Australia is a country and continent of great proportions. Spanning nearly 7.7 million square kilometers, 5 time zones, and over 25,000 km (16,000 miles) of coastline, it's difficult to see everything in a short amount of time.
The good news is transportation is efficient and most of the major tourist destinations are located on the East and Southern coasts. Many tour operators focus their reach on this area, however, you can easily find guided or non-guided trips which include the Northern Territory, Tasmania (a.k.a. Tassie), South Australia, and Western Australia.
We've dedicated this page to help you peel back the top layer. If you've never been to Australia before, then this is a great place to start. We've listed our favorite travel partners, a few of our hand-selected favorite trips (which we or somebody we know has been on), and several regions and local experiences we think may make your trip extra special.
Today's group travel is nothing like tour operators in the past. Companies have perfected the styles of trips, catering to audiences young, old, indepedent, social, etc. Since there are dozens of companies that operate trips, we have listed what our experts consider the best of the best.
G Adventures (formerly GAP Adventures), offers trips of all different lengths. Their trips are unique in that they cater to small groups of fewer than 16 and all age groups (except their YOLO trips). accommodations are included, and different service levels are available. If you browse their different trips, it's likely one will seem just right.
Offering trips in Australia ranging from 5 to 27 days, Topdeck offers guided trips, but with flexibility to come and go as you please once you're in a place. Transportation and accommodations is all included. They will offer a plethora of activities, including city walking tours, bike rides, scuba diving, dolphin swims, walkabouts, and more.
Trafalgar has been around since 1947, and for good reason. Their perspective is one of meaningful experiences, promoting local culture and history as their trip takeaways. They are dependable and efficient at finding accommodations which are central and comfortable. You will a have myriad of daily activity options that are optional but really make Trafalgar special.
Oz Experience does not include accommodations. However, you can't complain with door-to-door service, along with a guided drive, humerous and entertaining staff, and fun stops along the way. They help you decide on accommodations, offering pre-bookings while you are en route to your next destination.
EAST COAST ENCOMPASSED–SYDNEY TO CAIRNS
18-days, Sydney to Cairns.
BEST OF AUSTRALIA
14-Days, Cairns to Sydney
ISLAND SUNTANNER
14-Days, Cairns to Sydney
SYDNEY TO CAIRNS
Flexible Add-ons, dates, and inclusions
INSPIRING AUSTRALIA
13-Days, 3 Regions
AUSTRALIA ENCOMPASSED
25-Days, Sydney to Melbourne
TASTES OF SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA
11-Days, Southern Great Ocean Road
QUEENSLAND SAND, SAILING & DREAMTIME
12-Day Sailing trip from Brisbane to Cairns
PERFECT TASMANIA
12-Days, Tasmania
The world's largest sand island has more to offer than just sunbathing. Everything from visiting a 1935 shipwreck (pictured here), to swimming in one of the clearest lakes in the world (Lake McKenzie), you can find adventure every turn you take. Some of the most popular and must-do activities here are camping, floating down Eli Creek (no raft needed), whale watching, fishing, visiting the stonestool sand blow, and, driving highway 75 (a.k.a. the beach!). Caution: Watch out for dingos!
If you plan on traveling up the coast of Australia to (or near) Townsville, then do yourself a favor and take the short ferry over to Magnetic Island. What you'll soon find is this small isle strikes a contrasting, but rewarding balance between sleepy and festive. Magnetic Island is one of the few spots in the world that plays host to both full moon and black moon parties on the beach. Additionally, you can access coves, beaches, forts, and hiking, all by renting scooters and doing your own exploring.
Cairns is the gateway to one of the most incredible, natural wonders of the world - the Great Barrier Reef. You can access either an inner or outer reef, depending on your time frame or budget. Due to its climate, you can visit nearly year-round, however cyclones can be a threat during the rainy season. If you have time, spend some time where others don't! Both the spectacular Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation are merely a short drive away, and just as beautiful as the great barrier reef.
It's not the most frequented region of Australia because of its location, but Byron Bay is worth the trip. Since many travelers go north from Brisbane, they miss out on the small, quaint, picturesque region which has myriad activities and not a ton of people. Scuba diving, surfing, bike rides on the beach, and nightlife are just a few highlights on and off the water.
Just south of Brisbane, lies a picturesque beachfront metropolis that can't be missed. It's not only the most bio-diverse city in Australia, with large subtropical rainforest (complete with skywalk), but the city also plays host to amusement parks, festivals, a wildlife park, zoo, and a wildlife sanctuary. Whether you are with family, friends, or simply traveling solo, you won't be disappointed by the Gold Coast.
Clear water, white powdery sand, and hardly the crowds of most tourist destinations, the Whitsunday islands are worth the trip in and of itself. There are many areas and activities worth seeing in the Whitsundays, so if you're making it this far north, be sure to take your time. Everything from sailing, seaplaning, ocean rafting, and snorkeling make this a perfect, romantic getaway or an adventurer's dream.
Especially in high season (October - February), it's important to try to beat the crowds. We've hand picked some of the most popular daytime activities, from a local level, which are bookable in advance. By doing so, you can guarantee your inclusion on one of the must-see excursions from all around Australia.
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for unrivaled views from a height of 440 feet (134 meters) on this Australian landmark. Select a 3.5-hour BridgeClimb with a guide in the morning or afternoon, or climb at dawn, twilight or night. Choose from several other options, including a 1.5-hour Sampler Climb that takes you halfway up, or a 2.25-hour BridgeClimb Express for a rigorous ascent at a faster pace. Climbs to the summit are limited to 14 participants to ensure personalized attention in a small group.
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Explore the Blue Mountains on a full-day tour that features the UNESCO World Heritage-listed region’s natural beauty, including landmarks like Three Sisters, Jamison Valley, Leura and Scenic World. On the return trip to Sydney, meet native Australian wildlife at Featherdale Wildlife Park, then cruise into the city on a scenic Parramatta River boat cruise. Travel with a small group limited to 24 people for a personalized experience of Blue Mountains National Park and beyond. Bonus: includes morning tea and a delicious two-course lunch in Wentworth Falls.
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Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for unrivaled views from a height of 440 feet (134 meters) on this Australian landmark. Select a 3.5-hour BridgeClimb with a guide in the morning or afternoon, or climb at dawn, twilight or night. Choose from several other options, including a 1.5-hour Sampler Climb that takes you halfway up, or a 2.25-hour BridgeClimb Express for a rigorous ascent at a faster pace. Climbs to the summit are limited to 14 participants to ensure personalized attention in a small group.
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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.
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Discover the natural delights of Phillip Island with an eco-tour from Melbourne. See the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes, visit the beach and take some time to admire these historic landmarks. Visit the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park for an up-close encounter with koalas and other Australian wildlife. Finish the day at a local beach where you can watch hundreds some of the world's tiniest penguins waddle out of the ocean and across the sand to their burrows. Group numbers are limited to 24 people for a more personalized experience.
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Experience the delights of Victoria’s wine country on this Yarra Valley wine tour from Melbourne. With an informative wine guide, you’ll visit four popular wineries: Balgownie Estate, Punt Road Winery, Domaine Chandon and Yering Farm. Enjoy plenty of tastings as well as a winery lunch while you learn about winemaking in Australian and admire the picturesque landscapes. Choose your appropriate pickup location when booking.
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Leave busy Brisbane for a full-day tour that showcases the natural beauty of North Stradbroke Island. Swim in the surf or freshwater lakes, take a short guided hike, view whales and other marine animals from the beach and coastal lookouts, visit small towns including historic Dunwich and Amity, and go in search of the island’s population of wild kangaroos and koalas. Your small-group tour has numbers limited to 13 people, which ensures a more personalized experience with your knowledgeable guide.
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Discover the natural delights of Phillip Island with an eco-tour from Melbourne. See the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes, visit the beach and take some time to admire these historic landmarks. Visit the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park for an up-close encounter with koalas and other Australian wildlife. Finish the day at a local beach where you can watch hundreds some of the world's tiniest penguins waddle out of the ocean and across the sand to their burrows. Group numbers are limited to 24 people for a more personalized experience.
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Feel a rush of adrenaline as you soar through the air on this tandem sky dive over Byron Bay. Enjoy the thrill of a 60-second free fall from a height of more than 15,000 feet (4,572 meters), then look down over the spectacular beaches and bay during the five-minute parachute descent. Once you’re safely back on solid ground, celebrate your achievement with a personalized photo certificate to show off to friends and family back home.
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Visit South Australia’s Barossa Valley wine region on this day trip from Adelaide that includes tastings at four wineries, plus a winery lunch. With a guide, discover Peter Lehmann, Chateau Yaldara and Langmeil Winery for a well-rounded winery experience that introduces you to varietals from both established and newer wine producers. Learn insider facts about winemaking in this renowned region, and stop by other attractions like the Whispering Wall and Mengler’s Hill Lookout. This tour is limited to 20 people.
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Kangaroo Island tours are often day trips, but with this 2-day adventure that includes overnight accommodation, you’ll have twice the time to discover South Australia’s wildlife paradise. Visit natural attractions like Seal Bay, ogle Australian animals at Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and check out local operations like Clifford’s Honey Farm. Some meals are provided, and you’ll spend the night in a sea-view hotel room. When booking, select from four transportation options from Adelaide to customize your tour with ferry rides and flights.
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Enjoy an in-depth tour of the iconic Adelaide Oval that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the famous sporting venue. Your knowledgeable guide shares both old and new features of the Oval during your 90-minute tour. Learn about the old scoreboard, the 100-year-old Moreton Bay fig trees, and the famous music groups and sports teams that have performed at the venue. Cricket fans can delve into cricket memorabilia at the Bradman Museum, also located within the Oval complex.
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