Day Trips & Excursions in Australia

Venture underground as you explore the Blue Mountains on this full-day tour, including hotel pick-up and round-trip transport from Sydney. First climb to the Echo Point lookout for a spectacular view of the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley. Next, explore the magnificent Jenolan Caves, which stretch over a mind-boggling 25-miles (40km) through the Megalong Valley. Follow your guide into the largest of the caves, Lucas Cave, to admire the 'Cathedral' chamber, so called for its breath-taking acoustics.

This 10-hour tour from Cairns allows you to visit Paronella Park, Herberton Village, and Granite Gorge in a single day. Round-trip transportation from central Cairns, as well as a light lunch, are included.

Explore Green Island and use an innovative new diving system to explore the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a luxury catamaran ride to Green Island and a delicious buffet lunch while aboard (with optional upgrade). Choose from a variety of activities, including a glass-bottomed boat trip, a rainforest walk, or a dive in the amazing Great Barrier reef using the SNUBA Doo® Power Snorkel.

Combine an unforgettable animal encounter with a tropical beach adventure on this fun-filled combo tour from Cairns. First, get up close to Aussie wildlife at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures where you can cuddle a koala (extra cost), hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and spot crocodiles on a thrilling cruise along the Hartley's Lagoon. Then, head to Palm Cove where you'll have the afternoon free to swim and snorkel, stroll along the white sand beaches or explore the nearby islands by kayak or jet ski (extra cost).

Explore Jervis Bay, including a dolphin-watching cruise  and an Australian-style barbecue, on this full-day tour from Sydney. Leave the city far behind to dig your toes in the spectacularly white sand at Hyams Beach, visit Kiama blowhole, and snap photos of the lighthouse. An Australian-style barbecue, with kangaroo meat if you'd like to try it, is included. National park fees and round-trip transportation from central Sydney meeting points included.

Take in the scenery of the Great Ocean Road without the hassle of driving and navigation on this small-group tour from Melbourne. With just 11 travelers in the group, you'll be treated to extra attention from the guide and an intimate group atmosphere. Your small tour bus can stop at some of the off-the-beaten-path spots that mega tour buses can't access, giving you more views and experiences. Stops include the Gibson Steps, the Twelve Apostles, Teddys Lookout, a guided rainforest walk, and others, all accompanied by insightful guided commentary.

Experience Australian wildlife and rainforest up-close and personal with a full day trip to Healesville Sanctuary and the Puffing Billy Steam Train from Melbourne. Explore Healesville's bushland setting with an experienced guide, and meet animals that range from koalas to kangaroos, dingos to monitor lizards. Watch birds of prey and parrots perform in a remarkable show, and learn about local conservation efforts. Soak up the wild atmosphere of a mountain rainforest while riding a century-old steam train along scenic tracks before returning to Melbourne.

Depart from Hobart for a full-day VIP day wine and art tour across the Derwent River at the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). Your day includes admission to the museum, a 2-course meal matched with wine at The Source restaurant, a private Moorilla winery tour, an intimate wine tasting in the owner David Walsh's private barrel room, a bottle of wine to bring home, and round-trip ferry transport from the Brooke Street Pier.

Enjoy a fun-filled family day out at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures in Queensland. This self-guided tour includes hotel pickup and round-trip transfers from Palm Cove, plus full-day all-access tickets to the wildlife park. During your visit, set sail on a cruise around Hartley's Lagoon, take a tour of the crocodile farm, and watch the crocodile, wallaby, and koala feedings.

Brave a face-to-face encounter with one of Australia's most deadly creatures with this Big Crocodile Feeding Experience at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures. Join zookeepers for an unforgettable experience as you help feed the crocs and even pose for a photo holding a baby crocodile. The fun doesn't end there: spend as long as you like exploring the zoo independently after the tour ends, including watching the koala feeding, cruising Hartley's Lagoon and hand-feeding kangaroos and wallabies.

Explore Kakadu National Park and learn about Australia's Aboriginal heritage on a full-day tour from Darwin. You'll see the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed park, including ancient rock art of Ubirr Rock and views from the Nadab lookout. Then take a Guluyambi cultural cruise along the East Alligator River, traveling with an indigenous guide who stops along the way to show you the dramatic landscapes of Arnhem Land. Includes lunch, snacks, guide, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Enjoy a full-day tour to two of the top attractions near Cairns: Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and Tjapukai Cultural Park. The toothy star attraction of Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures leaps out of the water during the Crocodile Attack Show, and can be viewed up close during the included boat tour. Explore the living history of the Aboriginal Tjapukai people during your visit to Tjapukai Cultural Park, learning about traditions like making fire, boomerang and spear throwing, and didgeridoo music and more. Includes admission and hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairns.

See the top attractions of the Tasman Peninsula on a full-day tour from Hobart. Take in towering sea cliffs, rock formations including Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen, and more as you explore the natural wonders along the coast. Next, discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, an infamous 19th-century penal colony with a fascinating history. Finally, stroll through the pretty streets of Richmond Village before returning to Hobart.

This tour allows you to combine visits to the Heberton Historic Village, Kuranda Village, and a ride on the Skyrail Ranforest Cableway in a single 9-hour day trip from Cairns. Learn about the history, culture, and environment of the region through guided tours and exploring each site independently. Round-trip transportation from Cairns hotels and a light lunch are provided.

Visit Hastings Cave and Tahune Forest on this tour from Hobart. Pick from a 7-hour option, a 9-hour option, and a 10-hour option, depending on which you prefer. The 7-hour options takes you directly to explore Hastings Caves and to walk the Tahune AirWalk. The 9-hour tour takes a more leisurely route to explore the caves and walk the airwalk with additional optional stops at the Apple Shed Museum in Hounville and the Wooden Boat Center in Franklin. The 10-hour option offers everything the 9-hour tour does, but includes a stop at the summit of Mt. Wellington, too.

Explore the oldest wine-producing region in Australia - the Hunter Valley - on a 10-hour tour from Sydney. Get an insider's look at a vineyard in the valley, as well as wine tastings at several wineries. Plus hear informative commentary from your guide about Hunter Valley's wines and winemakers. You can even choose to sample some handcrafted local beers if you'd like. During the day, enjoy a chef-prepared lunch that includes scrumptious dishes served with select wines. Top off your Hunter Valley tour with a stop at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company before returning to Sydney.

Experience the beautiful Great Barrier Reef with a catamaran cruise to Green Island. Board your luxury vessel at Reef Fleet Terminal and set sail for this picturesque coral cay. Watch for stingrays, Hawksbill sea turtles, and giant clams from a glass bottom boat. Then, strap on snorkeling gear to explore the cay's crystal clear waters. Enjoy tea, coffee, and a delicious optional lunch.

Take in breathtaking sights of long sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs on this guided, full-day tour of Australia's Great Ocean Road. See some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on Earth, including the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks and the Gibson's Steps, site of a historic clifflines. Bushwalk in Great Otway National Park, and try out your koala-spotting skills at Kennett River. Travel in a deluxe minicoach with a small group for a relaxing, personalized experience.

Spend a full day exploring the landmarks of the Great Ocean Road. Watch the sunset at the famous Twelve Apostles rock formation, pass the Otway Ranges, spot koalas at Kennet River, explore landmarks in Port Campbell National Park and more. Known as one of Australia's most beautiful drives and one of Victoria's most popular destinations, the Great Ocean Road offers great photo ops of coastal scenery, picturesque seaside towns and pristine wilderness - a must-do excursion from Melbourne.

Experience the unique history and gorgeous scenery of North Queensland during this 10-hour day trip. Enjoy beautiful views at Barron Falls, the most famous waterfall in North Queensland and explore the pioneer village of Herberton, where you can check out the park's collection of vintage cars, steam-operated machines and old-time blacksmith shops, plus have an old-fashioned country meal. Spend the afternoon discovering the scenic Crater Valley along the highway to Mount Hypipamee, returning to Cairns through the Kuranda Range. A guide, morning tea, lunch, entrance fees and round-trip hotel transport are covered.