Top Australia Outdoor Activities - page 12

Travel one of the world’s most iconic coastal roads without having to drive yourself on this full-day tour. Dodge the crowds by driving the famous Great Ocean Road in reverse, stopping to view landmarks like Loch Ard Gorge and the 12 Apostles in the less-busy morning. After a light picnic lunch, hike through the Otway rainforest, look for koalas along the Kennett River, and enjoy dramatic views over Apollo Bay.

If you plan to visit one cave in Western Australia, Mammoth Cave offers the easiest access to millennia of history, nestled in the serene setting of a karri forest. With this audio-guided tour, explore fascinating caverns at your own pace while learning about the cave’s ancient formation and the more than 10,000 fossils found inside. A headset and MP3 player are provided, along with audio commentary in five languages.

Stockton Beach in Port Stephens is part of the Worimi National Park and renowned for its towering white sand dunes. On this tour, enjoy round-trip transport to the dunes by 4WD and spend as long as you like sandboarding with an unlimited pass. Shuttle buses leave regularly so you can arrive and leave at a time that suits you.

Many whale-watching tours only allow you to see the majestic creatures from a distance, but on this Fraser Island tour you’ll get the chance to swim with them. Visit the more remote parts of the island that many visitors skip, and have fun bushwalking, snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. On board the boat, look out for humpback whales and, if the conditions are right, take a dip in the sea beside them.

Airlie Beach is a popular basecamp for visiting the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef, but there are plenty of opportunities for adventure activities without leaving town. This jet boat ride will get your adrenaline soaring, as you zoom past the glitzy marina; perform daring turns, drifts and power stops; and enjoy magnificent views of the Whitsundays as you cruise around Pioneer Bay.

With spaced-out highlights and an overwhelming mix of transport options, it can be hard to cover the best of Sydney on your own—especially if you're short on time. Keep things simple with this guided tour—with private and small-group options—and maximize your day with an itinerary that checks off plenty in one seamless experience. From the comfort of a private vehicle, visit The Rocks, Bondi Beach, and Watson’s Bay, and enjoy time to linger at sights such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Explore the powdery white sand and turquoise waters of the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands on this full-day speed boat cruise around the islands. You’ll have plenty of time on the famous Whitehaven Beach for a buffet lunch picnic, swimming, and snorkeling, with a lesson if necessary, and also stop at Hill Inlet. The crew will also share stories and facts about marine life, aboriginal culture, and local history along the way.

Visit the spectacular Blue Mountains and see dramatic cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and waterfalls on this small-group, late-start tour. Enjoy an immersive walk into Wentworth Falls, see the Three Sisters glow in the late afternoon sun, and enjoy stunning views from several lookouts. You also make a stop at a Major Sydney Zoo to see kangaroos, wallabies, and joeys plus koalas.

Visit the world’s largest koala sanctuary, which is located an easy 20-minute drive from downtown Brisbane. Home to more than 100 koalas as well as more than 70 other animal species, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers multiple ways to learn about native Australian wildlife. Enjoy experiences such as watching koalas and hand-feeding kangaroos and wild lorikeets under staff supervision. See platypus, sheepdogs, and birds of prey in action.

Hop aboard a catamaran to cruise the coast around Airlie Beach and Pioneer Bay at sunset—when it’s at its most atmospheric and romantic. Instead of trying to find a viewing spot on land, enjoy a vantage point only achievable by boat, right out on the water. Along the way, enjoy an included glass of sparkling wine, soak up the scenery, and snap photos of the beautiful Whitsunday coastline.

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.

Finding the best places to spot sea turtles and snorkel in Coral Bay is hard without local knowledge. This guided tour removes the guesswork, taking you straight to prime areas where turtles are often seen in their natural habitat. Cruise in a custom-designed glass-bottom boat for clear views of marine life below the surface, while the crew shares insights and answers questions about turtles and the surrounding ecosystem.

Get up close to the beauty of the Horizontal Falls and pristine scenery of the Kimberley (the most northern region of Western Australia) on this small-group, half-day tour. Experience the thrill of a seaplane ride over Buccaneer Archipelago and Cape Leveque before landing in the calm waters of Talbot Bay. Next, take an exciting boat ride through the Horizontal Falls, followed by a more relaxed cruise around the surrounding bays and creeks. Enjoy a cooked breakfast or lunch onboard (depending on your chosen departure time) and then relax on a scenic flight back to Broome.

Spend an adventurous, nature-filled day in Daintree Forest and leave all the logistics to someone else. You and a small guided group will swim in the sparkling-clear waters of Cassowary Falls, go on an ATV riding adventure, and embark on river cruise—look out for crocodiles!—as you learn about this ancient forest. Stop for lunch (included in the price) in Daintree Village.

Ending a day out means deciding between a sunset drink and sorting dinner, then getting between the two. This cruise combines them, gliding along the Thomson River with stories of local wildlife and Indigenous culture as you settle in on the top deck. As night falls, dock at Smithy's Outback Dinner and Show for a two-course camp-oven dinner and live entertainment.

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.

Explore more of the Whitsundays’ Conway National Park on a fun small-group Segway tour. Learn to operate the vehicle: full instruction and practice time is provided so no experience is necessary. Then follow your guide on a scenic tour through the rainforest, going further than you would on foot. Glide along serene rainforest trails, following part of the Whitsunday Great Walk, and hop off to enjoy a filling morning tea.

Visit one of the most beautiful limestone caves in Western Australia on this guided tour of Lake Cave. Descend through a sinkhole in the earth and a sunken forest, and emerge into a cave full of crystal formations. Your guide will teach you about the history and geology of the cave. Also get the chance to look down on the cave from a viewing platform in the treetops, and visit the above-ground interpretive center.

Save time spent waiting in line by pre-booking this SeaLink Rottnest Island round-trip ferry ticket from Fremantle. Choose from various morning and afternoon departure times to best organize your day on Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve affectionately called “Rotto” by locals. Spend the day on the island lounging on white-sand beaches, hiking, quokka-spotting, and more.

Escape the tourist crowds with this late start small group tour (max 10 guests) Experience a personally crafted journey through UNESCO World Heritage wilderness. See wild kangaroos in their natural habitat! No crowds, no zoos & no theme parks! Includes a traditional Aussie lunch & snacks. Discover the true Blue Mountains like a local as you wander through ancient rainforests, marvel at dramatic sandstone canyons, and discover native wildlife. Experience towering eucalyptus groves, crystal mountain streams, and wind-sculpted plateaux alive with wildflowers. Gain insights into our fascinating indigenous heritage and explore breathtaking landscapes away from the tourist hordes. Your passionate local guide reveals hidden natural wonders gleaned over 40 years exploring the Blue Mountains. Enjoy wilderness walks (see additional info below), iconic lookouts and an unforgettable sunset. More than a tour - it's an immersive wilderness experience. Unbeatable price! Unforgettable experience!

Experience the nighttime enchantment of Mt. Tamborine National Park on this unique evening rainforest walk and glowworm tour. Observe nocturnal wildlife by torchlight with a guided bushwalk through the rainforest, where you’ll come across an ethereal waterfall illuminated by glowworms. Afterward, enjoy dessert with a hot beverage at a mountain top restaurant.

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises are the only commercial operator allowed to land on stunning Normanby Island, offering ample space and time for relaxation and exploration. Customise your day trip with a variety of optional activities on our all-inclusive tour. The islands are also home to several endangered species like the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, spectacled flying-fox, and beach stone-curlews. Explore the vibrant underwater world with 200 coral species around Normanby and Mabel islands, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's total of 600 species. On Frankland Islands, stars aren't just in the sky—they're beneath your feet! Baclogypsina sphirulata, known as Sand Stars found on Normanby Island, are typically rare and found on beaches across the Indo-Pacific. They're often considered unique to Okinawa, Japan, but it's our hidden delight that you can also discover them in a secluded spot on Normanby Island.

Escape to the Outer Great Barrier Reef on a small-group half-day snorkel tour limited to 60 guests. Enjoy up to two hours in the water with expert marine guides, warm hospitality onboard, and all gear included.

Arnhem Land is a vast wilderness area rich in Aboriginal culture—it’s home to the traditional land-owners, the Yolngu, and requires a permit to visit. There's no better way to explore the area than with someone indigenous, and that's exactly what this tour provides. Follow your guide to explore the thousands-of-years-old rock art on Injalak Hill and gain insight into the fascinating legends of the Aboriginals.