Day Trips in Australia

Marvel over the dramatic canyons, cascading waterfalls and wildflower valleys of the Grampians National Park on this action-packed full-day tour. Visit the gold rush town of Ballarat; take a bush walk to see the Silverband Falls and spot wild kangaroos at Halls Gap. After lunch (included), embark on a short hike to the Grand Canyon, stand in awe beneath the MacKenzie Falls and admire jaw-dropping views over Stringybark Forest, Victoria Valley and Lake Bellfield. This small-group tour includes hotel pick-up and round-trip transport from Melbourne.

Exploring the Gold Coast Hinterland can be a challenge if you don't have your own transport, but this full-day tour from the Gold Coast offers the perfect introduction. Discover the natural wonders of the Springbrook National Park, stopping to take in the views of Mt Warning and the Numinbah Valley, and admire landmarks including the Natural Arch, Rainbow Falls, and Goomalarah Falls.

Discover the rugged mountains and wildflower valleys of the Grampians National Park on this full-day tour from Melbourne. Stop for morning tea in Beaufort, enjoy a scenic drive through Halls Gap, then climb to the Boroka Lookout for fantastic views of the Mt William and Serra Ranges. That's not all: hike to see the dramatic Balconies; view the idyllic Mackenzie Falls and spot wild kangaroos roaming through the valleys.

Short on time? Explore Melbourne's best bits, get up close to adorable koalas and visit Phillip Island all in one day! Visit Melbourne landmarks like Captain Cook's Cottage, St Patrick's Cathedral and Fitzroy Gardens; stop to browse the stalls at Queen Victoria Market; and enjoy a walking tour of the city's neighborhoods. After lunch in the city (own expense), journey to Phillip Island to explore the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, get up close to koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre and watch the evening Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach.

Discover the scenic coastline, beaches, national parks, flora, and fauna of Bruny Island on this full-day tour from Hobart. Travel via ferry to the island (tickets included), where you will enjoy the Tempered Rain-forest walk, the Cape Bruny Lighthouse, walking tracks, secret water holes, and a viewing platform at the Neck.

Enjoy swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing on UNESCO-listed Fraser Island with this full-day boat cruise, including hotel pick-up from Hervey Bay. Spot dolphins as you sail out to the island, swim with turtles at Wathumba creek, then discover the island's wild side on a bush walk. After tucking into a delicious buffet lunch on-board (included), spend the rest of the afternoon kayaking, paddle boarding or snorkelling at the island's beaches and bays. During the Hervey Bay whale season from mid-July to October, be on the look out for humpback whales and experience the thrill of getting up close to these majestic creatures as they frolic in the calm clear waters off Fraser Island.

Experience the Australian countryside on this tour exploring the Grand Pacific Drive. Pass through the Royal National Park with scenic views and then walk across the Grand Pacific Bridge, and stop for a pint at a classic Australian mining pub. Perfect for visitors who want to get a taste for life outside the big city and come home with great photos, your professional photographer guide shares local insights and pro tips for capturing the scene.

Discover some of Australia's most photographed landscapes on this full-day tour of the famous Great Ocean Road from Melbourne. Stop for morning tea in Anglesea, spot wild koalas along the Kennett River and tuck into lunch overlooking the dramatic Apollo bay. After lunch, enjoy a hike through the Otway Rainforest, learn how the notorious Shipwreck Coast earned its name and marvel over natural landmarks like the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps.

Admire Bruny Island by both land and sea on this day trip from Hobart that includes a 3-hour eco-cruise around the island. You'll have the chance to see remote beaches, rugged coastlines and native wildlife like dolphins and fur seals as you cruise past steep cliffs and deep sea caves. Ferry transport to the island is included, plus morning tea and lunch on the island.

Discover the natural beauty of Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, on a 4-wheel-drive day trip from Rainbow Beach or Noosa. As you traverse the island by purpose-built 4WD, make stops at lakes, white-sand beaches, the colored sand cliffs and other natural attractions, and keep your eyes open for wildlife like birds and reptiles. Lunch is included.

Combine visits to the Mystical Pinnacle Desert, the Lancelin San Dunes (including sandboarding), and the Sorrento Quay Hillarys Boat Harbour on a 10-hour trip from Perth. Lunch and round-trip transportation from Perth hotels included.

Explore the Great Ocean Road on a full-day tour from Melbourne that combines classic sightseeing with a visit to a heritage sheep station. Tour the sheep station in the morning, watching a sheep-shearing demonstration and enjoying home-cooked morning tea there before continuing to the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Take in the scenery as you drive the Great Ocean Road through Apollo Bay, Kennett River, Lorne, Bells Beach and Torquay. You'll make stops for lunch, and photo ops of koalas, kangaroos, surf beaches and spectacular scenery.

Experience the best of Kangaroo Island on a full-day tour with convenient round-trip transport from your accommodation or airport location. In addition to navigating, your guide provides commentary about the island's landscape, as well as points out wildlife that's easy to miss without a trained eye. Stops on the itinerary include Stokes Bay, the Cygnet River Valley, and Seal Bay Conservation Park. Morning tea and freshly-prepared lunch are included.

Experience the spectacular scenery of Australia's Great Ocean Road on this full-day guided tour from Melbourne. Admire postcard-worthy vistas around every turn of the coastal road, and pass through charming port towns along the way. Learn the fascinating and tragic history of Australia's jagged 'Shipwreck Coast' when you visit the Loch Ard Gorge, site of a famous wreck. Your journey will come to a dramatic climax when you arrive at the Twelve Apostles geologic wonder just as the sun sets (seasonal and weather dependent).

Across the state line from Brisbane and the Gold Coast is Byron Bay, a coastal town with popular beaches and ocean views. Save time spent on booking rental cars and planning your itinerary with this day trip down the coast to Byron Bay. Visit Cape Byron Lighthouse and try and spot dolphins or turtles in the South Pacific Ocean and then explore the Crystal Castle and Shambala Gardens, filled with massive crystals and tropical flora.

Explore Nambung National Park and Yanchep National Park on a full-day tour from Perth. Travel into a landscape of strange rock formations in the Pinnacles Desert, try sandboarding at the Lancelin Sand Dunes, and keep your eyes peeled for Australian wildlife like kangaroos, koalas, and colorful birds. You'll also learn about the local Noongar aboriginal culture in the Wangi Mia (talking place) and have a chance to swim in the Indian Ocean. Includes morning tea, picnic lunch, transportation, guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Discover the natural and cultural attractions of Australia's Gold Coast on this packed full-day tour departing from either Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Browse through the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Learn how to catch a crab and enjoy a seafood lunch, visit Burleigh Heads, a world renowned for its spectacular surfing conditions and drive through the Gold Coast Region to Varsity Lake, Robin and Advance Town. Enjoy the diverse experiences of the Gold Coast all in one day.

Travel across Tasmania one way from Launceston to Hobart via Freycinet National Park and the famously beautiful Wineglass Bay. Have time for walking and sightseeing in the national park, then make stops for seafood, wine, and other treats at Freycinet Marine Farm and the Devils Corner Winery before evening drop-off in Hobart.

Experience the Aussie surf lifestyle and breathtaking beauty of the Great Ocean Road on a full-day tour that includes a 2-hour surf lesson. Travel along the the Victoria coast to beaches with some of Australia's top surfing destinations. Learn to surf during a morning lesson in Torquay, then explore the region further, visiting Bells Beach, the town of Lorne, surf shops and waterfalls where you can swim. See native Australian wildlife in their natural habitat, including kangaroos and perhaps some koalas, before returning to Melbourne in the evening.

Check off all the highlights of the Great Ocean Road on this full-day tour from Melbourne. Soak up glorious views along Australia's most famous coastal drive as you visit Apollo Bay, the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. That's not all: see the Memorial Arch at Fairhaven; spot wild koalas and parrots along the Kennett River and enjoy a short hike through the Otway forest. For the ultimate views, upgrade to include a thrilling helicopter ride over the Twelve Apostles.