Top Australia Outdoor Activities - page 4

Enjoy aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef on a scenic flight from Cairns. With window seats guaranteed, this flight features informative commentary from your pilot as you fly over the city of Cairns, then head out over the turquoise sea to Green Island and Palm Cove. Pass over Arlington Reef, Upolu Reef, Double Island and North Queensland’s coast before heading back to the mainland. Your flight also includes a free transfer courtesy bus from your centrally located accommodations in Cairns.

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.

Marvel over the dramatic canyons, cascading waterfalls and wildflower valleys of the Grampians National Park on this action-packed full-day tour. Visit the gold rush town of Ballarat; take a bushwalk to see the Silverband Falls and spot wild kangaroos at Halls Gap. After lunch (own cost), embark on a short hike to the Grand Canyon and stand in awe at The Balconies.

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 working farm to see kangaroos, wallabies, and joeys plus get a backstage pass with a koala for a special photo op.

Learn the art of surfing with a lesson from a qualified instructor at the world-famous Bondi Beach, a short hop from central Sydney. Get an informative and fun surfing lesson with your instructor, who shows you the basics, including getting up on the board, reading the conditions, and catching waves. Add a great workout and some waterside excitement to your vacation.

Cruise through Sydney Harbour in style on board a spacious flagship vessel that departs from Circular Quay and King Street Wharf. Glide by the floodlit Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, among other landmarks. Sit down for a 4-course dinner with an array of international dishes including fresh seafood. Enjoy the views from your table or the viewing deck, with live music playing on the weekends.

Experience the natural wonders and ancient cultural heritage of Kakadu — one of Australia’s largest national parks. On this full-day tour from Darwin, cruise along the Yellow Waters while spotting crocs basking on the banks; admire ancient Aboriginal art at the ‘desert museum’ of Nourlangie Rock; and delve deeper into indigenous history at the Warradjan Aboriginal Centre.

Join a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour by double-decker bus to discover the highlights of Sydney and Bondi Beach. Enjoy unobstructed views and recorded onboard commentary as you travel along two routes to top destinations including the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Bondi Beach. Go in-depth wherever you like by hopping off the bus to explore. Experience the city’s most noteworthy attractions at your own pace.

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.

Take in breathtaking sights of long sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs on this guided, full-day tour of Australia’s Great Ocean Road. Explore some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth, including the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks and Gibson Steps. Enjoy a rainforest walk among towering ash trees and spot koalas in one of the area's largest koala colonies. Travel in a deluxe mini-coach as part of a small group, ensuring a relaxed and personalized experience.

The Kimberley Coast is renowned for its dramatic sea cliffs, white-sand beaches, and ancient wonders. With this tour, set sail for Roebuck Bay and Dampier Creek on a shallow landing vessel purpose-built for exploring the beaches and bays. Admire views of the towering red cliffs and scenic wetlands, head ashore to discover 120-million-year-old dinosaur footprints, and look out for dolphins, manta rays, and other wildlife along the way.

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.

Make exploring the Great Barrier Reef simple on this full-day tour from Cairns, which offers snorkeling or diving experiences from two different reef locations. You can choose between different options for this experience based on your snorkeling or diving levels. While out on the water, keep an eye out for marine life, including fish, rays, and turtles, and immerse yourself in the UNESCO–listed scenery.

Located on the shoreline of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Taronga Zoo is home to thousands of fascinating animals, including Australian natives such as the koala, kangaroo, and platypus. Check the schedule for daily keeper presentations, or book an animal encounter or guided tour (own expense) for a more in-depth experience.

Experience the sunrise over Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) on an early morning tour that helps you beat the heat and the crowds. Before dawn, travel into UNESCO-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and admire the colors of the sunrise over one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Australia's Red Centre. Enjoy an outback picnic breakfast followed by a walking tour of stunning Walpa Gorge. This small-group tour promises a more personalized experience.

Travel from Hobart to Tasmania’s east coast to visit the famous Wineglass Bay and Freycinet National Park. Hike up to the Wineglass Bay Lookout and, if you're up for more of a challenge, continue down to Wineglass Bay beach. For an easier adventure, walk to Honeymoon Bay and Cape Tourville Lighthouse. On the return drive, enjoy wine and oysters (own expense) at a local winery with sweeping views of Freycinet.

Soak up the sights of the Gold Coast on this lunch cruise that departs from Surfers Paradise and travels up the Nerang River to the Broadwater. Commentary about landmarks that you pass, such as the Southport Yacht Club, Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace hotel, Wave Break Island, and South Stradbroke Island, offers more info than you'd get alone. Enjoy a buffet lunch with seafood and chicken main dishes, and have the option to purchase drinks at the bar.

Reaching the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns can really eat into your time on the reef. Spend more time snorkeling and less time sailing with this tour that takes you out on the water aboard the fastest boat in Cairns. Escape the crowds as you explore the underwater world at several of the boat's exclusive outer reef moorings.

Venture off-the-beaten-track and explore the UNESCO-listed wilderness of Australia’s tropical north on this full-day tour from Cairns. Journey along the Captain Cook Highway; take a guided hike through the Mossman Gorge and cool off with a dip in the Mossman River. After lunch (included), look out for crocodiles on a scenic cruise down the Daintree River, then continue to Cape Tribulation to trek through the Daintree Rainforest and enjoy magnificent views over the Great Barrier Reef. This small-group tour is limited to 14 people for a personalized experience.

Get active while enjoying the great outdoors and spotting wildlife on this kayaking tour to the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Paddle through ancient mangrove forests and keep a lookout for the dolphins that pass through. Learn about the animals and their habitat from your naturalist guide. No kayaking experience is necessary and the pace will be slow but moderate fitness is recommended.

Green Island is one of the closest parts of the Great Barrier Reef to Cairns, but planning a day trip visit there can be complicated. However, your options are all laid out in front of you with this half-day trip. Easily book activities, such as a ride on a semi-submarine or glass bottom boat, together with your catamaran ride between Cairns and the island.

Enjoy a day in nature on an intimate small-group tour of the Springbrook National Park and Mount Tamborine. Visit the Natural Bridge, manmade glowworm caves, meander on Gallery Walk, and wander the impressive Tamborine Skywalk rainforest path. Native animals may pop out their heads from time to time, and stay fueled with a light lunch at a local restaurant. A great day out for families, couples, or solo travelers alike.

Visit Wineglass Bay and other Tasmanian landmarks with a full-day small-group tour from Hobart. See seaside towns, historic sites, and coastal views as you travel to Freycinet National Park, where you’ll take an easy walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout, and view wildlife, beaches, and coves. Refuel with fresh local seafood, wood-fired pizza, and local Tasmanian wine (own cost). Learn more about this beautiful area from your guide.

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.