Top Australia Outdoor Activities - page 2

Go snorkeling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day cruise from Cairns. Relax on board your 80-foot (25-meter) luxury catamaran as your captain sails to two exclusive locations on the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to snorkel or dive, with full instruction provided by guides, and see an array of colorful fish, sea turtles, and corals. Your tour includes morning and afternoon tea, and a buffet lunch, with additional beverages available for purchase.

The desert landscape of the Pinnacles is especially atmospheric at dusk. Skip experiencing it in the company of busloads of tourists on a full-day tour from Perth that’s timed to get you to the Pinnacles for sunset. Before that, take in the views of the incredible sand dunes from the Guilderton lookout, stroll along the Hangover Bay Coast, and admire the views from the Nilgen Lookout. Includes a picnic dinner with wine.

With spaced-out highlights and an overwhelming mix of transport options, it can be hard to cover the best of Sydney on your own—especially if you're short on time. Keep things simple with this guided tour—with private and small-group options—and maximize your day with an itinerary that checks off plenty in one seamless experience. From the comfort of a private vehicle, visit The Rocks, Bondi Beach, and Watson’s Bay, and enjoy time to linger at sights such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kuranda Rainforest independently can be time-consuming and complex, with transport, tickets, and timing to manage. This full-day tour from Cairns simplifies the experience by combining the region’s highlights into one seamless itinerary. Journey to Kuranda aboard the historic Scenic Railway, visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, tour Rainforestation Nature Park in an amphibious Army Duck, and see koalas, dingoes, and native wildlife at the Koala and Wildlife Park. An immersive Dreamtime walk with a Pamagirri guide, and an Australian barbecue buffet lunch are included, before returning to Cairns via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Visit some of the top attractions outside of Hobart on this day trip to Mount Wellington, Mount Field National Park, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and the historical town of Richmond.

Experience the thrill of seeing saltwater crocodiles on a jumping crocodile cruise down the Adelaide River about an hour southeast of Darwin. A great way to come face to face with these magnificent creatures, this cruise also offers visitors the chance to learn about the ecology of the river and its incredible inhabitants. Great for wildlife lovers, this Indigenous-owned tour company focuses on sustainable interactions and has been endorsed by the NT Parks & Wildlife for its animal ethics policies.

Get set for a wet and wild adventure as you hurtle down the Mulgrave River on a giant tube! Hang on tight as you navigate small rapids and then soak up the scenery as you drift through the rainforest. This fun-filled morning tour includes hotel pick-up and round-trip transport from Cairns, plus around 2 hours of tubing. Best of all: there’s no experience necessary, so everyone can give it a go!

Enjoy the sun, sand, and marine life of the Low Isles without the midday crowds—the early-morning or early-afternoon departures avoid the busiest times. Snorkel in the coral gardens, walk around the tiny islands, or take a glass-bottom boat tour so you can stay dry while admiring the underwater world. Choose whether to snorkel with or without a guide, depending on your confidence level.

Ensure a memorable experience on the Outer Great Barrier Reef on this full-day cruise aboard a catamaran. Head for Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Outer Reef and plunge into the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel among its rich marine life or include an introductory or certified dive (additional cost). Includes a buffet lunch and morning and afternoon tea on board, all snorkeling gear, and wetsuits or stinger suits.

Sydney's harborfront landmarks are best seen from the water, but working out vantage points and timing takes local know-how. Board a cruise past the city's historic sights, tucked-away beaches, and sandstone cliffs, with the route handled for you. Listen to commentary on the harbor's history as the views roll by, and pick the morning or afternoon departure that suits your day.

Discover the vibrant underwater world of the outer Great Barrier Reef with a Quicksilver snorkeling cruise from Port Douglas. Board a luxurious catamaran to Agincourt Reef, where you can tailor your day with activities like snorkeling, fish feeding, semi-submersible tours, or the unique Ocean Walker helmet dive. Complete the adventure with a tasty buffet lunch and options to take your exploration deeper with scuba dives for beginners or certified divers alike.

Make the most of your time in Tropical North Queensland with this all-in-one day trip through the Atherton Tablelands. Take in natural beauty and cultural insight in one comprehensive experience. Start beneath the ancient Cathedral Fig Tree, where a guide reveals the rainforest’s deep spiritual and ecological roots. Take a dip in the waters of Lake Eacham, enjoy a hearty pub lunch made with local ingredients, and visit two of the region’s most scenic waterfalls—Millaa Millaa and Josephine Falls. Along the way, spot native wildlife such as tree-kangaroos, and end your journey at the Babinda Boulders.

Explore the lush beauty, amazing wildlife, and rich heritage of Tropical North Queensland on this customizable full-day trip to Kuranda from Cairns. Travel to this enchanting rainforest village aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, and choose from a variety of activities including visits to Birdworld and Rainforestation Nature Park. Hang out with koalas and exotic birds, browse local markets, and more. At the end of the day, glide through the treetops back to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

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.

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.

See the best of Phillip Island on this group tour from Melbourne, where all the details are taken care of so you just need to relax and take in the sites. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos, koalas, and the adorable tiny penguins who populate the island. Make sure your cameras are charged for photos at beautiful viewpoints, like at Cowes, and more.

Wetlands made Kakadu National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Yellow Water Billabong is one of the most beautiful. Join Indigenous-owned Yellow Water Cruises on a guided journey of discovery among crocodiles, eagles, and reflecting waters. The wildlife, like the light, changes throughout the day.

Getting out of Melbourne and down to Philip Island takes a couple of hours at the wheel, and doesn’t leave much opportunity to take in the sights en route. Leave the driving to a guide and check off two wildlife encounters in just one day as you travel there by coach. Watch the “penguin parade”—fairy penguins making their way to their burrows—from an exclusive viewing platform, and visit the Phillip Island Koala Reserve to see the Australian marsupial up close.

Combine sightseeing with meal plans on this sunset dinner cruise around Sydney Harbour. Relax as soon as you step on board, and take in the city from a unique and romantic perspective. Pass highlights including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Enjoy a 3-course à la carte meal, or upgrade to a 4-course option if you choose. Perfect for celebrating a special occasion, like an anniversary or birthday.

Take a leisurely river cruise from Brisbane to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on this two-in-one, time-saving tour. This half-day tour departs from bustling Southbank and cruises along the Brisbane River with views of iconic landmarks on the way to Lone Pine. Upon arrival, enjoy ample time to view the animals, from koalas and platypus to kangaroos and more.

See snapping crocs in action on this half-day tour to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Departing from Cairns or Palm Cove, explore the five different zones of this eco-park and working crocodile farm, including a narrated boat tour through a coastal lagoon. Stroll along elevated boardwalks to observe cassowaries, turtles, lizards, and koalas, and admire the mighty stars of the attraction at the thrilling Crocodile Attack Show.

Reaching the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns can really eat into your time on the reef. Spend more time snorkeling and less time sailing with this tour that takes you out on the water aboard the fastest boat in Cairns. Escape the crowds as you explore the underwater world at several of the boat's exclusive outer reef moorings.

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.

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.