Top Australia On the Water

Escape into nature on this cruise along the Noosa River to Australia's Everglades in Cooloola National Park. Gain deeper insight into the flora, fauna and natural history of the area with live commentary as you go. Perfect for first-timers to Noosa who want to explore their surroundings at a leisurely, relaxed pace.

Experience the Great Ocean Road in a relaxed small group, with an expert local guide bringing the journey to life through stories, local knowledge and insights along the way. Travel from Melbourne in comfort and discover some of Victoria’s most spectacular coastal scenery, from the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge to the rainforest of Great Otway National Park, with opportunities to spot wild koalas along the route.

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 featuring lamb shoulder and live music on weekends for an unforgettable Sydney experience.

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.

Plan ahead and book roundtrip shuttle service to/from Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) to your Airlie Beach accommodations or the cruise ship port. Travel comfortably in air-conditioned buses, which means fewer stops, so you'll get to your destination quicker. Plus, you'll avoid the hassle of waiting in a long taxi line.

Discover the joy of coming face to face with majestic humpback whales while cruising across the ocean on a sailing boat on this fun-filled tour from Sydney Harbour. Running between May and November, the annual whale migration is a sight to behold. This small-group sailing tour gives travelers the chance to cruise alongside these incredible creatures without noisy engines or megaphones, so you can enjoy an immersive and wild natural experience.

Enjoy the sun, sand, and marine life of the Low Isles without the midday crowds—the early-morning or early-afternoon departures avoid the busiest times. Snorkel in the coral gardens, walk around the tiny islands, or take a glass-bottom boat tour so you can stay dry while admiring the underwater world. Choose whether to snorkel with or without a guide, depending on your confidence level.

Spend around half the day exploring the coast of Tasmania’s scenic Freycinet National Park on this easygoing kayaking tour. If you’re not an experienced kayaker, don’t worry – all kayaking gear is provided free of charge and participants receive personalized coaching and guidance from the guides on this small group tour. Get striking landscape photos of Freycinet’s forests and mountains from the sea and even disembark at one of the park’s isolated beaches.

Experience the Tasman Peninsula by both land and sea on this day trip from Hobart that includes a cruise along the coast of Tasman National Park. Gaze up at towering sea cliffs, look for wildlife like falcons and seals, and learn about the peninsula’s ecosystem. Then visit the UNESCO–listed Port Arthur Historic Site for an in-depth look at Australia’s penal history at this former penal colony.

Reaching the outer Great Barrier Reef requires a boat, gear, and staff who can match the day to your experience in the water. Cruise out from Cairns by catamaran to three dive sites, swimming among the coral and marine life at each. All levels are welcome, with guides on hand whether you snorkel, try an introductory scuba dive, or dive as a certified diver. Buffet lunch and morning and afternoon tea are included.

Discover the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef from all angles on this action-packed tour—something few travelers get to enjoy. Cruise onboard a high-speed catamaran and enjoy an introductory or certified scuba dive at two different dive sites. After marveling over the colorful corals and marine life from underwater, hop aboard for a helicopter flight to see the islands and reefs from above.

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.

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.

Discover the history of Sydney on a 2.5-hour walking tour and pub crawl in The Rocks. Your knowledgeable and entertaining guide takes you to four of Sydney's oldest pubs where you try a different glass of craft beer, cider, or wine in each venue. Learn about the early days of the British colony in Australia and hear the stories of these old-time pubs as you enjoy their rich atmosphere and tasty drinks.

Explore the natural bounty of Queensland on this full-day tour to Lamington National Park from Gold Coast or Brisbane. Soak up spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean from atop Mt Tambourine, and create your own adventure at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Encounter flocks of king parrots and other native bird species on a treetop canopy walk, and try your hand at bird feeding on a ground-level bush walk. Visit a local alpaca farm for a furry finish to the day!

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.

Reaching Moreton Island's clear waters and shipwrecks means a boat trip from Brisbane, easier to book as one package than pieced together. Take an all-inclusive day tour that handles the journey, then snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks with a guide. Relax on the beach and break for a buffet lunch, watching for turtles, dolphins, and dugongs, which are often spotted in these waters.

Experience Hobart from the water on a 3-hour sailing tour by ocean-racing yacht. As you glide along the River Derwent, admire the city’s coastal scenery, look for wildlife and help the crew with tasks like trimming the sails or grinding the winch. Or, simply relax and enjoy the fresh air. Gourmet snacks will be served while you listen to tales about sailing on the high seas.

Sample the natural beauty of the Gold Coast, without having to buy or rent equipment, with this outdoor adventure. Hop on a sea kayak and paddle your way over to Wave Break Island for a guided snorkel over a rocky reef and a short bushwalk. Spot dolphins and stingrays, then enjoy tasty, locally sourced snacks before returning to shore.

Take to the Noosa Everglades, just minutes from the heart of town, for an exciting kayak tour to spot stingrays in their natural habitat. Explore the UNESCO-listed waterways to learn all about the local stingrays, explore hidden creeks, and swim in pristine waters led by an experienced local guide, a biologist, whose enthusiasm for wildlife will push you to spot as many species as you can. This family-friendly experience requires no prior kayaking experience and includes a picnic on secluded shores.

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. Enjoy exploring Langford Sandbar and end the day with a gorgeous sunset as you return to Airlie Beach.

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.

Airlie Beach is a popular basecamp for visiting the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef, but there are plenty of opportunities for adventure activities without leaving town. This jet boat ride will get your adrenaline soaring, as you zoom past the glitzy marina; perform daring turns, drifts and power stops; and enjoy magnificent views of the Whitsundays as you cruise around Pioneer Bay.

If visiting the ancient coral cay of Green Island for the day wasn’t great enough, add a seawalker helmet dive to your package. Take a super-fast catamaran from Cairns to the island and choose between the use of snorkeling gear or a glass-bottom boat ride (included). Add more fun to the day by donning a glass helmet and taking a guided walk on the seabed, surrounded by coral and tropical fish while keeping your head dry.