Australia · SAFARI

15 Off-Road Safaris in Australia Worth Booking

36 tours  ·  from $38

Good off-road safaris fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Ocean Safari Great Barrier Reef Experience in Cape Tribulation - Two hours at two Great Barrier Reef sites
Daintree Rainforest Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews

Ocean Safari Great Barrier Reef Experience in Cape Tribulation

1.Ocean Safari Great Barrier Reef Experience in Cape Tribulation

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 902 reviews · from $148Our pick

From Cape Tribulation Beach, Ocean Safari takes you by high-powered rigid inflatable boat to two Great Barrier Reef sites. Expect about two hours in the water, reef talks, possible turtles and rays, and Daintree Rainforest views. Cape Tribulation pickup is included.

“Was excellent, boat ride to reef was short and fun. Staff helpful and energetic. Reef spot was great, have gone with these guys twice both times spot on.”

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Kangaroo Island: 75-Minute Coastal Safari - The First Coastal Run
Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Kangaroo Island, Kangaroo Island Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island 75-Minute Coastal Safari

2.Kangaroo Island 75-Minute Coastal Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 607 reviews · from $63

Cruise from Christmas Cove for 75 minutes of wildlife watching along Kangaroo Island’s coast. Guides such as Elijah, Alex, Illija, Gracie, and Kimberley have led trips with lively commentary about wildlife, island history, and conservation. Dolphins often follow the boat, while seals rest on offshore rocks.

“The guides were very friendly and we got to see the wildlife birds, seals and dolphins. Enjoyed the boat ride to. Highly recommended. Thankyou 😁”

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Marine Eco Safari - Swim with Manta Rays - The turtle sanctuary slows the pace
Safari, Tour Reviews

Marine Eco Safari – Swim with Manta Rays

3.Marine Eco Safari – Swim with Manta Rays

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 493 reviews · from $466

Join Coral Bay Ecotours for a seven-hour Ningaloo Reef trip with crew members including Bodie, Tash, Dan, Kai, Lou, and photographer Laura. Snorkel Bills Bay, visit a turtle sanctuary, and search Bateman’s Bay for manta rays with help from a spotter plane.

“Whale sighting and snorkeling on one of the most beautiful snorkel areas in the world beautiful corals and a lot of fish to be seen”

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Airlie Beach: Jet Ski Safari Hour of Power and Marine Life - The 30-minute safety briefing
Airlie Beach Tours, Jet Skis, Safari, Tour Reviews

Airlie Beach: Jet Ski Safari Hour of Power and Marine Life

4.Jet Ski Safari Hour of Power and Marine Life

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 481 reviews · 1 hour

Pair up on a modern Yamaha jet ski for a guided one-hour ride around Airlie Beach. Guides such as Will and Nathan help first-timers get moving, point out turtles and other wildlife, and stop at scenic spots for photos. No licence is needed, but drivers must be 16 or older.

“Will was a fun and easy going tour guide and the tour was so enjoyable to start our Xmas morning. Thank you”

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Top End Safari Camp Day Tour - The ride from Darwin to the camp
Darwin Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours

Top End Safari Camp Day Tour

5.Top End Safari Camp Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 398 reviews · from $426

Spend about seven hours at Top End Safari Camp with Darwin pickup or a self-drive option. Cruise a billabong over brunch, ride an airboat, watch Matt Wright’s rescue crocodiles being fed, and take a 10-minute helicopter flight over floodplains. Guides including Josh, Jake, Jock, and Ellie lead the day.

“The Helicopter ride plus air boat ride were fantastic. Bus out and back was easy. Brekkie on the river boat was just lovely - and very peaceful.”

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1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island! - What the 1.5-hour ride feels like
Gold Coast Tours, Jet Skis, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours

1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!

6.1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 374 reviews · from $214

Set out from Main Beach on a 1.5-hour guided jet ski safari to South Stradbroke Island. Guides such as Tom and Harry help riders of different abilities, with safety gear included. Expect island views, mangroves, wildlife spotting, and a short refreshment stop at Tipplers.

“Jet ski was good not great but worst part was that I was charged for 4 vs 3 jet skis because at time of booking on viator app I was not able to confirm that my 9-yo (who could not drive alone) would be covered with my purchase. So I booked Read more”

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Whitsunday Crocodile Safari - Wildlife beyond the crocodiles
Airlie Beach Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews

Whitsunday Crocodile Safari

7.Whitsunday Crocodile Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 366 reviews · from $107

From Airlie Beach, Steve, Ian, or Stu guide you through the Proserpine wetlands by riverboat and open-air wagon. Expect a two-hour crocodile cruise, local wildlife, billy tea, damper, and a generous Aussie BBQ lunch. Hotel transfers are included, and the group is limited to 31 people.

“The tour was fantastic! Stu was incredibly knowledgeable and made the whole experience engaging with detailed explanations about the area and its wildlife. It is important to remember that you are visiting natural habitats, these are wiRead more”

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Don't just Visit Brisbane - Experience our Moreton Bay Safari - Kangaroo Point Cliffs and South Bank from the water
Brisbane Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews

Don’t just Visit Brisbane – Experience our Moreton Bay Safari

8.Don’t just Visit Brisbane – Experience our Moreton Bay Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 354 reviews · from $315

Start at Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens River Hub for a guided jet ski ride along the Brisbane River toward Moreton Bay. Your guide provides a safety briefing and operating lesson, so no license or prior experience is needed. Expect skyline views, South Bank, Story Bridge, riverfront homes, and about two hours on the water.

“You go around the Brisbane CBD. You don't see a lot of nature. The guide is friendly. I enjoyed it and would recommend it for anyone looking to see more of Brisbane's city from a different angle.”

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1hr Jet Ski Safari - The ride north toward South Stradbroke Island
Gold Coast Tours, Jet Skis, Safari, Tour Reviews

1hr Jet Ski Safari

9.1hr Jet Ski Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 295 reviews · from $164

Set out from Main Beach for a guided one-hour jet ski ride across the Gold Coast Broadwater. After safety training and a practice run, follow your guide north toward South Stradbroke Island, watching for dolphins, mangroves, sandbars, and skyline views. Riders aged 16 and over may drive alone.

“Great for first timers. The guys have so much patience and they take safety very seriously. It was a little terrifying at first trying to control the jet ski, but once you get the hang of it, you will have so much fun!!!!”

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Airlie Beach Jet Ski Safari (1 Hour) - What happens before you reach the water
1-Hour Experiences, Airlie Beach Tours, Jet Skis, Safari, Tour Reviews

Airlie Beach Jet Ski Safari (1 Hour)

10.Airlie Beach Jet Ski Safari (1 Hour)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 257 reviews

Meet at Rufus & Co. Cafe for a guided 60-minute Sea-Doo ride along Airlie Beach’s bays and coast. Guides such as Will, Nathan, and Sammy help first-timers feel secure while experienced riders get some speed. Share with one passenger, and watch for turtles and dugongs.

“Perfect tour! Perfect amount of time. Loved it! Checked in directly under Boathouse Apartments which was so easy given we were staying there. Definitely recommend. We didn’t want to go for hours. This tour was just right. Would do again.”

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Top End Safari Camp Overnight Tour - Leaving Darwin at 1 p.m.
Darwin Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours

Top End Safari Camp Overnight Tour

11.Top End Safari Camp Overnight Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 254 reviews · from $641

Travel from Darwin to Top End Safari Camp for an action-packed overnight stay. You’ll ride an airboat on the Finniss River floodplains, take a ten-minute helicopter flight, watch and feed rescued saltwater crocodiles, cruise a billabong, enjoy dinner and breakfast, and sleep in a Deluxe Lotus Belle tent.

“Indiana Jones styled adventures that a city chick like me could only dream of. The serenity of glamping under the stars, toasting marshmellows, plentiful delicious slow cooked beef, fish and salad, and hot breakfast the next morning. Thank yRead more”

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From Airlie Beach: Two-Island Safari - Getting ready with the right gear
Airlie Beach Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews

From Airlie Beach: Two-Island Safari

12.Two-Island Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 229 reviews · 3 hours

Ride solo or share a jet ski on a small-group safari around Daydream and South Molle Islands. Expect two hours of fast, bumpy open-water riding, island commentary, safety guidance, and chances to spot turtles, dugongs, seabirds, or winter whales. Guides such as Jarrod, Izzy, and Darragh are praised for clear instruction and humor.

“Our guide Brooke was fantastic. We were able to maximize our time on the jet skis. The entire staff is knowledgeable and lighthearted. They all made our experience amazing. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to see beautiful scenery along with a thrilling time jet skiing in open water.”

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Coral Bay: Marine Eco Safari - Swim With Manta Rays - Starting at Coral Bay and boarding the Kurni-Ku
Safari, Tour Reviews

Coral Bay: Marine Eco Safari – Swim With Manta Rays

13.Coral Bay: Marine Eco Safari – Swim With Manta Rays

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 211 reviews · 6 hours · from $247

Join Coral Bay Ecotours aboard the Kurni-Ku for a six-hour Ningaloo Reef safari. You’ll snorkel coral gardens, search for manta rays with help from a spotter plane, and may see turtles, reef sharks, dolphins, whales, and tropical fish. Gear, wetsuit, meals, and guides are included.

“We spent an amazing day ! The crew was so nice and passionate by their work. We learnt a lot and were lucky enough to see a manta rays, sharks, turtles, a lot of tropical fishes and even dolphins from the boat ! Thank you so much for this day !”

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Cape Tribulation Ocean Safari - Great Barrier Reef Adventure - Meeting the boat at Cape Tribulation beach
Cairns Tours, Daintree Rainforest Tours, Daintree Rainforest Tours in Cairns, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Safari, Tour Reviews

Cape Tribulation Ocean Safari – Great Barrier Reef Adventure

14.Cape Tribulation Ocean Safari – Great Barrier Reef Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 186 reviews · 4h 30m · from $146

From Cape Tribulation, Ocean Safari takes up to 25 people by high-speed rigid inflatable boat to two Mackay Reef sites. You get two hours in the water, snorkel instruction, reef talks, and a good chance of seeing turtles, rays, clams, sharks, and tropical fish. Guides such as Josh, Cody, Liam, and Kiana keep it safe and friendly.

“Was very informative and Josh and Cody made sure we had fun”

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Kangaroo Island: 75-Minute Coastal Safari - The First Coastal Run
Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Kangaroo Island, Kangaroo Island Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences, Wildlife & Zoo Experiences in Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island: 75-Minute Coastal Safari

15.75-Minute Coastal Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 181 reviews · 1h 15m · from $62

Join Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari at Christmas Cove Marina for a 75-minute ride along the island’s ancient coast. Your English-speaking skipper shares wildlife and local history as you look for dolphins, seals, sea eagles, and seabirds. Guides including Ilijah, Bonnie, Michael, and Elijah have been praised for their humor and care.

“The ocean safari tour was amazing, we've seen plenty of dolphins playing in the water and some seals chilling on the rocks. Illija the boat captain was very friendly and had answers to all our questions. Strongly recommended.”

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New in Safari

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★ 4.5Cygnet Bay Sea Safari & Pearl Farm Tour Scenic FlightFrom $84621 reviews
★ 4.71 hour Jet Ski Safari25 reviews
★ 4.6Swan Valley: Golf Cart Kangaroo Safari w/ Mini Golf & DrinkFrom $4827 reviews
★ 4.5Palm Valley 4WD Outback Safari + PicnicFrom $17164 reviews
★ 4.9Ocean Adventure & Dolphin SafariFrom $5391 reviews
★ 4.6Noosa Ocean adventure & Dolphin Safari.From $6328 reviews
★ 4.7Lions 360 Experience and a Day at Monarto Safari ParkFrom $9176 reviews
★ 4.8Epic Learn to Surf Safari 4×4 – Double Island PointFrom $10741 reviews
★ 4.81-hour Jet-Ski Safari -No Slow Zones + Free Pics36 reviews
★ 4.4Fitzroy Island: Full-Day Ferry & Snorkel Safari Guided TourFrom $11837 reviews
★ 4.5Sightseeing River Boat Safari with Soft DrinksFrom $4352 reviews
★ 4.5Desert Safari Tour & Dolphin ViewingFrom $14749 reviews

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