Australia · CITY TOURS

The 15 City Tours in Australia That Earn Their Price

58 tours  ·  from $17

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 city tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.

Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise - Downstream toward Docklands and Southbank
2-Hour Experiences, City Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Melbourne Tours, Tour Reviews

Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise

1.2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 1,804 reviews · 2 hours · from $49Our pick

Cruise Melbourne’s Yarra River for two hours, traveling upstream and downstream past Docklands, Southbank, the MCG, Olympic Park, Herring Island, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. GPS-triggered English commentary guides you, while indoor seats and an open back deck give you comfort and photo views.

“A really enjoyable way to see Melbourne from a different angle is the Yarra River cruise. Drifting through the heart of the city gives you a great mix of skyline, sporting precincts, green spaces and riverside architecture — it’s surprisingly calming compared to the bustle on land. I’d strongly recommend opting for the two-hour tour, as the one-hour option felt a little rushed. With more time on the water, you can properly relax, take in the views, and enjoy the commentary without constantly feeling like the return is just around the corner. There’s a bar onboard too — simple but perfectly functional — and enjoying a cold beer while cruising…”

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Sydney: Combo Pass for 2, 3, or 4 Top City Attractions - Start with SEA LIFE Sydney
City Tours, Sydney Tours, Tour Reviews

Sydney: Combo Pass for 2, 3, or 4 Top City Attractions

2.Combo Pass for 2, 3, or 4 Top City Attractions

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 926 reviews · 1 - 2 months · from $38

Choose two, three, or four Sydney attractions, starting with SEA LIFE Sydney if it is included. See Australian marine life, koalas, crocs, city views, and celebrity figures. Use the pass across 60 days, with a separate timeslot required for Sydney Tower Eye.

“Great experience, really enjoyed all activities and well worth the money! Recommend 10/10”

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Famous Melbourne City Bike Tour - Melbourne’s grand sights, from the Shrine to the MCG
City Tours, Cycling Tours, Melbourne Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Famous Melbourne City Bike Tour

3.Famous Melbourne City Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 779 reviews · from $100Top rated

Ride through Melbourne for about four and a half hours with a local guide, stopping at the Yarra River, Shrine of Remembrance, public gardens, MCG, Rod Laver Arena, street art, arcades, and local neighborhoods. Bikes, helmets, and safety vests are supplied, with an optional A$40 eBike upgrade.

“What a great tour of Melbourne! Murray and the staff were great in getting the bikes ready. The tour of beautiful Melbourne was made even better by our guide's knowledgeable commentary and entertaining stories. Traveling by bike is a wonderful way to see the city.”

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Morning or Afternoon Half-Day Sydney City Sightseeing Tour - Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and the classic harbor photograph
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Morning or Afternoon Half-Day Sydney City Sightseeing Tour

4.Morning or Afternoon Half-Day Sydney City Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 566 reviews · from $109

This 3.5-hour AEA Luxury Tours outing uses a small vehicle for up to 14 people, with morning or afternoon departures, hotel pickup, and live commentary. You’ll visit Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Watsons Bay, Bondi Beach, Paddington, Centennial Park, Chinatown, and Darling Harbour, then make your own way back.

“We were picked up on time at our hotel and proceeded on a tour of the highlights of Sydney by Vic. Vic was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Sydney and also very personable. Water was provided on the trip. Our tour saw everything advertised as well as a little bit more. We enjoyed the trip immensely and would strongly recommend it.”

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Perth East Foreshore and City Segway Tour - Rolling beside the Swan River
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Perth East Foreshore and City Segway Tour

5.Perth East Foreshore and City Segway Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 549 reviews · from $99

Start at Barrack Street Jetty for Segway training, then follow a guide along Perth’s Swan River foreshore. You’ll see the Bell Tower, Kings Park, Claisebrook Cove, Optus Stadium, wetlands, and city landmarks in a small group of up to 10, with a headset for clear commentary.

“Really enjoyed the experience. The guide was both knowledgeable and friendly. Thoroughly recommend this”

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Hot Air Balloon Flights over Melbourne City (optional breakfast) - Helping prepare the balloon before takeoff
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Hot Air Balloon Flights over Melbourne City (optional breakfast)

6.Hot Air Balloon Flights over Melbourne City (optional breakfast)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 403 reviews · from $369

Meet near central Melbourne around 5am, then follow the Liberty Balloon Flights crew to a suitable launch site. Your pilot may include Nick, Dan, or Pete. Help prepare and pack the balloon, then enjoy about an hour above the CBD, MCG, Museum, and sunrise. Hotel transfers, breakfast, and photos cost extra.

“Great information before fantastic flight. Very relaxing and enjoyable. Dan and Thor were great. I know a lot more about hot air ballooning now and will encourage people to have a go😊”

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Brisbane Tours, City Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews

Brisbane: Sunset City Lights Cruise 5.30pm or 6pm *seasonal

7.Sunset City Lights Cruise 5.30pm or 6pm *seasonal

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 387 reviews · 1h 30m · from $41

Cruise the Brisbane River for 90 minutes from South Bank’s Cultural Centre pontoon. Watch sunset give way to city lights, pass Story Bridge and Kangaroo Cliffs, enjoy a complimentary charcuterie board, and buy drinks from the licensed bar. There is music, but no guided commentary.

“Did the sunset river cruise. Value for money - absolutely! Great staff, lovely atmosphere and a beautiful 1.5 hours seeing the city on dusk one way, and enjoying the stunning lights on the way back. Will be doing that again for sure.”

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Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour - Surfers Paradise beach from the road
1-Hour Experiences, City Tours, Gold Coast Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour

8.Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 373 reviews · from $41

Spend an hour touring Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast by amphibious Aquaduck. You’ll ride through the city, splash into the river, pass Marina Mirage and Millionaire’s Row, and hear live English commentary. Children can take a turn at the wheel on the water and receive a captain’s certificate.

“Informative and great for kids. Short but fun. A must do trip for everyone. Get to drive the boat is fun.”

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Melbourne: City and Williamstown Ferry Cruise - Leaving the city for Port Phillip Bay
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Melbourne: City and Williamstown Ferry Cruise

9.City and Williamstown Ferry Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 343 reviews · from $23

Sail from Southbank along the Yarra River and across Port Phillip Bay to Williamstown. A live English commentary points out Melbourne’s waterways, docks, and landmarks. Stay for lunch and a wander, or take the return ferry. The trip usually lasts about an hour each way, with timing dependent on the sailing.

“very happy, easy to book, staff excellent and vessel so smooth”

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Sydney: City Highlights Guided Bus Tour - Meeting at Hyde Park without a wrong turn
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Sydney: City Highlights Guided Bus Tour

10.City Highlights Guided Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 321 reviews · 3h 30m · from $34

Meet guide Martin or a fellow local guide at Hyde Park’s Archibald Fountain for a 3.5-hour air-conditioned bus tour through Sydney’s harbor suburbs, Watsons Bay, The Gap, and Bondi Beach. You’ll hear live commentary, stop for photos, pause for coffee, and finish at the Opera House.

“Martin was an excellent guide and made it very special eith his knowledge, friendliness and humour. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Sydney the first time.”

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Sydney: Half-Day City Tour - The Rocks and Millers Point: where Sydney begins
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Sydney: Half-Day City Tour

11.Half-Day City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 283 reviews · 4 hours · from $116

In four hours, an English-speaking guide such as Ben, Jelle, Katja, or Kyle takes you from The Rocks and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair to Watsons Bay, Bondi, Paddington, and Darling Harbour. Expect a small group of up to 10, hotel pickup in central Sydney, short walks, photo stops, water, and plenty of local tips.

“Your was great for a half day we were able to see and stop at the highlights of city and Bondi Beach. Loved the opportunity to do some of the Coastal Path and get great pictures of the coastline. Jelle was very knowledgeable and informative about Sydney and the history and culture, which we appreciated and made a point of getting us out of the busiest parts of Sydney on what he described the busiest day of the year! Would have liked usb ports in van to keep our phones charged! Appreciated water after The heat of Bondi😊”

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Sydney: City & The Rocks 3.5-Hour Walking Tour with a Drink - Museum of Sydney and the early colony
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Sydney: City & The Rocks 3.5-Hour Walking Tour with a Drink

12.City & The Rocks 3.5-Hour Walking Tour with a Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 234 reviews · 3h 30m · from $53

Spend 3.5 hours walking from Customs House through Sydney’s civic centre, laneways, Hyde Park, The Rocks and harbour landmarks. Guides such as Steve, Daniel, Matt and Michael explain First Nations and colonial history, then share a local beer, snack and practical food and nightlife tips.

“Our guide Daniel, was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the subjects, made the tour very enjoyable, would highly recommend.”

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Cairns City Sights and Surrounds Tour - Cairns waterfront and city centre
Cairns Tours, City Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cairns City Sights and Surrounds Tour

13.Cairns City Sights and Surrounds Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 227 reviews · from $82

Travel by air-conditioned minivan from Cairns to St Monica’s Cathedral, Cairns Museum, Flecker Botanical Gardens, a city lookout, and Palm Cove. Guides including Chris, Dom, Steve, and Graeme share local stories, while afternoon tea adds a pleasant break. CBD pickup and drop-off are included.

“Graeme was the most friendly, informative, caring host. He shared highlights and information about Cairns and the immediate area, offering advice on how to return to places of particular interest to each of us.”

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Hobart History, People & Places - 2 hour city walk - Colonial Hobart, convicts, and Indigenous stories
2-Hour Experiences, City Tours, Historical Tours, Hobart Tours, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours

Hobart History, People & Places – 2 hour city walk

14.Hobart History, People & Places – 2 hour city walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · from $27

Meet Lisa, Deb, Jan, or another local guide outside the Henry Jones Art Hotel for a two-hour walk through Hobart’s colonial center. See Hunter Street, the waterfront, city parks, heritage buildings, and Salamanca Place while hearing stories of settlement, Indigenous resistance, convicts, and local characters.

“The tour is well organized and well worth the money. Our wonderful guide Lisa met us a few minutes before the tour started, and gave us a wealth of historical information in good conversational English. She brought all the surrounding sights to life with her stories, filled with many interesting details, accompanied by maps and photos.”

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Brisbane's closest Hot Air Balloon Flights - City & Country views - 1 hr flight! - Watching the balloon come alive
Balloons, Brisbane Tours, City Tours, Hot Air Balloon Flights, Tour Reviews

Brisbane’s closest Hot Air Balloon Flights – City & Country views – 1 hr flight!

15.Brisbane’s closest Hot Air Balloon Flights – City & Country views – 1 hr flight!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 205 reviews · from $355

Meet Floating Images at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre at 4:00 am for a roughly one-hour sunrise balloon flight. See city and country views across Ipswich, the Scenic Rim, Somerset, and the Great Dividing Range, then return for a sit-down breakfast, sparkling wine toast, and flight certificate.

“It was something to tick off their bucket list and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience, company was great with information of the area they went across and breakfast was a great treat to top off the morning.”

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