Top Australia Outdoor Activities - page 8

Swimming with wild dolphins is a must for many travelers when visiting Perth or wider Western Australia. However, knowing the right places to visit can be confusing. This full-day tour takes you to the best spots in Rockingham—around 40 minutes from the city—to see pods of dolphins thrive in their natural habitat. Snorkel alongside them, always from a respectful distance, or hop back onto the boat to watch them from the deck.

Relax and see Brisbane from a different perspective on this half-day river cruise. Instead of navigating busy streets or planning separate sightseeing activities, enjoy a smooth ride along the Brisbane River, with live commentary and scenic views of historic and modern landmarks. Back on land, enjoy an included lunch at a nearby pub.

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 Great Barrier Reef is now one of Australia’s most popular attractions, but for tens of thousands of years before it was under the protection of the Traditional Custodians. This snorkeling and sightseeing tour led by Indigenous Sea Rangers gives travelers a chance to see the reef through their eyes and hear the Creation Story, as well as gaining an up close and personal perspective of this natural wonder.

Maximize your chances of spotting native Australian wildlife on this full-day tour from Darwin to Corroboree Billabong, where saltwater crocodiles and native birdlife are abundant. Step aboard a shaded, open-sided boat designed for optimal viewing, with live commentary helping you spot and understand the wildlife around you. The day also includes a stop at the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre, lunch, and round-trip hotel transport—so you can experience the Top End’s wildlife without the planning, driving, or guesswork.

Enjoy both the sunrise and sunset on this full day tour of Cradle Mountain from Hobart. This is one of Australia’s most beautiful national parks, and you will have up to five hours to explore it by hiking, walking, climbing, taking photographs, or just sitting and relaxing. On the way there, you’ll pass through villages, farmland, forests, grass plains, forests, and so much more. Your guide will take care of all the logistics so you can enjoy it.

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!

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.

Spotting dolphins from land is exciting, but kayaking alongside them is a truly special experience. From Byron Bay, journey along the waters of Cape Byron Marine Park as your local guide leads you to locations that maximize your chances of seeing bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat—you might even catch a glimpse of whales and sea turtles, too.

Set out from Stokes Hill Wharf in Darwin for a fabulous sunset cruise accompanied by a meal of fish and chips, and a complimentary drink. Relax and enjoy watching a colorful Top End sunset over Fannie Bay from the best spot in Darwin Harbour. Your captain stops at Cullen Bay Beach to pick up your meal, which is made with fresh wild–caught Northern Territory fish. Eat a classic Australian dish, snap photos and enjoy the beauty of Darwin during this memorable sunset cruise.

End a day in paradise–Surfers Paradise– in style and comfort with a memorable sunset cruise through the spectacular waterways of the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise canals. Sit back and relax on the vessel's open sundeck or inside, and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks from the bar, as the sun goes down.

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.

Experience the thrills of parasailing while on the Gold Coast of Australia. First, you’ll receive a short safety training before being outfitted with a harness. Then, soar high above the Gold Coast, up to 400 feet (122 meters) high, and take in aerial views of the coastline. This is available for solo travelers or with one or two partners.

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.

Soak up the serene beauty of western Tasmania on a morning cruise on the Gordon River from Strahan. Pass by natural landmarks such as Hells Gates, which marks the entrance to Macquarie Harbour from the Southern Ocean. Explore a former penal colony on Sarah Island as you journey through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Includes a delicious chef-prepared lunch onboard. Select a seating category when booking.

Wildlife lovers will enjoy the chance to spot dolphins, penguins, and sea lions on one easy cruise. You might also see pelicans and other fantastic Australian birds. This hour-long cruise takes you to the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, rich in sea life, and ends at Penguin Island, where you can see a penguin feeding show.

Swing and climb through the trees of Western Australia’s Tuart Forest on this exciting high-ropes course near Busselton. Fly through the canopy on ziplines or 'flying foxes', and test your strength and balance on rope challenges varying in height to suit all ages and abilities. Expert instructors and top-notch equipment ensure a safe adventure.

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.

Explore a landscape of ancient rock formations, monsoon forests, and cascading waterfalls on this full-day tour from Darwin to Litchfield National Park. Marvel at massive termite pillars, take a dip in natural swimming holes, and explore rock pools at the base of the sparkling falls. Enjoy lunch at the Litchfield Café and learn of the Aboriginal legends that surround this pristine landscape.

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.

They say the rainforest meets the reef at Cape Tribulation, and you’ll see why on this day tour from Cairns. Hop on board the Daintree River ferry to get to the Cape. Tour the rainforests and beaches safely with a guide, looking out for saltwater crocs, cassowaries, and other tropical wildlife. Cool off with a swim in a freshwater creek and relax on pristine beaches. This is a fun-filled day and an easy way to visit this wild area.

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.

Sail on a 2-masted schooner from Cairns to Green Island for a full day of snorkeling, swimming, and optional scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Spend time in the water around the magnificent coral reef, or laze on Green Island’s white sandy beaches. Refuel with a buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and indulge in a glass of wine as you cruise back to Cairns.

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.