5 VIP Experiences in Australia to Build a Day Around

1.Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,895 reviews · from $181Our pick

Explore two protected Great Barrier Reef sites from Cairns with guided snorkeling, optional scuba, a glass-bottom tour, and lunch.

“The fabulous crew hosted a fun outing, ensuring we saw sea life (turtles, clown fish, giant clams, and even a sting ray) and were kept safe the entire day. From kids to adults and first time snorklers to experienced divers - everyone enjoyed themselves onboard the Ocean Freedom!”

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2.Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,010 reviews · from $190

Seastar’s small-group reef cruise visits Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef with guided snorkeling, lunch, glass-bottom views, and optional scuba.

“The crew members were very friendly and knowledgeable they were very helpful in every situation and also patient. The whole day was very well organised and and the reef was amazing thank you for an amazing day”

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3.Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 652 reviews · from $89

Combine koalas, kangaroos, boutique Hunter Valley wineries, cheese, chocolate, and lunch on a small-group day trip from Sydney.

“Nice tour, the wildlife park is really nice and obvious animals well looked after, I personally would prefer lunch at a winery rather than a resort, the first winery I didn’t rate - Allandale, just wasn’t great at all. Second winery was beautiful and really good - Bon Villa, and would be nice to have a bit livelier music on way home. With a change of lunch venue and changing out first winery would be 5 star. Sam was a really good guide and knowledgable.”

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4.2-Hour Luxury Whale-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 455 reviews · 2 hours · from $67Best value

Cruise from Fremantle on a spacious luxury catamaran for humpback whales, expert commentary, warm seating, free parking, and a return-trip promise.

“Wonderful experience! The crew was friendly and knowledgeable, and we were lucky to see humpback whales up close. Truly memorable — I’d recommend this to anyone wanting to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.”

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5.Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Brisbane

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 72 reviews · from $235

Review of the Mount Tamborine winery tour from Brisbane, with guided tastings, lunch, fudge, a distillery, scenic views, and practical booking tips.

“My husband and I had a lovely day with Pineapple Tours Winery Tour on Mount Tamborine. Our fun and personable guide took us for three wine tastings and a delicious lunch. We had great views and ended up our day with a tasting at a charming off-beat distillery and a fudge tasting. We recommend this tour to anyone who'd like to spend a day in the Australian countryside near Brisbane. We had a great time!”

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