Top Activities on the Ground in Australia - page 3

Experience the wonder of the wilderness on this full-day private Blue Mountains tour from Sydney. Leave the city lights far behind as you journey into the lush valleys, waterfalls, gorges, mountains, and forests that have shaped life here for tens of thousands of years. You can also opt to add on a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park or swing by Scenic World and take a trip on the cable car.

Experience the magnetic allure of Uluru (Ayers rock) on this half-day tour from Ayers Rock resort. Get up close to the UNESCO-listed landmark with a drive around the base and follow the Kuniya Walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole. Discover Uluru’s spiritual significance as you admire ancient Aboriginal rock art and visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Then, sip a glass of wine and munch on canapés as you witness the dazzling sunset over Uluru. Finish your day with a hearty Aussie-style BBQ (if option selected) beneath the desert stars.

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.

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.

Make the most of your day trip to Rottnest Island with this convenient bike hire and round-trip ferry combo. Collect your bike, hop on the ferry at Hillarys Boat Harbour, and take in views of the Perth skyline as you cruise across the Indian Ocean. On arrival, you're all set to explore the car-free island, take in the views from Wadjemup Lighthouse, and cycle between the many beaches and bays. You're free to travel at a pace that suits you, and when it’s time to leave, simply pedal back to the jetty to catch your return ferry.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef and a lush island rain forest on this catamaran tour to Green Island from Cairns. Create your own perfect day on this protected coral cay with a variety of activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, Seawalking, nature walks, and tours on a glass-bottom boat. Upgrade to include a delicious buffet lunch on board the catamaran and/or a ride in a semi-submarine. It’s a fantastic way to discover the underwater wonders of the world’s most famous reef.

See more of the Melbourne sites that interest you on this half-day, guided bike tour. From hidden laneways to historic landmarks, get an insider’s perspective on the best of Melbourne while enjoying the speed and flexibility of touring on two wheels. Bikes and gear are included on this small-group tour.

There’s nothing like feeling the wind in your hair while exploring a city. On this private tour, ride in a Harley Davidson trike while exploring the best that Melbourne has to offer. See the city’s top highlights like the Shrine of Remembrance, St. Kilda, and Albert Park, or customize your own itinerary with your guide. Tours can be tailored from one hour to a full day.

Explore the history and beauty of Grampians National Park on this full-day trip from Melbourne. Climb to the top of Boroka Lookout and other natural vista points for sweeping valley views, and bushwalk through the parklands to explore diverse habitats and spot local wildlife such as kangaroos. Learn about the area’s original inhabitants with a visit to Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and admire the cascading rush of waterfalls.

Exploring the Blue Mountains works best with flexible timing and a route tailored to your interests. This private tour includes hotel pickup and a local guide who adjusts the day to suit your pace. Start with a visit to Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park to see native animals such as koalas and wombats, then continue into the Blue Mountains National Park. Enjoy viewpoints and walking stops, with the option to ride a cable car for views of Katoomba Falls, and learn about Aboriginal culture along the way.

The Brisbane River, flowing directly through the city after which it’s named, is the longest river in South Queensland. Take a relaxing ruise along the river, seeing iconic sights including Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Brisbane City Center, and Story Bridge in a short amount of time. Fit a morning or afternoon departure into your vacation schedule.

Take your sightseeing to the next level on a private trike tour of Eastern Sydney. Sit on the back of the trike in a customized seat while your driver-guide takes you to Sydney's top landmarks. See Sydney Harbour and its famous bridge, Kings Cross, and stop to photograph the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. Hotel pickup is included for convenience.

Discover the natural beauty of the Bungle Bungle Range as you explore West Kimberley in a small airplane on a full-day tour from Broome. Fly to Purnululu National Park and land there to see the Beehive Domes and Cathedral Gorge up close. You'll also pass over vast plains, Halls Creek, and the Windjana Gorge on a tour that includes breakfast and lunch, flights and ground transfers, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Save yourself the guesswork of finding a restaurant with a view and secure guaranteed window seating at Sydney Tower’s revolving restaurant. Dine nearly 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the city as the restaurant completes a full rotation, revealing changing views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and even the Blue Mountains on clear days. Enjoy an unlimited buffet with more than 30 dishes, plus an included drink.

Most harbor cruises focus on modern vessels, making it easy to miss Sydney’s maritime heritage. This afternoon sailing experience offers a different perspective aboard a historic tall ship on Sydney Harbour. Learn about traditional sailing and the ship’s history as you cruise past landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and Fort Denison. Enjoy open-deck views for photography, and choose whether to climb the mast for an added thrill (own expense).

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.

See more of Rottnest Island by touring by bike, a fun way to get active and enjoy the great outdoors. This ferry and bike package makes biking easy when you’re traveling away from home without your own bike. Cross from Fremantle to the island by ferry and pick up your bike on the other side, with a free fitting service included.

Discover the Whitsunday Islands on a sailing day trip from Airlie Beach. Relax and admire the views from the decks of the spacious catamaran, Camira. Swim in the turquoise water, hike to the Hill Inlet Lookout, and spend time on beautiful Whitehaven Beach. Lunch, snacks, and refreshments are included throughout the day, and both snorkeling gear and stinger suits (protection against jellyfish) are available to use.

Sydney’s highlights are spread across the harbor, and covering them on foot can take hours. This guided cycling tour lets you see more in less time while staying active. Pedal past icons such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, along with hidden corners and local favorites, as your guide shares insights into the city’s history and culture.

Enjoy a full-day tour of the stunning Whitsunday Islands, traveling on a sturdy motorized raft to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Beach. Choose from two tours that offer either more snorkeling or more beach time. Gain exclusive access to secluded spots where you can snorkel around pristine coral reefs, and take a walk with your guide in the national park to a lookout point with spectacular views.

Tackle the grade II and III rapids of the Barron River on this adrenaline-pumping half-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Prepare to get wet and wild as you hurtle over the rapids, then float downstream past the jagged cliffs, plunging ravines, and lush rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park. Best of all: With full instruction provided, this tour is suitable for all levels, including complete beginners.

Exploring Rottnest Island without transport can be limiting—but this return ferry and bike hire package from Perth makes it easy to cover the island at your own pace. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Swan River before arriving on the island, then pick up your bike and set off on Rottnest’s network of cycling paths. Ride between white-sand beaches, snorkelling bays, and historic WWII sites, stopping whenever something catches your eye. With no fixed schedule to follow, you’re free to design your own adventure—and keep an eye out for the island’s famous quokkas along the way.

Experience one of the wonders of the natural world up close and personal on this snorkeling and diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. Climb aboard a superyacht in Cairns and set sail to two different outer reef locations. Explore the colorful world underneath the water, and snorkel or dive for a closer look. A delicious barbecue lunch and light refreshments are included.

Nature lovers—this is the tour for you! Swap the hustle and bustle of Sydney for a day exploring the natural beauty outside the city. Avoid spending time stuck in traffic by going on a tour designed to miss peak hour traffic jams. A guided bushwalk is included, so you won’t have to worry about studying a map. See Wentworth Falls, and the Three Sisters rock formation. A highlight is an incredible sunset over the Blue Mountains—the ideal photo opportunity.