Top Australia On the Water - page 9

Add a water adventure to your Kangaroo Island itinerary with a snorkeling tour that departs daily from Christmas Cove Marina. Going with a guide ensures you visit the best locations for viewing wildlife, from long-nosed seals to dolphins. In addition to live commentary about the area’s animals and ongoing conservation efforts, your guide provides wetsuits, snorkeling equipment, and sunscreen, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip.

Book a table for a 2-course 1.5-hour or a 3-course 3-hour lunch and sightseeing cruise on Sydney Harbour. Pass Sydney's famous landmarks including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as your boat glides along the water. Your sit-down dining experience includes attentive service for your selected 2 or 3-course lunch. A variety of fresh seafood, meat, and vegetable dishes are served as you take in the sights. Upgrade when booking to guarantee a window seat.

Learn to surf at Byron Bay on the world famous breaks. You may go to Byron, Lennox, or the Ballina area, depending on the conditions. Groups are small so you’ll receive lots of attention, feedback, and a guarantee that you’ll feel safe in the water. Boards used are soft, so you’ll catch lots of waves and have a great time in the process, which lasts about a half day.

Glide along the Tamar River toward Cataract Gorge on a scenic 90-minute kayak tour from Launceston. Use your feet to drive the pedal-powered kayak, and follow your guide along the North Esk River and Tamar with your hands free to steer and snap photos. Admire the North Esk waterfront, cruise under the King’s Bridge, and paddle along the lower Cataract Gorge to admire the rugged cliffs and forested slopes and watch for wildlife. Choose multiple session daily departure to suit your schedule. Numbers are limited for a small-group experience.

Combine sightseeing with wildlife spotting on this Sydney cruise that traverses the harbour and goes out to the open sea. Not only will you search for majestic humpback whales, you’ll also see the skyline and iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge from the water. Enjoy the comfort of the spacious catamaran with indoor and outdoor seating and refreshments for purchase.

Enjoy the picturesque surrounds of Fitzroy Island and kick back in paradise! Book a transfer only, or opt for a package building your day by selecting from options of picnic lunch box, snorkelling equipment hire and / or glass bottom boat tour! Fitzroy Island is a favourite trip for Cairns' locals with 99% of its landscape covered in lush tropical rainforest as well as granite outcrops, open woodlands, mangroves and coral beaches. Enquire about further upgrading your day with optional activities such as snorkel safari, kayak tour, visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation centre or guided nature walks. Choose an 8.45am departure of a 10.15am departure from Cairns, according to your preference.

Save with this 2-day package and enjoy two full days experiencing the best of Cairns. The Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and popular day trip destinations from Cairns. Cruise out to the Outer Reef and enjoy snorkeling (included) or scuba diving (optional extra) at two spectacular Great Barrier Reef sites. Then, experience a day in the Rainforest. Soar over the rainforest, gliding above the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail Cableway. Enjoy free time in Kuranda before taking the original Kuranda Scenic Railway back to Cairns, seeing all the beautiful sites of the rainforest and Barron Gorge.

Spot majestic humpback whales swimming and diving in the waves of Hervey Bay on this 4-hour cruise. Set sail across past Fraser Island, as you search for the gentle giants, who migrate to Australia’s warm waters between July and October. Make the most of your boat’s four viewing decks to get up close to the whales, then enjoy a delicious morning or afternoon tea served on deck as you cruise back to shore.

Feel the thrill of catching a wave at one of Australia's most famous surf hotspots when you sign up for this 2-hour beginner surf lesson at The Spit in Surfers Paradise. Master the basics under the guidance of an expert instructor, and have fun in the process. Changing rooms, safe storage areas, and outdoor showers are also available to you.

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.

Discover the coastal charm of Perth and Fremantle on this diverse half-day sightseeing tour. Take in views of the cityscape at Kings Park Botanic Gardens, and then get a closer look at cultural landmarks on a commentated coach tour. Head to the coast to admire the famous sandy stretches of Cottesloe Beach and soak up the seaport ambiance of historic Fremantle.

Starting from Darwin, this Adelaide River Adventure includes a scenic drive to the Adelaide River wetlands, where you’ll learn about the wildlife species that call these waterways home—including the saltwater crocodile. You’ll then go on a Jumping Crocodile Cruise to see these crocs in their natural habitat. A local Indigenous owned and operated venture, the cruise is a great way to support the Traditional Custodians of this Country.

Discover the magical underwater world of the Ningaloo Reef on this half-day kayaking and snorkeling tour from Exmouth. After being picked up from your accommodation, you’ll travel around the NW Cape, learning about the rich history, culture, geology, and flora and fauna of this fascinating region. You’ll then jump in your double kayaks and head out to sea, where you’ll have the chance to snorkel among the colorful coral and sea life on the Ningaloo Reef.

If you’re trying to choose between taking a bus tour or a boat tour of the Sunshine Coast you don’t have to with an amphibious Aquaduck tour. The one-hour tour starts with a land tour around Mooloolaba and then the duck becomes a boat and tours around the canals, and waterways. Learn more about the history and culture of the Sunshine Coast from the commentary and enjoy the excitement of riding in this special vehicle.

Ending a day out means deciding between a sunset drink and sorting dinner, then getting between the two. This cruise combines them, gliding along the Thomson River with stories of local wildlife and Indigenous culture as you settle in on the top deck. As night falls, dock at Smithy's Outback Dinner and Show for a two-course camp-oven dinner and live entertainment.

Reaching Ningaloo's best snorkeling spots means having a boat, gear, and a sense of where the marine life gathers. This small-group day tour supplies all three, setting off from Exmouth to paddle the clear waters of Ningaloo Marine Park. Snorkel over the coral to spot turtles, rays, reef sharks, and reef fish, with the chance of a dolphin or dugong. Morning tea, lunch, gear, and transport are included.

See the spectacle of whales off the Noosa coast on this boat tour along the Noosa coastline. Spend time out at sea with an expert guide and learn all about the whales that migrate through these waters. Enjoy views of the Noosa National park, and feel adventurous as the Noosa Thriller boat ventures over the surf towards panoramic views of the ocean—perfect for spotting whales.

See the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef on this day trip to Green Island. Leave from Cairns with hotel pickup included for zero hassle and then transfer by boat to Green Island. Choose from snorkeling or a glass bottom boat tour, and add on a semi-submersible experience. There’s also an option for a buffet lunch and nature walks on the island are available.

Spotting whales in the wild can be tricky if you are unfamiliar with the best places to look. Skip the guesswork by booking a guided tour that takes you out onto the pristine waters of Busselton to encounter the magnificent, charismatic mammals during their migration. Choose from a morning of afternoon tour and listen to live commentary from a marine biologist guide onboard.

Experience the beautiful Daintree River on this sunset cruise. Enjoy a small-group tour with ample wildlife viewing—crocodiles, snakes, kingfishers, flycatchers, herons and other animals are often spotted—that’s perfect for capturing memorable photos. Learn about the the river’s ecosystem from an informative local guide and take advantage of access to otherwise inaccessible corners of the Daintree in a small but comfortable vessel.

Get your adrenaline pumping on a Cairns jet boat ride. As you zoom across the waters of Trinity Inlet, hang on tight while the experienced boat captain performs spins and other maneuvers to make sure you stay cool in the splashing water. Admire landmarks from the boat, and keep your eyes open for marine life—you may get lucky and spot a crocodile. It’s a great way to spend 35 minutes in Queensland’s tropical heat.

Explore part of Australia’s longest navigable estuarine river, the Tamar, and the beautiful Cataract Gorge on this relaxing half-day cruise. Look out for water birds, cruise past vineyards, and get a glimpse into rural Australia. Sample local foods (buffet style) and Tasmanian wine as you chill out on board. This is an ideal tour for travelers who want to slow down and admire the natural scenery.

There's a version of Sydney almost no one sees and it starts the moment you launch. We put in the water directly in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, so you get one of the best views on the harbour right from the start, with the Bridge towering above you as the sky begins to glow. featured on Channel 7's Sunrise and Channel 9's Today. A launch point right at the Harbour Bridge, so the best views and photo moments start from minute one. led by friendly, experienced local guides relaxed, personal, and genuinely beginner-friendly. Free professional photos and video included throughout the tour, so every great moment is captured for you. Included: kayak, paddle, life jacket, full safety briefing, and free photos/video. Once you're back on land, join us for a group photo at our Henry Lawson bus stop launch point right where you started, with the Bridge behind you. It's become a bit of a tradition, and the perfect way to close out the morning.

Don't miss the chance to learn how to surf when you're in Noosa during this 2-hour small-group lesson. Whether you're a beginner or advanced surfer, you'll enjoy a structured class with a low student to instructor ratio and follow a specially designed 1-2-3 teaching method that results in most students standing on the board during their first lesson.