Australia and Oceania Things To See

Australia and Oceania are beloved for their astonishing variety — from coral reefs and tropical atolls to alpine peaks and expansive outback. Organized tours make it easy to reach remote spots and combine wildlife, indigenous culture, and active outdoor experiences.

Eastern Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, East Coast)

Big cities, coastal drives and national parks create a mix of culture and nature suited to day trips and extended itineraries.

• City highlights tours and architecture walks in Sydney and Melbourne
• Blue Mountains day trips and rainforest walks
• Wine tours in Hunter Valley and Yarra Valley
• Surf lessons and beach-based activities
• Great Ocean Road scenic drives to the Twelve Apostles

Great Barrier Reef & Tropical Queensland

World-famous reef systems and tropical coastline offering diving, snorkeling and eco-focused experiences.

• Day and liveaboard diving/snorkeling cruises
• Sea turtle encounters and glass-bottom boat tours
• Guided rainforest walks in Daintree
• Fishing charters and marine wildlife safaris

New Zealand (North & South Islands)

Dramatic mountains, fiords and Maori culture make New Zealand a top destination for trekking and adventure sports.

• Multi-day hikes like Tongariro and Routeburn
• Adventure packages in Queenstown: bungee, jet-boat, rafting
• Wine and culinary tours in Marlborough and Central Otago
• Fiordland cruises to Milford Sound

South Pacific & Polynesia (Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands)

Idyllic atolls and island cultures perfect for snorkeling, relaxation and cultural immersion.

• Island-hopping cruises and lagoon excursions
• Cultural evenings and village visits
• Surf and dive camps
• Eco-tourism and community-based stays

Papua New Guinea & Melanesia

Remote, biodiverse and culturally rich areas suited to expedition-style and photography tours.

• Guided cultural encounters with tribal communities
• Trekking through pristine rainforest
• Remote diving on pristine reefs
• Birdwatching and specialized wildlife tours

Tasmania & Southern Australia

Wild landscapes, unique wildlife and boutique food and wine experiences for slower-paced exploration.

• Multi-day walks like the Overland Track and Cradle Mountain treks
• Food and wine trails across Tasmania and Adelaide Hills
• Coastal nature reserves and wildlife spotting
• Small-group bespoke touring and slow travel itineraries

The variety across Australia and Oceania means tours range from luxury reef cruises to rugged expeditions. Below are the main tour categories and examples of where to find them.

Cultural & Historical

These tours focus on indigenous heritage, colonial history and community experiences through museums, performances and workshops.

• Indigenous culture programs and guided interpretation in Australia (Uluru, Kakadu)
• Maori cultural experiences in New Zealand
• Colonial history tours in Hobart and Port Arthur
• Village visits and cultural nights in Fiji
• Maritime heritage tours across Pacific islands
• Community-led visits in Papua New Guinea

Nature & Adventure

For thrill-seekers and nature lovers: hiking, kayaking, diving and safaris are widely available throughout the region.

• New Zealand multi-day treks (Tongariro, Kepler)
• Diving camps on the Great Barrier Reef
• Outback 4x4 expeditions and camping
• White-water rafting and canyoning in Queenstown
• Tasmanian wilderness hikes and wildlife tours
• Surf expeditions in Fiji and Samoa

Food & Wine

Gourmet routes highlight regional wines and local produce — perfect for leisurely day trips and tastings.

• Barossa Valley wine tours (South Australia)
• Melbourne culinary and café culture tours
• Marlborough wine tastings in New Zealand
• Tasmanian seafood and farm-to-table experiences
• Market and cooking classes in Fiji
• Sydney food precinct walks

Cruises

Cruises cover reefs, Pacific islands and fiords — from day boats to multi-night liveaboards and expedition vessels.

• Liveaboard dive cruises on the Great Barrier Reef
• Island-hopping in the South Pacific
• Fiordland and Milford Sound cruises in New Zealand
• Expedition vessels exploring remote atolls
• Day boat trips from Cairns or Airlie Beach

City Walking

Intimate explorations of neighborhoods that focus on architecture, cafes and local subcultures.

• Walking tours around The Rocks and Circular Quay in Sydney
• Auckland and Wellington cultural walks
• Melbourne street art and café-hopping tours
• Hobart art and market walks
• Guided colonial quarter walks

Multi-Country Circuits

Best for travelers who want to combine multiple islands or countries into one trip — usually include mixed transport, guides and accommodation.

• Australia: Sydney to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road
• New Zealand: comprehensive South Island road trips
• Pacific island itineraries linking several archipelagos
• Expedition packages in Papua New Guinea
• Cruise-based circuits through multiple South Pacific islands

Australia and Oceania offer countless day-trip options — from quick urban escapes to full-day natural adventures. Here are 10 recommended excursions from major hubs that cover a range of travel styles.

• From Sydney — Blue Mountains

  Duration: full day. Transport: train or coach. Theme: scenic lookouts, canyon walks and short bush trails.

• From Sydney — Hunter Valley (wine tour)

  Duration: full day. Transport: coach. Theme: winery visits, tastings and gourmet lunches.

• From Melbourne — Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles

  Duration: full day. Transport: coach or self-drive. Theme: coastal panoramas, short walks and photo stops.

• From Cairns — Great Barrier Reef (snorkel/diving)

  Duration: full day. Transport: boat. Theme: snorkeling, scuba diving and marine wildlife viewing.

• From Brisbane — Moreton Island

  Duration: full day. Transport: ferry. Theme: sand tobogganing, beach time and evening dolphin feeding.

• From Auckland — Waiheke Island (wine & beaches)

  Duration: half to full day. Transport: ferry. Theme: vineyard tours, local art and coastal walks.

• From Queenstown — Milford Sound

  Duration: full day (long drive or flight + cruise). Transport: coach/plane + boat. Theme: fiords, waterfalls and dramatic scenery.

• From Hobart — Port Arthur & Tasman Peninsula

  Duration: full day. Transport: coach. Theme: convict history, coastal formations and heritage sites.

• From Nadi (Fiji) — Mamanuca Islands day trip

  Duration: half to full day. Transport: boat. Theme: snorkeling, beach relaxation and island resorts.

• From Port Vila (Vanuatu) — Mele Cascades & villages

  Duration: half to full day. Transport: short transfer. Theme: waterfalls, swimming holes and cultural village visits.

Australia and Oceania draw adventure seekers with vast wilderness, rich marine life and varied terrain. Below are key adventure zones, typical routes and guidance on duration and ideal seasons.

Great Barrier Reef (Queensland, Australia)

Expect multi-day liveaboard dive trips or day snorkeling excursions. Best season: dry season (May–October) for visibility and calmer seas.

• Liveaboard diving itineraries (multi-day)
• Day snorkeling trips with reef guides
• Photography-focused and conservation programs

New Zealand mountains & trekking

Both islands offer short and multi-day treks with alpine conditions and breathtaking scenery. Best season: summer to early autumn (Dec–Apr).

• Tongariro Alpine Crossing (day hike)
• Routeburn and Kepler tracks (multi-day)
• Guided alpine climbs and technical routes

Outback & Red Centre (Australia)

4x4 expeditions, overnight camps and stargazing in remote desert landscapes. Best windows: spring and autumn for milder temperatures.

• Guided 4x4 safaris and bush camping
• Photographic tours at sunrise/sunset
• Combined itineraries with indigenous cultural visits

Tasmania & Southern wilderness

Multi-day hikes, wildlife spotting and backcountry expeditions in pristine reserves. Best season: summer and early autumn.

• Overland Track and other multi-day routes
• Wildlife and photography-focused tours
• Guided camping and backcountry experiences

Papua New Guinea & Melanesian expeditions

Remote expeditions to villages, rainforest treks and culturally immersive adventures. Best season: dry months (May–October) for access.

• Multi-day jungle expeditions
• Guided cultural experiences and village stays
• Specialist photography safaris

Surfing & water sports (Fiji, Samoa, Australia)

World-class surf, kite and windsurf spots with camps and schools for all levels; timing depends on swell and local seasons.

• Surf camps at Cloudbreak and other Fijian breaks
• Kite and windsurf schools along Queensland coasts
• Paddleboarding and sea-kayak coastal expeditions

Australia and Oceania are rich in cultural layers — from indigenous peoples of Australia and New Zealand to diverse Pacific island traditions. Below are thematic groupings with examples and what makes each special.

Indigenous & Maori heritage

• Uluru and cultural centres in the Northern Territory — sacred site interpretation
• Kakadu guided cultural tours with Aboriginal custodians
• Maori performances and marae visits in New Zealand
• Traditional arts workshops and craft demonstrations

Colonial history

• Port Arthur (Tasmania) — convict-era sites and stories
• Sydney’s early maritime and penal history walks
• Colonial museums in Hobart and Adelaide
• Guided architectural walks through historic districts

Religious & mission heritage in the Pacific

• Missionary sites and churches in Fiji and Vanuatu
• Liturgical traditions and ritual practices in island communities
• Mission museums and archival visits

Art & architecture

• Sydney Opera House and contemporary architecture tours
• Melbourne’s gallery scene and street art walks
• Indigenous art centres and community collectives
• Galleries and craft studios in Hobart and across New Zealand

Wine & gastronomy

• Barossa and McLaren Vale — cellar-door tastings and food pairings
• Marlborough and Central Otago wine trails in New Zealand
• Tasmanian seafood, farmers' markets and tasting menus
• Culinary workshops highlighting Pacific island ingredients and techniques

Planning tours across Australia and Oceania requires attention to distances, seasonal windows and local logistics. The practical tips below will help with booking and on-the-ground decisions.

• Visas & border rules: Check visa requirements for Australia and New Zealand well in advance; many Pacific islands have special entry rules or visa-on-arrival options.
• Seasonality & weather: Know the dry vs wet seasons (e.g., reef trips are best in the dry months) and schedule activities around local conditions.
• Local operators: For remote and cultural tours, choose local guides and small operators who understand the terrain and communities.
• Transport logistics: Distances are large — verify domestic flights, ferry timetables and transfers; combined itineraries save time.
• Multi-day packages: Consider packaged multi-day tours that include transport, guides and accommodation for seamless logistics.
• Average costs: Expect higher prices in remote regions and for premium activities (diving, liveaboards, island resorts); compare inclusions carefully.
• Best booking platforms: Use a mix of global booking sites and reputable local agencies; check reviews and cancellation policies.
• Travel insurance: Buy insurance that covers specific activities (diving, trekking, helicopter transfers) and medical evacuation from remote areas.
• Guide languages: English is dominant, but for Pacific cultural tours check availability of local-language guides or interpreters if needed.
• Safety & health: Research local health advice, recommended vaccinations and safety tips for remote areas; carry a basic first-aid kit for excursions.
• Payments & cash: In remote locations cash or prepaid tour payments are often necessary; cards can be limited outside major towns.
• Sustainability & ethics: Prioritize operators with responsible practices that respect communities, protect reefs and minimize environmental impact.