12 National Park Tours in Australia to Build a Day Around

1.Litchfield National Park and Jumping Crocodile Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,119 reviews · from $172Our pick

Leave Darwin early for a private Adelaide River crocodile cruise, then spend the day at Litchfield National Park. Swim at Wangi Falls and Buley Rockhole, visit Florence Falls and termite mounds, and enjoy lunch, snacks, water, and local stories from guides such as Dylan, Daz, Will, and Damo. Groups are capped at 24.

“Full day adventure, hotel pick up, swimming in some beautiful waterfalls, make sure to pack swimmers and comfy shoes, lunch provided which was delicious, really informative tour guide! Great day, really worth the money.”

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2.Grampians National Park Small-Group Eco Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 761 reviews · from $111

Spend about 13 hours exploring the Grampians from Melbourne with Go West Tours. Visit the Eureka Stockade Memorial, Halls Gap, Grand Canyon, Reed and Boroka lookouts, MacKenzie Falls, and Silverband Falls. Expect short walks, rocky sections, wildlife sightings, Wi-Fi, hotel pickup, and guides such as Cloe, Jacqui, Mel, and Bluey.

“The trip to the Grampians was a long day, but well worth the trip. Is truly a must see while in Melbourne for the remarkable scenery and native fauna. Besides the spectacular sights, we really enjoyed the hikes in the Grand Canyon and to the bottom of Mackenzie Falls.”

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3.Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 704 reviews · 3 hours · from $127

From the Tasman Island Cruises office near Port Arthur, you’ll take a short transfer to a fast, covered boat for three hours along Tasmania’s wild southern coast. Guides such as Tim, Damo, Andrew, and Hamish explain the cliffs and wildlife as you pass Cape Pillar, caves, arches, waterfalls, and seal colonies. Bring serious warm layers.

“Better than expected, Hamish our skipper did a fantastic job with the operation of the boat and his knowledge and enthusiasm was amazing and Benny did a great job looking after everyone and continually checking on everyone to make sure they were ok”

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4.Blue Mountains National Park Tour with River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 701 reviews · 10h 30m · from $70Best value

Spend 10.5 hours touring the Blue Mountains from Sydney with Oz Trails. Walk to Wentworth or Katoomba Falls, visit Three Sisters, explore Leura and Scenic World, then return by ferry from Olympic Park. Guides such as Les, Bruce, and Wayne bring local stories and humor. Zoo and Scenic World tickets cost extra.

“I did two tours of the blue mountains by two separate tour operators. By far Oz Trails was the best! Especially Lez the tour guide. He’s the best!!!! Very knowledgeable, interactive, engaging, and a good conversation starter. Highly recommended for a promotion!”

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5.From Hobart/Adventure Bay: Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 601 reviews · 3 - 10 hours · from $127

Ride Pennicott Wilderness Journeys’ open-air yellow boat along Bruny Island’s rugged southern coast. Your English-speaking guide points out sea cliffs, Breathing Rock, caves, seals, seabirds, dolphins, and seasonal whales. Choose a Bruny Island start or a Hobart option with ferry crossings, a guided bus tour, and hotel drop-off. Expect cold wind and a lively ride.

“It was fantastic! The Skipper ( I forget her name 😢) was awesome with her commentary, her jokes and her skills driving the boat! We saw lots of seals and many dolphins! The scenery was incredible. We will definitely recommend this to anyone!”

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6.Port Arthur Full-day Guided Tour with Harbour Cruise and Tasman National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 585 reviews · from $121

Spend about nine hours touring from Hobart to Port Arthur with a guide such as Vic, Colin, Mark, or Rod. See Richmond Bridge, Pirates Bay, Tasman Arch, Remarkable Cave, and Maingon Bay, then explore the convict site and cruise around Isle of the Dead. Hotel pickup, transport, admission, and Wi-Fi are included.

“Fantastic trip to Port Arthur from Hobart. Barry, our driver, was very informative and humorous. A trip not to be missed.”

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7.Grampians National Park Small-Group Eco Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 577 reviews · 13 hours · from $109

Spend 13 hours travelling from Melbourne into the Grampians with Go West Tours. You’ll visit Silverband Falls, the Grand Canyon, MacKenzie Falls, Reed Lookout, Boroka Lookout, and Halls Gap, with local guides such as Lisa, James, Jaimes, and Aleks sharing stories along the way. Expect a long day, short walks, wildlife, and a maximum group size of 24.

“Jaime is a very good tour guide, very friendly and will provide us with a lot of information during the tour!”

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8.Bruny Island Wilderness Coast Eco Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 498 reviews · 10 hours · from $194

Spend 10 hours touring Bruny Island by coach, ferry, and custom-built boat. Cruise beneath sea cliffs and into sea caves, watch for fur seals, dolphins, and whales, then enjoy Tasmanian salmon or local ham with soup and salad. Guides such as Zoe, Jamie, Liam, and Murray add live commentary, local stories, and plenty of humor.

“Great Boat tour followed by great food led wonderful staff that loved their job!”

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9.Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Cruise from Tidal River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 449 reviews · from $118

Set out from Norman Beach with guides such as Damo, Ella, or Jazzie for a 2.5-hour amphibious boat cruise along Wilsons Promontory. Expect granite cliffs, Skull Rock, South Point, fur seals, seabirds, and possible dolphins or whales. Jackets are supplied, but Bass Strait can be cold and rough.

“Honestly, I didn't expect a lot but the results turned out great! We were able to see some wild life and some parts of the nature what we can't see in our daily life! Also, the tour guides are very helpful and having a lot of knowledge! They are legends! I highly recommend this tour!”

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10.Kakadu Wilderness Escape & Rock Art Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 403 reviews · 12 hours · from $180

Travel 620 kilometres from Darwin into Kakadu with an experienced English-speaking guide such as Becs, Dani, Leigh, or Tim. Choose a jumping crocodile cruise or Fogg Dam, then visit Bowali, Cahills Crossing, and Ubirr or Nourlangie. Expect a hot, packed day with about 2 kilometres of walking.

“Boggie was an excellent guide who was informative and funny and really took very good care of us on a very hot, long day. The culturally special sites and absolutely incredible scenery made this day a highlight for us. A big thank you to the traditional custodians of this area for their generosity of spirit in sharing their stories with us.”

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11.Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise from Port Arthur

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 285 reviews · from $129

Leave Port Arthur for a three-hour wilderness cruise toward Eaglehawk Neck and Tasman Island. Expect sharp coastal views, sea caves, towering cliffs, lighthouse history, and commentary from guides such as Tom, Jonty, Lily, or Ashleigh. Waterproof jackets are provided, but warm layers and steady sea legs matter.

“Wear non slip shoes and a beanie. Take a warm jacket. Travel light....you don't need a handbag or backpack on the boat.”

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12.Litchfield National Park & Waterfalls Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 158 reviews · 10h 30m · from $130

Spend 10.5 hours exploring Litchfield National Park from Darwin with an outback driver-guide such as Leigh, Danni, or Daryl. Swim at Florence Falls and Buley Rockholes, see Magnetic Termite Mounds, and choose between a jumping crocodile cruise and Fogg Dam. Bring lunch, water, swimwear, and a towel.

“We had an amazing time during our trip, which was not just thanks to the beautiful locations but also due to our amazing guide Aron. He loves this country and every plant and animal on it and shared that with us while also providing plenty of information about Darwin and its human and non human inhabitants. We learned a lot and enjoyed great sceneries. The highlight was definitely the Florence waterfall, where we had a lot of time to swim.”

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