Australia Holidays

The sheer achievement of climbing the Harbour Bridge is as satisfying as the panorama unfolding beneath your feet. The waterfront, the Opera House and, on a clear day, views from the Pacific to the Blue Mountains. By day, there’s a real energy with road traffic and ferries scuttling below, but there’s a special magic at twilight as the city glows electric around you.

From Port Douglas, head off on this personalised and engaging small group tour to spend the day with a local Aboriginal guide. Visit a number of culturally significant areas and learn about the amazing relationships that the Kuku Yalanji have with their land. Walk through the rainforest and coastal habitats to learn about the environment, different foods and medicines utilised from nature, sample some bush tucker and try traditional Aboriginal hunting practices. Complete the adventure with time to enjoy lunch and cool off in a freshwater stream.

Get under the skin of Melbourne’s vibrant personality on this walking tour through beautiful back streets. Discover artisan and specialty retailers, and see quirky cafes, independent designers, street art, architecture and learn of historic tales in these walkways. Soak in the city via all your senses and engage with passionate creatives. Walking tours run in the morning and afternoon and are also available with lunch.

Begin your Hunter Valley Wine Tour with scenic views of Sydney Harbour as you travel the famous Harbour Bridge onward to one of the most famous wine-growing regions in Australia, the Hunter Valley; a region that produces award-winning varieties of wine including Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Verdelho. Wander through vineyards and pop into boutique cellar doors for a complete hosted wine-tasting experience. Enjoy two wine-tasting experiences before lunch and one in the afternoon. Sample more of the local produce, with an educational course in cheese making at the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory. Enjoy a structured tasting with a vineyard representative showcasing their range of wines.

Board Quicksilver’s 45-metre high-speed catamaran on a full-day cruise to Agincourt Reef on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the reef from a semi-submersible, an underwater observatory or snorkel and dive. This cruise is ideal for those keen to do lots of activities and for those wanting to add a wonderful airborne perspective, helicopter transfers are also available (at a supplement). Departs from Port Douglas.

Travel on board this fast stable motor catamaran for 1½ hours to reach Marine World on the Outer Barrier Reef. You’ll spend around 5 hours at this private reef platform, which provides the ideal base for activities including snorkelling, glass bottom boat tours, underwater observatory viewing and relaxing on the spacious sundeck. Other activities – such as scenic helicopter flights and diving – are available at extra cost.
Departs from: Cairns. Maximum passengers: 190.

Savour canapés and sparkling wine as the sun slowly sets over Uluru, with the sound of the didgeridoo setting the scene. Watch the coloured lights of 50,000 glass spheres illuminate the vast night sky while enjoying a three-course bushtucker-inspired buffet menu. Learn about the background and significance of the installation before following illuminated paths through the field.

Reef Sleep is a unique adventure, offering the chance to sleep under the stars on the Great Barrier Reef! By day, Cruise Whitsundays’ ‘Reefworld’ pontoon at Hardy Reef is used by day trippers as a base to explore the marine-rich waters. After 3pm, it’s an exclusive spot for a small number of guests. Enjoy quiet snorkelling time, sip Champagne at sunset,  and watch as the reef comes alive. Then let the waves lull you to sleep in your cosy swag, set up out in the open-air on the top deck of the pontoon.

The Blue Mountains is a real journey into the heart of a unique World Heritage Region. The first stop is Calmsley Hill, a working farm based attraction involved in animal rehabilitation offering fabulous bush surrounds located near the heart of Sydney. Arrive early to get up close to a range of native and farmyard animals including Kangaroos and Koalas while enjoying a light morning tea. Departing from Calmsley Hill, head to the Blue Mountains. Visit one of a range of stunning outlooks of the Jamison Valley with beautiful vistas, where possible away from the crowds. Continue on to Eaglehawk Lookout for views of the famous Three Sisters and to learn of the legends behind this famous rock formation. After lunch, spend the afternoon visiting a selection of scenic lookouts. The view from Govett's Leap is one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. Here the magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. The last stop is the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens to enjoy the sweeping views with a glass of sparkling wine or orange juice.

Travel by high speed ferry to Rottnest Island for a day of adventure. Rottnest boasts pristine bays and secluded beaches and has a unique style of architecture dating back to the 1800s. Explore its beautiful natural surroundings on a leisurely bike ride before boarding the late afternoon ferry for your transfer back to Perth.

Discover the joys of surfing on famous Bondi Beach. Learn how to safely get out and up onto your first wave, with plenty of hands-on help. Your instructor will provide lots of feedback and specific instruction, helping you to surf at your best possible pace. Once you’ve built up your confidence and technique, hit the surf and have fun! This half-day experience also includes a tour of Bondi with your instructor, with a visit to a surf life-saving club and a casual beachside lunch.

Board your Sailaway vessel at Port Douglas Marina and set off on a sunset sail cruise along the Port Douglas coastline on board a first class sailing catamaran. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a tropical sunset over the Coral Sea with spectacular mountain views, and enjoy a complimentary welcome drink alongside a selection of canapés.
Departs from: Port Douglas. Maximum passengers: 45.

Travel in comfort on board Calypso – a custom-designed motorised catamaran, complete with day bed-style seating and spacious decks, to 3 different Outer Barrier Reef sites that showcase the reef’s colourful marine life just a few metres below the surface. There’ll be the opportunity to listen to interpretive reef talks and enjoy guided snorkel tours. Departs from Port Douglas. Maximum passengers: 85.

Wander through the recreated natural environments of Wildlife Habitat on an immersive guided experience where you will learn about the many species in our region. Then cross the Daintree River for lunch at Mason’s Café and enjoy a dip in the freshwater swimming hole. Explore the world’s oldest rainforest with one of the knowledgeable local guides and visit Cape Tribulation Beach. Stop at Alexandra Lookout before boarding a cruise and search for wildlife including Estuarine Crocodiles. Departures from Cairns' northern beaches.

Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges is a kaleidoscope ancient landscape that extends for 100 miles from Alice Springs. Witness the shades of purple, maroon and orange as you travel through the outback, hearing about the region’s history and geology. Visit John Flynn’s Grave Historical Reserve where the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service is laid to rest, before heading out on a couple of walks: one at the natural opening in the red rock, Simpsons Gap, where you may spot a black-footed rock wallaby; and the other at Stanley Chasm Angkerle Atwatye, a narrow slot canyon that’s been shaped by rain and flood waters that is of huge cultural importance to (and owned by) the Arrernte community.

• Daily departures from Alice Springs
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
Entry to the national park requires a NT Parks Pass which is not included in the excursion.

Tali Wiru means ‘beautiful dune’ in the local Anangu language and this open-air restaurant offers an intimate dining experience under the starry Southern Desert sky. Enjoy breathtaking sunset views of Uluru and the domes of Kata Tjuta whilst dining on a four-course dinner of world-class cuisine, premium Australian wine and indigenous storytelling.

Local guides and skilled narrators will tell you all about the past and present of Australia's oldest neighbourhood on this fascinating tour. Hear entertaining accounts of Sydney’s colourful past, discover the narrow alleyways and cobblestone lanes, and view some of Sydney’s oldest dwellings. Visit the gothic Garrison Church, George Street, the Suez Canal and Rocks Square, as well as pubs once frequented by locals, sailors and rogues!

This full-day tour is an excellent introduction to the cultural hub of Australia’s Red Centre, Alice Springs (known as Mparntwe in Arrernte). Prior to your tour of town, there’ll be time to visit Alice Springs Desert Park, where you can learn about the arid landscapes that surround Alice Springs, the region’s native wildlife and the Aboriginal survival in these harsh environments. After lunch, it’s time to start the guide part of the tour; you’ll be led by a passionate and knowledgeable guide who’ll explain how a simple waterhole beside a telegraph station became such an important Northern Territory town in the 21st Century.

• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

An action-packed day on board a purpose-built vehicle awaits on this tour of the oldest rainforest on Earth. Your guide on the tour has been specifically selected for their local knowledge and experience and they will be on hand to tell you all you need to know about this UNESCO World Heritage Site and add to your memorable experience. First up is a guided walk through the Daintree National Park’s Mossman Gorge, a scar in the landscape carved out by the Mossman River and hugely important cultural site for the Kuku Yalanji people. Next, you’ll take to the water on a croc-spotting cruise along the Daintree River and have lunch in a stunning rainforest setting. The afternoon includes a visit to Cape Tribulation (or Kulki) and the stunning Myall Beach, the spot at which two natural World Heritage Sites of the rainforest and Great Barrier Reef meet. On the drive back to Cairns, you’ll make a pitstop at the Daintree Ice Cream Company and the Alexandra Lookout for some pretty jaw-dropping and far-reaching views.

• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

The Summit BridgeClimb is an iconic Sydney experience for those with a head for heights and a penchant for great views. You’ll get geared up and listen to a briefing from your expert Climb Leader before following the Opera House side of the upper arch to the bridge’s 134-metre-high apex. Then it’s time to soak in those 360-degree harbour and city skyline vistas before heading back down the west side of the arch and returning to Climb Base.

• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Good to know
All climbers must be at least 1.2 metres tall and 8 years old.

Take in one of the world’s most famous city skylines from the harbour on this evening dinner cruise. Take in the views of the lights reflecting on the water as you sit down to a three-course meal with regionally source ingredients and wines.

• Departure days vary
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Spend a morning cruising the Whitsunday Islands, stopping for a walk on Whitehaven Beach. The morning begins at Hamilton Island Marina, where you’ll board the vessel for a morning Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach cruise. The boat has ample seating areas inside and out, and as you sail, your skipper will provide an informative commentary on the area's highlights as you cruise to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. Morning tea is included onboard as you overlook the crystal-clear waters and immaculate white sand along Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands. You’ll have time to wander along the beach or swim at your own pace before returning to Hamilton Island Marina before lunch.

• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Spend a full day exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Board a high-speed catamaran at Hamilton Island Marina and set sail for the Whitsunday Islands and Hardy Reef, where you'll spend over three hours at Reefworld. This pontoon facility makes exploring the reef comfortable, with seating, freshwater showers, and changing rooms. You'll have full use of snorkelling equipment and wetsuits but access to an underwater viewing chamber and semi-submersible rides for coral viewing if you don’t fancy getting into the water. There are also presentations by reef experts. Optional activities like certified and introductory scuba diving and helicopter scenic flights are also available but charged separately. Lunch is served back on board, and the day concludes at around 5 pm when you arrive back at Hamilton Island Marina.

• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Spend a full day diving and snorkelling around the Outer Reef. Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you enter a world teeming with exotic fish life and coral gardens. Whether you decide to snorkel or scuba dive, you'll have the opportunity to see green turtles, manta rays, clownfish, and soft and hard corals up close. After exploring, relax in comfort and style on a luxury catamaran as you cruise back to Cairns.

• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

On a full-day Nagana Kulkinga Dungay tour, you'll be collected from your hotel and taken on an adventure through Kuku Yalanji country. You'll see some culturally significant sights and local attractions, including the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest. A local Aboriginal guide will lead the way, and you'll learn about the relationship the Kuku Yalanji people still have with their land.

You'll walk through the world's oldest living rainforest, see natural wonders, and see where the rainforest meets the reef. Plus, you'll explore coastal habitats and learn about the environment, different foods, and medicines that are derived from nature. There’s the chance to sample some bush tucker and take a dip in one of the pristine freshwater streams in the area.

• Monday to Saturday departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Spend a day exploring the highlights and nature of Kangaroo Island. The day begins in a private wildlife refuge in Kangaroo Island’s northwest corner, where you’ll get an introduction to the island’s fire ecology and see how the land is recovering after devastating fires. Lunch is served in the bush or on a clifftop with South Australian wine, beer, and soft drinks. After lunch, you’ll travel into Flinders Chase National Park and explore the aptly named Remarkable Rocks, a striking natural sculpture eroded by 500 million years of wind, sea, and rain. There’s more evidence of the power of the Southern Ocean at Admirals Arch, a coastal cave accessed by a boardwalk, where a large colony of fur seals swim and play in the crashing waves.

• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Starting in Perth, the tour visits all major attractions of the revitalised Perth CBD, including the Western Australian Cricket Ground and Optus Stadium. Then, it’s on to Kings Park Botanical Gardens, where you can view wildflowers or take in the views from the war memorial looking back over the city skyline. Continue through the affluent suburbs, including Millionaire’s Row, before passing Cottesloe Beach, where the Indian Ocean sparkles. As you travel into historic Fremantle, view the impressive facades of this heritage-listed city. To maximise your experience in Fremantle, a Swan River cruise back to Perth is highly recommended and chargeable separately. Otherwise, the coach will return to Perth at around 12.30 pm, terminating at Barrack Street Jetty in Perth for you to return to your hotel.

• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

You’ll travel south from Perth, driving through rural spots with grazing cattle and coastal towns. As you arrive at Busselton, the gateway to the Margaret River region, you’ll stop to see Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. As you drive into the heart of the area, you’ll stop at one of Margaret River’s oldest breweries for platters of local produce for lunch, complemented with beer and cider tastings. After lunch, you’ll continue south through the forest to a renowned winery to taste award-winning wines, gaining industry insights on wine production. Next, it’s on to Mammoth Cave for a guided tour through this cave with vast chambers.

Continuing south, you'll reach Augusta through the Boranup Forest of enormous Karri Trees. Here at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the point where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. Then, you head north up to the township of Margaret River for a brief stop to stroll the main street. You’ll stop at a restaurant en route for a light dinner at your own expense, and then it’s back to Perth.

• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Note: Winery may not open on select public holidays

You’ll board a Captain Cook Cruises vessel for a Harbour Experience cruise to catch some incredible views. Over 90 minutes, you’ll hear anecdotes and stories that bring the history and culture of Sydney alive.

• Wednesday to Sunday departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

Soar over Sydney’s famous coastline in a helicopter, heading north to Palm Beach of Home and Away fame. You’ll return over the waterways of Pittwater for a final circuit over Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House before landing at the Seaplane Terminal in Rose Bay.

• Wednesday to Sunday departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

You’ll meet at the Welcome Centre on the Lower Concourse of the Opera House to start your one-hour Sydney Opera House Tour. During the tour, you’ll explore the iconic theatre and foyers that bring to life over 1800 performances yearly. Hear inspiring stories of the Opera House artists and performances from a knowledgeable guide who will take you through the building and explain how Jorn Utzon's vision came into existence against impossible odds. You will also get the opportunity to take photos from rare vantage points that are off-limits to the public.

• Departs daily
• Operates year-round
• Group experience