Australia has some of the most distinctive and diverse natural environments that offer amazing adventure and wildlife journeys. From pristine beaches and ancient rainforests to spectacular mountain ranges and national parks, you’ll find extraordinary nature.
So take an escorted Australia tour to walk, climb, ski, swim and mingle with the local and discover why there is nothing like Australia.
1. Go beneath the surface:
Diving the Cod Hole in the Great Barrier Reef – Queensland, Australia
There’s a party going on and you’re invited! Don your scuba gear and float among the honored guests: a family of photogenic 200-plus pound Potato Cod, giant clams, golden gorgonian fans, clouds of colorful fish, friendly moray eels, turtles and giant Napoleon Wrasse. Definitely the best party you’ll attend all year!
2. Float into the heart of the landscape:
Rafting through the Waitomo Glow Caves – North Island, New Zealand
The underground river winds past waterfalls and whirlpools among enormous stalactites and constellations of glow worms. Take a cruise, an inner tube or blackwater raft ride or paddle a kayak through this mysterious landscape.
3. Up and over down under:
Hot air ballooning over the outback – Northern Territory, Australia
Float in awed silence as you drift over the lands of Alice Springs, Australia’s most famous outback town. As you drift further into the outback, kangaroos bound across the landscape and faint tracks trace the footsteps of Aboriginal peoples. Spectacular.
4. Feel the perfect stretch:
Bungee jumping adventure, Queenstown – South Island, New Zealand
This is the country where bungee jumping originated and Queenstown is ‘the adventure capital of the world.’ Soar from bridges, from The Ledge of the Queenstown Skyline gondola observation deck, or go really high and heli-bungee!
5. Go barefoot on an island adventure:
4X4 Camping on Fraser Island – Queensland, Australia
Take the barge to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island and suddenly you’re in a verdant paradise. The largest sand island in the world, Fraser has 80-plus miles of Pacific beachfront. Set up camp on the white sand beach or alongside a jewel-like lake, and explore the dunes, cast your line into the surf, build a sand castle and relax.
6. See flawless vistas:
Cruise through the Milford Sound – New Zealand
On the southwestern edge of New Zealand’s South Island, Milford Sound is a long, narrow fjord off the Tasman Sea. Your ship is a tiny toy against the backdrop of sheer cliffs, waterfalls and misty mountaintops on this journey of magical beauty.
7. See the classic rock:
Camel riding at Uluru/Ayer’s Rock – Northern Territory, Australia
Perhaps the most revered site in Australia and one of the most photographed vistas in the world, Uluru/Ayer’s Rock emerges suddenly from the plain. Experience this wondrous formation from the back of a camel on a memorable escorted ride across the desert sands.
8. Walk on the wild side:
Hiking at Cradle Mountain – Tasmania, Australia
The mountain’s jagged contours send icy streams cascading into glacial lakes. Ancient rainforest and alpine heaths are superb for bushwalking, camping, climbing, picnicking, fishing, skiing and swimming, if you like th
at skin-tingling iciness!
9. Meet the locals:
A farmstay in the country – North and South Island, New Zealand
Friendly Kiwis welcome you into their homes and lodges with genuine friendship and hospitality as you join in – and learn about – daily farm activities. Try horse trekking, mountain biking, and sheep shearing all with a touch of local color.
10. Walkabout with the wildlife:
Walking with the wildlife on Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Take a guided beach walk among Australian sea lions at Seal Bay. Watch the Little Penguins. Stroll among the kangaroos, koalas, New Zealand fur seals, Tammar wallabies, brushtail possums, echidna and even platypus at Flinders Chase National Park. It’s wild!
