Top 5 VIP Experiences in Australia

1.Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,895 reviews · from $181Our pick

From Cairns, Ocean Freedom takes you by fast 65-foot catamaran to Upolu Cay and Wonder Wall. You get six hours at two reef sites, guided snorkeling, glass-bottom viewing, optional certified or introductory scuba, breakfast snacks, seafood lunch, and afternoon treats. A maximum of 75 people keeps the day organized and personal.

“The fabulous crew hosted a fun outing, ensuring we saw sea life (turtles, clown fish, giant clams, and even a sting ray) and were kept safe the entire day. From kids to adults and first time snorklers to experienced divers - everyone enjoyed themselves onboard the Ocean Freedom!”

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2.Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,010 reviews · from $190

Join Seastar Cruises at 7:30 AM from Cairns Marlin Marina for a fast trip to Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef. You get guided snorkeling, reef gear, a glass-bottom boat, lunch, and time to explore both sites. The group is capped at 36, with optional introductory or certified scuba available at extra cost.

“Great day; awesome snorkelling experience - saw such amazing fish and coral as well as a turtle and a shark (pretty close up). Weather was raining in Cairns but beautiful where we went and visibility under the water was incredible.”

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3.Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 652 reviews · from $89

Join Kangarrific Tours for a 10-hour Hunter Valley outing from Sydney, led by guides such as Sam. Travel in a small luxury minibus to a wildlife park, two boutique wineries, and a cheese, olive oil, and chocolate stop. Wildlife admission, tastings, and lunch cost extra, so budget beyond the advertised fare.

“Amazing trip to the Hunter Valley along with an excellent side trip to the Australian Reptile Park - the park was amazing and we managed to get close to a number of the Koalas and Kangaroos. The trip to hunter valley included two wine tastings and one cheese and chocolate tasting - all amazing. Our guide, Sam, was super knowledgeable and took good care of us - he even dropped us to the hotel on the way back, which was very kind of him.”

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4.2-Hour Luxury Whale-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 455 reviews · 2 hours · from $67Best value

From Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, you’ll spend two hours aboard the Steep Point, a purpose-built catamaran with five viewing decks, heated lounge seating, and live commentary from marine mammal experts. Watch humpback whales resting, breaching, tail slapping, and socializing near Perth. Niamh is one of the onboard commentators.

“We managed to see a lot of whales and learned more about them”

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5.Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Brisbane

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 72 reviews · from $235

Set out from Brisbane at 9:00 am for a small-group Mount Tamborine food and wine day. Expect guided tastings of 6 to 10 wines, a distillery visit, fudge, Gallery Walk and a two-course lunch. Guides such as Boris, Scotty and Jaden are known for friendly local commentary. Pickup and return transport keep the day simple.

“I was in Brisbane for a conference and I wanted to do some exploration before returning to the States. I genuinely enjoyed this experience. The tour staff communicated with me and accommodated my request to be contacted via WhatApp since I did not have phone coverage. Also, the hotel pick-up was a plus and our driver (I believe his name was Jayden, sorry I have already forgotten), was very kind and made sure that we were comfortable and having an enjoyable experience. We were served lunch at the second stop and the food was very tasty. The reason this tour gets four stars instead of five, is because the three…”

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