Top Australia Day Cruises

If snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, don’t miss this day trip from Cairns. You’ll visit two different locations on the barrier reef for the chance to see tropical marine life in the clear waters. Lunch is included on board the boat, and you have the option to upgrade to include additional adventures such as introductory or certified scuba diving or a helicopter flight over this UNESCO World Heritage site. Both water sports enthusiasts and novices are welcome.

Spend six hours on the Great Barrier Reef at two different snorkel and dive sites on this luxury catamaran cruise from Cairns. Travel in style aboard a comfortable catamaran to a mooring off of Upolu Cay. Take a glass–bottom boat to Upolu Cay, then have time to snorkel or scuba dive. Refuel with a buffet lunch on board the catamaran before heading to your next destination, Upolu Reef, for more water time, including a guided snorkeling tour.

Explore the Blue Mountains on a full-day tour that features the UNESCO World Heritage-listed region’s natural beauty, including landmarks like Three Sisters, Jamison Valley, Leura, and unlimited rides at Scenic World. On the return trip to Sydney, meet native Australian wildlife at Sydney Zoo, then cruise back to the city on a scenic Parramatta River cruise. Bonus: includes a delicious 2-course lunch at an award-winning restaurant.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef and a lush island rain forest on this full-day catamaran tour to Green Island from Cairns. Create your own perfect day on this protected coral cay with a variety of activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, Seawalking, nature walks, and tours on a glass-bottom boat. Upgrade to include a delicious buffet lunch on board the catamaran and/or a ride in a semi-submarine. It’s a fantastic way to discover the underwater wonders of the world’s most famous reef!

Cruise through Sydney Harbour in style on board a spacious flagship vessel that departs from Circular Quay and King Street Wharf. Glide by landmarks, including the floodlit Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, and watch the city change colors with the sunset. Then sit down for a 3-course dinner with an array of international dishes including fresh seafood. Enjoy the views from your table or the viewing deck, and live entertainment on this 2.5-hour dinner cruise.

Dive into the spectacular underwater realm of the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day snorkel and scuba cruise from Cairns. Travel aboard a luxurious catamaran to three renowned dive sites to swim among coral gardens and tropical marine life. All experience levels are welcome, and guides are on hand to assist with your choice of snorkeling, introductory scuba diving, or certified diving. A buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon tea on the catamaran are included.

Experience the Tasman Peninsula by both land and sea on this day trip from Hobart that includes a 3-hour cruise along the coast of Tasman National Park. Gaze up at towering sea cliffs, look for wildlife like falcons and seals, and learn about the peninsula’s ecosystem. Then visit the World Heritage–listed Port Arthur Historic Site for an in-depth look at Australia’s penal history at this former convict colony. Lunch is included.

Enjoy a full-day tour of the stunning Whitsunday Islands, traveling on a sturdy motorized raft to world-famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Beach. You get to choose from two tours that offer either more snorkeling or more beach time. Gain exclusive access to secluded spots where you can snorkel around pristine coral reefs, and take a walk with your guide in the national park to a lookout point with spectacular views. Your boat travels quickly across the ocean, giving you more time to enjoy the Whitsundays.

Take in panoramic views of top Sydney landmarks as you cruise through Sydney Harbour en route to Taronga Zoo. Your package includes round-trip cruise from Circular Quay to the zoo, and a ride on the Sky Safari Gondola, which whisks you uphill from the boat dock to the main entrance of Taronga Zoo. From the gondola, get an early peek at some of the zoo's inhabitants, such as giraffes, big apes, and native animals like kangaroos and koalas.

Enjoy the natural delights of the Great Barrier Reef on an activity cruise from Cairns that gives you several ways to experience this renowned underwater world. After traveling by catamaran to a pontoon moored on the reef, you can observe marine life on a glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible vessel; go snorkeling to spot sea turtles; get your hands wet in the touch pool; upgrade to include a Seawalker Helmet dive; or upgrade to include an introductory or certified scuba dive. Snacks and a buffet lunch are included, and the pontoon is equipped with showers.

Enjoy a deluxe sunset cruise on Sydney Harbour accompanied by a delicious two-course dinner with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks. From the water, admire iconic sights such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Fort Denison, Luna Park and more. Snap photos as the sky shimmers at sunset and the city skyline lights up for the night as you cruise through Sydney in the evening.

Take a day trip to Rottnest Island, a popular Perth getaway due to its white-sand beaches, secluded bays, scenic bike paths and vehicle-free atmosphere. Travel to the island, just off the coast, by high-speed ferry, and then explore at your leisure with included bike rental. Some options are snorkeling or following the trails to West End, Wadjemup or Bathurst Longhouses, the pink salt lakes or include lunch at Karma Rottnest. When booking, select the option that corresponds to your departure location—either Perth or Fremantle.

Take a leisurely river cruise from Brisbane to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to meet native Australian wildlife up close. This half-day tour departs from bustling Southbank and cruises along the Brisbane River with views of iconic landmarks on the way to Lone Pine. Upon arrival, enjoy ample time to meet the animals. Observe the platypus, and watch animal shows that feature sheepdogs and birds of prey. A great experience for animal lovers.

Sail on a 2-masted schooner from Cairns to Green Island for a full day of snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Have a choice of options for exploring Green Island, spending time in the water around the magnificent coral reefs, walking in the rainforest or lazing on the white sandy beaches. Enjoy the expertise of the superb crew, in addition to buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea and a glass of wine as you cruise back to Cairns.

Go snorkeling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day cruise from Cairns. Relax on board your 80-foot (25-meter) luxury catamaran as your captain sails to two exclusive locations on the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to snorkel or dive, with full instruction provided by guides, and see an array of colorful fish, sea turtles, and corals. Your tour includes morning and afternoon tea, and a buffet lunch, with additional beverages available for purchase.

Discover the amazing coral formations and marine life of the outer Great Barrier Reef on this snorkeling adventure cruise from Port Douglas. Travel aboard a luxury catamaran to Agincourt Reef and design your perfect day at sea with a wide range of family-friendly activities including snorkeling, fish feeding, a semi-submersible boat tour and a unique Ocean Walker helmet dive. Go deeper with an introductory or certified scuba dive, and savor a delicious buffet lunch midday.

Visit Perth’s favorite local getaway destination on a day trip to Rottnest Island, located just offshore in the Indian Ocean. Travel to Rottnest by high-speed ferry from either Perth or Fremantle (your choice), and then embark on a sightseeing tour of the island by coach. While you listen to narration from an informative guide, check out landmarks like the West End and Wadjemup Lighthouse. Then enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the car-free island at your leisure. You may upgrade when booking to include lunch.

Ensure a memorable experience on the Outer Great Barrier Reef on this full-day, all-inclusive cruise aboard a catamaran. Head for Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Outer Reef and plunge into the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef by snorkeling amongst its rich marine life. If you have selected the option, you can also include an introductory or certified dive. Includes morning and afternoon tea, as well as a buffet lunch.

Set out on a half-day catamaran tour to stunning Whitehaven Beach for swimming at this postcard–perfect slice of paradise. Considered one of the world's top beaches and the most beautiful one in the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach is a must-see in the Great Barrier Reef region. Travel in comfort from Port Airlie on a motorized catamaran with air-conditioning. Morning or afternoon tea is provided on board and your crew supplies beach activities and informative commentary along the way.

Take in panoramic views of lovely Sydney on a Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise that lasts up to two hours. Choose from two options a morning or afternoon tour that takes you close to the majestic Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison and other top sights. Listen to live commentary as you snack on tea, coffee and snacks and light refreshments during the 2-hour tour that includes all of the above plus sparkling wine, cakes and cheeses, with stories focused on Sydney's fascinating heritage.

Enjoy a trip to Australia's North Coast, traveling to Port Stephens and the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, on a full-day guided tour from Sydney. Check out the wildlife at the Australian Reptile Park, take a dolphin-watching cruise from Nelson Bay, experience 4-wheeling and sandboarding at the sand dunes, and soak up gorgeous scenery all along the route. Accompanied by a guide, enjoy views of kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils, bottlenose dolphins, and other marine life for a memorable outdoors experience on Sydney's doorstep.

Take a full-day detour from Darwin to explore the beautiful natural playground of Katherine Gorge. Cruise between ancient sandstone cliffs for an up-close perspective of Aboriginal rock art and crocodiles lounging on the riverbanks. Take a dip in a natural swimming hole at the base of Edith Falls, and recharge with a delicious picnic lunch. Get a glimpse of local cattle culture on a coach tour of Katherine, and pass through the historic gold mining town of Pine Creek.

Visit two islands in the world–famous Great Barrier Reef on a full-day tour from Port Airlie, traveling in style aboard a high-speed, air-conditioned catamaran. At Hamilton Island, explore amenities such as walking trails, boutiques and restaurants, then check out Australian animals including koalas at Wild Life Hamilton Island. You'll also enjoy activities such as swimming and snorkeling at Whitehaven Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Whitsunday Islands.

Get close views of the spectacular coral reef and colorful sea creatures at Australia's famous Great Barrier Reef on a full-day journey to Reefworld. The innovative and spacious pontoon provides gear, instruction and expert guides for snorkeling and diving in the tropical waters. Alternatively, observe the reef up-close without getting wet when taking a semi-submersible ride, accompanied by informative commentary by reef experts. This tour gives you the chance to experience this natural wonder and is suitable for all levels of experience.