Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.
The down under is a fascinating place with some of the most unique energy in the world. From the unique ecosystem that flourishes on the island to the laid-back culture and variety of things to do & see, Australia can be the ultimate paradise for most and a perfect place to visit.
Australia has had an intense but interesting history throughout the centuries. Historians speculate that travelers from Asia may have traveled over to Australia due to the wind, current, or change. This is believed as many ancient civilizations in china and Arabia have sources both describing land in the very south however this cannot be proved with 100% certainty.
It wasn’t until 1688 that the British arrived in Australia. William Dampier an English explorer came across Australia and traveled 1,000 miles up the west coast between 1699 and 1700. 70 years later, James cook left the U.K. in 1768 and two years later, he set eyes on Australia. Landing in Botany Bay in the north, cook then traveled to what is now known as New South Wales and claimed the area.
European settlement began in 1786 when Britain started sending prisoners over to the island to elevate the prison population in the UK. Australia then became completely independent from Britain in 1901 and the country celebrates its independence day on January 26th of each year.
Beyond its history, the country of Australia is an adventure-seeking paradise full of things to do and see. Almost everything in Australia is unique to the country itself (as anyone who has even watched one film set in Australia will attest to), so the whole experience of the country is exceptional and interesting each time you visit.
That’s why it’s always recommended to take an organized or even a group tour. This helps gives you an idea of not only the cost of things in the country but gives you an idea of what the best things to do and see are and provides you with a knowledgeable and more often than not, a local guide that will be there to help you get around and take you to some of the best places to see in the country.
So, much as we have done for the best Nepal tours, the best New Zealand tours, or the best Sri Lanka tours, here we are going to be talking about one of the best Australian tours (and their operators), so you can be inspired – and then choose with confidence.
Let’s take a look at some of the best places to tour in Australia.
Picking a city or destination in Australia to tour is tough considering how large the country is and how diverse each region is. Come along! Let’s take a look at three of the most popular places to tour in Australia.
The Gold Coast
The gold coast is located on the east coast of Australia and is well known for long stretches of crystal clear beaches and an intense but thriving restaurant & nightlife scene. Although not a city itself, the Gold Coast is comprised of 81 suburbs and takes up roughly 66km of the state of Queensland. With a huge area to explore, it can take days to fully see everything within the region.
The most popular place to visit within the gold coast is a surfer’s paradise. Hence the name, the city is known for its intense surf culture, unbelievable beaches, and perfect weather all year around. So if you’re a beachy person or perhaps looking for an adrenaline rush at some of the best theme parks in the country, the gold coast can be perfect to tour within Australia.
Sydney
Located on the east coast just south of Queensland, the capital of New South Wales is one of the top places to tour within Australia. Sydney can also be seen as a bucket list city for its beauty, iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour and the Opera House as well as its unique wildlife that you may spot if you’re lucky. Though Australia has many, many more landmarks.
The chic urban energy of Sydney is starting to bring the city alive with its many hipster restaurants, cafes, nightlife, and much more. So if you’re not sure if you want to stay within the city or perhaps enjoy the beach, this is truly the perfect spot for you.
Another thing to keep in mind is, When touring in Australia, Sydney can also be a perfect place to base yourself as the rest of the country is easily accessible from the city. So Sydney is a place in Australia you can’t leave without touring – and one you’ll likely have seen in many films.
Perth
Considered Australia’s urban oasis and the largest city, located in the largest state of the country and on the west coast, Perth is a balance of pristine white sand beaches, stunning unique ecosystems, and large diverse cities and suburbs. With the best of both worlds, the city of Perth offers travelers a unique holiday with the opportunity to enjoy the city and the relaxing energy of the beach.
Perth is also not only just the inner city but the vast variety of coastal cities and small towns that will give you variety and you could visit a new beach in a new town every day and not get bored or perhaps see something completely new each day.
With that being said, if you’re also coming from South East Asia, Perth is a great place to start as it is the cheapest to fly into from Asia. Perth is a fantastic place to tour when visiting Australia and is a place you shouldn’t miss on your Australian tour.
Now with all this information, it can be overwhelming, and believe me when I tell you there is more to see and do within the country. I’ve only scratched the surface of the country of Australia and that’s why it is super important to book an organized multi-day tour around Australia to enjoy the country to the fullest.
It’s always great to leave the planning to the experts especially if you’re traveling long distances. So choosing the right tour for you can also be hard as you may be left unable to decide which tour you would like to pick and with so many options out there, what can be considered the right option? It’s the time! Let’s take a look at the top 6 best tours in Australia.
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Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays
G Adventures
Enjoy the essence of Australia’s east coast. Take in the natural beauty you can’t see anywhere else and go ahead, and take your best Instagram shots on this 10-day tour through the east coast of Australia. Made for budget travelers, this tour is budget friendly and the itinerary is perfectly crafted for younger travelers. It’s now time to truly discover Australia.
You’ll spend the night 10 days trekking up the gold coast (Australia’s east coast). You’ll get a chance to visit K’gari, the Whitsundays, and Noosa, and take the chance to go snorkeling in some of the bluest waters you’ve probably ever seen. You’ll start your tour in Brisbane and end in Cairns. With the chance to visit 6 Australian cities on the gold coast, you’ll get a chance to completely experience everything.
You can also count on an expert guide, meals, excursions, lodging, transportation, and much more are completely included in your tour. However important to note, insurance is not covered in the cost of your tour but is highly recommended when traveling abroad. Let’s look at your 10-day itinerary and what exactly you would be doing on your 10-day Australian adventure.
Day One: Arrival in Brisbane at any time.
Day Two: Travel up north to Noosa for the day.
Day Three: Noosa Everglades to K’gari (Fraser Island) – take a 4×4 tour and take an optional swim in lake McKenzie.
Day Four: Free day in Noosa
Day Five: Go hiking to see some of the best beach views within Noosa.
Day Six: hike to Whitehaven beach in the Whitsunday islands
Day Seven: Airlie Beach/Whitsunday Islands – with your choice of snorkeling, swimming or lounging on the boat deck.
Day Eight: Airlie Beach/Cairns
Day Nine: go snorkeling in the great barrier reef and explore the city.
Day Ten: departure from cairns at any time.
This 10-day explorer trip around the east coast of Australia will give you the chance to experience everything as well as see the hidden beauty of the coast too. Not only does this tour focus on some of the natural beauties of the country but this tour gives you a unique sense of freedom by giving you free days to relax, take your time, and also explore on your terms.
Operated by the world-famous “G Adventures” a sister company to national geographic. With some of the highest ratings in its industry, G Adventures is one of the best companies to book through.
You can guarantee that the tour will be organized well and the guide will be knowledgeable or perhaps local and has a deep understanding of the country to which you are traveling too. With an overall rating of 4.4 out of five stars, you can be very confident that you’ll have an amazing time and your tour will be very well put together.
Trek the Larapinta Trail
Intrepid Travel
Have you dreamed of visiting the outback? The Tjoritja – west MacDonnell national park is the perfect place to explore and enjoy the outback of Australia. On this 5-day tour, you’ll get a chance to walk the Larapinta trail which is one of the most famous and one of the best trails in the outback.
Get the opportunity to hike along the west MacDonnell rangers red rock cliffs to get an idea of the cultural significance and importance this area has to Australians. Spend some time hiking through dark gorges, the vast plains, riverbanks, and a unique variety of wildlife in the area as well. Start and end your tour in Alice Springs! You’ll get a chance to enjoy the outback over five days.
With things like transportation, meals, an expert guide, and lodging are completely included in the cost of the tour. You can book at ease knowing this tour is almost all-inclusive and you don’t need to stress about much either than flights and spending money. Let’s take a look at what you would be doing over five days.
Day One: Alice Springs / Larapinta Trail
Day Two: Larapinta Trail / Ormiston Gorge
Day Three: Larapinta Trail (full day)
Day Four: Larapinta Trail / Redbank Gorge
Day Five: Larapinta Trail / Mount Sonder / Alice Springs
Although this 5-day tour through the outback sounds exciting and believe me, it is but you do require an exceptional fitness level to participate as the journey is tough. You’ll b hiking roughly 20km a day throughout this tour.
You will however get a chance to see some of the most beautiful landscapes as well as completely decompress to the sounds of nature as you hike through the rocky terrain. Offered Intrepid Travel, a tour operator with gold-standard status, is one of the leading operators around the world. With exception tours, activities, and guides, you know you’ll have an amazing time and it will be an experience you won’t forget.
Learn To Dive In Australia (5 Days)
Contiki
Calling all divers out there! This is the bucket list tour for you! You’ll get a chance to dive into the world-famous, great barrier reef! With two days at sea and 3 in the classroom, you’ll get a chance to learn the skill of diving and maybe this could be a new hobby for you. You’ll get a chance to see some extraordinary and unique sealife that could be considered life-changing for some.
With this 5-day tour on learning to dive, you’ll learn the basics in the best possible place, the great barrier reef. You’ll start and end your tour in cairns with everything from transportation, meals, a professional guide, hostel stays, and more. Here’s a look at what you would be doing throughout your tour.
Day One: Start in Cairns.
Day Two: spend the day taking lessons at the pro dive cairns training center.
Day Three: Cairns to Dive Boat
Day Four: Spend the day diving and exploring the great barrier reef.
Day Five: Head back to cairns and end the tour.
Learning to dive can be a bucket list experience for many. You’ll truly have a much deeper appreciation for the ocean and all the life within it. You can also take a deep breath knowing the tour is operated by a Gold Standard Tour Operator, Contiki Tours.
With an overall rating of 4.7 out of five stars, this is a tour that travelers recommend. If you’re looking to learn about the act of diving or want to experience diving in the great barrier reef this is one of the best tours in Australia for you!
Gems of the Red Center
Globus
It’s time to visit Australia’s outback and discover the local indigenous culture of the region. On this 6-day tour, you will learn all about the outback including taking part in one-of-a-kind desert activities as well as learning about the indigenous culture of Australia and the bright colors of the Ulrurus.
On this outback retreat, you’ll explore the west MacDonnell ranges, Alice springs, kings canyon, and canyon rim walk, or take a relaxing creep walk to admire the magnificent beauty of the Ulrurus. You’ll start your journey in Alice springs and end in Ulruru.
This explorers paradise tour will show you two cities in Australia over 6 days with transportation, meals, an expert guide, lodging, and lots of fun is completely included in this tour so you can truly book with ease. Here is a look at your day-to-day itinerary for this tour.
Day One: Arrive in Alice springs.
Day Two: Sightseeing in Alice Springs.
Day Three: visit Alice springs and kings canyon with free time in the afternoon
Day Four: KINGS CANYON–ULURU (AYERS ROCK)
Day Five: Sightseeing in Uluru
Day Six: Departure from
This jaw-dropping cultural tour through the outback will give you the ultimate guide and education on the region. Take the time to learn about the local geology, flora, fauna, Tukka weapons, and cultural history all while immersing yourself in the beauty right up and personal.
This tour is offered by Globus another international tour operator with tours all over the world. Globus is one of the highest-rated tour companies in the world. Known for their dedication to travelers and giving cheap but once-in-a-lifetime excursions this is a tour operator you can trust.
4.4 out of five stars can’t lie. Travelers are raving and are very confident in not only this tour operator but the tour itself. So you can book this tour with ease if you’re looking to discover the outback to the fullest.
Famous 5 – 5 day Tour of Tasmania
Under Down Under Tours
As you journey through the off-the-beaten-path island of Tasmania, you’ll get a chance to escape the noise and go go go from the city and achieve a state of true peace on the island. With so much undiscovered nature and wildlife, the island is ready to be discovered by tourists alike. Visit places like the rocky west coast where you’ll see waterfalls, jungles, and tons of unique wildlife.
Experience the white sand beaches of the Bay of Fires and Wineglass bay. See the whole island over five days including a look into the culture and exclusive traditions of the island. Start and end your tour in the capital of Tasmania, Hobart!
Spend the next 5 days sightseeing around the island with a chance to see a total of 15 Australian cities transportation a knowledgeable guide, lodging, and much more are completely included in the cost of the tour. Here is a look at what your 5-day jam-packed itinerary around Tasmania would look like.
Day One: HOBART > STRAHAN
Day Two: visit the Tarkine Rainforest to hike to Tassie’s highest waterfall, Montezuma Falls, and Henty Sand Dunes. Or, take the optional Gordon River Cruise (own cost).
Day Three: Cradle Mountain NP. Will you take on the climb to Marion’s Lookout or visit the glacially carved Dove Lake visit one of Australia’s oldest towns, Launceston
Day Four: Explore Launceston’sCataract Gorge, Bay of Fires, and Bicheno,
Day Five: visit Wineglass Bay Lookout, and visit the lighthouse at Cape Tourville before following the Great Eastern Drive to Hobart.
Getting a once in a lifetime chance to explore the outback can be a bucket list adventure for many and is the ultimate backpacking experience that you’ll talk about for the rest of your days. Best for solo travelers, group travelers, families with older kids, or holiday vacations.
Offered by Down Under Tours, a local company focused on showing travelers and foreigners the best of Australia while accurately displaying the cultures and traditions of the country. The tour operator has an overall rating of 4.5 out of five stars and is one of the best tours in Australia.
Perth to Exmouth Explorer (Return) – 7 Days
Autotopia Tours
Become a true explorer and explore some of the most treasured spots in Western Australia. See the coral coast region as well as take part in the many outdoor activities available within Perth. Hike through the deep red gorge, dive into the Ningaloo reef, encounter dolphins, turtle or see emus or kangaroos in their natural habitat.
Exploring the nature of Australia is almost therapeutic and is a must when choosing to explore the country of Australia. Perfect for nature and animal lovers alike, you were completely serenaded by the beauty of the wildlife, landscapes, and perfect views from almost every aspect of Western Australia.
You end your journey in Perth with a chance to visit a total of 10 cities within Western Australia. You’ll spend 7 days touring around the region with things like transportation, meals, hotel stays, a knowledgeable guide, and more. Here’s a look at what you would be doing over one week!
Day One: visit Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles Desert, and take a swim in the ocean.
Day Two: Visit The Murchison Gorge, Nature’s Window, and Z-Bend in Kalbarri National Park
Day Three: visit the Monkey Mia Dolphins and relax at the resort
Day Four: explore the reef at your leisure.
Day Five: explore Cape Range National Park, Relax on the beach or choose to go snorkeling at the stunning Turquoise Bay
Day Six: Visit the town of Carnarvon and one of the local banana or mango plantations (seasonal) and stay overnight at our accommodation on an Australian wheat farm
Day Seven: visit the dunes of Lancelin, and make your way back to Perth for departure.
On the 7-day tour to Perth, you’ll see the top sites and attractions within the city as well as enjoy some of the natural wonders outside the city including opportunities to get up and close to the wildlife of the city.
Offered by Autotopia Tours this tour operator is world-renowned for its authentic well-organized tours. The operator has even earned a silver status for its well-crafted excursions and exceptional reviews from travelers. With a rating of 4.6 out of five stars, this tour operator is one of your best and you can be confident booking with them.
Australia is considered a unique country that cannot be compared to a single place on the planet. The unique ecosystems are paired with the ultimate natural waterfalls, jungles, beaches, and huge cities. You can find almost anything in Australia and that’s what makes it so amazing and that’s what makes it Australia.
Visiting Australia is often a dream or a bucket list destination for many, so it’s always a good idea to go the extra mile and plan the tour of your dreams for your trip. Go ahead and book your trip. It’s time to explore the down under. Visit Australia – there’s nothing like Australia.
If none of these tours work for you in Australia, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.
Take a look at all the group tours in Australia now, which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates, and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.
