Top Australia Wine, Beer & Spirits - page 4

Learning to surf on your own means guessing at technique and trying to access equipment—difficult to arrange on vacation. Book a small-group lesson at Bondi Beach with a local instructor to cover surf and safety basics, warm-up, paddling, catching waves, and standing up. All the gear is included, so you can turn up and get straight in the water.

Enjoy sweeping views of Sydney Harbour during a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight over Sydney. If you’re short on time in the city or just want to see a lot in one go, take to the skies for a quick flight with stunning panoramic views. Check off Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, and Sydney Harbour Bridge without having to walk anywhere or struggle through the crowds.

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.

Ending your cruise in Sydney? Save on taxi fares and ensure a hassle-free transfer to your hotel by pre-booking your arrival transfer online. When your cruise ends, your driver will meet you at your Sydney cruise port terminal, help with your luggage and drive you to your Sydney CBD hotel by air-conditioned minivan or coach. It’s an easy, cost-effective option that’s available for all arrival cruises, so you can concentrate on enjoying your vacation.

The Brisbane River, flowing directly through the city after which it’s named, is the longest river in South Queensland. Take a relaxing ruise along the river, seeing iconic sights including Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Brisbane City Center, and Story Bridge in a short amount of time. Fit a morning or afternoon departure into your vacation schedule.

Journey to the rain forest village of Kuranda via two unique transit options on this memorable full-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Skip the line and enjoy Gold Class service aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through lush mountain passes and waterfall gorges along the way. In the opposite direction, glide above the treetops in a gondola and soak up spectacular views of the mountains and coastline on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. In Kuranda, enjoy leisure time to explore the heritage markets, learn about aboriginal culture or interact with native wildlife.

Join a morning or afternoon excursion to Manly to snorkel in the calm waters of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Just a short hop from Sydney, see diverse marine life on a guided snorkeling tour from Shelly Beach. After a swim test, your guide leads your small group into the water from the beach, so you can snorkel with confidence. Also stroll along the headland for great Northern Beaches views.

Discover the underwater beauty of the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day tour from Cairns. Glide across the Coral Sea on a catamaran ride to a premium outer reef location with diverse marine life. Spend hours at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed reef with exclusive access to an activity platform staffed by marine biologist guides. Snorkel, scuba dive, or opt to take a glass-bottom boat tour.

Get a bird’s-eye perspective of Tropical North Queensland on an unforgettable hot air balloon flight at sunrise. Soar over the Atherton Tablelands as golden sunlight breaks across beautiful farmlands, rivers, and forests. Choose the duration of your flights and enjoy pickup and drop-off from your Cairns, Northern Beaches, or Palm Cove hotel. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful way to start your day!

Cruise through Sydney Harbour in style on board a spacious flagship vessel that departs from Circular Quay and King Street Wharf. Glide by the floodlit Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, among other landmarks. Sit down for a 4-course dinner with an array of international dishes including fresh seafood. Enjoy the views from your table or the viewing deck, with live music playing on the weekends.

Venture off-the-beaten-track and explore the UNESCO-listed wilderness of Australia’s tropical north on this full-day tour from Cairns. Journey along the Captain Cook Highway; take a guided hike through the Mossman Gorge and cool off with a dip in the Mossman River. After lunch (included), look out for crocodiles on a scenic cruise down the Daintree River, then continue to Cape Tribulation to trek through the Daintree Rainforest and enjoy magnificent views over the Great Barrier Reef. This small-group tour is limited to 14 people for a personalized 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.

Start your day off right with a kayaking and snorkeling tour to Wavebreak Island from Biggera Waters, south of the Gold Coast. Paddle at a leisurely pace, while keeping an eye out for wildlife such as stingrays and seabirds. Head to a secluded island for a snorkel break, where you can spot loads of tropical fish. Visit a secluded beach and enjoy a picnic breakfast to refuel before heading back.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef and a lush island rain forest on this catamaran tour to Green Island from Cairns. Create your own perfect day on this protected coral cay with a variety of activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, Seawalking, nature walks, and tours on a glass-bottom boat. Upgrade to include a delicious buffet lunch on board the catamaran and/or a ride in a semi-submarine. It’s a fantastic way to discover the underwater wonders of the world’s most famous reef.

This Tully River rafting trip offers an unforgettable full day of adventure in North Queensland, perfect for thrill-seekers. The Tully River carves its way through the spectacular Tully Gorge, and you’ll paddle through 40 exciting rapids, some reaching Grade 4/5, surrounded by the stunning World Heritage-listed rainforest. The experience wraps up with a pub dinner and includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from Cairns.

Enjoy the convenience of a private transfer by luxury vehicle from Sydney Airport (SYD) to your Sydney area accommodation. Skip the airport taxi lines and relax with door-to-door service operated by a professional driver. You'll travel directly to your Sydney hotel or residence in a spacious vehicle with a safe and reliable driver, a perfect way to begin your Sydney vacation or business trip.

Explore Kakadu National Park and learn about Australia’s Aboriginal heritage on a full-day tour from Darwin. You'll see the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed park, including ancient rock art of Ubirr Rock and views from the Nadab lookout. Then take a Guluyambi cultural cruise along the East Alligator River, traveling with an indigenous guide who stops along the way to show you the dramatic landscapes of Arnhem Land. Note: March and April visit the Burrungkuy and Nourlangie Rock galleries and ride the Billabong cruise.

Explore the Melbourne coast without stressing out about beating the traffic or finding parking. On this small-group tour, ride along the coastal boardwalks and bike paths through bustling and picturesque neighborhoods such as St. Kilda, Elwood, and Brighton. Pedal past Luna Park, cycle through the St. Kilda Botanical Gardens, and snap some photos of the colorful Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes.

Leave busy Brisbane for a small-group full-day tour that showcases the natural beauty of North Stradbroke Island. Swim in the surf or freshwater lakes, take a short guided hike, view whales and other marine animals from the beach and coastal lookouts, visit small towns including historic Amity Point, and go in search of the island’s population of wild kangaroos and koalas.

Learn to surf off the iconic Main Beach at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. You’ll have a lesson suited to your individual needs, and your safety will be of utmost importance. You can choose a private or small group lesson, whatever you like. This is a 1.5 hour lesson, and you’ll be provided with a surfboard, wetsuit, sunscreen, and instructor.

Cruise Caves Road, the artery that connects Margaret River’s vineyards, on this cool and casual adventure tailored to dudes and dudettes. Get hands-on with a wine blending experience and enjoy your bin with lunch; savor tastings at three award-winning boutique wineries; and discover the flavors of gourmet chocolate. Your package includes hotel pickup and drop-off from your Margaret River accommodation and all food and drink except your beverage in the last brewery.

Discover Melbourne's bar scene, including "hidden" bars you won't find in any guidebooks, on this small-group bar-hopping tour. Visit several venues for cocktails, Australian wine, and beer, stopping into a classic pub, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked into the laneway, a wine bar with options from the nearby Yarra Valley, and another bar selected by your guide depending on your group’s interests. Your first drink is included, plus get tips for additional places to visit on your own.

Get together with a guide and a small group to explore the Sydney CBD, The Rocks, Surry Hills, or Newtown on a nightlife tour. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, and friends, this tour visits a few hidden and top-rated Sydney bars. Enjoy a provided beverage at the first venue, with no pressure to drink. Along the way, hear fascinating crime stories, local legends, and fun trivia.

Spend the day immersing yourself in the food and wine culture of Margaret River—with all logistics and driving taken care of by someone else—on this small-group tour. Following hotel pickup, enjoy a chocolate tasting and a chance to see whales in season. Then, participate in a unique blind wine tasting, followed by lunch. Visit three more wineries and a brewery for a complete Australian wine experience.