Top Australia How to Get Around - page 9

Explore the World War II sites of Darwin on this city sightseeing and cruise tour. Visit the Darwin war memorial and East Point Military Precinct, and explore Darwin Military Museum to chart the city’s wartime experience. Midway through, enjoy a small-boat cruise around Darwin Harbour, passing the modern naval base and the remnants and wreck sites of Japan’s devastating February 1942 air raids. Hotel pickup, entrance fees, and live onboard commentary included.

Whether you’ve just arrived in Perth and want to explore or you’ve already seen all the major sights and want to dig deeper, this easy-going walking tour is a great way to see the city and discover what’s on offer: food, art, nightlife and much more that you won’t find in any guidebook. Walk the streets and laneways in a small group so you’re not fighting to see your guide or stay on the footpath.

Discover Melbourne’s history and highlights on this guided Yarra River cruise. Float past the city’s towering skyscrapers and lovely urban gardens while learning about the transformation of this vibrant city from 19th-century port town to a modern cultural capital. Your sightseeing cruise takes you upriver and downriver for a scenic overview of attractions on both banks.

Discover Western Australia's oldest wine region on this full-day tour of the Swan Valley from Perth. Be guided through a wine tasting and then Indulge in shared platter lunch, as you cruise down the Swan River. Then, transition to a coach to tour two Swan Valley wineries and a brewery, indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to a chocolate showroom.

Explore a landscape of ancient rock formations, monsoon forests, and cascading waterfalls on this full-day tour from Darwin to Litchfield National Park. Marvel at massive termite pillars, take a dip in natural swimming holes, and explore rock pools at the base of the sparkling falls. Enjoy lunch at the Litchfield Café and learn of the Aboriginal legends that surround this pristine landscape.

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.

Spend around half the day exploring the coast of Tasmania’s scenic Freycinet National Park on this easygoing kayaking tour. If you’re not an experienced kayaker, don’t worry – all kayaking gear is provided free of charge and participants receive personalized coaching and guidance from the guides on this small group tour. Get striking landscape photos of Freycinet’s forests and mountains from the sea and even disembark at one of the park’s isolated beaches.

Explore the waters of Airlie Beach on this guided jet ski tour. Zip across the bays at high speed, with the chance to possibly encounter marine life such as sea turtles. The Sea-Doo skis are suitable for both experienced riders and beginners. No experience required. There is a maximum of two passengers per jet ski.

Get acquainted with Margaret River's diversity of attractions and products, including its boutique wineries, on this small-group tour. This tour starts with a visit to a farm where you can hand-feed emus and alpacas, followed by breakfast with homemade scones, local roasted coffee, and tea. Throughout the day, visit wineries, as well as a variety of local producers and places of interest, such as a chocolate factory, and enjoy lunch at an organic olive farm.

Indulge your inner foodie as you discover the fine wines and culinary delights of Australia’s famous Hunter Valley. Set out from Sydney on a full-day trip, stopping to enjoy tours and tastings at the region’s most prestigious boutique wineries. Along the way, tuck into a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and sample regional cheeses and chocolates.

Experience the magnetic allure of Uluru (Ayers Rock) on a morning tour of the sacred landmark. Get more than you would out of a brochure and learn about Uluru’s long history, from sacred Aboriginal site to postcard star, with a guide. Then, embark on a guided 6.5-mile (10.5-km) walk around the base of Uluru, stopping to see the waterfalls of Kantju Gorge and admire the Aboriginal rock art at the Mutitjulu Waterhole.

Discover the wondrous wildlife and mystical natural attractions of Western Australia on this full-day tour from Perth. Discover kangaroos and koalas at Caversham Wildlife Park, and learn about the local lobster industry with a tour of a lobster plant and fresh seafood lunch in Cervantes. Take a guided walk through the eerie, lunar-like landscape of Pinnacles Desert, and get your heart racing as you speed through the massive dunes of Lancelin on a sandboarding and 4WD adventure.

Enjoy a full day to unwind at one of the most beautiful beaches in the Whitsunday Islands: postcard–perfect Whitehaven Beach. A private boat takes away the stress of ferry timetables—keeping the trip relaxed and unrushed. Have ample free time to swim far from the crowds, enjoy beach activities, walk to Whitehaven Beach Lookout, and take a guided hike to Hill Inlet for amazing views. Protective stinger suits are provided to keep you safe, and you can refuel with the included lunch and snacks.

Explore the fascinating underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day sailing catamaran cruise to Low Isles. Snorkel straight from the beach on this beautiful coral cay known for its resident population of green sea turtles. View coral gardens and tropical marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour, explore the tropical on a guided nature walk and relax on the pristine, sandy beaches. The fun-filled day at sea includes a buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea

Explore the bush and estuaries of ‘wild Whitsunday’ on this full-day crocodile safari! Go croc-spotting on a Proserpine River cruise, and look for other wetlands wildlife on a tractor-pulled wagon tour. Get a taste of bush life with traditional billy tea and damper and feast on a fresh Aussie barbecue midday. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, or Proserpine.

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.

Embark on a spectacular journey at Mt Wellington one of Tasmania's tallest mountains, on this small-group bike tour that takes you on a meandering journey from the summit. Pedal your way through lush rainforest as you gently ride downhill, taking in the views of towering eucalyptus forests, gigantic ferns, and a waterfall along the way. As you ride, your guide will fill you in on the area's history and natural environment.

Get the most out of your day in the Hunter Valley by combining two of its features—wine and native Australian wildlife—in a single itinerary. With a guide in the lead and transportation all arranged in advance, learn about the famous wine-producing region and its animal inhabitants through stops at a local wildlife park and several boutique wineries. You can also sample cheese and indulge in a winery lunch (extra cost).

Cruise along the Tweed River to the rainforest on this half-day scenic boat trip with morning tea and lunch. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins as you start your trip upriver, passing by islands and sandbanks. Continue your journey through the Northern Rivers region up to Stotts Island Nature Reserve and enjoy incredible views of birds of prey and pelicans, along with an informative and entertaining commentary from your captain.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy an evening on the water—this dinner cruise on the Swan River is an elegant way to see the highlights of Perth from a crowd-free vantage point. As you glide past the city's waterfront, admire Perth's skyline, listen to live music, and dine on a delicious buffet dinner. Soak up the atmosphere and have a night to remember—perfect if you're celebrating something special or want to try a new dining experience.

Enjoy an insider’s perspective on the iconic Sydney Opera House during this small-group shore excursion. Learn about the performances, history, and architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed building as your guide fills you in on insider secrets and stories. Get photo ops from vantage points that are normally off-limits, and have the option to dine at the famous Opera Bar or House Canteen.

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.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge. Whether you're short on time or just prefer comfortable itineraries, this half-day tour lets you see and do a lot but without cramming everything in. Cruise along the Daintree River, looking out for crocs, birds, and other wildlife. Take a nature walk in Mossman Gorge and cool off with a swim in a rainforest stream if you like.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love this one-hour crocodile-spotting cruise on the Daintree River. Unlike many other tour boats, this one is solar powered so it's very quiet, doesn't disturb the wildlife (or you), and is free of fumes. Look out for crocs as well as other wildlife like snakes, frogs, and many kinds of birds.