Our team has been pulling together the best small-group tours, day trips and multi-day adventures around Australia for years. Mick reads the traveller reviews before any tour earns a spot on this page — if a tour's a dud, it doesn't get listed.
Grab a bike and navigate Manly's coastline under your own steam. This self-guided ride covers roughly 20 kilometres of dedicated paths and dirt trails, stringing together hidden beaches, quiet inlets and sweeping ocean vistas. You'll pedal at whatever pace suits you—the terrain works for beginners through to confident riders. A one-day outing that lets you chase light and tide without waiting for a group.
Traverse Australia's East Coast over 14 days, starting in Sydney and finishing in Cairns. This small-group journey combines coastal towns, rainforest walks, and island adventures with genuine cultural exchange and regional food experiences. You'll explore K'gari's sandy expanses by 4WD, swim at Whitehaven Beach, snorkel the [Great Barrier Reef](/places/great-barrier-reef), and learn directly from First Nations guides. Accommodation, all meals, and transport—including a domestic flight—are arranged, leaving you free to absorb the landscape and meet fellow travellers.
Spend two days driving one of Australia's most stunning coastal stretches in a small group. You'll travel from [Melbourne](/places/melbourne) along the Great Ocean Road in an air-conditioned minibus, stopping frequently to spot wildlife, visit waterfalls, and absorb the landscape. Your guide handles navigation while you focus on the views. Overnight stays at Apollo Bay, with meals and drinks at your own cost.
A two-day small-group expedition through Australia's Red Centre, based from Alice Springs to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park near Yulara. You'll explore two of the continent's most striking geological formations with a local guide, camp under the stars in permanent safari tents or traditional swags, and walk through Aboriginal cultural sites and rock art galleries. Meals, park entry, and guided bush walks across roughly 5km of terrain are included, giving you direct access to one of the world's most remote and spiritually significant landscapes.
Tackle Tasmania's three flagship destinations across three active days, departing Launceston and finishing in Hobart. Day one explores Cradle Mountain's alpine trails and Sheffield's quirky street art. Day two sweeps down the East Coast to Wineglass Bay's white sand and a Freycinet vineyard perch. Day three traces the Tasman Peninsula's dramatic clifftops, unearths Port Arthur's convict past, and meets Tasmanian devils at the Unzoo. Guides lead interpretative walks through World Heritage parks; expect moderate fitness demands and genuine wildlife respect.
A multi-venue pass unlocking 3 days of [Melbourne](/places/melbourne) attractions without per-entry fees. Visit the MCG, Skydeck, Healesville Sanctuary, [Werribee Open Range Zoo](/places/werribee-open-range-zoo) and river cruises at your own pace. The card also grants discounts at restaurants, bars and adventure activities across the city and outer zones. Purchase once, use within 12 months. Potential savings reach $500 depending on your itinerary.
Pack Tasmania's three marquee destinations into a single three-day loop: the sheer sea cliffs and convict history of the Tasman Peninsula, the crescent beach at Wineglass Bay paired with vineyard views, and the alpine wilderness of Cradle Mountain. Moving between Hobart and Launceston via the East Coast, you'll walk established tracks with knowledgeable guides, encounter native wildlife at close range, and finish in Sheffield's quirky art precinct. Small groups keep the experience personal.
Sail 64km offshore aboard Kiana, a 16.4-metre ketch, to dive and snorkel the outer [Great Barrier Reef](/places/great-barrier-reef) and [Whitsunday Islands](/places/whitsunday-islands) over three days. This eco-accredited vessel carries a maximum of small passenger numbers and operates the only live-aboard service reaching Bait Reef. Your first scuba dive is complimentary. The trip combines reef exploration with visits to Whitehaven Beach, freshly cooked meals, and a relaxed rhythm of water-based activities suited to both certified divers and newcomers.
Traverse the ancient Flinders Ranges on this three-day 4WD adventure through South Australia's rugged interior. Based from Adelaide, you'll explore Wilpena Pound's dramatic amphitheatre of stone, hunt for yellow-footed rock wallabies amongst spinifex-dotted ranges, and visit Aboriginal rock art shelters with a local guide. Campfire meals, wine tasting in nearby Clare Valley, and nights under big skies combine wilderness immersion with cultural grounding. Small groups keep the experience intimate and leave minimal footprint.
Sleep on the [Great Barrier Reef](/places/great-barrier-reef) itself at Hardy Reef, 40 nautical miles from Airlie Beach. This two-day, one-night experience anchors you at Reefworld pontoon, where you'll snorkel, ride a semi-submarine through coral gardens, and view marine life from an underwater chamber. After sunset, retreat to your queen-size Reefbed on the upper deck for stargazing and ocean sounds. The boat journey from the Whitsundays, all meals, and equipment are included.
A two-day 4WD expedition into Australia's Blue Mountains wilderness, camping off-road in remote national parks inaccessible by conventional vehicle. Sleep beneath star-filled skies and witness sunsets from clifftop vantage points while your guide navigates hidden terrain. The trip balances rugged backcountry exploration with creature comforts—gear and kitchen equipment travel with the vehicle, so you trek unencumbered. Encounter the region's diverse wildlife and geological wonders whilst disconnecting from civilization entirely.
Spend two days learning to surf at Byron Bay with instructors who scout conditions daily and match you to the right break. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining technique, this course adapts to your level—and if you don't pop up on day one, you can return free to keep practising. All gear and beach transport included.
Six days exploring southwestern Western Australia's rugged coastline, forests and wine country, departing Perth. Sleep under stars in swag camps while hiking ridge-top trails, swimming in turquoise waters, and visiting Wave Rock and Lucky Bay. Small group tour with a local guide covers national parks, meets Traditional Owners, and includes tastings across Margaret River's vineyards. Camp-to-camp travel by air-conditioned minibus with all meals and activities included.
Venture 45 minutes inland from the Gold Coast to a crystal-filled estate in Byron Bay's hinterland. Your day pass grants access to the world's largest collection of giant geodes, including 5.5-metre smoky quartz Guardians and a 120-million-year-old amethyst cavity you can sit inside. The grounds incorporate a Chartres-inspired labyrinth, a Peace Stupa blessed by the Dalai Lama, and scheduled sound baths with crystal bowls, meditation sessions, and a guided tour through subtropical gardens. Bring walking shoes and a hat.
Spend four nights aboard the Murray Princess, a historic paddle wheeler tracing the Murray River through inland Australia. This cruise combines riverside heritage with outback culture—visit Aboriginal archaeological sites, working sheep stations, and local wineries whilst spotting native wildlife from the water. You'll settle into an outside cabin, enjoy daily meals and wine tastings, and choose from optional shore excursions at each port. The journey moves at a relaxed pace, letting you absorb the river's natural rhythms and colonial history.
Spend two days exploring Australia's northern tropical treasures: the ancient [Daintree Rainforest](/places/daintree-rainforest) and Cape Tribulation, then venture to two outer reef sites for snorkelling. This pair of tours combines guided walks through World Heritage rainforest with a full day on the water. Small groups (max 20) explore the forest with a naturalist driver who reads the landscape's ecology and Indigenous heritage, whilst the reef day offers five hours of snorkelling from a locally-run vessel with lunch and wine included. Transfers from Cairns, Northern Beaches or Port Douglas cover the rainforest leg.
Three days hitting Far North Queensland's headline acts without breaking the bank. Start with a full day snorkelling the outer [Great Barrier Reef](/places/great-barrier-reef), then explore the ancient [Daintree Rainforest](/places/daintree-rainforest) and Cape Tribulation with a local guide and river cruise. Finish aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Cableway, gliding over rainforest canopy. Package saves roughly 10% versus booking separately. Reef snorkelling gear, morning teas and a complimentary drink on the return journey are included.
Drive your own pink 4WD across K'gari's beaches, lakes and rainforest over three days. This tag-along safari pairs you with experienced guides who lead the way while you navigate terrain ranging from coastal tracks to inland forest. You'll camp in a shared beach house, eat communal meals, and wake to dingoes, shipwrecks and star-filled nights. Suits anyone with moderate fitness; no off-road experience required.
Explore Western Australia's Margaret River region over two days, travelling from Perth through Busselton, Augusta and the surrounding wine country. You'll ride the Busselton Jetty train, venture into limestone caves, walk along dramatic coastline, and taste regional wines alongside local produce. The tour includes cave entry, jetty admission, breakfast and water, with an air-conditioned vehicle handling the driving between stops.
Spend three days at Fair Harvest Permaculture Farm near Margaret River, trading Perth's noise for countryside calm. This wellness retreat combines daily yoga and meditation with local wine and gin tastings, market visits, and meals prepared from regional produce. You'll stay in bell tent glamping, travel by minibus with a small group, and work with a qualified yoga instructor and local guide to reset body and mind.
Sovereign Hill in Ballarat transports you to 1850s Victoria with hands-on gold-rush experiences spread across the open-air site. A 90-minute drive west of [Melbourne](/places/melbourne), this sprawling recreation lets you try your hand at gold panning, descend into working mines, watch molten gold being poured, catch theatre performances, and observe costumed interpreters demonstrating 19th-century trades. You'll move at your own pace between attractions—no guided structure, just curiosity-driven exploration of colonial life.
Pick 3, 5, or 7 Sydney attractions and save up to 40% on entry fees with this flexible pass. Visit the Opera House, take a Jet Boat across the harbour, trek into the Blue Mountains, or explore museums and wildlife parks at your own pace over several days. The digital pass loads straight onto your phone via the Smartvisit app, letting you skip ticket queues and move through attractions on your schedule.
Rent a high-performance electric bike from Subiaco for 7–31 days and explore Perth, Rottnest Island, and Western Australian trails under your own steam. These sturdy machines handle thousands of kilometres without fuss, letting you cover ground on your own schedule without petrol or emissions. Ideal for riders wanting flexibility and a genuine feel for the landscape, whether you're tackling coastal routes or city streets.
This two-day coastal drive along Victoria's Great Ocean Road covers the headline stops—Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Cape Otway—without the rush of a day trip. You'll have breathing room to explore lesser-known spots like the lighthouse at Cape Otway and quirky local landmarks in Geelong. An air-conditioned vehicle and part-time guide accompany you; nights and meals are yours to arrange. Stargazing at Apollo Bay is possible for those keen on night photography.
Store your bags at a secure facility near Circular Quay and explore Sydney hands-free. This luggage storage service lets you roam the city whether you're between flights, killing time before check-in, or simply want to travel light. Each bag is fully insured, and staff are available round-the-clock. The location sits close to major attractions and transport links, making it convenient to drop bags and head straight into exploring.
Sail the Whitsundays aboard Siska, a storied Australian racing maxi with a distinctive red hull and spacious interior designed for socialising. Over two days and one night, you'll reach Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout via guided bushwalk, then snorkel the [Great Barrier Reef](/places/great-barrier-reef) Marine Park. The boat departs on odd-numbered dates monthly, offering single bunks or half-share doubles with all meals, snorkelling gear, and experienced crew included.
Sail the [Whitsunday Islands](/places/whitsunday-islands) aboard Prima, a 12-berth monohull offering two days away from the tourist circuit. You'll help work the boat, snorkel at pristine reefs, and eat well with the crew—all the breathing room a proper sailing adventure needs. The Whitsundays' turquoise waters and sheltered anchorages make this feel less like a tour and more like you've borrowed a mate's yacht.
Mix and match entry to four of Sydney's biggest drawcards over a 60-day window. Choose your own pace across SEA LIFE Aquarium to spot native species, Sydney Tower Eye for 360-degree views, WILD LIFE Zoo's land animals, and Madame Tussauds' celebrity wax collection. Buy a two, three or four-attraction pass and visit each whenever suits you—no need to queue up on a single day.
Control your Darwin exploration with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass valid across 11 stops, departing from Fort Hill Wharf where your cruise docks. Travel in an open-top double-decker with recorded commentary covering key attractions—Crocosaurus Cove, the waterfront precinct, Military Museum and beyond. Build your own itinerary, spending as long as you want at each stop before catching the next service.
Set out from Cairns on a purpose-built catamaran for two days and nights exploring the outer [Great Barrier Reef](/places/great-barrier-reef)'s premier snorkel sites. You'll sleep aboard the floating vessel, moving between two locations daily to experience the reef's best coral and fish life. Meals, equipment, and all snorkel tuition come included. Moderate fitness required.
Pedal across Rottnest Island on a fast ferry from Hillarys, bike in hand. This full-day outing cuts straight to exploration—two-wheelers let you cover ground between secluded beaches, granite outcrops and the island's famous quokkas without backtracking to the jetty. Ferry, bike, helmet and landing fees included; hotel transfers available from select Perth accommodation.
Pedal around Rottnest Island's car-free landscape on a same-day return trip from Fremantle. The ferry gets you there, a bike lets you reach over 60 beaches and 20 sheltered bays at your own pace. It's the practical way to explore this A Class Reserve, moving like islanders do rather than queuing for tours. You'll need moderate fitness and should bring your own food.
Spot humpback whales migrating past Sydney Heads on a morning cruise, then head to Taronga Zoo for an afternoon exploring native Australian wildlife and exotic species. This single-day combo includes zoo entry and ferry transport between venues, operating seasonally from May through November. Live commentary during the whale watch explains migration patterns and behaviour as pods pass through the harbour.
Spend two days exploring [Kangaroo Island](/places/kangaroo-island)'s wild heart. You'll encounter sea lions at their breeding grounds, watch raptors in flight, walk amongst granite monoliths and natural stone arches, and taste the island's celebrated produce. The pace is unhurried—there's time to absorb the landscape rather than tick boxes. Return ferry included, with overnight accommodation and most meals covered.
Explore Australia's oldest tropical rainforest at the Daintree Discovery Centre, a purpose-built facility two hours north of Cairns that gives you genuine access to every forest layer, from soil to canopy. This family-friendly pass covers admission to the award-winning interpretive centre, which offers a solid grounding in how the rainforest actually works rather than surface-level sightseeing.
Spend two days exploring K'gari (Fraser Island) by 4WD, driving the famous 75-Mile Beach and visiting secluded freshwater lakes. You'll navigate rainforest trails at Central Station, spot the Maheno Shipwreck, swim at Lake McKenzie and Lake Birabeen, and walk to the emerald waters of Lake Wabby. The tour includes accommodation in a shared beach house, four meals daily, ferry transfers from Hervey Bay, and the chance to get behind the wheel of an automatic 4WD yourself—no off-road experience needed.
Cruise the Murray River aboard the Murray Princess, a working paddle wheeler that carries you between Walkers Flat and Murray Bridge over four days. Sleep onboard in an outside cabin whilst exploring the river's wetlands and agricultural heritage. Days blend guided nature walks, wildlife spotting from a small boat, visits to historic settlements, and tastings from the region's wineries and producers. Evenings feature live entertainment and three-course dinners. Return coach transport from Adelaide is included.
This 2-day tour explores two of Far North Queensland's most spectacular natural regions. Day one takes you through the Atherton Tablelands to visit Millaa Millaa Falls, Josephine Falls, Lake Eacham and Babinda Boulders—all prime spots for swimming and forest bathing. Day two ventures into the ancient [Daintree Rainforest](/places/daintree-rainforest) where you'll walk under towering trees, cruise the Daintree River spotting crocodiles and birds, and witness the layered ecosystem that defines this World Heritage area. Guided throughout with meals included.
Spend two days in South Australia's Barossa Valley pairing golf rounds with wine tastings, guided by a former state champion golfer who doubles as your driver. Day one features a round at your chosen course followed by tastings at a winery or the clubhouse. Day two lets you choose between more golf, additional vineyard visits, or heritage sites like Maggie Beer's farm. Your guide tailors the entire itinerary to suit your group's interests.
Two days exploring the Red Centre's geological heart, combining Kata Tjuta's towering domes with Uluru's base walk and sunset views. You'll track the songlines embedded in rock formations, absorb Aboriginal perspectives at the cultural centre, and browse local artists' work. Meals bookended with dinner on arrival and breakfast before departure.