Day Cruises in Australia

Take an evening cruise from Strahan to Bonnet Island to see a colony of fairy penguins, aka little penguins, the world's smallest penguin species. Disembark the boat on the island for a glimpse of the penguins waddling along the rocky shore as they return to their nests for the night. You'll also spot the Bonnet Island lighthouse from the boat, where you'll enjoy an evening snack of cheese and fruit.

Get around Sydney with a hop-on hop-off ferry pass that is valid for three days. Take as many rides as you like, cruising between eight stops including Circular Quay and Darling Harbour in central Sydney, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Shark Island and Luna Park, next to Sydney Harbour Bridge. Bonus: comes with admission to Taronga Zoo and a round-trip ticket for the fast ferry to Manly.

Enjoy an afternoon cruise in the Noosa Everglades for another perspective on the Sunshine Coast. See Australian wildlife as you glide across Lake Cooroibah and Lake Cootharaba to reach the Noosa River, situated within Great Sandy National Park's Cooloola Recreation Area. Learn from informative commentary supplied by your captain on this 2-hour boat tour as you sit back and relax in this unique natural environment. After your Noosa Everglades cruise, you'll enjoy an anipasto platter while overlooking Lake Cootharaba.

Take a leisurely river cruise from Brisbane to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to meet native Australian wildlife up close. 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, you'll have about 3 hours to meet the animals. Observe the platypus, and watch animal shows that feature sheepdogs and birds of prey. A great experience for animal lovers!

Your amazing half-day tour of The Horizontal Falls departs from Broome on a turbo-prop seaplane, landing on Talbot Bay.  On arriving you will be transferred to the fastest boat in the Kimberley for your exhilarating thrill ride through The Horizontal Falls with your highly experienced skipper. After this highlight you get to sit back and relax as you cruise the surrounding bays and creeks of this pristine wilderness.. Enjoy a cooked breakfast or lunch on board your luxury vessel as you take in the breathtaking scenery. End your trip of a life-time with a scenic flight back to Broome.Your tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from your centrally located hotel in Broome.

Spend six hours on the Great Barrier Reef at two different snorkel and dive sites on this luxury catamaran cruise from Cairns. Travel in style aboard a comfortable catamaran to a mooring off of Upolu Cay. Take a glass-bottom boat to Upolu Cay, then have time to snorkel or scuba dive. Refuel with a buffet lunch on board the catamaran before heading to your next destination, Upolu Reef, for more water time, including a guided snorkeling tour.

Experience the thrill of jumping crocodiles on an Adelaide River cruise during this 5.5-hour tour from Darwin. Observe primeval saltwater crocodiles - commonly referred to as 'salties' -  as they leap from the water to snatch food that your boat guide dangles from above. See interactive displays at Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre and visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve during your visit to the Top End. Hotel transport is included.

If you can't wait to discover the wonders that made the Tasmanian Wilderness a UNESCO World Heritage Site, get a head start on this afternoon Gordon River cruise. Traveling on a state-of-the-art quiet catamaran, soak up views of rare Tasmanian trees, sample leatherwood honey, and see Hells Gates, where river and ocean meet. Upgrade for premier upper deck seating with afternoon tea and free-flow hot drinks.

Explore Fremantle on a full-day craft beer tour that includes a boat cruise along the Swan River from Perth. Visit three bars that feature great beers from Western Australia, soak up the suds with a tasty pub lunch, and get to know the history of Fremantle along the way. Includes beer tastings, lunch, and scenic cruise on the Swan River.

The Brisbane River, flowing directly through the city after which it's named, is the longest river in South Queensland. Take a relaxing 1.5-hour cruise 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.

Soak up the serene beauty of western Tasmania on a morning or afternoon cruise from Strahan to the Gordon River. You'll pass by natural landmarks like Hells Gates, which marks the entrance to Macquarie Harbour from the Southern Ocean, and see Sarah Island as you journey through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Select a seating category and departure time when booking. The morning tour is longer at 6 hours, while the afternoon tour is just 3.5.

Ensure a memorable experience on the Outer Great Barrier Reef on this full-day, all-inclusive cruise aboard a catamaran. Head for Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Outer Reef and plunge into the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef by snorkeling amongst its rich marine life. If you have selected the option, you can also include an introductory or certified dive. Includes morning and afternoon tea, as well as a buffet lunch.

Enjoy the natural delights of the Great Barrier Reef on an activity cruise from Cairns that gives you several ways to experience this renowned underwater world. After traveling by catamaran to a pontoon moored on the reef, you can observe marine life on a glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible vessel; go snorkeling to spot sea turtles; get your hands wet in the touch pool; upgrade to include a Seawalker Helmet dive; or upgrade to include an introductory or certified scuba dive. Snacks and a buffet lunch are included, and the pontoon is equipped with showers.

Cruise around Sydney Harbour while learning about Australia's indigenous culture from the Aboriginal hosts and crew. On board, hear stories of the Cadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal, and Wallumedegal people and learn the Aboriginal names and meanings of Sydney landmarks. After arriving at Clark Island, which is known by the Aboriginal people as Be-lang-le-wool, you'll learn about their fishing methods and food gathering techniques.

Experience Sydney like a VIP on this private sightseeing cruise. On board your own yacht with your own captain, you can view iconic landmarks around Sydney Harbour, even stopping to fish, swim or kayak during the afternoon tour. Get great photo ops of Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, Shark Island and more. The morning tour includes morning tea, and the afternoon or sunset tour come with a three-course barbecue lunch or dinner accompanied by Australian wine and beer. Linger at your favorite places on this customizable tour.

Get a peak into Australia's dark past with a guided tour of Goat Island. Visit this convict stockade-turned-national park with an informative local guide and take an entertaining walking tour. take Take a cruise through Sydney Harbor, enjoy a delicious champagne lunch, and explore the country's history as a penal colony - all on one fun and fascinating excursion.

If snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, don't miss this day trip from Cairns. You'll spend five hours at two different locations on the barrier reef for the chance to see tropical marine life in the clear waters. Lunch is included on board the boat, and you have the option to upgrade to include additional adventures such as introductory or certified scuba diving or a helicopter flight over this UNESCO World Heritage site. Both water sports enthusiasts and novices are welcome!

See Sydney highlights from the water with this scenic Harbour tour. Over the course of 3 hours, you'll cruise from Darling Harbour past landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. See Watsons Bay, penguins, North Head Quarantine Station, and lovely waterside homes. Stop at local beaches to swim and explore before your return to Darling Harbour.

Indulge in a delicious afternoon tea as you float down the Brisbane River on a traditional paddle wheeler. Sip sparkling wine and tuck into a delicious spread of savory rolls, scones, sweet treats and handmade chocolates, accompanied by live music. Pass landmarks like the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and the Wheel of Brisbane on a romantic 2-hour cruise, and spot attractions like the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Queensland Maritime Museum.

See an abundance of birds, crocodiles and other wildlife on this day trip from Darwin with a 2.5-hour Corroboree Billabong cruise. You'll board a shaded, open-sided boat for optimal wildlife viewing along the Mary River Wetlands, home to the largest concentration of saltwater crocs as well as 30 species of birds. Hear commentary from your guide throughout the full-day tour, which includes an informative stop at Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre as well as lunch and round-trip hotel transport.