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Travelers short on time in the Melbourne area don't need to miss out on one of Australia's greatest coastal road trips. This Great Ocean Road day tour includes many of the route's highlights, including the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay, and London Bridge. And, because this itinerary is the reverse of what many travelers take, you'll be skipping the worst of the crowds.

Escape bustling Sydney for the great outdoors on a small group day trip to the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ride in deluxe transportation aboard a Mercedes-Benz or mini bus from Sydney, with your guide handling all logistics and driving. Enjoy the world’s steepest railway ride at Scenic World, beautiful mountain highlights, and unforgettable encounters with Australian wildlife including koalas and kangaroos. Your tour concludes with a relaxing, scenic Parramatta River ferry ride (own expense) back to Sydney.

Benefit from a full-day sailing tour from Port Douglas to the Outer Barrier Reef to swim, snorkel, and sail in one of Australia’s most famous destinations. Visit the northern portion of the Great Barrier Reef, where coral cays and turquoise ocean are home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. Includes a buffet lunch, guided snorkel tour, glass-bottom boat tour, and commentary from a marine biologist guide.

Exploring K’gari’s vast landscapes in a single day can be challenging without the right transport and local knowledge, but this full-day guided tour makes it easy to see the island’s highlights. Depart early in a custom 4WD and spend the day visiting key sites such as Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek, Seventy-Five Mile Beach, and the Maheno shipwreck. With a local leading the way, learn about the island’s unique plant and animal life while enjoying time at its freshwater lakes, rainforest, and coastline.

The Great Ocean Road's main stops draw crowds by midday, so timing your visit to the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge around the buses takes local know-how. Ride it in reverse in a small group instead, reaching the headline sights ahead of the crowds with more time at each. Hotel pickup from Melbourne's CBD and Southbank sorts the start, so you spend the day looking rather than driving.

Jump off the ferry and immerse yourself in a special kind of island paradise with this full-day small-group tour of North Stradbroke Island from Brisbane. A great way to combine sightseeing with learning about the fascinating history and stories of the island, including its Traditional Custodians, the Quandamooka People, this full-day tour is entertaining and educational in equal parts. You’ll also have the chance to see koalas, manta rays, turtles, and dolphins in the wild.

Sydney's busy roads can make sightseeing tricky. Skip city traffic and combine a ferry ride with admission to Taronga Zoo. Depart from Circular Quay and sail across Sydney Harbour, taking in panoramic views of the skyline along the way. At the zoo, spot koalas and kangaroos, along with wildlife from around the world. Your package includes round-trip ferry transfers, so getting back to the city center couldn't be easier.

Many whale-watching tours head straight into open water, but this cruise begins in Sydney Harbour, where you can enjoy breakfast or a barbecue lunch (depending on the option selected). After your meal, sail past sights such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge en route to the Pacific Ocean, in search of migrating humpback and southern right whales. A naturalist guide provides live commentary along the way, and helps you spot marine life.

Explore the Blue Mountains the easy way on a full-day group tour from Sydney. It’s an action-packed trip with spectacular views, railway and cable car rides, forest walks, and wildlife encounters at Sydney Zoo. See much more than you could touring independently. This thorough tour appeals to travelers with many interests. Return to Sydney’s Circular Quay by ferry in time for dinner in the city.

Get out of the city and into the wild on this small-group tour with guaranteed sightings of wildlife. Visit viewing platforms, national parks with waterfalls, and other areas to get up close to charming wombats and kangaroos in their natural habitat. You also enjoy several Australian snacks throughout the day including meat pies and a delicious dinner at a historic pub.

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island to see the penguin parade and other wildlife highlights of Victoria. Your full-day tour stops at Moonlit Sanctuary wildlife conservation park to see Australian natives such as koalas and wallabies. Explore the dramatic Cape Woolamai surf beach and the Nobbies boardwalk where you can enjoy views of the rugged south coast and often seals as well.

Trade the bustle of Sydney for the picturesque Blue Mountains—and make your travel logistics easy and hassle-free—on this full-day tour. Catering to active adult travelers, this tour includes scenic views, waterfall hikes, and more. You can look forward to visiting Wentworth Falls, stopping at the Three Sisters, and spotting wildlife. All national park fees, lunch, and transportation from central Sydney are included.

Experience one of the wonders of the natural world up close and personal on this snorkeling and diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. Climb aboard a superyacht in Cairns and set sail to two different outer reef locations. Explore the colorful world underneath the water, and snorkel or dive for a closer look. A delicious barbecue lunch and light refreshments are included.

Make the most of the beautiful Whitsundays—without the hassle of planning or organizing—with this full-day adventure. Head out on a high-speed, 80-passenger boat (complete with air-conditioning and a spacious outdoor area to sunbathe) and spend the day relaxing on the pristine sands of Whitehaven Beach. Enjoy a guided walk to South Whitehaven Lookout and dine on a buffet lunch served onboard the boat. Upgrade your day with the option to include snorkeling at a secluded reef location—all snorkel equipment is provided for ease. As you swim, spot tropical fish and maybe even a sea turtle or two.

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.

Spend a blissful day on Moreton Island exploring the beaches, reef, and dunes on this tour from Brisbane or Surfers Paradise. Travel with an experienced guide in a rugged 4WD. You’ll snorkel or bodyboard, paddle transparent kayaks, and try sandboarding on the dunes: If sea conditions are unfavorable, take a 4WD island tour. Your day includes a picnic lunch on the beach but excludes national park fees and ferry tickets.

Enjoy a hassle-free way to experience the best of Rottnest Island on this full-day trip. Travel to Rottnest by ferry from either Perth or Fremantle, then embark on a sightseeing tour of the island by coach. While listening to your guide’s narration, check out landmarks including the West End and Wadjemup Lighthouse. Then, have free time to explore the car-free island at your leisure, and see the sights that interest you most.

Hop on a Jet Ski tour of the Whitsunday Islands from Airlie Beach for an unforgettable experience of this tropical paradise. The multiple tour options suit beginner and experienced riders, with tandem riding possible on some tours. Zip past picturesque coves and beaches as you learn about the region from your guide and admire the gorgeous views. Receive personalized attention on small-group tours.

Discover the wonders of Blue Mountains National Park on a group tour featuring bush walks and a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park. Take in stunning views of the iconic Three Sisters at Echo Point, stroll through lush rainforests near Wentworth Falls, and explore the scenic Jamison Valley—all guided by an expert with a deep appreciation for the area. This is a great opportunity to connect with Australia’s natural beauty without the hassle of driving yourself.

Discover Australia's Great Ocean Road—where coastal views and lush rainforests meet—on this full-day adventure from Melbourne. Heading out from the urban landscape of the city, keep your eyes peeled for koalas, walk through rainforests, and visit local landmarks like the Memorial Arch. A local guide is on-hand to fill you in on the area's history—something many travelers miss out on. Once you've refueled with lunch (own expense) in the beautiful town of Apollo Bay, marvel at the Twelve Apostles (a set of giant limestone stacks), and explore other panoramic views, including the dramatic Loch Ard Gorge.

Experience the Great Ocean Road’s top attractions on this guided excursion that follows the iconic road in reverse. Embark on your journey and beat the crowds while learning about the region’s scenic landscapes and pretty coastal towns from an informative guide. Visit sites including the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Apollo Bay, and Gibson Steps.

Seeing the highlights of the Blue Mountains in a single day can be difficult without your own transportation. This full-day tour from Sydney simplifies the experience with round-trip transfers and a comprehensive itinerary—including a visit to Sydney Zoo for native wildlife encounters and a koala photo opportunity. Follow up with panoramic views of the Three Sisters at Echo Point, then continue with unlimited rides at Scenic World and a visit to an Aboriginal cultural experience.

The Daintree's rainforest, coast, and the rugged Bloomfield Track are spread across a big stretch of Far North Queensland, hard to cover self-driving in a day. Join a 4WD tour that links them with a guided walk through the ancient rainforest and along the sand at Cape Tribulation. Watch for crocodiles on a river cruise, cool off with a freshwater swim in the forest, and finish with a tropical fruit ice cream.