Australia · TOURS

Australian Day Trips: The 15 Worth a Whole Day

308 tours  ·  from $18 a head

Anything with a skipper, a driver or a guide on it, in one list. The 15 below are the ones that fill a whole day properly, priced and timed, with everything else underneath.

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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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

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

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

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

3.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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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

4.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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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

5.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

6.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

7.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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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

8.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

9.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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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

10.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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Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski Tour - Group size, pace, and the beginner question
Guided, Jet Boat & Jet Ski Rides, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski Tour

11.Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,348 reviews · from $92

Ride a Sea-Doo from Coral Sea Marina into the Whitsunday Islands Marine Park on a guided small-group tour. Choose the shorter Airlie Adventure, the 50-kilometre Two Island Safari, or the solo-rider Ultimate Island Trek with a Palm Bay Resort stop and lunch. Guides such as Josh, Brook, Sami, and Phoebe lead the routes.

“We went on the Airlie Adventure. Izzy was an amazing tour guide. We had such a great time! Will definitely be referring this tour to others!”

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Bruny Island Food, Sightseeing, Guided Lighthouse Tour & Lunch - The Neck and Truganini Lookout
Food, Food & Drink, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Hobart

Bruny Island Food, Sightseeing, Guided Lighthouse Tour & Lunch

12.Bruny Island Food, Sightseeing, Guided Lighthouse Tour & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,989 reviews · from $190

Spend about 10 hours exploring Bruny Island from Hobart with ferry tickets, food tastings, lunch and a guided Cape Bruny Lighthouse climb included. Guides such as Jimmy, Dave, David and Andy are known for lively local stories. Expect a full day with plenty of minivan travel, short walks, coastal views and generous tastings.

“Absolutely stunning views, great cuisine and overall lovely experience. David did a fantastic job guiding us with funny jokes and useful information about surroundings. Would do again, highly recommended.”

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Sydney: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Cruise - The Blue Bondi Tour and Sydney’s beach culture
Cruises & Boat Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sydney

Sydney: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Cruise

13.Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,697 reviews · 1 - 2 days · from $51

Use a 24- or 48-hour Big Bus pass across Sydney’s city and Bondi routes, with 23 stops, multilingual commentary, Wi-Fi, and an optional Captain Cook harbour cruise. Add the night tour if offered. Staff such as Pat, Stephen, Gill, and Josh have helped make departures friendly and informative.

“really enjoyed the big bis sydney the commentary was really funky unlike many previous tours”

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Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour - The Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, and the best city views
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sydney

Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour

14.Big Bus Sydney and Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,690 reviews · from $52

See Sydney from an open-top double-decker bus on city and Bondi routes, with recorded commentary in eight languages, WiFi, and flexible 24 or 48-hour access. Stops cover the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, Fish Market, museums, parks, and Bondi Beach. Optional upgrades add a Captain Cook harbor pass and night tour.

“The red blue and the purple bus was a really good experience, seeing the city in one go and hopping off and on on the next bus within 30-40 mins. It was convenient and efficient way of seeing Sydney when on a solo short trip The ferry however was a scam. It was no hop on hop off situation. If you hop off you get stranded for 3 hours (I did). It’s not well managed nor do they care about the hop on hop off customers. The ferry leaves earlier than the designated time, at the drop off destinations there is no one to ask when is the next ferry…”

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Great Ocean Road Tour w/ Deluxe Minibus & Top-Rated Guide - From Melbourne to Torquay and the Memorial Arch
Great Ocean Road Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Melbourne

Great Ocean Road Tour w/ Deluxe Minibus & Top-Rated Guide

15.Great Ocean Road Tour w/ Deluxe Minibus & Top-Rated Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,644 reviews · 13 hours - 1 day · from $105

Spend up to 13 hours exploring Victoria’s coast with Go West Tours in a minibus for no more than 24 people. Expect Torquay, the Memorial Arch, wild koalas near Kennett River, Maits Rest rainforest, Apollo Bay, the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps, and Loch Ard Gorge. English guiding is supported by audio commentary in 16 languages.

“A great day trip with fantastic views. The guide-driver was very careful and took care of the passengers' safety. He also made the necessary stops. I highly recommend it.”

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