Our team has been pulling together the best small-group tours, day trips and multi-day adventures around Australia for years. Mick reads the traveller reviews before any tour earns a spot on this page — if a tour's a dud, it doesn't get listed.
Spend seven hours touring three independent breweries across the Hunter Valley with a knowledgeable local guide. You'll travel between venues in a cool minivan, sample craft beers and ciders at each stop, and sit down to a proper lunch mid-tour. The day suits anyone keen to understand how these operations work and what sets each brewery apart, from their recipes to their approach.
Combine Kakadu's dual World Heritage credentials—ancient rock art and dramatic escarpments—in a single day. Fly nearly two hours over the park's sprawling terrain, spotting iconic landmarks from above, then cruise the East Alligator River through paperbark forests with a Bininj/Mungguy cultural guide. You'll read ochre paintings that document millennia of human presence and return to Darwin by late afternoon.
A 10-hour exploration of Port Stephens north of Sydney, showcasing dramatic coastlines, sheltered bays and golden beaches. Your local guide handles transport via air-conditioned minivan, with hotel or port pickup included. The region harbours roughly 150 bottlenose dolphins year-round, viewable from Nelson Bay cruises (optional extra). Between June and November, migrating whales pass through coastal waters. Beyond marine wildlife, the landscape offers sand dunes perfect for boarding and camel rides across Anna Bay's sprawling sands.
Walk through Turner Stillhouse's production floor with a staff guide to see how Three Cuts Gin, Vodka and Rosevears Whiskies are crafted. You'll witness the distilling equipment and methods firsthand, then sit down to taste the full range of house spirits with expert notes on flavour profiles and serving styles. Stick around afterwards for cocktails and cheese if you fancy it.
A full-day guided tour of Western Australia's geological highlights, centred on Wave Rock and Mulka's Cave near Hyden. Your private driver navigates through rural farmland and heritage towns, stopping freely for photography. The 11-hour journey showcases distinctive rock formations shaped by ancient geology, explores caves steeped in Indigenous history, and includes a barbecued lunch featuring kangaroo sausage. Spring visitors (August to November) encounter wildflower displays across the landscape. The relaxed pace and flexible itinerary suit varied interests and fitness levels.
Cruise the Gold Coast's waterways aboard an electric skippered vessel designed for maximum comfort. This 1–5 hour private tour takes up to 12 guests past canal-side mansions, the glittering skyline and local wildlife, all from a near-silent, ultra-smooth boat. Perfect for first-time boaters or anyone after a genuinely peaceful experience on the water without the rumble and vibration of traditional engines.
Spend eight hours in Far North Queensland's wet tropics rainforest with Goondoi Culture Tours, learning directly from Indigenous guides about traditional land management, ecology and cultural practices. This operator holds Ecotourism Australia certification and reinvests in conservation efforts across the region and reef systems. You'll move through ancient forest, hear stories rooted in thousands of years of knowledge, and break bread with guides who know this country intimately. It's slower travel—the kind that actually sticks.
A five-hour eco-tour through North Queensland's [Daintree Rainforest](/places/daintree-rainforest) and Cape Tribulation, where two World Heritage zones converge. You'll explore ancient rainforest tracks, reach dramatic coastal headlands, and cruise Cooper Creek searching for saltwater crocodiles from a historic vessel. The drive takes you through pristine tropical landscape, combining terrestrial and aquatic wildlife viewing in one compact outing.
Self-guided paddleboard rental on Pumicestone Passage near Caloundra gets you onto one of the world's largest sand islands in minutes. The sheltered waterway reveals marine life beneath you whilst you chart your own route—find a secluded beach, anchor for a picnic, or simply drift away from crowds. A straightforward way to reconnect with the water and your travelling companions.
Paddle Noosa River's quiet waterways on a guided 90-minute SUP tour tailored to your ability. A local guide shares technique, safety, and the river's hidden corners while you explore at your own rhythm. All gear's included—just show up, learn, and glide across pristine water at whatever pace suits you.
Learn hydrofoiling from scratch with Australia's most experienced instructor, a pioneer who's logged more hours on the foil than anyone in the country. This 90-minute session teaches the fundamentals that unlock surf foiling, wing foiling, and kite foiling. You'll ride an electric hydrofoil and build genuine skills in a single session—the instructor's methods compress weeks of fumbling into one focused lesson.
Explore Port Douglas on a three-wheeled vehicle with a local guide steering you through rural valleys, coastal roads, and gorge country. This 90-minute to two-hour outing takes in elevated views, winding through farmland and bushland while your driver fills in the gaps with regional knowledge. Suits anyone after a different angle on the landscape—couples, groups, families—with routes you can adjust to your interests.
A seven-hour guided exploration of Noosa's quieter corners led by an award-winning local guide. You'll traverse historic landmarks, paddle the Noosa River by ferry, scout artisan shops and galleries tucked into Noosaville, and lunch at a beachfront restaurant overlooking the Pacific. Travel in a climate-controlled coach with reclining seats and USB ports, departing from accommodation between Noosa and Twin Waters. Minimum four adults required.
Chase Sydney Harbour's golden hour with a professional photographer as your guide, capturing you against the city's most recognisable landmarks. This four-hour private tour takes you to lesser-known vantage points around the waterfront, then onto a 30-minute sunset cruise where the skyline transforms under twilight. You'll leave with a curated portfolio of edited shots, not just phone snaps.
This 12-hour private tour from [Melbourne](/places/melbourne) tackles the Great Ocean Road's most striking landmarks without fighting peak-hour crowds. You'll walk among the towering 12 Apostles limestone formations, descend Gibson Steps to the beach below, and venture into Great Otway National Park for a Grade 2 rainforest hike to a secluded waterfall. The route also includes the Californian Redwoods and coastal villages where koalas, king parrots and kangaroos roam freely. Your itinerary flexes to match your group's pace and interests.
This 11-hour regional Victoria loop departs [Melbourne](/places/melbourne) with a guided exploration of the Murray River's heritage and wildlife. You'll board the PS Canberra paddle steamer in Echuca for a cruise through Australia's largest river, spot native animals at Kyabram Fauna Park with a keeper talk, wander past Rochester's celebrated silo murals, and finish with a wine tasting at a Heathcote producer known for Cambrian soil vintages. A small group of maximum 15 travellers travels by comfortable coach with window seats guaranteed.
Tear across Trinity Inlet on a jet ski with no prior experience required. This Cairns water adventure runs for one hour, taking you past mangrove forests and shipwrecks at your own pace. Solo or tandem options available—riders aged 16+ can pilot alone, though you'll need to be 18+ to carry a passenger. All gear and safety equipment included.
Step onto a real game-show set in Sydney's CBD for 75 minutes of competitive trivia where strategy matters as much as knowledge. You'll face off against other teams under studio lights and sound, answering questions across multiple rounds. Coffee or tea keeps you sharp as you compete for bragging rights in an experience that strips away the screen and puts you centre stage.
Catch wild kangaroos and wallabies as they emerge at first light on an Airlie Beach shoreline, with the Coral Sea sunrise as your backdrop. This six-hour small-group outing includes a traditional Drovers breakfast of bacon and egg damper rolls, a guided chat about local wildlife, and an optional stop at a retro local café on the return. Eco-certified and built for early risers keen to see the Whitsundays on its own terms.
Spend nine and a half hours exploring Western Australia's inland grain country and one of its most unusual settlements. This private tour takes you through the Wheatbelt to New Norcia, a monastic town founded by Spanish Benedictines, where you'll walk among heritage buildings, visit the abbey, and taste local produce and craft beer. The flexible itinerary suits your pace, with a comfortable air-conditioned van and knowledgeable guide included.
A full-day excursion from the Gold Coast exploring the northern coast's most compelling spots. Start at Cape Byron's lighthouse for panoramic views, grab morning tea at a local favourite, then explore Byron Bay's village culture—shops, galleries, cafes, and beaches. Visit the wildlife sanctuary to see native animals and taste fresh macadamia nuts. Round out the day in the hillside village of Bangalow before heading back south. Small-group format keeps things intimate across eight to nine hours.
Spend two hours at Jacob's Creek in the Barossa Valley tasting wines before settling into a picnic lunch. You'll sample a selection and choose a bottle to pair with charcuterie, cheese, vegetables and bread. Take home branded stemless glasses and your picnic rug as keepsakes from the vineyard.
Split your day between a motorcycle trike and a 1966 Mustang convertible to explore the Barossa Valley's wineries, cellar doors, and countryside. This seven-hour private tour pairs open-air driving thrills with tastings and lunch at local producers. Your guide navigates you through the region's best stops whilst you enjoy the sensory contrast of wind-in-hair motoring and classic American muscle.
Spend six to seven hours exploring McLaren Vale's vineyards on a private tour tailored to your group. Located 45 minutes south of Adelaide, this region produces world-class wines you'll taste at two cellar doors, with lunch featuring a shared platter at one of the wineries. The afternoon is yours to shape—continue wine tasting, visit a craft brewery, or explore a gin distillery. Your driver handles transport throughout, collecting you from accommodation.
A private six to nine-hour exploration of Bruny Island led by locals who've grown up there. Your small group (two to ten people) travels by air-conditioned vehicle from Hobart, discovering coastal walks, produce trails, and island history at your own pace. Morning tea includes artisan cheese, fresh bread, and oysters. The family-run outfit tailors each day around your interests—extend to an overnight stay or add activities for extra cost.
A seven-hour private charter across Hobart's landmarks, driven by a knowledgeable guide in a climate-controlled vehicle. Start atop Mt Wellington for sweeping views across the city, Derwent River and beyond, then venture to Richmond's convict-era architecture including Australia's oldest standing sandstone bridge. You'll taste fresh oysters and local beer at a working farm and brewery, browse Salamanca Market's weekend stalls, and finish at Wrest Point, Australia's first casino. Requires booking three days ahead.
This 4–8 hour shore excursion whisks cruise passengers through Hobart's colonial landmarks and out to the Coal River Valley wine district. A local guide leads you past 40-plus city highlights before crossing the Tasman Bridge to family vineyards and artisan cheese makers. You'll taste wines at Puddleduck, sample award-winning cheddar at Wicked Cheese Co., wander the Georgian cottages of Richmond, and finish at Rosny Point where your ship frames the Derwent estuary and Mount Wellington backdrop.
Reliable door-to-door minibus service connecting Cairns Airport and Port Douglas hotels. This locally-run operation handles the 1-hour journey with a meet-and-greet at arrivals, water and seasonal fruit included. Available 6am–5pm daily; outside these hours and public holidays attract extra fees. Child seats (mandatory for under-7s) can be hired for $10. Pre-book oversized gear like surfboards or bikes, and note that multiple stops or CBD pickups cost extra.
Tackle two contrasting Blue Mountains canyons in a single 9-hour day. Twister Canyon delivers relentless water jumps and slides, while Rocky Creek narrows into dramatic gorges with tunnel sections that'll make your heart race. A guide leads you through both, supplying all gear and a solid lunch. You'll need moderate fitness and a willingness to get soaked.
Ride in a decommissioned Australian Army Land Rover through the Blue Mountains World Heritage area on this 90-minute open-air tour. You'll experience the landscape from an elevated vantage point with nothing between you and the views—no windows, no barriers. The drive captures the scent of eucalypt forests and the bite of mountain air. Ideal for travellers seeking an unconventional way to see the region's dramatic escarpments and valleys.
Spend a full day exploring the Coal River Valley's finest wineries in small-group comfort. You'll visit four cellar doors (rotated weekly, requests welcomed), enjoy a chef-prepared lunch with valley views, and taste local cheeses. Travel in luxury Mercedes minibuses with pickup and drop-off from central Hobart. All tastings, lunch, and water are included—no hidden costs. Whether you're a curious newcomer or seasoned collector, the relaxed pace and genuine hospitality make this worth the day.
Explore Victoria's premier cool-climate wine region on a private 7–9 hour tour through the Yarra Valley. Visit three carefully selected wineries—expect Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and lesser-known producers—paired with a shared lunch and your choice of additional stops (cider houses, craft gin, whisky). Your driver knows the back routes and avoids the tourist-heavy circuit, giving you genuine tasting time rather than coach queues.
Leave Sydney behind for a full day in Australia's purpose-built capital. Your private driver navigates the 200km journey, giving you twelve hours to explore Canberra's major institutions: Parliament House, the Royal Australian Mint, and the National Museum of Australia. Travel in air-conditioned comfort with a knowledgeable guide who can tailor stops to your interests, whether that's politics, currency history, or Australian culture. Perfect for those wanting to see the capital without the hassle of driving themselves.
This 4.5-hour guided tour traces Alice Springs from its frontier origins through to its present-day character as the outback's nerve centre. Beginning with accommodation pickup, you'll visit key historical landmarks that shaped Mparntwe (the Arrernte name) and understand how the town evolved from its early Stuart settlement days. Your guide unpacks the stories behind the buildings and sites that anchored development across the red centre, with afternoon tea included and all entry fees covered.
This eight-hour Sunshine Coast loop starts with a pickup from your accommodation and takes you through Noosa's best pockets: browse Hastings Street's boutiques and cafés, ferry across the river to a two-course lunch at a riverside restaurant, then drift through the Noosa Everglades on a three-hour cruise spotting native birds and waterways. Light snacks bookend the experience, and you'll have pockets of free time to wander beaches or national park trails before heading back.
This 10-hour Cradle Mountain day tour from northern Tasmania combines transport, a guided 6km loop walk around Dove Lake, and lunch in one accessible package. You'll start early from your accommodation, travel through Sheffield's mural-lined streets, then descend into the World Heritage wilderness to tackle a moderately graded circuit beneath the mountain's dramatic peak. The route threads through ancient rainforest, past glacial boulders and historic structures, with a professional guide explaining the landscape throughout.
Step inside Cairns' Tomb of the Pharaohs for a 90-minute guided tour through 11 burial chambers, exploring three millennia of Egyptian death customs and royal rituals. Your guide walks you through recreated tombs of pharaohs and queens, decoding the artefacts and practices that shaped ancient funerary traditions. Time your visit for sunset to catch the atmospheric lighting, then settle into an optional three-course Egyptian-themed dinner at the on-site Squires Loft restaurant.
Door-to-door minivan service whisking up to seven passengers from any Noosa Heads address to Sunshine Coast Airport in roughly half an hour. The spacious seven-seater handles generous luggage loads with a trailer on standby, making it reliable for families and small groups heading out. Real-time driver tracking via smartphone keeps you posted from pickup through drop-off.
A private minivan whisks up to five passengers from Sunshine Coast Airport directly to your Noosa accommodation in roughly 30 minutes. Your driver meets you at the terminal, handles luggage, and navigates the coastal drive so you can relax. The spacious vehicle suits families and small groups, with child seats and boosters available if needed. All fees and taxes are included.