Top Australia On the Water - page 5

Sit back, relax, and enjoy an evening on the water—this dinner cruise on the Swan River is an elegant way to see the highlights of Perth from a crowd-free vantage point. As you glide past the city's waterfront, admire Perth's skyline, listen to live music, and dine on a delicious buffet dinner. Soak up the atmosphere and have a night to remember—perfect if you're celebrating something special or want to try a new dining 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.

Soak up the serene beauty of western Tasmania on a morning cruise on the Gordon River from Strahan. Pass by natural landmarks such as Hells Gates, which marks the entrance to Macquarie Harbour from the Southern Ocean. Explore a former penal colony on Sarah Island as you journey through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Includes a delicious chef-prepared lunch onboard. Select a seating category when booking.

Maximize your chances of seeing humpback whales by joining this tour from Byron Bay, led by a marine biologist. Head for areas that the whales are known to pass through as they migrate in winter (June–November), watch them as they majestically breach, and listen to them sing by using an underwater hydrophone.

Escape the crowds on land and admire Sydney’s top landmarks—including Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House—on an evening dinner cruise that includes a 3-course meal with food and wine sourced from New South Wales. Sailing at sunset means that you can admire Sydney Harbour when it's at its most photogenic, while a top deck provides you with panoramic views of the scenery.

Discover Western Australia's oldest wine region on this full-day tour of the Swan Valley from Perth. Be guided through a wine tasting and then Indulge in shared platter lunch, as you cruise down the Swan River. Then, transition to a coach to tour two Swan Valley wineries and a brewery, indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to a chocolate showroom.

Look out over the water in search of migrating whales during this whale watching boat cruise. Watch for humpback whales, southern right whales, and maybe even illusive blue whales as they make their northern and southern migrations between the months of May and December. Your naturalist guide will help you spot these massive marine animals as well as other sea life like seals, dolphins, and birds.

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.

Spot humpback whales swimming and playing in their natural environment on this half-day Hervey Bay catamaran cruise. Observe the majestic sea creatures using the boat’s underwater viewing windows or listen to the whales sing using the onboard hydrophones. Learn all about the gentle giants from your expert guide, then tuck into morning or afternoon tea as you watch the whales from the deck.

Maximize your chances of spotting native Australian wildlife on this full-day tour from Darwin to Corroboree Billabong, where saltwater crocodiles and native birdlife are abundant. Step aboard a shaded, open-sided boat designed for optimal viewing, with live commentary helping you spot and understand the wildlife around you. The day also includes a stop at the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre, lunch, and round-trip hotel transport—so you can experience the Top End’s wildlife without the planning, driving, or guesswork.

Enjoy a relaxing yet activity-filled half-day on Magnetic Island. On board the cruise you’ll learn about the unique biodiversity of this island from your local guides. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle boards are provided so you can fully explore the underwater environment of Magnetic Island’s fringing reef. This is a fun trip for the whole family.

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.

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.

Explore the waters of Airlie Beach on this guided jet ski tour. Zip across the bays at high speed, with the chance to possibly encounter marine life such as sea turtles. The Sea-Doo skis are suitable for both experienced riders and beginners. No experience required. There is a maximum of two passengers per jet ski.

Set out from Coles Bay on a half-day cruise across the clear waters of Wineglass Bay, an easy way to experience the highlights of Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula from the water in just a few hours—including spots hard to reach by land. Sail past white-sand beaches and dramatic granite cliffs while taking in the area’s coastal scenery, with the option to upgrade and enjoy a freshly prepared onboard lunch. As you cruise, keep watch for local wildlife such as dolphins, sea eagles, and migrating humpback whales (depending on the season).

Marvel over colorful corals and schools of tropical fish on this half-day tour of the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas. Set sail for a thrilling cruise around the Low Isles by luxury catamaran, including a delicious afternoon tea served onboard. Enjoy free time to swim or snorkel at the beaches or join a guided snorkeling tour or glass-bottom boat cruise, and learn more about the reef’s myriad sea life. This cruise is limited to 33 passengers and includes hotel pick-up and snorkeling gear.

Whether you want to immerse yourself in the Great Barrier Reef or view it from a bit of a distance, this day trip to the outer reef has you covered. The activity platform at the reef provides opportunities to snorkel, dive, and swim, and to view it from the comfort of a semi-submersible and an underwater observatory. An ideal day trip for the whole family.

Enjoy an evening of fine dining and spectacular views on a dinner cruise around Sydney Harbour. Indulge your tastebuds with a meal that includes six superb courses accompanied by Penfolds gold selection of bin and vintage wines and a full open bar. Listen to live music on weekends while soaking in iconic sights of Sydney such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

Experience Sydney Harbour in a unique way: during a 30-minute wild ride on 'Thunder', a jet boat capable of slides, twists, wave riding, and fishtails. Enjoy some sightseeing between tricks with views of Luna Park, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Opera House, Rose Bay and other famous Harbour landmarks.

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.

Explore the fascinating underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day sailing catamaran cruise to Low Isles. Snorkel straight from the beach on this beautiful coral cay known for its resident population of green sea turtles. View coral gardens and tropical marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour, explore the tropical on a guided nature walk and relax on the pristine, sandy beaches. The fun-filled day at sea includes a buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea

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.

Finding the best places to spot sea turtles and snorkel in Coral Bay is hard without local knowledge. This guided tour removes the guesswork, taking you straight to prime areas where turtles are often seen in their natural habitat. Cruise in a custom-designed glass-bottom boat for clear views of marine life below the surface, while the crew shares insights and answers questions about turtles and the surrounding ecosystem.

Go in search of humpback whales, and sometimes even southern right whales, in their natural environment on a whale-watching tour from Augusta. Hop aboard the Tradewind 3, which features a flybridge for up to 15 people, a spacious bow, a rear deck, and an interior cabin for spotting the humpbacks, as well as possible southern right whales.