Top Australia On the Water

Seeing dolphins in the wild can be hit-or-miss without local knowledge, but this cruise from Jervis Bay increases your chances by exploring known dolphin habitats within the Jervis Bay Marine Park. Travel comfortably by boat as the crew locates pods of bottlenose dolphins—often seen swimming and surfacing close by—while you enjoy clear views from your position on deck.

Watch the sunset from the deck of a luxury catamaran on a relaxing evening cruise from Port Douglas. Admire the coastline during golden hour for epic photos, and enjoy being outside when temperatures have cooled. Your captain steers your vessel to prime viewpoints for watching the sunset and the Coral Sea, the Low Isles, and the gorgeous coastline around Port Douglas.

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.

Get up close to the wildlife of Phillip Island and discover Australia’s largest colony of Australian fur seals on this catamaran cruise. Watch seals lounging on the rocks and swimming in the bays; spot seabirds swooping overhead and look out for dolphins, whales, and penguins as you float around the island. Finally, tuck into afternoon tea on board as you listen to the live commentary and learn more about the island’s varied wildlife.

Enjoy a quick sail off Australia’s southwest coast on this pirate ship adventure from Mandurah. Board this classic vessel at the island’s port and explore gorgeous canals, watch for bottlenose dolphins and enjoy marvelous views with on-board telescopes. Dress up with your favorite pirate costume, ring the ship’s bell and take a turn behind the wheel.

Take a leisurely river cruise from Brisbane to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on this two-in-one, time-saving tour. This half-day tour departs from bustling Southbank and cruises along the Brisbane River with views of iconic landmarks on the way to Lone Pine. Upon arrival, enjoy ample time to view the animals, from koalas and platypus to kangaroos and more.

Experience the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns without giving up your entire day. This streamlined snorkeling tour uses a fast vessel to reach a nearby reef site quickly, so you spend more time in the water and less time traveling. Once there, a dedicated snorkel guide helps you get set up and leads you around the reef—making it an easy, time-efficient way to see vibrant coral and marine life.

Spend a full day exploring some lesser-visited spots around the Whitsunday Islands on this unforgettable tour. On board the comfortable Tongarra you’ll be taken to Langford Island. Snorkel in the clear, warm waters off white-sand beaches and be amazed by the beautiful colors and sea life of the fringing reef. End the day with a gorgeous sunset as you return to Airlie Beach.

Be sure to put a performance by Opera Australia at the iconic Sydney Opera House on your Sydney itinerary. See classic operas by composers like Massenet and Verdi, as well as iconic Broadway musicals, depending on the season. Take in stunning views of Sydney Harbour while enjoying drinks or a meal (own expense) at one of the Opera House's fine dining venues before or after the performance to top off this unforgettable experience.

Enjoy unobstructed views of Sydney Harbour's landmarks from a 35-foot (10.5-meter) catamaran during this evening cruise. Sail past the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the sky shifts from sunset colors to city lights. Light snacks and soft drinks or water are provided on board, and you are welcome to bring your own alcoholic beverages with no corkage fee. Settle in and enjoy the views without the hassle of battling the crowds on land.

Travel from Perth to Fremantle or vice versa on a relaxing Swan River cruise. You’ll glide along the river, admiring the waterfront scenery of Perth’s downtown skyline, upscale suburbs, and yacht clubs. Drinks may be purchased from the onboard bar. Plus, choose from several departure times to best suit your schedule.

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.

Seeing Sydney’s highlights from land often means crowds and limited viewpoints. A harbor cruise offers a more relaxed way to take it all in. Step aboard for a journey across Sydney Harbour, passing iconic landmarks alongside lesser-known sights such as hidden beaches and dramatic sandstone cliffs. As you cruise, enjoy uninterrupted views of the skyline and shoreline while listening to live commentary that brings the harbor’s history to life.

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.

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.

See the city of Sydney at sunset on the water while you enjoy a multi-course dinner. Set off on a sunset cruise with incredible views of Sydney Harbour including the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and the sparkling city skyline at night. While on board, enjoy a 3- or 4-course dinner and live music on weekends for an unforgettable Sydney experience.

Uncover the secrets of Sydney’s heritage as you explore The Rocks on this guided walking tour of the historic precinct. Offering amazing views over the Sydney Harbour and the Campbells Cove Wharves, your guide will lead you along shady laneways and cobbled courtyards where you’ll discover some of Sydney’s earliest buildings, including Cadman’s Cottage, built in 1816 and the Garrison Church, which dates back to the 1840s.

Spend lunch on the water during this Swan River cruise departing from Perth. As you glide leisurely down the river, feast on a buffet of hot dishes, salads, fruit, and more. While you eat, take in views of Perth’s waterfront suburbs, the historic port city of Fremantle and yacht clubs. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase. The cruise ends where it began, either in Perth or Fremantle.

Ensure a memorable experience on the Outer Great Barrier Reef on this full-day cruise aboard a catamaran. Head for Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Outer Reef and plunge into the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel among its rich marine life or include an introductory or certified dive (additional cost). Includes a buffet lunch and morning and afternoon tea on board, all snorkeling gear, and wetsuits or stinger suits.

Save time spent waiting in line by pre-booking this SeaLink Rottnest Island round-trip ferry ticket from Fremantle. Choose from various morning and afternoon departure times to best organize your day on Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve affectionately called “Rotto” by locals. Spend the day on the island lounging on white-sand beaches, hiking, quokka-spotting, and more.

Discover Melbourne’s history and highlights on this guided Yarra River cruise. Float past the city’s towering skyscrapers and lovely urban gardens while learning about the transformation of this vibrant city from 19th-century port town to a modern cultural capital. Your sightseeing cruise takes you upriver and downriver for a scenic overview of attractions on both banks.

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.