Day Trips & Excursions in New South Wales

Experience Australian wildlife and rainforest up-close and personal with a full day trip to Healesville Sanctuary and the Puffing Billy Steam Train from Melbourne. Explore Healesville's bushland setting with an experienced guide, and meet animals that range from koalas to kangaroos, dingos to monitor lizards. Watch birds of prey and parrots perform in a remarkable show, and learn about local conservation efforts. Soak up the wild atmosphere of a mountain rainforest while riding a century-old steam train along scenic tracks before returning to Melbourne.

See native Australian wildlife, including the nightly 'penguin parade,' on this small-group tour to Phillip Island from Melbourne. Head first to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park and watch kangaroos and wallabies at play. Take in the breathtaking views of Phillip Island's rugged coastline along the Nobbies Boardwalk, then head to Summerland Beach to observe a procession of little penguins from Victoria's largest penguin colony.

Explore the oldest wine-producing region in Australia - the Hunter Valley - on a 10-hour tour from Sydney. Get an insider's look at a vineyard in the valley, as well as wine tastings at several wineries. Plus hear informative commentary from your guide about Hunter Valley's wines and winemakers. You can even choose to sample some handcrafted local beers if you'd like. During the day, enjoy a chef-prepared lunch that includes scrumptious dishes served with select wines. Top off your Hunter Valley tour with a stop at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company before returning to Sydney.

Venture underground as you explore the Blue Mountains on this full-day tour, including hotel pick-up and round-trip transport from Sydney. First climb to the Echo Point lookout for a spectacular view of the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley. Next, explore the magnificent Jenolan Caves, which stretch over a mind-boggling 25-miles (40km) through the Megalong Valley. Follow your guide into the largest of the caves, Lucas Cave, to admire the 'Cathedral' chamber, so called for its breath-taking acoustics.

Experience the Australian countryside on this tour exploring the Grand Pacific Drive. Pass through the Royal National Park with scenic views and then walk across the Grand Pacific Bridge, and stop for a pint at a classic Australian mining pub. Perfect for visitors who want to get a taste for life outside the big city and come home with great photos, your professional photographer guide shares local insights and pro tips for capturing the scene.

Explore Jervis Bay, including a dolphin-watching cruise  and an Australian-style barbecue, on this full-day tour from Sydney. Leave the city far behind to dig your toes in the spectacularly white sand at Hyams Beach, visit Kiama blowhole, and snap photos of the lighthouse. An Australian-style barbecue, with kangaroo meat if you'd like to try it, is included. National park fees and round-trip transportation from central Sydney meeting points included.

Spend a delightful day exploring the natural and cultural charms of Mt Tamborine on this full-day tour from the Gold Coast. Stroll among the treetops on the Rainforest Skywalk, taste locally made wine and cheese, and browse unique arts and crafts at the Gallery Walk. Enjoy leisure time for optional activities like glowworm cave tours, walking in Tamborine National Park or beer tasting at Mt Tamborine Brewery. Group size is limited to 16 for a more personalized experience.

Experience the nighttime enchantment of Mt Tamborine National Park on this unique 4WD rain forest walk and glowworm tour. At the mountain summit, stop for a light supper of cakes and hot chocolate, and soak up views of the twinkling Gold Coast from a lookout. Then, observe nocturnal wildlife by torchlight with a guided bushwalk through the rain forest, where you'll come across an ethereal waterfall illuminated by glowworms.

Visit Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park for a day full of fun in the great outdoors just north of Sydney. Learn about indigenous traditions, and see ancient Aboriginal rock carvings and sacred sites. Join a 3-hour catamaran cruise through scenic waterways that lead to remote beaches and hidden waterfalls. Then visit West Head lookout and learn about the park's diverse plant and animal life. This small-group tour is limited to 22 people, ensuring an in-depth experience with your guides.

Indulge in a private full-day tour that features the celebrated wines and food of the Hunter Valley region. Learn about the wines as you enjoy tastings at several boutique wineries and sample regional goods such as artisan cheese. Select your preferred lunch option: lunch at a local vineyard or a deluxe experience at Esca Bimbadgen, the Bimbadgen Estate winery's sophisticated restaurant.

Come face-to-face with menacing crocodiles, see majestic dolphins in the natural environment and experience the thrill of sandboarding on this action-packed full-day tour from Sydney. Kick things off with a visit to the Australian Reptile Park, where you can get up close to koalas, kangaroos and Tasmanian devils, as well as exotic snakes, turtles and iguanas. After lunch (not included), set sail to spot dolphins along the coast, then get your adrenaline surging on a 4WD safari, including sandboarding down the Stockton Sand Dunes.

Explore the food, drink, and nature of Tamborine Mountain on this private excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup, enjoy a rainforest walk to Curtis Waterfalls and witness the region's surreal glow worms. Then, stroll down Gallery Walk for a view of the local art scene, and enjoy local wines, an Aussie Burger, and complimentary morning and afternoon tea.

Set sail in search of dolphins and explore the Stockton Bight sand dunes on this full-day tour of Port Stephens from Sydney. Enjoy a scenic coastal drive by 4WD, passing eucalyptus forests, dramatic sea cliffs and shimmering lagoons. Spend time exploring the beaches of Port Stephens, then head to the towering Stockton Bight Sand Dunes for a thrilling sandboarding experience. Make a visit to the Australian Reptile park, to witness a special milking process of funnel spiders and snakes. After lunch (own expense) in Nelson Bay, enjoy a 1.5-hour dolphin-watching cruise and look out for bottlenose dolphins swimming and playing alongside your ship.

Get a comprehensive tour of the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains National Park on this full-day private excursion from Sydney. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide and a customized itinerary as you explore Katoomba Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Leura, Blackheath, and the famous Three Sisters. You'll travel in a comfortable luxury vehicle with your private party of up to six people.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Blue Mountains on a private, full-day tour from Sydney. Your experienced guide shares the best of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed region with stops at landmarks in Blue Mountains National Park including Three Sisters rock formation, and visit native Australian animals at Calmsley Hill Farm while enjoying morning tea. Enjoy a 2-course lunch at your choice of venue within the luxurious Hydro Majestic Hotel, the elegant Echoes Restaurant, or the relaxed Boiler House Cafe.

Across the state line from Brisbane and the Gold Coast is Byron Bay, a coastal town with popular beaches and ocean views. Save time spent on booking rental cars and planning your itinerary with this day trip down the coast to Byron Bay. Visit Cape Byron Lighthouse and try and spot dolphins or turtles in the South Pacific Ocean and then explore the Crystal Castle and Shambala Gardens, filled with massive crystals and tropical flora.

On a private day trip to Port Stephens from Sydney, go in search of bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales aboard a wildlife cruise by triple-decker catamaran. You'll also enjoy the region's scenery, including the white-sand beaches at Nelson Bay, and sample local wine and beer at Port Stephens Winery and Murray's Brewery. Plus, you have the option for a little adventure, if you wish, with a sand boarding experience or 4WD tour on the sand dunes of Stockton Beach (own expense).

Combine stops at Tropical Fruit World and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on this tour from the Gold Coast. Visit the Tropical Fruit World for a mini train ride through the plantation and a miracle fruit tasting show. At the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, get to know some Australian wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies. All entrance fees and round-trip transportation from Gold Coast hotels included.

When in Sydney, a full-day tour to Canberra provides a fascinating overview of Australia's national capital, one of the few planned cities in the world. Designed by visionary architects, Canberra is home to renowned institutions including the Australian War Memorial, the National Museum of Australia, Parliament House, and the Lodge (the Prime Minister's official residence). Stop for morning tea, lunch and dinner (own expense), and enjoy guided tours of key sites. Admire the town of Berrima, the Goulburn region and views from Mt Ainslie en route to Canberra.

Visit Australia's Hunter Valley wine region on a private day trip from Sydney. Cross the Harbour Bridge as you leave the city, and then enjoy the scenery of lush hills and rolling vineyards on your way to local wineries. You'll enjoy wine tastings, as well as samples of other goods like cheese and chocolate, plus feast on a gourmet lunch at a local restaurant.