Australia · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Tours in Australia, Reef to Red Centre

697 tours  ·  from $11 a head

Everybody arrives with the same list and half the days it needs. The 15 below are the ones that survive the cut, priced and timed, with the rest of the catalogue underneath when you have longer.

Sydney: Opera House Guided Tour with Entrance Ticket - Walking beneath Jørn Utzon’s sails
Guided, Sydney Opera House Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sydney

Sydney: Opera House Guided Tour with Entrance Ticket

1.Opera House Guided Tour with Entrance Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 8,312 reviews · 1 hour · from $33Our pick

Spend one hour inside Sydney Opera House with a live English, French, Spanish, or German guide. You’ll walk through foyers, theaters, and backstage areas, hear how Jørn Utzon’s design came to life, and may see a rehearsal. Guides such as Peter, Laura, Immy, and Daryl are known for clear storytelling. Expect about 300 stairs.

“The “behind the scenes” access was my favorite part. The entire tour was excellent. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. A special mention needs to be made about the headphones on the tour: we remarked that it was absolutely the best listening experience ever on a tour! I understand that sound quality is the key to a musical venue, but extending that to the audio tour was greatly appreciated. I would definitely recommend the tour to anyone!”

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All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry - Starting at Circular Quay and heading west
Blue Mountains Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sydney, Wildlife Parks in Sydney, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry

2.All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,832 reviews · from $204Top rated

Travel from Sydney to the Blue Mountains in a small group, visit the Three Sisters, ride Scenic World’s railway, Skyway, and Cableway, eat a dietary-friendly lunch, meet Australian wildlife, then return by ferry. Guides such as Kat, Axel, Grant, and Rin add local stories and steady care throughout the long day.

“The tour was absolutely brilliant from start to finish! Tony, our guide, was incredibly informative and such a lovely guy — he really made the day special. The Blue Mountains were breathtaking, Sydney Zoo was fantastic, the food was delicious, and the boat trip back was the perfect, relaxing end to an amazing day. Highly recommend!”

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Great Ocean Road Small-Group Eco Tour from Melbourne - Kennett River and the search for koalas
Great Ocean Road Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne

Great Ocean Road Small-Group Eco Tour from Melbourne

3.Great Ocean Road Small-Group Eco Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,607 reviews · from $106

Spend about 14 hours on a small-group Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne with guides such as Thomas, Lucy, or Reuben. Visit Torquay, Kennett River, Apollo Bay, Mait’s Rest, the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, and Loch Ard Gorge. Expect a deluxe minibus, onboard Wi-Fi, rainforest walking, koala spotting, and a long but rewarding day.

“The day was well planned - stops were required for comfort breaks and eating - and of course, to see the views. Enough time was given to walk around and get photos. Our driver Jaimes gave us plenty Dad jokes but more importantly lots of valuable information.”

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From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour - The forest walk brings a different kind of scenery
Great Ocean Road Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne, Wildlife

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour

4.Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 6,020 reviews · 13h 30m · from $94

Spend about 13.5 hours on a full-day Great Ocean Road trip from Melbourne with an English-speaking Australian guide. See wild koalas and parrots, walk through tall forest, stop at Torquay and Apollo Bay, and visit Gibson Steps, the 12 Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge. Guides such as Warren and Theo add humor, local insight, and extra wildlife stops.

“Theo was the highlight - best tour guide ever. He gave his all and even more, went out of his way to show us extra things outside of the tour because he’s passionate. Theo also had an encyclopaedia of knowledge about all the spot and history. Other tour guides disappear when roaming a location freely begins - Theo went around with us and answered all our questions. He gave us free juice and cookies which was a bonus. Tour guides - be more like Theo 🤘”

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Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout - Hill Inlet is the essential first view
Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, White Water Rafting, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout

5.Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,777 reviews · from $149

Ocean Rafting takes you from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and secluded fringing reefs aboard a fast inflatable boat. Choose Northern Exposure for more snorkeling or Southern Lights for extra beach time. Guides such as Bernie, Hailey, Georgie, and Max combine safety advice, reef talks, and plenty of boat-ride fun.

“Superb! Everything is so satisfied. All members of Wipeout are so friendly and enthusiastic to us! Totally recommend!”

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Laid back, Yarra Valley Wine Tour: Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer + Choc - Yering Farm Wines and the first taste of cider
Brewery & Distillery Tours, Brewery Tours in Melbourne, Food & Drink, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne, Wine Tours, Winery Visits in Melbourne, Yarra Valley Wine Tours

Laid back, Yarra Valley Wine Tour: Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer + Choc

6.Laid back, Yarra Valley Wine Tour: Wine, Cider, Gin, Beer + Choc

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,552 reviews · from $93

Spend about 8.5 hours in the Yarra Valley with Teepee Tours, guided by hosts such as Callum, Matt, Andrew, or Peter. Taste wine, cider, gin, beer, and chocolate, then choose lunch at St Huberts or Domaine Chandon. The relaxed group format can adjust stops to suit the people on board.

“A really great mix of options to see the Yarra Valley. Our bus driver Matt was great fun and full of knowledge. He made all on the bus feel relaxed. A hugely enjoyable day.”

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From Sydney: Blue Mountains Full-Day Trip - Featherdale Wildlife Park: your most hands-on stop
1-Day Tours, Blue Mountains Day Trips, Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sydney

From Sydney: Blue Mountains Full-Day Trip

7.Blue Mountains Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,471 reviews · 10 hours · from $148

This 10-hour Blue Mountains trip combines Featherdale Wildlife Park, Leura Village, Echo Point, and all three Scenic World rides. Your English-speaking guide, often a driver-guide such as Ben, Aaron, Tony, Max, or Jed, keeps the day moving. You return to Sydney by ferry, arriving at Circular Quay instead of sitting in peak traffic.

“Absolutely loved this trip. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t kind and all I saw was rain and mist but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the day. Ben, our tour guide, was amazing and fun, he made the day very enjoyable. Thank you”

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Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour - Max 11 Guests - Gibson Steps and the cliffs below
Great Ocean Road Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne

Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour – Max 11 Guests

8.Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Boutique Tour – Max 11 Guests

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,186 reviews · from $106

Leave Melbourne at 6:50 am for a 12-hour small-group tour with up to 11 people. The reverse route reaches the Twelve Apostles early, then continues to Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, Great Otway rainforest, Apollo Bay, Kennett River, and Teddy’s Lookout. Guides such as Marty, James, Chris, and Anne provide commentary, while koalas and kangaroos may appear along the way.

“the guide is quite patient and well.No.7 bus is quite cozy.We saw all the animals we want to see despite of the high temperature.This is a memorable trip without doubt！！！”

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Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne - Brighton’s bathing boxes in a 20-minute stop
Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne, Wildlife

Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

9.Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,774 reviews · from $118

Spend about 12 hours exploring Phillip Island from Melbourne, with Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies, and the famous little penguin parade. Go West provides hotel pickup, an air-conditioned minivan, Wi-Fi, entry fees, and guides such as Cloe, Jono, and Aleks. Expect a late return and a chilly, camera-free evening at the penguin viewing area.

“We had such a great day, full of fun and our tour guide Jools was super informative and went out of her way to make us all feel welcome. She made sure that we saw as much wildlife as possible. She was super friendly. Phillip Island penguin parade was fantastic, we got so close to the little guys.”

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Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour - Walking through the foyers and performance halls
Guided, Sydney Opera House Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sydney, Walking Tours

Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour

10.Sydney Opera House Official Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,770 reviews · from $34

Spend one hour inside the Sydney Opera House with guides such as Peter, a retired architect, or Sheila and Laura. See the main concert hall, another performance space, elegant foyers, shell tiles, and areas usually reserved for ticket holders. The tour includes about 300 stairs, headsets, and an optional meal add-on.

“This is a must! Such a wonderful tour with fascinating information on the history of the Opera House to present day.”

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Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns - Barbecue Lunch with a View
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

11.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,714 reviews · from $190

Sail from Cairns aboard Evolution to two outer reef sites, usually Saxon or Norman Reef and Hastings Reef. Snorkel with supplied gear, add an introductory or certified scuba session, or book a 10-minute helicopter flight. Crew members such as marine biologist Indy provide guidance, while lunch, afternoon snacks, and return wine are included.

“Great experience and they provide amazing reef views, food, service and fun! Well organized, friendly staff, and snorkeling in the reef was magical.”

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Blue Mountains Small-Group Tour from Sydney with Scenic World,Sydney Zoo & Ferry - Echo Point and the Three Sisters
Blue Mountains Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sydney, Wildlife Parks in Sydney, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

Blue Mountains Small-Group Tour from Sydney with Scenic World,Sydney Zoo & Ferry

12.Blue Mountains Small-Group Tour from Sydney with Scenic World,Sydney Zoo & Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,709 reviews · from $161

This 10-hour small-group trip combines the Three Sisters, Scenic World’s Skyway, Cableway and Railway, a Blue Mountains village, Sydney Zoo and a ferry ride to Circular Quay. You start at 6:45 am, travel with a guide such as Phil, Scott or Rod, and return to central Sydney around 5 pm.

“Guide was great and it was an entertaining experience. Don't like being forced to give extra verbage.”

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Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Whisky and Chocolate Tour - The 8:35am meeting point on Flinders Street
Brewery & Distillery Tours, Brewery Tours in Melbourne, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne, Wine Tours, Winery Visits in Melbourne, Yarra Valley Wine Tours

Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Whisky and Chocolate Tour

13.Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Whisky and Chocolate Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,667 reviews · from $93

Spend about eight hours touring the Yarra Valley from central Melbourne with guides such as Tom, Gilberto, Richard, Matt and Hilda. Taste wine at Soumah, St Huberts and Balgownie, sample 10 chocolates, visit Hubert Estate and stop at Chandon. Alcohol tastings and transport are included, while lunch and some spirit tastings cost extra.

“Brilliant . Fabulous scenery , excellent wine . Marvellous host and driver Tommo who made the day special by looking after everyone.”

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From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran - Two hours across the Coral Sea
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

14.Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,567 reviews · 9 hours · from $190

Join Passions of Paradise from Cairns for a full day at two outer reef sites. Snorkel with crew guides, try introductory or certified scuba, and enjoy a chef-prepared buffet. Marine guides such as Lily, David, and Le’a offer extra insight, while prescription masks, flotation belts, and wetsuits help first-timers feel at ease.

“Great experience, Staff were excellent! Highly recommended! Incredible trip! The”

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K'gari (Fraser Island) All Inclusive Day Tour - Lake McKenzie: the day’s best swim
Fraser Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Fraser Island

K’gari (Fraser Island) All Inclusive Day Tour

15.K’gari (Fraser Island) All Inclusive Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,477 reviews · from $187

Spend about nine hours exploring K’gari from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach in an air-conditioned 4WD coach. Swim at Lake McKenzie, walk through Central Station rainforest, visit Eli Creek and the Maheno wreck, and ride along Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Guides such as John, Jean, Steve, and Dean add local stories, while an optional scenic flight costs extra.

“Excellent tour. Long day but worth every cent. The tour was very well organised no waiting around for ferry or bus. Lunch was enjoyable.”

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New in Tour Reviews

★ 4.8Albany: Historic Whaling Station Entry TicketFrom $2524 reviews
★ 4.5Airlie: Adults Only Sunset Sail with Aperol Spritz/AntipastoFrom $70101 reviews
★ 4.8Whitsunday Islands Sailing, SUP & Snorkel TourFrom $16290 reviews
★ 4.8Waterfall & Rainforest Bushwalk Eco AdventureFrom $8422 reviews
★ 4.6Whitehaven Beach Cruise and Hill InletFrom $19071 reviews
★ 3.9Whitehaven Beach ClubFrom $112152 reviews
★ 4.9Segway Rainforest Discovery TourFrom $106104 reviews
★ 4.5Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Day TripFrom $211156 reviews
★ 4.8Half Day Turtle Tour Sea Kayaking AdventureFrom $7721 reviews
★ 4.3Glass-Bottom Boat TourFrom $63234 reviews
★ 4.6Glass-Bottom Boat Night TourFrom $7023 reviews
★ 4.7Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach TourFrom $225308 reviews
★ 4.7Cedar Creek Falls & Northerlies Beach Day TripFrom $112122 reviews
★ 4.8BYOB Sunset Sail in Style Catamaran CruiseFrom $7735 reviews
★ 4.6Cedar Creek Express Eco TourFrom $63114 reviews

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Great Barrier Reef Cruises45Great Ocean Road Tours22Blue Mountains Day Trips21Wine Tours62Whale Watching28Uluru & Kata Tjuta Tours13
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