlights. At the end of the day, simply return to the jetty and catch your ferry back to the mainland—no planning required.

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.

Explore the wild landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands on this full-day tour from Cairns. Cruise around Lake Barrine crater lake, spot native wildlife in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed wet tropics rainforest, and tour the magnificent Paronella Park. Along the way, see natural wonders such as the Curtain Fig Tree, swim beneath Millaa Millaa Falls, and enjoy an included lunch. Avoid the hassle of self-driving as you explore this beautiful area.

Enjoy a rare chance to visit the Tiwi Islands and witness an Indigenous Australian community that holds on tightly to its traditions. Located off the coast of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands experience is led by an Indigenous guide who shares local history and traditions. Partake in a traditional morning tea with Tiwi Islanders before visiting the Tiwi Museum and joining Indigenous Australian artists for an art-making workshop.

Active travelers will enjoy this five-hour Valley of the Winds circuit hike at Kata Tjuta. Get up close to the incredible red rock formations while learning about the natural and cultural history of the area from your guide. Receive personalized attention from your guide on a small-group tour. This is a great way to get active while seeing the sights of Australia’s red center.

Sydney’s highlights are spread across the harbor, and covering them on foot can take hours. This guided cycling tour lets you see more in less time while staying active. Pedal past icons such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, along with hidden corners and local favorites, as your guide shares insights into the city’s history and culture.

Experience the magnetic allure of Uluru (Ayers rock) on this half-day tour from Ayers Rock resort. Get up close to the UNESCO-listed landmark with a drive around the base and follow the Kuniya Walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole. Discover Uluru’s spiritual significance as you admire ancient Aboriginal rock art and visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Then, sip a glass of wine and munch on canapés as you witness the dazzling sunset over Uluru. Finish your day with a hearty Aussie-style BBQ (if option selected) beneath the desert stars.