Top Queensland On the Water - page 6

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.

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.

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.

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.

Some call Hervey Bay the Whale Watch Capital of the World for the migrating humpbacks which glide through between July and late October. Marvel at these playful 44-ton (40-tonne) mammals from the comfortable MV Amaroo catamaran with guaranteed sightings (conditions apply). While packages include morning or afternoon tea on board.

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.

Experience the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef with Great Adventures. From our spacious Outer Reef platform, discover vibrant coral and marine life. Swimmers and non-swimmers alike can snorkel or dive, explore the reef from the underwater observatory or air-conditioned semi-submersible, or enjoy a breathtaking 10-minute scenic helicopter flight.Enjoy morning tea, afternoon tea, and a delicious hot & cold buffet lunch. Optional activities like scuba diving and the exclusive Scuba-Doo underwater scooter are available for an additional fee. Enhance your visit with a 2-hour stop at Green Island before the Reef Pontoon. Explore the rainforest, relax on sandy beaches, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters—all gear is provided.

Start your day with a swift 45-minute catamaran journey to the breathtaking Green Island, where you'll have 2 hours to discover its vibrant coral reef and lush rainforest. Then, continue the adventure with 3 hours on Great Adventures' spacious activity platform, moored at the spectacular Outer Great Barrier Reef. With a wide range of activities available for all ages—whether you're a swimmer or prefer to stay dry—you can snorkel, dive, or explore the reef from the underwater observatory or air-conditioned semi-submersible. Looking for even more excitement? Optional extras like scuba diving, scenic helicopter flights, and the unique Scuba-Doo underwater scooter are also available for purchase on the day.

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.

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.

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.

Experience the beautiful Daintree River on a cruise at dawn. Enjoy a small-group tour with ample wildlife viewing—crocodiles, snakes, kingfishers, flycatchers, herons and other animals are often observed. Learn about the the river’s ecosystem from an informative local guide and visit otherwise inaccessible corners of the Daintree in a small but comfortable vessel.

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.

Most Great Barrier Reef trips are day tours, so seeing the reef after the crowds leave means finding somewhere to stay out on the water. Spend the night in an underwater suite at Hardy Reef, reached by cruise through the Whitsunday Islands. Snorkel, dive, or add a helicopter flight by day, then enjoy a sunset dinner before taking in reef views through the windows.

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.

Halfway up the Queensland coastline you’ll find Great Keppel Island, a protected hideaway smack in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. On this day trip from Keppel Bay Marina near Yeppoon, take a short ferry ride out to Great Keppel Island and explore the island at your own pace. Enjoy a tranquil bush walk, sunbathe, or immerse yourself in crystal-clear water.

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.

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.

Built around a complicated system of winding canals and waterways, the Gold Coast can be difficult to navigate alone. This short sightseeing tour around the region focuses on the city’s attractions and landmarks in the unique Quack’rDuck duck bus. Drive around Surfers Paradise, Southport and Main Beach, then plunge into the waterways and tour them too in this amphibian bus.

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.

Sail out to sea on a 3600 series 36 ft. cougar catamaran and learn how to catch some of the most famous deep sea fish off the Sunshine Coast. Enjoy a stable, comfortable experience captained by a crew of professionals—ideal for inexperienced or nervous sailors. A covered deck makes sure you’re safe from the sun in the heat of the day, and full bathroom facilities are available on deck.

Check an item off your bucket list by snorkeling or scuba diving on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On this tour from either Townsville or Magnetic Island, you’ll take a custom-built boat with a professional crew to the central section of the reef, home to stingrays, sea turtles, reef sharks, reef fish, and more. Lunch, soft drinks, and equipment are included. You have three options when booking: snorkeling, two certified dives, or an introductory dive with an experienced instructor.

Embark on a full-day adventure to the pristine coral cay of Low Isles on this Great Barrier Reef sailing and snorkeling cruise from Palm Cove. Travel aboard a luxury catamaran with marine biologist guides, and snorkel straight from the white sandy beach among famous coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, giant clams and green sea turtles Experience the reef another way on a glass-bottom boat tour, and explore the island on a guided nature walk. Your full-day tour includes a delicious buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea and round-trip hotel transport from Palm Cove.

Make the most of your time at the Great Barrier Reef by joining a two-day snorkeling tour. You’ll spend your days snorkeling among tropical fish, coral, and maybe even turtles. At night you’ll sleep on a boat in a shared cabin, some without windows, and can enjoy the peace of the reef after other tourists have left. Participate in the included “Fish After Dark” experience if you like.