Top Australia On the Water

Enjoy a thrilling encounter with dolphins in their natural environment on this cruise from Jervis Bay. Spot playful bottlenose dolphins swimming, diving and jumping around the boat as you explore the Jervis Bay Marine Park, and soak up dramatic views along the New South Wales coast. With a specially designed catamaran including five viewing levels, you’ll have plenty of chance to get up close to the magnificent sea creatures, watching as they swim and play alongside the boat.

The Brisbane River, flowing directly through the city after which it’s named, is the longest river in South Queensland. Take a relaxing ruise along the river, seeing iconic sights including Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Brisbane City Center, and Story Bridge in a short amount of time. Fit a morning or afternoon departure into your vacation schedule.

Get active while enjoying the great outdoors and spotting wildlife on this kayaking tour to the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Paddle through ancient mangrove forests and keep a lookout for the dolphins that pass through. Learn about the animals and their habitat from your naturalist guide. No kayaking experience is necessary and the pace will be slow but moderate fitness is recommended.

Kayak alongside a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins in Byron Bay’s Cape Byron Marine Park. Stay safe and on-course by going with expert guides. Learn about the protected aquatic environment along the way, spot marine life, and finish with all-you-can-eat chocolate biscuits on the beach. All equipment is provided, and no kayaking experience is necessary, although adults must be able to swim.

Uncover the secrets of Sydney’s heritage as you explore The Rocks on this guided walking tour of the historic precinct. Offering amazing views over the Sydney Harbour and the Campbells Cove Wharves, your guide will lead you along shady laneways and cobbled courtyards where you’ll discover some of Sydney’s earliest buildings, including Cadman’s Cottage, built in 1816 and the Garrison Church, which dates back to the 1840s.

Spend a day on the Great Barrier Reef at two different snorkel and dive sites on this luxury catamaran cruise from Cairns. Travel in style aboard a fast, comfortable catamaran to the outer edge of Upolu Reef, "Wonder Wall," and the Upolu Cay reef area where you can choose to snorkel or dive (additional cost) and observe the coral that's teeming with colorful fish. Take an Adventure Snorkel & Glass Bottom Boat Tour through the highly protected no-fishing zone sites and refuel with a buffet lunch on board the catamaran.

Watch the sunset from the deck of a luxury catamaran on a relaxing 1.5-hour evening sailing cruise from Port Douglas. As you soak in the tropical scenery, enjoy a complimentary drink and a selection of hot and cold appetizers served up by the friendly crew. Your captain steers your vessel to prime viewpoints for watching the sunset and the Coral Sea, the Low Isles and the gorgeous coastline around Port Douglas.

Enjoy Hobart from the water on Derwent River cruise. Choose your preferred time of day for your cruise, including lunch and dinner options, and then glide through the city to admire the harbor and waterfront attractions such as the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, the Tasman Bridge, Government House, Montagu Bay, and Rose Bay.

Get set for a wet and wild adventure as you hurtle down the Mulgrave River on a giant tube! Hang on tight as you navigate small rapids and then soak up the scenery as you drift through the rainforest. This fun-filled morning tour includes hotel pick-up and round-trip transport from Cairns, plus around 2 hours of tubing. Best of all: there’s no experience necessary, so everyone can give it a go!

Discover the Whitsunday Islands on a sailing day trip from Port. You can swim in the turquoise water, soak up the salty sea air as you zoom across the water by high-speed catamaran and be wowed by the islands’ most famous natural sight, Whitehaven Beach. Lunch, snacks and refreshments are included throughout the day.

From Airlie Beach hop on a Jet Ski tour of the Whitsunday Islands for an unforgettable experience of this tropical paradise. Zip past picturesque coves and beaches as you learn from your expert guide about the region. The tour options suit beginning and experienced riders, there are multiple to choose from all exploring the beauty of the Whitsundays.

Discover Melbourne’s history and highlights on this guided Yarra River cruise. Float past the city’s towering skyscrapers and lovely urban gardens while learning about the transformation of this vibrant city from 19th-century port town to a modern cultural capital. Your sightseeing cruise takes you upriver and downriver for a scenic overview of attractions on both banks.

Go snorkeling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day cruise from Cairns. Relax on board your 80-foot (25-meter) luxury catamaran as your captain sails to two exclusive locations on the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to snorkel or dive, with full instruction provided by guides, and see an array of colorful fish, sea turtles, and corals. Your tour includes morning and afternoon tea, and a buffet lunch, with additional beverages available for purchase.

Set out on a half-day catamaran tour to stunning Whitehaven Beach for swimming at this postcard–perfect slice of paradise. Considered one of the world's top beaches and the most beautiful one in the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach is a must-see in the Great Barrier Reef region. Travel in comfort from Port Airlie on a motorized catamaran with air-conditioning. Morning or afternoon tea is provided on board and your crew supplies beach activities and informative commentary along the way.

This Tully River rafting trip provides an action-packed full day of adventure in North Queensland, including white-water rafting with experienced river guides and a pub lunch. Paddle your raft through 45 or so rapids — some up to Grade 4 — with the World Heritage–listed rainforest as your scenic backdrop. Tully Gorge National Park boasts one of Australia's most popular rafting excursions, including opportunities to jump from the rocks into the tropical water. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Cairns.

See Sydney Harbour the way it's meant to be seen: From the water. This lunch cruise passes by such world-famous sites as the Sydney Opera House as well as such hidden gems as secluded beaches and sandstone cliffs. On board, enjoy a delicious barbecue buffet lunch.

Join a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour by double-decker bus to discover the highlights of Sydney and Bondi Beach. Enjoy unobstructed views and recorded onboard commentary as you travel along two routes to top destinations like the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Bondi Beach. Go in-depth wherever you like by hopping off the bus to explore. Experience the city’s most noteworthy attractions at your own pace.

Wetlands made Kakadu National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Yellow Water Billabong is one of the most beautiful. Join Indigenous-owned Yellow Water Cruises on a guided journey of discovery among crocodiles, eagles, and reflecting waters. The wildlife, like the light, changes throughout the day.

Enjoy a whale-watching cruise that begins with a breakfast or barbecue lunch onboard the boat while in the calm waters of Sydney Harbour.  After breakfast or lunch, your boat glides past Sydney Head into the Pacific Ocean in search of the humpback and southern right whales that migrate along this coast from May to November. Keep an eye out for whales and dolphins as you learn about them from your naturalist guide, who provides fascinating commentary about Australian marine life during your tour.

Take in panoramic views of top Sydney landmarks as you cruise through Sydney Harbour en route to Taronga Zoo. Your package includes round-trip cruise from Circular Quay to the zoo as well as admission where you can meet our incredible animals.

The otherworldly landscapes of the Pinnacles Desert are one of Western Australia’s most impressive natural wonders, found just north of Perth in the Nambung National Park. On this tour, admire the Pinnacles at their most magical during a sunset visit, enjoy a sunset dinner in the desert, and stay after-dark for a thrilling stargazing experience. Along the way we stop at Nilgen Nature Reserve to see wildflowers in early spring or we visit Hangover Bay for a walk on the beach & to see native plants used by the local Aboriginal people for food and medicine.

Dive into the spectacular underwater realm of the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day snorkel and scuba cruise from Cairns. Travel aboard a luxurious catamaran to three renowned dive sites to swim among coral gardens and tropical marine life. All experience levels are welcome, and guides are on hand to assist with your choice of snorkeling, introductory scuba diving, or certified diving. A buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon tea on the catamaran are included.

Plan ahead and book roundtrip shuttle service to/from Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) to your Airlie Beach accommodations or the cruise ship port. Travel comfortably in air-conditioned buses, which means fewer stops, so you'll get to your destination quicker. Plus, you'll avoid the hassle of waiting in a long taxi line.