Top Australia Nature and Wildlife Tours - page 3

Skip the city in search of the wildlife of South East Queensland when you travel to the Springbrook Plateau, Numinbah Valley, and Mt. Tamborine on a full-day tour from Brisbane. Instead of being rushed along, your guide leads a leisurely walk in Springbrook National Park to see two stunning waterfalls, Natural Bridge, and a glow-worm cave. Enjoy free time at Gallery Walk to explore shops and cafes.

Wetlands made Kakadu National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Yellow Water Billabong is one of the most beautiful. Join Indigenous-owned Yellow Water Cruises on a guided journey of discovery among crocodiles, eagles, and reflecting waters. The wildlife, like the light, changes throughout the day.

Get up close to Australia’s native wildlife on this memorable full-day tour of Phillip Island from Melbourne, including a handy hotel pick-up. See adorable koalas and wallabies at the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park on the Mornington Peninsula, spot Australia’s largest colony of fur seals at the Nobbies, and watch the sunset penguin parade along Phillip Island's coast. This small-group tour limits numbers to ensure a personalized experience.

Streamline your wildlife viewing and check off two of Phillip Island’s native species in just one day on this comprehensive, full-day tour from Melbourne. Instead of juggling separate bookings and reservations, head out by coach to view fairy penguins at Phillip Island Nature Park—home to the largest colony in the world—and see one of Australia’s most beloved marsupials, koalas, at Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve.

The 4,170-foot (1,270-meter) peak of Mt. Wellington is one of Hobart’s most famous landmarks. This Explorer Bus ticket offers hassle-free transfers between Hobart and the mountain summit—a 30-minute journey each way. Your ticket is valid all day and there are several different departure times, so you can hop off to hike the mountain trails and spend as long as you like admiring the views from the summit.

Maximize your time while in port in Hobart and visit five top attractions in one day on this full-day shore excursion. Take in the views from Mt Wellington, browse the stalls at Salamanca Market (Saturday only), and learn about Hobart’s convict history in Richmond. After lunch (own expense), spot kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils at the Bonorong wildlife Sanctuary.

Getting out of Melbourne and down to Philip Island takes a couple of hours at the wheel, and doesn’t leave much opportunity to take in the sights en route. Leave the driving to a guide and check off two wildlife encounters in just one day as you travel there by coach. Watch the “penguin parade”—fairy penguins making their way to their burrows—from an exclusive viewing platform, and visit the Phillip Island Koala Reserve to see the Australian marsupial up close.

Discover the natural delights of Phillip Island with an eco-tour from Melbourne. See the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes, visit the beach and take some time to admire these historic landmarks. Head to the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park for an up-close encounter with kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and other native Australian wildlife. Finish the day at a local beach where you can watch hundreds of some of the world's tiniest penguins waddle out of the ocean and across the sand to their burrows.

See Australian wildlife up close and in its natural setting during this short river cruise along the Daintree River. Float 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) down river in a comfortable boat with sun cover to see lush rainforest and tropical birds darting between mangrove trees and watch for animals swimming in the water below and foraging for food on the banks.

The Daintree's rainforest, coast, and the rugged Bloomfield Track are spread across a big stretch of Far North Queensland, hard to cover self-driving in a day. Join a 4WD tour that links them with a guided walk through the ancient rainforest and along the sand at Cape Tribulation. Watch for crocodiles on a river cruise, cool off with a freshwater swim in the forest, and finish with a tropical fruit ice cream.

Make the most of your time in Tropical North Queensland with this all-in-one day trip through the Atherton Tablelands. Take in natural beauty and cultural insight in one comprehensive experience. Start beneath the ancient Cathedral Fig Tree, where a guide reveals the rainforest’s deep spiritual and ecological roots. Take a dip in the waters of Lake Eacham, enjoy a hearty pub lunch made with local ingredients, and visit two of the region’s most scenic waterfalls—Millaa Millaa and Josephine Falls. Along the way, spot native wildlife such as tree-kangaroos, and end your journey at the Babinda Boulders.

Discover the scenic interior of the Katherine Gorge during an informative boat cruise in Nitmiluk National Park. Travel deep into the network of waterways that flow through the Katherine Gorge. Hear stories from your guide about the wildlife and Aboriginal people of this land, the Jawoyn. Enjoy views of the gorge that many visitors miss as they’re not accessible by road.

Embark on a full-day tour from Adelaide that includes a 3-hour Murray River cruise and time to explore the German town of Hahndorf. Start with views of Adelaide at Mount Lofty Summit then head to Bridgewater Mill to see its iconic static display waterwheel. Then board the "Captain Proud" paddle wheeler for your 3-hour Murray River cruise. Learn about the river’s history, culture, and ecosystem from the live commentary while feasting on a 2-course lunch. After, enjoy a short sightseeing tour and free time in the German village of Hahndorf.

Experience the thrill of an up-close encounter with migrating whales on this half-day cruise from Brisbane, available only between June and November. Set sail around Moreton Bay on a luxurious high-speed catamaran and tuck into a delicious buffet lunch on-board as you soak up the scenery. Finally, keep your camera to hand as you spot humpback whales swimming and breaching beside the ship – a rare opportunity to spot the gentle giants in their natural environment.

Discover the breathtaking views and magnificent waterfalls of the Blue Mountains without the crowds by delaying your morning departure from Sydney. Spend the day on guided bushwalks through this UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape, admiring the views from lookout spots. This tour is timed so you miss the worst of the Sydney traffic and linger at the Three Sisters around sunset, after the crowds have disappeared.

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.

Discover the wonders of Blue Mountains National Park on a group tour featuring bush walks and a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park. Take in stunning views of the iconic Three Sisters at Echo Point, stroll through lush rainforests near Wentworth Falls, and explore the scenic Jamison Valley—all guided by an expert with a deep appreciation for the area. This is a great opportunity to connect with Australia’s natural beauty without the hassle of driving yourself.

Experience a close encounter with humpback whales—without having to leave the city—on this thrilling speedboat tour from Sydney. Hop on board the city’s fastest commercial ship and set off across Sydney Harbour, past landmarks such as Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Head out into the Tasman Sea, where you have the chance to spot whales swimming and playing in their natural habitat.

The Sydney Opera House is one of Australia’s most famous landmarks—but much of it remains hidden to visitors without tickets to a performance. This guided walking tour offers a closer look inside the UNESCO World Heritage–listed building, with access to spaces typically reserved for showgoers. As you explore, your guide shares entertaining stories about the venue’s design, history, and the productions that bring it to life.

Spend a day immersed in the animal kingdom at the Melbourne Zoo. Encounter native species including koalas, wombats, and kangaroos, and local Victorian species such as indigenous penguins and seals splash. Also admire mighty Asian pachyderms at the Trail of Elephants, elegant African zebras and giraffes in open-air habitats, the energetic primates at Lemur Island, an elevated orangutan exhibit, and more.

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.

Enjoy a full-day tour of the stunning Whitsunday Islands, traveling on a sturdy motorized raft to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Beach. Choose from two tours that offer either more snorkeling or more beach time. Gain exclusive access to secluded spots where you can snorkel around pristine coral reefs, and take a walk with your guide in the national park to a lookout point with spectacular views.

Combine a reef and rainforest experience on this day trip to Green Island. Located just 45 minutes from Cairns via catamaran, this island is home to over 120 plant species and colorful birds. While there, take a self-guided walk to discover some of the island's flora. Day visitor facilities include a pool bar, restaurant, and shops. Food is also available for purchase.

Sydney's busy roads can make sightseeing tricky. Skip city traffic and combine a ferry ride with admission to Taronga Zoo. Depart from Circular Quay and sail across Sydney Harbour, taking in panoramic views of the skyline along the way. At the zoo, spot koalas and kangaroos, along with wildlife from around the world. Your package includes round-trip ferry transfers, so getting back to the city center couldn't be easier.