Top Australia On the Water - page 10

Enjoy a full-day whale-watching tour from Hervey Bay that visits Platypus Bay, a prime location for whale-watching near K'Gari. Have plenty of time to witness the majestic humpback whales at play as they pass Australia during their annual migration to Antarctica. Your tour includes morning and afternoon tea and a delicious lunch buffet. Learn about the whales and the marine environment from your crew’s informative commentary.

Explore the waters of Hervey Bay in search of whales on this guided whale-watching expedition. Board a rigid inflatable boat, then head out to the watery paths where humpback whales migrate and birth their calves. Enjoy water-level views of whales, listen to commentary and interpretations from a marine naturalist guide, and listen to whale communications on an underwater hydrophone.

Cruising out among the Whitsunday Islands is a fun and relaxing way to watch the sunset from Airlie Beach. However, costs can build up when you start ordering drinks, and can also lead to disappointment if your drink of choice is unavailable. On a BYO cruise, you choose what drinks you want to enjoy while admiring the scenery, snacking on provided canapés, and listening to tunes as you go.

Noosa River sunsets are glorious, as the sun tints the tranquil waters bronze, pink, and purple. Experience one in style when you book this sunset cruise aboard the spacious Noosa Queen. Enjoy laid-back tunes, Noosa stories, and the chance to spot kangaroos and birdlife as you sail from Noosa Marina up to Lake Cooroibah. A licensed cash bar lets you toast the evening with a drink and nibbles.

Seeing Launceston's riverfront and Cataract Gorge from the water takes a boat and someone who knows the Tamar, hard to sort on your own. Sail out on an afternoon cruise instead, gliding into the gorge and past the city's riverfront precinct and Tamar Island with the route handled for you. Hear about the area's history and nature as you go, over afternoon tea and snacks.

See Sydney in style on a lunch cruise that takes you sailing through spectacular Sydney Harbour aboard a traditional square-rigged tall ship built from the 1920s. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch as your captain sails past iconic Sydney landmarks such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, and Fort Denison. Have the option to include unlimited beer and wine with your lunch.

Mooloolaba is one of many resort towns along the Sunshine Coast–the kind of place where the beaches and bars get packed during the summer. Take a break with this lunchtime cruise along the Mooloolaba coast. Dine on fresh seafood (including locally caught prawns) and enjoy views of the town’s golden beaches from inside a cozy cruise ship on the Coral Sea.

Go in search of orcas off the south coast of Western Australia on a whale-watching tour from Bremer Bay. You'll cruise out to the edge of the continental shelf for the chance to spot orcas and other marine life of the Great Southern Range, such as pilot whales, sperm whales, and beaked whales. Lunch and snacks are included on board.

See more in less time on this 2-day tour that takes in the wonders of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, as well as the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. On day one, roam through Daintree on custom-built 4WD vehicles while your local guide shares their extensive knowledge of flora and fauna. Then on day two, sail to the outer Great Barrier Reef and jump off board to snorkel snorkeling.

Tackle the waves during a morning or afternoon surf lesson at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast. First, receive a safety briefing and basic instruction on the sand before heading into the water. You'll be provided with a long-sleeve rash shirt or a wetsuit (depending on the season) and a soft beginner surfboard. You’ll be able to continue practicing your technique on your own after catching some initial waves.

Get a new perspective on Queensland's Great Sandy Straits Marine Park by cruising through its clear waters in a glass-bottom boat. See an abundance of marine life among the coral reefs, including turtles, dolphins, and possibly a reef shark or dugong. Make several stops along the way for snorkeling and swimming.

Zip through the waters of the Gold Coast off Main Beach on this group boat trip. This lasts for around forty thrilling minutes, where you’ll have the chance to experience spins, slides, and other fancy jet boat moves. You’ll see Sea World, The Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, and Marina Mirage from the water, and hopefully see wallabies and dolphins too.

Discover a hidden gem on Phillip Island, with this cruise around the cliffs, caves, and historic sites of Cape Woolamai. Listen to informative commentary from the captain as you keep your eyes peeled for sightings of marine life such as dolphins, Australian fur seals, and seabirds. Snap photos of the dramatic coastal scenery and turquoise waters during this family-friendly cruise, which includes light refreshments and activities for children.

Sydney is known for its beaches, but finding the best local snorkeling spots can be challenging without insider knowledge. This guided experience at Clovelly Beach and Little Bay removes the guesswork by helping you set up your gear and follow a carefully planned route designed to maximize your chances of seeing local fish and marine life.

Enjoy a new perspective of Melbourne’s port and Docklands area as you cruise down the Yarra River toward Hobson’s Bay. Learn about Melbourne’s history as a 19th-century port town while watching the sights go by on this narrated tour.

Search for whales during this 8-hour wildlife-watching tour from Hervey Bay. Aboard a fully equipped catamaran that can accommodate up to 24 guests, sail out to Fraser Island's Platypus Bay. Climb on to the submerged platform to view whales in the water at a safe distance, and use the boat's hydrophone to hear their songs. Tea and a buffet lunch included.

Escape the traditional restaurant scene and the hassle of snagging a reservation, and savor delicious Tasmanian seafood fresh from the ocean on this full-day cruise from Hobart. Enjoy a scenic cruise down the Derwent River and around Bruny Island. Your guide dives and snorkels for fresh oysters, abalone, and sea urchins around Bruny Island’s coast. Dine on the freshly gathered seafood, prepared on board and accompanied by regional wines, beers, and cider.

Discover the Brisbane River either by day or night on a 90-minute kayak tour. Enjoy a water perspective on the Story Bridge or the South Bank Parklands after learning the basics of paddling from your expert guide. If you choose the night tour, you’ll hop into illuminated kayaks and enjoy the multicolored displays on the Story Bridge or glide past the evening lights of South Bank. This kayak tour is suitable for all levels of experience and provides a fantastic look at the city’s vital waterway.

Join this group tour from Townsville or Magnetic Island and explore the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) and the Great Barrier Reef by scuba diving or snorkeling. You’ll receive briefings above water from your guides, and then you’ll be able to explore MOUA and all of its history. This is located on the John Brewer Reef, which is also rich in indigenous culture that your guides will tell you all about.

Combine a thrilling jet boat ride with a scenic helicopter flight for a fun and comprehensive experience of the Gold Coast. Start with a jet boat ride that includes power slides, 360-degree spins, and other high-speed tricks. Your helicopter flight takes you soaring over the Gold Coast with panoramic views of the ocean and beaches. Enjoy views that most visitors miss, and still have time for other activities later.

The waters off the Gold Coast aren’t only for swimming and admiring; they’re a playground perfect jet boating. With your pilot, zip away from the waterfront at Sea World and strap in for a barrage of high-speed maneuvers, turns, and spins. Between the bursts of adrenaline, enjoy quiet moments admiring scenic views of the Broadwater.

NOVA Cruises pioneered whale watching from Newcastle back in 2006. Join Newcastle's longest running most experienced operator for an unforgettable 2.5-3 Hour ocean voyage and witness the amazing migration of over 25,000 Humpback whales passing Newcastle's scenic coastline. TOUR: Chance to see huge pods of playful dolphins, sea birds, seals, penguins, sharks, & much more. Includes bonus harbour and outer beach tour. Complimentary morning & afternoon tea. Informative commentary & free fact sheets. Licensed bar & snack food available onboard. Fully heated and air-conditioned Indoor & Outdoor viewing areas Best value whale watching in the Hunter!

Experience the magic of the Town of 1770 on this 1-hour afternoon cruise. Travel onboard a unique LARC amphibious vehicle, and cruise along the Eurimbula Coastline and Round Hill Creek to enjoy the views from both land and sea. Keep an eye for native wildlife such as kangaroos, dolphins, and seabirds as you journey through the Eurimbula National Park, and discover the fascinating history of the Town of 1770.

Teaching yourself to surf means guessing at technique and reading unfamiliar water on your own. Learn at Byron Bay's Main Beach instead, where a calm stretch of surf suits first attempts and an instructor covers what you need in a small group. Whether you're starting from scratch or brushing up, you get close guidance in the water.