8 Unmissable Experiences in Australia

australia sydney

Wilderness & Wonder: Blue Mountains National Park Tour

Leave the city behind and dive into one of the most iconic tours in Australia — a full-day escape to the Blue Mountains National Park. Just a short drive from Sydney, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to towering cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and hidden waterfalls, making it one of the best nature-focused experiences the country has to offer.

Highlights on this popular Australia day tour include jaw-dropping views of the Three Sisters rock formation, thrilling rides on the Scenic Railway or Skyway, and lookout points like Echo Point and Wentworth Falls. You might even spot wild kangaroos hopping through the bush!

Led by a local guide, you’ll learn about the land’s Aboriginal significance, discover unique wildlife and geology, and—depending on the operator—visit Featherdale Wildlife Park or enjoy lunch in a charming mountain village. It’s a well-rounded mix of adventure, nature, and culture, packed into a single unforgettable day.

🌿 Fun fact: The Blue Mountains get their name from the blue haze that blankets the region, created by millions of eucalyptus trees releasing natural oils into the air.

Ideal for nature lovers, hikers, photographers, or anyone seeking a breath of fresh Aussie mountain air, this is one of those must-do tours in Australia that captures the wild beauty right outside of Sydney.

👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com

View of the Three Sisters rock formation with forested valleys and blue haze in Blue Mountains National Park, Australia

Cairns Barron River Rafting Half-Day Tour

Looking for some excitement in tropical North Queensland? This half-day tour in Australia takes you white water rafting on the Barron River — the perfect way to add a little adventure to your trip without taking up your whole day. Just a short drive from Cairns, the river winds through the lush Barron Gorge National Park, offering a mix of fun rapids and incredible scenery.

You’ll paddle through Grade 2 and 3 rapids, which are ideal for beginners and first-timers — no experience needed. Along the way, you’ll pass rainforest-covered cliffs, natural rock walls, and a few calm sections where you can float and take in the views.

Led by experienced guides who make safety a top priority, this guided tour in Australia includes all your gear so you can focus on the fun.

💧 Fun fact: The Barron River flows through a volcanic crater, and the surrounding rainforest is estimated to be over 100 million years old — making it one of the oldest surviving tropical rainforests on Earth.

This is one of the best Australia day tours for solo travelers, groups, or anyone wanting to cool off and enjoy a bit of a thrill in the heart of Cairns.

👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com

Group white water rafting on the Barron River with lush rainforest in the background near Cairns, Australia

Great Ocean Road Day Tour: 12 Apostles, Apollo Bay & Split Point Lighthouse

Get ready for one of the most scenic road trips in the world. This full-day tour in Australia from Melbourne takes you along the famous Great Ocean Road, where rugged cliffs, lush rainforest, and golden beaches meet the wild Southern Ocean.

The tour includes a visit to the legendary 12 Apostles, towering limestone stacks rising out of the sea — a must-see photo stop and one of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders. You’ll also explore Apollo Bay, a charming coastal town perfect for a beach stroll or a quick café break, and stop at the historic Split Point Lighthouse, known for its panoramic views and classic Aussie coastal vibes.

Along the way, you’ll drive through winding cliffside roads, spot koalas in the wild, and pass rolling green hills and surf beaches. The journey is just as spectacular as the stops.

🪨 Fun fact: The 12 Apostles were formed by millions of years of wind and ocean erosion, and while only eight remain standing, they’re no less impressive.

This is one of the most popular Australia day tours for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to experience the rugged beauty of southern Australia — all in a single, unforgettable day.

👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com

View of the 12 Apostles sea stacks from a coastal lookout on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Wildlife Adventure

All aboard for a day full of old-world charm, stunning landscapes, and one of Australia’s cutest wildlife encounters. This day tour in Australia starts with a ride on the historic Puffing Billy steam train, chugging through the scenic Dandenong Ranges with lush forest views and open-air carriages that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

From there, you’ll head to Phillip Island, where coastal cliffs meet wild beaches — and the real stars of the show come out at sunset. Get ready for the world-famous Penguin Parade, where dozens of little penguins waddle from the ocean back to their burrows after a day at sea. It’s one of the most heartwarming natural sights you’ll ever witness.

Many tours also include stops at local wildlife parks, where you can meet kangaroos, koalas, and other Aussie icons up close.

🧊 Fun fact: The little penguins you’ll see on Phillip Island are the smallest penguin species in the world, standing just 30–35 cm tall.

This is one of the most unique Australia day tours for families, animal lovers, and anyone who wants to experience a mix of nature, nostalgia, and pure feel-good moments in a single day.

👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com

Puffing Billy steam train crossing a trestle bridge surrounded by forest, and little penguins walking on the beach at Phillip Island, Australia

Great Barrier Reef by Sea & Sky: Sunlover Cruise with Optional Helicopter Fligh

This is the ultimate Great Barrier Reef tour — combining a scenic cruise, snorkeling, and the chance to see the reef from above and below. Departing from Cairns, you’ll cruise out aboard the comfortable Sunlover catamaran, stopping at a spacious pontoon on the outer reef.

Once there, dive into a world of coral gardens, tropical fish, and crystal-clear water. Snorkel straight off the platform, take a glass-bottom boat ride, or just relax in the sun — it’s all included. But the real highlight? You can add on a helicopter flight for a breathtaking aerial view of the reef’s vibrant patterns and colors. Seeing the reef from above is nothing short of spectacular.

This day tour in Australia also includes a tropical buffet lunch, snorkel gear, and optional guided activities — making it an all-in-one reef adventure.

🐠 Fun fact: The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth, visible even from space — and it’s home to over 1,500 species of fish.

Perfect for couples, adventurers, and anyone wanting to experience the reef from both water and air in one epic day.

👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com

Snorkelers in clear turquoise water at the Great Barrier Reef with a catamaran and helicopter flying overhead near Cairns, Australia

Desert Skies & Golden Light: Pinnacles Sunset Dinner & Stargazing Tour

Swap city lights for otherworldly landscapes and an unforgettable sky show on this evening tour to Pinnacles Desert, located in Nambung National Park just outside Perth. Known for its eerie limestone formations that rise from the sand like ancient monuments, the Pinnacles come alive in golden light as the sun sets — a photographer’s dream and a moment of pure calm.

You’ll enjoy a bush-style dinner among the dunes, surrounded by silence and stars. After dark, the real magic begins with guided stargazing under one of the clearest skies in Australia. With no light pollution, the Milky Way and southern constellations shine brighter than most travelers have ever seen.

Along the way, the tour may include stops at Yanchep National Park or Lake Thetis (home to rare living fossils), giving you a full day of nature, geology, and Aboriginal stories.

Fun fact: The Pinnacles are made of limestone formed over thousands of years, shaped by wind and sand into their haunting, sculptural forms.

This tour is ideal for sunset chasers, stargazers, and anyone looking for a deeper, quieter connection to Australia’s wild landscapes.

👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com

Limestone rock formations glowing under a golden sunset in the Pinnacles Desert with stars visible in the twilight sky, Western Australia

Island Adventure Awaits: Moreton Island One-Day Tour from Brisbane

Just a short ferry ride from Brisbane lies Moreton Island — a paradise of white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and unforgettable adventures. This full-day tour is your chance to experience one of Queensland’s best-kept secrets, packed with activities and surrounded by natural beauty.

Depending on the tour operator, your day might include snorkeling around the Tangalooma Wrecks, where coral and fish have turned old ships into underwater playgrounds. You could also try sandboarding down the island’s towering dunes, swim in Blue Lagoon, or explore the island’s lush interior on a guided 4WD tour.

Moreton Island is also home to wild dolphins, turtles, and dugongs — and if you’re lucky, you might just spot one during your cruise along the coast.

Fun fact: Moreton Island is the third-largest sand island in the world, and it’s made entirely of shifting sand — no rock foundations at all!

This tour is perfect for outdoor lovers, water enthusiasts, and anyone looking to swap city streets for a full day of sun, sea, and soft sand.

👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com

Snorkelers exploring the Tangalooma Wrecks in clear blue water off Moreton Island with sandy beaches in the background, Queensland, Australia

Behind the Scenes of a Legend: Sydney Opera House Guided Walking Tour

Discover the secrets behind one of the world’s most iconic buildings with this official guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. You’ll explore its dramatic interiors, hear fascinating stories about its construction, and see spaces most visitors never get to access — from grand performance halls to hidden backstage corners.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this walking tour brings the Opera House to life. Learn how Danish architect Jørn Utzon’s futuristic vision became a global symbol, and find out what really went on behind the scenes during its ambitious (and controversial) construction.

As you wander through this architectural masterpiece, you’ll also get a sense of how the building functions today — as a world-class venue for music, theater, dance, and more.

Fun fact: The Sydney Opera House roof is made of over 1 million self-cleaning ceramic tiles, giving it that famous shimmering white glow.

Perfect for architecture fans, history buffs, and curious travelers of all ages, this tour turns a bucket-list building into a rich cultural experience.

👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com

Interior view of the Sydney Opera House with a guide leading a small group through the concert hall, Sydney, Australia
australia sydney

Wilderness & Waterfalls: Blue Mountains National Park Tour

Leave the city behind and step into a world of towering cliffs, eucalyptus forests, and hidden waterfalls on this full-day tour to Blue Mountains National Park. Just a short drive from Sydney, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Australia’s most breathtaking natural wonders — and this guided experience helps you see the very best of it.

Highlights include jaw-dropping views of the Three Sisters rock formation, rides on the thrilling Scenic Railway or Skyway, and stops at dramatic lookout points like Echo Point and Wentworth Falls. You might even spot wild kangaroos along the way!

Your guide will share stories of the land’s Aboriginal significance, as well as its unique wildlife and geology. Some tours also include a visit to the Featherdale Wildlife Park or lunch in a local mountain village, making it a well-rounded day of adventure, nature, and culture.

Fun fact: The Blue Mountains get their name from the blue haze that hangs over the landscape — caused by light scattering through the oils released by millions of eucalyptus trees.

This tour is perfect for nature lovers, hikers, photographers, or anyone wanting to breathe in some fresh Aussie mountain air.

👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com

View of the Three Sisters rock formation with forested valleys and blue haze in Blue Mountains National Park, Australia

Cairns Barron River Rafting Half-Day Tour

Looking for some excitement in tropical North Queensland? This half-day white water rafting tour on the Barron River is the perfect way to add a little adventure to your trip without taking up your whole day. Just a short drive from Cairns, the river winds through the lush Barron Gorge National Park, offering a mix of fun rapids and incredible scenery.

You’ll paddle through Grade 2 and 3 rapids, which are ideal for beginners and first-timers — no experience needed. Along the way, you’ll pass rainforest-covered cliffs, natural rock walls, and a few calm sections where you can float and take in the views.

The guides are experienced, professional, and make safety a top priority. All necessary gear is provided, so you can focus on the fun.

Fun fact: The Barron River flows through a volcanic crater, and the surrounding rainforest is estimated to be over 100 million years old — making it one of the oldest surviving tropical rainforests on Earth.

This tour is a great fit for solo travelers, groups, or anyone wanting to cool off and enjoy a bit of a thrill in the heart of Cairns.

👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com

Group white water rafting on the Barron River with lush rainforest in the background near Cairns, Australia

Great Ocean Road Day Tour: 12 Apostles, Apollo Bay & Split Point Lighthouse

Get ready for one of the most scenic road trips in the world. This full-day tour from Melbourne takes you along the famous Great Ocean Road, where rugged cliffs, lush rainforest, and golden beaches meet the wild Southern Ocean.

The tour includes a visit to the legendary 12 Apostles, towering limestone stacks rising out of the sea — a must-see photo stop and one of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders. You’ll also explore Apollo Bay, a charming coastal town perfect for a beach stroll or a quick café break, and stop at the historic Split Point Lighthouse, known for its panoramic views and classic Aussie coastal vibes.

Along the way, you’ll drive through winding cliffside roads, spot koalas in the wild, and pass rolling green hills and surf beaches. The journey is just as spectacular as the stops.

Fun fact: The 12 Apostles were formed by millions of years of wind and ocean erosion, and while only eight remain standing, they’re no less impressive.

This tour is ideal for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to experience the rugged beauty of southern Australia — all in a single, unforgettable day.

👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com

View of the 12 Apostles sea stacks from a coastal lookout on the Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Wildlife Adventure

All aboard for a day full of old-world charm, stunning landscapes, and one of Australia’s cutest wildlife encounters. This tour starts with a ride on the historic Puffing Billy steam train, chugging through the scenic Dandenong Ranges with lush forest views and open-air carriages that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

From there, you’ll head to Phillip Island, where coastal cliffs meet wild beaches — and the real stars of the show come out at sunset. Get ready for the world-famous Penguin Parade, where dozens of little penguins waddle from the ocean back to their burrows after a day at sea. It’s one of the most heartwarming natural sights you’ll ever witness.

Many tours also include stops at local wildlife parks, where you can meet kangaroos, koalas, and other Aussie icons up close.

Fun fact: The little penguins you’ll see on Phillip Island are the smallest penguin species in the world, standing just 30–35 cm tall.

This tour is perfect for families, animal lovers, and anyone who wants to experience a mix of nature, nostalgia, and pure feel-good moments in a single day.

👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com

Puffing Billy steam train crossing a trestle bridge surrounded by forest, and little penguins walking on the beach at Phillip Island, Australia

Great Barrier Reef by Sea & Sky: Sunlover Cruise with Optional Helicopter Flight

This is the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience — combining a scenic cruise, snorkeling, and the chance to see the reef from above and below. Departing from Cairns, you’ll cruise out to the reef aboard the comfortable Sunlover catamaran, stopping at a spacious pontoon moored on the outer reef.

Once there, dive into a world of coral gardens, tropical fish, and crystal-clear water. Snorkel straight off the platform, take a glass-bottom boat ride, or just relax in the sun — it’s all included. But the real highlight? You can add on a helicopter flight for a breathtaking aerial view of the reef’s patterns and colors. Seeing the reef from above is nothing short of spectacular.

The day includes a tropical buffet lunch, snorkel gear, and optional guided activities, making it an all-in-one reef adventure.

Fun fact: The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth, visible even from space — and it’s home to over 1,500 species of fish.

Perfect for couples, adventurers, and anyone wanting to experience the reef from both water and air in one epic day.

👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com

Snorkelers in clear turquoise water at the Great Barrier Reef with a catamaran and helicopter flying overhead near Cairns, Australia

Desert Skies & Golden Light: Pinnacles Sunset Dinner & Stargazing Tour

Swap city lights for otherworldly landscapes and an unforgettable sky show on this evening tour to Pinnacles Desert, located in Nambung National Park just outside Perth. Known for its eerie limestone formations that rise from the sand like ancient monuments, the Pinnacles come alive in golden light as the sun sets — a photographer’s dream and a moment of pure calm.

You’ll enjoy a bush-style dinner among the dunes, surrounded by silence and stars. After dark, the real magic begins with guided stargazing under one of the clearest skies in Australia. With no light pollution, the Milky Way and southern constellations shine brighter than most travelers have ever seen.

Along the way, the tour may include stops at Yanchep National Park or Lake Thetis (home to rare living fossils), giving you a full day of nature, geology, and Aboriginal stories.

Fun fact: The Pinnacles are made of limestone formed over thousands of years, shaped by wind and sand into their haunting, sculptural forms.

This tour is ideal for sunset chasers, stargazers, and anyone looking for a deeper, quieter connection to Australia’s wild landscapes.

👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com

Limestone rock formations glowing under a golden sunset in the Pinnacles Desert with stars visible in the twilight sky, Western Australia

Island Adventure Awaits: Moreton Island One-Day Tour from Brisbane

Just a short ferry ride from Brisbane lies Moreton Island — a paradise of white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and unforgettable adventures. This full-day tour is your chance to experience one of Queensland’s best-kept secrets, packed with activities and surrounded by natural beauty.

Depending on the tour operator, your day might include snorkeling around the Tangalooma Wrecks, where coral and fish have turned old ships into underwater playgrounds. You could also try sandboarding down the island’s towering dunes, swim in Blue Lagoon, or explore the island’s lush interior on a guided 4WD tour.

Moreton Island is also home to wild dolphins, turtles, and dugongs — and if you’re lucky, you might just spot one during your cruise along the coast.

Fun fact: Moreton Island is the third-largest sand island in the world, and it’s made entirely of shifting sand — no rock foundations at all!

This tour is perfect for outdoor lovers, water enthusiasts, and anyone looking to swap city streets for a full day of sun, sea, and soft sand.

👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com

Snorkelers exploring the Tangalooma Wrecks in clear blue water off Moreton Island with sandy beaches in the background, Queensland, Australia

Behind the Scenes of a Legend: Sydney Opera House Guided Walking Tour

Discover the secrets behind one of the world’s most iconic buildings with this official guided tour of the Sydney Opera House. You’ll explore its dramatic interiors, hear fascinating stories about its construction, and see spaces most visitors never get to access — from grand performance halls to hidden backstage corners.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this walking tour brings the Opera House to life. Learn how Danish architect Jørn Utzon’s futuristic vision became a global symbol, and find out what really went on behind the scenes during its ambitious (and controversial) construction.

As you wander through this architectural masterpiece, you’ll also get a sense of how the building functions today — as a world-class venue for music, theater, dance, and more.

Fun fact: The Sydney Opera House roof is made of over 1 million self-cleaning ceramic tiles, giving it that famous shimmering white glow.

Perfect for architecture fans, history buffs, and curious travelers of all ages, this tour turns a bucket-list building into a rich cultural experience.

👉 Click the button below the image to check availability and book this experience securely through Trip.com

Interior view of the Sydney Opera House with a guide leading a small group through the concert hall, Sydney, Australia