Top Activities on the Ground in Australia - page 4

Discover the rugged mountains and wildflower valleys of the Grampians National Park on this full-day tour from Melbourne—no need to tackle local roads yourself. Once there, learn about Aboriginal culture, have lunch in Halls Gap (own expense), then climb to the Boroka Lookout for fantastic views of the Mt. William and Serra Ranges. Hike to see the dramatic Balconies, view the idyllic Mackenzie Falls, and spot wild kangaroos roaming through the valleys.

Get a bird’s-eye perspective of Tropical North Queensland on an unforgettable hot air balloon flight at sunrise. Soar over the Atherton Tablelands as golden sunlight breaks across beautiful farmlands, rivers, and forests. Choose the duration of your flights and enjoy pickup and drop-off from your Cairns, Northern Beaches, or Palm Cove hotel. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful way to start your day!

Experience the magic of sailing Sydney Harbour—without fighting the crowds on dry land—during a twilight cruise aboard a restored historic tall ship (traditional sailing vessel with rigging). See the city from a new perspective as it lights up for the evening, and sail past must-see landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. While onboard, enjoy an included dinner—saving you from finding a restaurant after the cruise ends.

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders and Aboriginal heritage of Australia's Tropical North Queensland on this full-day tour from Cairns. First, head to the Mossman Gorge to take part in a traditional smoke ceremony with the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people. Then, enjoy lunch in the Daintree Village. After lunch, join a wildlife cruise on the Daintree River where you might see a crocodile, and learn about the fragile ecosystem of this impressive, serpent-like river system. Finally, head to Thornton’s Beach, where the rainforest meets the reef.

Experience the best of the beach and the mountains with this full-day hiking tour at Wilsons Prom. In just a day, you’ll see incredible turquoise coastline, sand dunes, valleys, and rugged mountain landscapes. Enjoy two scenic hikes, one from Tidal River to Little Oberon Bay, and the second up Mt. Oberon. Snacks and entrance fees are included.

Journey to the rain forest village of Kuranda via two unique transit options on this memorable full-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Skip the line and enjoy Gold Class service aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through lush mountain passes and waterfall gorges along the way. In the opposite direction, glide above the treetops in a gondola and soak up spectacular views of the mountains and coastline on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. In Kuranda, enjoy leisure time to explore the heritage markets, learn about aboriginal culture or interact with native wildlife.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spend a full day on Fitzroy Island with fast catamaran transfers from Cairns and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace. Cruise from the Marlin Marina to the island, then enjoy up to seven hours to snorkel the surrounding reef, view marine life from a glass-bottom boat, relax on the beach, or walk rainforest trails within the national park. Choose from a range of packages, including simple transfers or options which include snorkeling or glass-bottom boat activities, depending on your interests and budget.

Katherine Gorge sits a few hours inland from Darwin, so seeing it in a day means a long drive plus a way onto the water once you arrive. Run out to Nitmiluk National Park by coach, then cruise between the sandstone cliffs with everything arranged for you. Look for rock art on the walls and crocodiles on the banks, and cool off in the pool below Edith Falls when conditions allow.

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.

Getting from the airport to your hotel can be very stressful. Avoid the hassle altogether and prebook this Brisbane arrival transfer shuttle from Brisbane Airport. You’ll ride comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle from the airport to your hotel in the Brisbane or Gold Coast area. You’ll be able to bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag with you, too.

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.

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.

Set out on a half-day catamaran tour to stunning Whitehaven Beach for swimming at this postcard–perfect slice of paradise. Considered one of the world's top beaches and the most beautiful one in the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach is a must-see in the Great Barrier Reef region. Travel in comfort from Port Airlie on a motorized catamaran with air-conditioning. Morning or afternoon tea is provided on board and your crew supplies beach activities and informative commentary along the way.

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).

Enjoy a hassle-free arrival in Brisbane with this private transfer service. Meet your driver at Brisbane Airport, and relax on the journey to your hotel in the city’s central business district. These private, luxurious vehicles can accommodate up to three passengers.

Visit Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park on a full-day tour from Hobart. Have time to take a shorter or longer walk at Wineglass Bay, take in views from the Cape Tourville lookout, and visit towns along the way such as Orford, Triabunna, and Coles Bay. You might get to see native wildlife like pademelons, get a photo op at Spiky Bridge, and taste curried scallop pie—a specialty in Tasmania. Includes transportation, guide, and pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Hobart.

Taking in some of the most stunning sights in the Red Centre over three days, this small group adventure presents a snapshot of some of the most beautiful places in the area, including Uluru, Kings Canyon, the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge and Kata Tjuta. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was added to the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1987 after the international community recognized the park's spectacular geological formations, rare plants and animals, and outstanding natural beauty. You will discover incredible secrets of the Red Centre with commentary, stories, and hidden gems that will really put this place into perspective. We provide two different sleeping arrangements at our exclusive private campsites, with twin shared safari tents, or a traditional swag experience. (canvas-covered bedroll) This tour concludes in either Alice Springs or Uluru/Ayers Rock/Yulara, depending on shuttle availability. Please confirm your preferred drop-off location when booking.

Purnululu's Bungle Bungle range is remote and best seen from more than one angle, which is hard to arrange by yourself from Kununurra. Cover it in a single day by air and on the ground: a small-plane flight over the beehive domes, with aerial views of Lake Argyle and the Argyle Diamond Mine, then a 4WD trip into the park. Hike through Piccaninny Creek to Cathedral Gorge, with the option to add a helicopter flight.

Your journey begins with a convenient hotel pick-up before we head into the breathtaking landscapes of Kata Tjuta in Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park. With our expert guide, you’ll uncover the area’s remarkable geology, cultural significance, and ancient history as we approach the striking 36 domes—known as “many heads” in the Pitjantjatjara language—formed over hundreds of millions of years. We then set off on the 5.4 km Valley of the Winds walk, following creek beds and winding through the heart of these towering formations. It’s a truly immersive way to experience the beauty and spirit of this ancient land. After the walk, relax with canapés and Australian wines while taking in a magnificent outback sunset, before returning to your hotel approximately one hour after sunset.

See the famous Twelve Apostles and hike through the lush forests of Great Otway National Park on a full-day tour from Melbourne. Reach the UNESCO-listed Twelve Apostles before the crowds. Continue to Great Otway National Park to hike, see beautiful waterfalls, observe local wildlife, and admire the ancient forests. On the return trip to the city, stop for an optional ice cream and look out for koalas, parrots, and kangaroos.