Australia · 1-DAY TOURS
Good 1-day tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Spend 10 hours exploring the Blue Mountains with an English-speaking guide such as Ben, Aaron, Max, or Jed. Visit Featherdale Wildlife Park, Leura, Echo Point, and Scenic World, then cruise the Parramatta River to Circular Quay. Lunch is at your own cost, and hotel drop-off is not included.
“Great experience. First time ever to see Australian animals. Loved it so much.”
Start with koalas and kangaroos at Featherdale, continue to Echo Point and Scenic World, then return by Parramatta River ferry. Guides such as Ben, Robert, Aaron, and Jared are praised for clear commentary, though weather and ferry changes can affect the day.
“Great day and well organized. We saw a lot in one day. Loved Featherdale and the cute Koalas and so many other animals. Then we were off to Scenic World in the Blue Mountains with the aerial trams and the train and the scenic walk way. Then we were off to Echo Point for a spectacular view of the Three Sisters. Finally we were on a ferry back to Circular Quay in Sydney which was very scenic. Our driver guide was terrific. Provided great commentary on the way and specific info on shopping, where to eat and timing. Highly recommend.”
Spend a fast-moving day on Moreton Island with guides such as Ryan, Will, Jacob, Darcy, and Sam. Cruise 75 minutes from Brisbane, snorkel and paddle transparent kayaks at the Tangalooma Wrecks, then ride a 4WD to the desert for sand tobogganing and a DIY beach-wrap lunch.
“We had a great day with Ryan, Michelle, and Josh. The lunch offering was great and all the activities were very well run. Would recommend!”
Travel from Cairns in a small, air-conditioned coach to Mossman Gorge, the Daintree River, Cape Tribulation, Thornton’s Beach, and Dubuji Boardwalk. You’ll join a Kuku Yalanji Welcome to Country and smoke ceremony, cruise for crocodiles, eat lunch, and stop for local-fruit ice cream.
“We had a great time in this tour. Patrick was very knowledgeable about the area and a little rain did not deter him at all and I’m glad he convinced us to go out in the rain. I would definitely recommend this trip.”
Take a 45-minute fast ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, then spend up to seven hours hiking rainforest trails, swimming, or viewing coral from a glass-bottom boat. Add snorkel gear or a picnic lunch to suit your day. The five main trails range from 30 minutes to three hours.
“Fitzroy island is a must visit. I had a better visibility of coral reef here. It was absolutely serene and beautiful. Would love to come back to the island.”
Travel from Cairns to Kuranda by historic railway and Skyrail, with hotel pickup included. Spend free time in the rainforest village, then add a butterfly sanctuary, koala park, Birdworld, or Rainforestation Nature Park. Driver Glyn has earned praise for helpful commentary and smooth transfers.
“Drink enough water and carry to ensure hydration Very well managed team and supportive. Make your tour as per the time”
Take Big Cat’s air-conditioned catamaran from Cairns to Green Island for about six hours ashore. Choose beach snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat, semi-submarine viewing, rainforest walks, or paid scuba and Seawalker options. Lunch, reef tax, and equipment depend on the package you book.
“Was an enjoyable day. Loved the glass bottom boat ride on the reef.Did get my feet wet on the beach.”
Spend 12 hours exploring the Atherton Tablelands with Uncle Brian’s guides, including Sam, Troy, Conrad and others. Expect rainforest walks, waterfall swims, crater-lake scenery, platypus spotting, hot lunch, snacks, music and a friendly group of up to 21 people.
“Lots of great locations to swim at. It was awesome going with a knowledgeable tour guide who could give us extra information on each of the areas. Would definitely recommend bringing some warm clothes for the evening part.”
Spend about 9 hours and 45 minutes touring Bruny Island with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. Your guide drives you by ferry and minibus to The Neck, local food producers, a rainforest walk and a beachside lunch with fresh oysters. Hotel pickup is available from selected Hobart hotels.
“Good and very relaxing tour. Highly recommend for tourists don’t like to rush. Food was absolutely delicious. Give the restaurant 10 points. A special thanks to Daniel the tour guide. He was a great, soft and caring guy. Very happy 🙏🙏❤️❤️🌷”
Travel from Alice Springs to Uluru with an English-speaking guide, visiting Erldunda, the Cultural Centre, Mala sites, Mutitjulu Waterhole, and Mount Connor Lookout. Guides such as Yad, Miguel, Matt, and Charlie bring stories to the long coach ride, ending with a BBQ and sparkling wine at sunset.
“Great day trip! Long day but worth it. Gary and Yad were great - provided a lot of cultural and area knowledge. Also very well organized and well timed. We never felt rushed and stayed right on schedule. Food at the bbq was great - champagne, salad, steak and sides. Sunset was well worth it.”
Spend a full day at Melbourne Zoo, 10 minutes from the city centre, meeting more than 320 animal species. Follow Asian and African rainforest trails, see lions, tigers, monkeys, koalas, kangaroos, wombats, penguins, and fur seals, with keeper talks included. Optional behind-the-scenes experiences cost extra.
“A very nice and well organised full day trip. Very nice guide.”
Spend about 10 hours cruising from Burnett Heads to Lady Musgrave Island aboard a spacious catamaran. You get morning tea, lunch, snorkeling gear, a glass-bottom boat trip, a guided island walk, and warm showers. Staff members such as Danny, Georgia, Mandy, and Phil add lively reef insight along the way.
“What a great trip to Lady Musgrave island. Saw so many fish and sea turtles. and lots of coral reef.It was a fantastic experience. Would highly recommend this to everyone!”
Travel from Perth into Western Australia’s oldest wine region for guided tastings at several wineries, local cheese, chocolate and liqueurs, a gourmet lunch with wine or beer, and a final beer tasting. Air-conditioned transport and central pickup are included, with guides such as Ron, Wes, Peter, and Steve.
“Wes was our host for the day. The tour was well organised, Wes gave us information as we travelled about what to expect of the day and of the history of the area we travelled through. Great value for money lovely wineries, lunch was more than we expected well worth booking.”
Travel from Alice Springs to Uluru with an accredited guide, stopping at Erldunda, the Cultural Centre, the Mala Walk, and Mutitjulu Waterhole. Guides such as Gary and Yad add useful local context before sunset, sparkling wine, and an Australian barbecue.
“Yes, it's a long day but absolutely worth it. We left Alice Springs at 7am and arrived at Ayers Rock by 12.30pm with a couple of decent toilet breaks and a chance for a coffee etc. along the way. Look out for Mt Connor along the way. Gary our bus driver was excellent throughout. We had a 40 minute break at the resort for lunch. The walks around the base of Uluru are easy and informative about Aboriginal culture and their stories. Cultural centre was disappointing - the videos are dated and one just kept pausing. A great bbq - lots of salad, pasta, sausage and steak with drinks of…”
Join Australian Sunset Safaris for a full-day Moreton Island adventure from Brisbane or Surfers Paradise. Guides including Michelle, Ryan, Darcy, Will, and Jacob lead snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks, clear-kayak outings, and sandboarding. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and AU$80 for park and ferry fees.
“I really enjoyed the day. You did heaps fun stuff! For adrenaline junkies! It feels a bit rushed tho :) (therefore nothing for relaxers!) One small recommendation (if possible with ferry): leave 60 mins later or so, sothat people can chill at the beach longer during lunch or afterwards. Also a few more information about the dessert and the "man made" reef would be lovely.”
Pick a coast, a rock or a cellar door.
