Top Australia Outdoor Activities - page 3

Experience the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns without giving up your entire day. This streamlined snorkeling tour uses a fast vessel to reach a nearby reef site quickly, so you spend more time in the water and less time traveling. Once there, a dedicated snorkel guide helps you get set up and leads you around the reef—making it an easy, time-efficient way to see vibrant coral and marine life.

Experience wine and wildlife on this comprehensive day trip from Sydney. Admire gorgeous coastal views on a scenic drive to Royal National Park, snap a selfie with a koala in Symbio Wildlife Park, and hike to a waterfall lookout in Morton National Park. Plus, enjoy a seaside lunch and boutique wine tasting—all included in the tour price. Enjoy a more personal experience with a small-group maximum of 11.

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.

Climbing the Story Bridge is impossible to do on your own, and for good reason. This guided climb sets it up, starting with a safety briefing at Howard Smith Wharves before you clip onto the static line and ascend the bridge's eastern side. Reach a platform around 262 feet (80 meters) up for wide views over the Brisbane River, Moreton Bay, and the Glass House Mountains.

Escape into nature on this cruise along the Noosa River to Australia's Everglades in Cooloola National Park. Gain deeper insight into the flora, fauna and natural history of the area with live commentary as you go. Perfect for first-timers to Noosa who want to explore their surroundings at a leisurely, relaxed pace.

Enjoy unobstructed views of Sydney Harbour's landmarks from a 35-foot (10.5-meter) catamaran during this evening cruise. Sail past the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the sky shifts from sunset colors to city lights. Light snacks and soft drinks or water are provided on board, and you are welcome to bring your own alcoholic beverages with no corkage fee. Settle in and enjoy the views without the hassle of battling the crowds on land.

Spotting whales in their natural habitat can be tricky if you don't know where to look. Skip the guesswork on this whale-watching cruise, which guarantees you will see humpback whales as they migrate past the Gold Coast from June to November or you receive a complimentary second cruise. The tour is led by a marine biologist guide who is passionate about conservation and offers insights into whale behavior that enrich the experience. Includes morning tea and a photo booklet souvenir.

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.

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kuranda Rainforest independently can be time-consuming and complex, with transport, tickets, and timing to manage. This full-day tour from Cairns simplifies the experience by combining the region’s highlights into one seamless itinerary. Journey to Kuranda aboard the historic Scenic Railway, visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, tour Rainforestation Nature Park in an amphibious Army Duck, and see koalas, dingoes, and native wildlife at the Koala and Wildlife Park. An immersive Dreamtime walk with a Pamagirri guide, and an Australian barbecue buffet lunch are included, before returning to Cairns via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Hop on a Jet Ski tour of the Whitsunday Islands from Airlie Beach for an unforgettable experience of this tropical paradise. The multiple tour options suit beginner and experienced riders, with tandem riding possible on some tours. Zip past picturesque coves and beaches as you learn about the region from your guide and admire the gorgeous views. Receive personalized attention on small-group tours.

Take a day trip from Cairns to Kuranda on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and return via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Alternatively, make the 1-way journey by railway and return by skyrail. Enjoy a tranquil ride as you soar above the rainforest canopy, with views from Cairns all the way to the Great Barrier Reef, and spend free time in Kuranda Village. If you wish, upgrade your transport with admission to the Rainforestation Nature Park — the latter option with or without lunch.

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.

Go snorkeling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day cruise from Cairns. Relax on board your 80-foot (25-meter) luxury catamaran as your captain sails to two exclusive locations on the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to snorkel or dive, with full instruction provided by guides, and see an array of colorful fish, sea turtles, and corals. Your tour includes morning and afternoon tea, and a buffet lunch, with additional beverages available for purchase.

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.

Visit the outer Great Barrier Reef in luxury and style on a full-day cruise aboard a custom-designed vessel. Travel from Port Douglas to Agincourt or Opal Reef for snorkeling opportunities at three superb sites, and the option to do an introductory scuba dive—no experience required. Certified diving is available for advanced divers. Includes lunch, morning and afternoon tea, use of snorkel equipment, and guide.

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.

See the best of Phillip Island on this group tour from Melbourne, where all the details are taken care of so you just need to relax and take in the sites. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos, koalas, and the adorable tiny penguins who populate the island. Make sure your cameras are charged for photos at beautiful viewpoints, like at Cowes, and more.

Sightseeing around Circular Quay doesn’t have to mean slow ferries and crowded lookouts. This high-speed jet boat ride rockets you across Sydney Harbour for a thrilling spin on classic views. Snap photos of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge before your captain shifts gears into spins, slides, and power maneuvers.

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.

Exploring K’gari’s vast landscapes in a single day can be challenging without the right transport and local knowledge, but this full-day guided tour makes it easy to see the island’s highlights. Depart early in a custom 4WD and spend the day visiting key sites such as Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek, Seventy-Five Mile Beach, and the Maheno shipwreck. With a local leading the way, learn about the island’s unique plant and animal life while enjoying time at its freshwater lakes, rainforest, and coastline.

Get set for a wet and wild adventure as you hurtle down the Mulgrave River on a giant tube! Hang on tight as you navigate small rapids and then soak up the scenery as you drift through the rainforest. This fun-filled morning tour includes hotel pick-up and round-trip transport from Cairns, plus around 2 hours of tubing. Best of all: there’s no experience necessary, so everyone can give it a go!

See some of Perth’s top sights from the water on a leisurely Swan River cruise. As you depart the city center, admire Perth riverfront attractions like the Bell Tower and Kings Park, and glide past pretty suburbs to reach Fremantle, located where the river meets the Indian Ocean. Choose a departure time when booking.

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.

Discover the vibrant underwater world of the outer Great Barrier Reef with a Quicksilver snorkeling cruise from Port Douglas. Board a luxurious catamaran to Agincourt Reef, where you can tailor your day with activities like snorkeling, fish feeding, semi-submersible tours, or the unique Ocean Walker helmet dive. Complete the adventure with a tasty buffet lunch and options to take your exploration deeper with scuba dives for beginners or certified divers alike.