Top Australia Day Trips

Travelers short on time in the Melbourne area don't need to miss out on one of Australia's greatest coastal road trips. This Great Ocean Road day tour includes many of the route's highlights, including the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and London Bridge. And, because this itinerary is the reverse of what many travelers take, you'll be skipping the worst of the crowds.

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.

Experience the Great Ocean Road’s top attractions on this guided excursion that follows the iconic road in reverse. Embark on your journey and beat the crowds while learning about the region’s scenic landscapes and pretty coastal towns from an informative guide. Visit sites including the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Apollo Bay, and Gibson Steps.

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.

Discover Australia's Great Ocean Road—where coastal views and lush rainforests meet—on this full-day adventure from Melbourne. Heading out from the urban landscape of the city, keep your eyes peeled for koalas, walk through rainforests, and visit local landmarks like the Memorial Arch. A local guide is on-hand to fill you in on the area's history—something many travelers miss out on. Once you've refueled with lunch (own expense) in the beautiful town of Apollo Bay, marvel at the Twelve Apostles (a set of giant limestone stacks), and explore other panoramic views, including the dramatic Loch Ard Gorge.

Explore the Blue Mountains the easy way on a full-day group tour from Sydney. It’s an action-packed trip with spectacular views, railway and cable car rides, forest walks, and wildlife encounters at Sydney Zoo. See much more than you could touring independently. This thorough tour appeals to travelers with many interests. Return to Sydney’s Circular Quay by ferry in time for dinner in the city.

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island to see the penguin parade and other wildlife highlights of Victoria. Your full-day tour stops at Moonlit Sanctuary wildlife conservation park to see Australian natives such as koalas and wallabies. Explore the dramatic Cape Woolamai surf beach and the Nobbies boardwalk where you can enjoy views of the rugged south coast and often seals as well.

If you want to enjoy a tropical island beach paradise from Cairns but don’t have a lot of time, this half or full-day trip to Green Island is ideal. Be transported by fast catamaran from Cairns to save time. Choose between a glass-bottomed boat tour or the use of snorkeling equipment. Get access to the island’s pool or take a self-guided walk of the island if you want to be more active.

Spend a day on the Great Barrier Reef at two different snorkel and dive sites on this luxury catamaran cruise from Cairns. Travel in style aboard a fast, comfortable catamaran to the outer edge of Upolu Reef, "Wonder Wall," and the Upolu Cay reef area, where you can choose to snorkel or dive (additional cost) and observe the coral that's teeming with colorful fish. Refuel with a buffet lunch on board the catamaran, ensuring there's

Enjoy a hassle-free way to experience the best of Rottnest Island on this full-day trip. Travel to Rottnest by ferry from either Perth or Fremantle, then embark on a sightseeing tour of the island by coach. While listening to your guide’s narration, check out landmarks including the West End and Wadjemup Lighthouse. Then, have free time to explore the car-free island at your leisure, and see the sights that interest you most.

Travel from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, one of Australia’s most popular wildlife destinations, on this activity-filled day trip by ferry and coach that takes care of all the logistics. Discover natural attractions from Seal Bay Conservation Park to the Remarkable Rocks. Then, discover wildlife ranging from wallabies and echidnas to fur seals and sea lions, and even get up close with koalas and kangaroos.

Fine-tune your appreciation of Australian wines and cuisine on this full-day tasting tour of the Hunter Valley from Sydney. Discover Australia's oldest wine region at premium wineries, including a behind-the-scenes look at wine production at Sobel's Winery, with tastings included. Allow yourself to indulge while your guide navigates the roads between the city and the Valley.

Animal lovers—this one’s for you. Enjoy a hassle-free day out to Australia Zoo with round-trip transfers from select Brisbane hotels. Ride comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle, then get into the zoo quickly as admission is included. Once inside, benefit from at least six hours to explore, catch live shows, and spot a variety of creatures, including tigers, giraffes, crocodiles, kangaroos, and more.

The desert landscape of the Pinnacles is especially atmospheric at dusk. Skip experiencing it in the company of busloads of tourists on a full-day tour from Perth that’s timed to get you to the Pinnacles for sunset. Before that, take in the views of the incredible sand dunes from the Guilderton lookout, stroll along the Hangover Bay Coast, and admire the views from the Nilgen Lookout. Includes a picnic dinner with wine.

Admire Bruny Island by both land and sea on this full-day trip from Hobart that includes a 3-hour eco-cruise around the island. See remote beaches, rugged coastlines, and native wildlife such as dolphins and fur seals as you cruise past steep cliffs and deep sea caves. Ferry transport to the island is included, plus hot drinks and lunch.

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.

Leave the hectic city crowds in the dust and immerse yourself in the scenic Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Navigate this sprawling landscape seamlessly with the help of your guide, and let a driver whisk you away from the city—leaving you relaxed and ready to enjoy your pass for the Scenic World attractions.

Explore the beauty of Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park on this full-day small group trip from Launceston. You'll enjoy hotel pickup and drive in a coach to the Cradle Mountain region. Make stops at Sheffield to see the murals, the Cradle Mountain Visitor Center to stroll the Enchanted Forest Walk, Dove Lake, Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm Cheese, and have a walk in Weindorfers Forest.

Journey to the heart of the Blue Mountains on this full-day tour from Sydney, including hotel pick-up. Kick-off your adventure seeing a koala or a kangaroo at Featherdale Wildlife Park, then enjoy a dramatic view of the Three Sisters rocks from Echo Point. After lunch (own expense), head to Scenic World to ride the Cableway, Skyway and Railway for unbeatable aerial views of the Jamison Valley and Katoomba Falls. Finish with a leisurely cruise along the Parramatta River to Sydney’s Darling Harbour or Circular Quay.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and delicious wines of the Yarra Valley on this small-group, half-day tour from Melbourne. Leave the organizing to someone else and relax as you visit three of the area's best boutique wineries—Helen & Joey Estate, Payten and Jones, and Soumah—for tours and tastings. Round-trip transfers are included for a seamless experience, and you can even upgrade your day with an optional gin tasting experience.

Getting from Sydney to the Blue Mountains can be time-consuming if you’re relying on trains and local transport. This day tour connects the region’s highlights without wasting a second of your vacation time. Take in sweeping views of the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley, experience the rides at Scenic World, and see native wildlife at either Featherdale Wildlife Park or Sydney Zoo before returning with a relaxing cruise along the Parramatta River.

Get out of the city and into the wild on this small-group tour with guaranteed sightings of wildlife. Visit viewing platforms, national parks with waterfalls, and other areas to get up close to charming wombats and kangaroos in their natural habitat. You also enjoy several Australian snacks throughout the day including meat pies and a delicious dinner at a historic pub.

Discover the scenic coastline, beaches, national parks, flora, and fauna of Bruny Island on an easy full-day tour from Hobart. Travel via ferry to the island (tickets included), and walk through the temperate rainforest. Stop at a viewing platform at the Neck, and sample locally made products, such as chocolate and honey. Explore the beautiful Tasmanian landscape without having to drive yourself and return to Hobart in time for dinner.