Top Australia Outdoor Activities - page 7

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.

This Tully River rafting trip offers an unforgettable full day of adventure in North Queensland, perfect for thrill-seekers. The Tully River carves its way through the spectacular Tully Gorge, and you’ll paddle through 40 exciting rapids, some reaching Grade 4/5, surrounded by the stunning World Heritage-listed rainforest. The experience wraps up with a pub dinner and includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from Cairns.

Enjoy a close encounter with Australia's native animals at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the Gold Coast. Your ticket includes admission to the park plus daily keeper presentations and animal shows. Admire critters such as the kangaroo, Tasmanian devil, koala, wombat, echidna, and reptiles that live in natural-style bush and rainforest habitats. Walk through the stunning 5-acre forest of the Lost Valley and see unique flora and wildlife such as lemurs, red pandas, capybaras, and other exotic reptiles.

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.

Sydney's harborfront landmarks are best seen from the water, but working out vantage points and timing takes local know-how. Board a cruise past the city's historic sights, tucked-away beaches, and sandstone cliffs, with the route handled for you. Listen to commentary on the harbor's history as the views roll by, and pick the morning or afternoon departure that suits your day.

Explore the spectacular interior of one of the largest caves in Western Australia on this guided tour of Jewel Cave. As the name suggests, the cave is full of crystal formations. Your guide will explain all about the geology and history of the caves while showing you around. You’ll also get the chance to take a self-guided tour of the forest above the caves afterwards, if you wish.

Follow the trail of Australia’s outback pioneers on this tour down the Longreach-Windorah mail route. Gallop through the bush and down dusty roads on a restored stagecoach, just like settlers used in the 19th century. This family-friendly outback throwback includes a traditional smoko (scones with jam, cream, and tea), a classic Australian bush movie screening, and time to browse the Cobb and Co Courtyard collection.

Get a rounder perspective of the Great Barrier Reef by viewing it from the air on this scenic flight from Cairns. Soaring over the UNESCO-listed reef allows you to take in its colors and appreciate its vastness. Enjoy unobstructed photo opportunities from your window seat as you take in such sights as Green Island, Upolu Cay, Vlassof Cay, and Michaelmas Reef.

This is a great tour for those who only want to spend a half-day out or are short on time. We visit two areas on this trip, Daintree River and Mossman Gorge. We begin with a drive along the Captain Cook Highway, on the way to the Daintree River, and share a little history along the way. Here, we board a cruise along the Daintree River, looking out for local wildlife, including the estuarine crocodile, snakes, birds, frogs, and more. After the Wildlife Cruise, we enjoy morning tea with Lamingtons and tea/coffee. Once in Mossman Gorge National Park, we conduct an interpretive walk along an elevated boardwalk. Weather dependent, we can enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear rainforest stream, whilst being surrounded by the beautiful and healing Mossman Gorge rainforest. What a memorable way to spend your morning!

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.

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.

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.

The Daintree River, which meanders through one of the oldest rainforests in the world, is home to wildlife that you’re more likely to spot from the water. On this experience, cruise down the river with a guide looking for native wildlife such as crocodiles, tree snakes, and many species of birds. Learn about the unique tropical ecosystem along the way and return to the visitor center after about 60-90 minutes.

Litchfield's waterfalls and swimming holes are spread across the park, which is a lot to navigate on a self-drive day from Darwin. This full-day tour maps the route for you, stopping at the standout falls and natural pools along the Tabletop Range. Cool off in the swimming holes, see the towering termite mounds, and hear the Aboriginal stories tied to the landscape over a packed lunch.

Explore the highlights of the West MacDonnell Ranges on a guided tour from Alice Springs—without the hassle of driving or planning. In just one day, check off multiple sites, including Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Ellery Creek Big Hole, and Glen Helen. Enjoy short walks into dramatic gorges, discover hidden waterholes, capture classic Outback photos, and swim at select spots (conditions permitting).

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders and eventful history of Tasmania on a 6-hour boat tour from Strahan. The first-class catamaran ensures comfort from beginning to end. Cruise through Hell’s Gates, then enjoy a guided visit on Sarah Island, which once housed the island’s most notorious penal settlement. Enjoy a buffet lunch on board the ship, then continue your adventure with a boardwalk tour through the UNESCO listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

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.

There’s no better way to appreciate the rugged wilderness, pristine beaches, and spectacular wildlife of Bruny Island than from the sea. On this 3-hour cruise by custom-built eco-cruiser, explore deep sea caves and towering cliffs as you search for wildlife from dolphins and seals to sea eagles and great white sharks. Covered open-air seating creates a real connection to your environment on the adrenaline-pumping ride.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the chance to spot whales in the wild so close to the Gold Coast. Just a twenty-minute cruise offshore, the Australian Whale Sanctuary is prime humpback whale habitat. Get great views of the creatures (when conditions are right) from onboard your comfortable boat, and watch live underwater footage streamed directly to your mobile device. This easy 2.5-hour trip can fit into busy itineraries.

Watch the golden rays illuminate the countryside on this sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Avon Valley near Perth. Starting from Northam, this ballooning and breakfast experience includes a relaxing and memorable flight through the sky and a delicious post-ballooning breakfast. While you’re in the air, your friendly pilot will also give you the chance to lend a hand—if you wish—and will join you for coffee and questions afterwards.

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.

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.

Dive into the spectacular underwater realm of the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day snorkel and scuba cruise from Cairns. Travel aboard a luxurious catamaran to three renowned dive sites to swim among coral gardens and tropical marine life. All experience levels are welcome, and guides are on hand to assist with your choice of snorkeling, introductory scuba diving, or certified diving. A buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon tea on the catamaran are included.

Discover Sydney Harbour your way with the flexible hop-on hop-off ferry pass. Cruise between must-see destinations like Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, and Manly—all while enjoying unbeatable views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Luna Park from the water. With frequent departures throughout the day, you can hop on and off as often as you like. Stay longer at the spots you love, skip the ones you don’t, and set your own pace. Spacious indoor and outdoor seating ensures a comfortable ride—rain or shine. Want to dive deeper into the city’s stories? Optional geo-tagged smartphone commentary is available in seven languages, letting you tune in when you’re curious and tune out when you’d rather just enjoy the moment. No live guides, no fixed schedule—just Sydney, on your terms.