Australia Vacations, Tours, Trips & Travel Packages
Before setting off on an Australia vacation, learn something about the country's background and history. Is it an island or a continent? Australia is the sixth-largest landmass in the world, supporting endless diversity across its six states and two territories. One can explore tropical rainforests, red deserts, coral reefs, snow-clad mountains, wetlands, wine regions, national parks, bushland, and so much more. That's not to discount Australia's equally diverse and culture-rich cities.
Why should I travel to Australia?
The list of reasons for visiting Australia is endless, whether you're looking to stretch out on its beaches, see its unique nature and wildlife (think of indigenous animals such as kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, wombats, Tasmanian devils, kookaburras and emus), abundant sports including surfing, scuba diving, and snorkelling, delicious food and wine (including the world's best Shiraz), and cultural attractions.
What are the best places to visit in Australia?
It's difficult to do Australia justice in just one trip, and almost impossible to rank its attractions and cities, but here are some top picks for your shortlist.
Sydney: Your Welcome to Australia
The country’s largest city is known as “The Harbour City” due to it being mainly built around Sydney Harbour. It has been recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful metropolises, dominated by the striking Sydney Harbour Bridge (also known as the “Coat Hanger”) and the Sydney Opera House with its sail-shaped design. Sydney also boasts a number of sandy surf beaches within easy reach of its centre, including Bondi and Manly. A harbour cruise takes in not only the skyline of Sydney but also the attractive nearby suburbs spread out around the harbour. The city boasts several very beautiful and scenic parks including the Royal Botanical Gardens in the shadow of Government House. Nearby, you'll find the Art gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Sydney, and the Australian Museum. Take a stroll around the historic Rocks neighbourhood with its Art Deco buildings, or Paddington with its grand Victorian homes and lively café and restaurant scene,
What are the best day trips from Sydney?
Two hours west of the city, the Blue Mountains offer remarkable scenery and are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The dramatic scenery encompasses steep cliffs, eucalyptus forests, waterfalls, and small villages. The mountains include the Three Sisters, a trio of awe-inspiring rocky pinnacles. There are 140 kilometres/75 miles of walking trails as well as a cable railway purported to be the steepest anywhere. Katoomba, a small town offering arty boutique shops makes a base for staying overnight. Another region not far from Sydney is the Hunter Valley, a wine-producing region with over 120 wineries. The Hunter Valley Gardens are also popular, with 25 acres of colourful flowers.
Melbourne: Australia's Cultural Capital
Forever Sydney's friendly rival, Melbourne adds a touch of sophistication to your Australia vacation. It is the most European of Australia’s cities and is the country's cultural capital. Its unique character is defined by its trams (streetcars) and its Victorian-era architecture, plus excellent shopping and cultural sites such as art galleries and museums. It offers colourful neighbourhoods such as Fitzroy and St Kilda, the latter a beach resort as well as a trendy suburb. Melbourne is also a great base for day trips, either to Phillip Island to watch the Little Penguin Parade at sunset, or the scenic Great Ocean Road to take in views of the Twelve Apostles.
Adelaide: Australia's Tastiest City
Adelaide is an easy-going, relaxed city in love with gardens and good wine. It's also something of a theatre and cabaret hub, hosting a biannual Arts Festival, and the world's largest cabaret festival. It's also a wonderful centre from which to visit the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale wine districts. Nearby Kangaroo Island offers an abundance of wildlife to see along with some unique landscapes, but can be a rushed day trip, so stay overnight if possible. If you're pressed for time, Cleland Conservation Park offers another way to get up close to many of the country’s native animals.
Canberra: A Custom Built Capital
Canberra, the serene unhurried and purpose-built and planned capital, is located around the attractive artificial Lake Burley Griffin. Some of the major landmarks are its unmistakable Parliament House, the Old Parliament Building, and the Australian War Memorial. Canberra also has several of Australia's top art galleries and museums.
Brisbane: Welcome to the Sunshine State
Brisbane is Australia’s third-largest city and is known as the “City of Sunny Days” due to its sub-tropical climate. The Brisbane River defines the city's charm and character. A major attraction is the nearby Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s largest, and one of the few places in the world you can legally hold one of these animals.
Not far from Brisbane are two excellent beach destinations. The Gold Coast offers 30 beaches including world-renowned Surfers Paradise. The Sunshine Coast has 70 kilometres/ 44 miles of uncrowded white-sand beaches to enjoy. Both are close to lush hinterland, with scenic national parks, mountains, waterfalls, and rainforests.
Perth: Get Out There to Western Australia
Perth might be out of your way, but it's worth the trip! Australia’s fourth-largest city. It is not only laid-back but also culturally diverse with attractive, uncrowded beaches and gardens. King’s Park is a landmark larger than New York's Central Park and encompasses an excellent botanical garden. From Perth, one can visit the wine country of Western Australia in the Swan Valley, and in the Margaret River region.
Darwin and the Top End
Darwin, in the north of the country, is small yet cosmopolitan, thanks to many different cultures that have come to call it home over the years. Besides its own fascinating history, particularly for World War Two buffs, it's a handy base for visiting both Charles Darwin National Park, one of Australia’s largest wetlands, and Kakadu National Park, the country’s largest national park with crocodiles, unique birdlife and the world's largest collection of Aboriginal rock art. Try a short boat cruise there to see everything.
Cairns: Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree
Cairns in Northern Queensland is the northern gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and is an essential addition for any Australian first-timer. It is also surrounded by rainforest and the scenic rail trip to the town of Kuranda is another must-do. A little further north, you'll find the world's oldest living rainforest, the beautiful Daintree.
How Do I Take A Great Barrier Reef Tour?
Australia's Great Barrier Reef is located on the east coast. It is 2300 kilometres/1400 miles in length with a colourful underwater kingdom containing 1500 species of tropical fish alone. It is the largest coral reef formation in the world offering a spectacular array of marine life. You can reach many parts of the reef from Cairns or nearby Port Douglas. However, further to the south lie the Whitsundays, a group of islands that includes Hayman, Hamilton and Whitehaven Islands. An excellent, less crowded way to see lesser-known parts of the Great Barrier Reef is to take a short cruise from the Whitsundays.
The Australian Outback
The Australian Outback is a vast area made up of either semi-arid or desert land. A great place to start exploring is in Alice Springs, and it`s the perfect place to explore the “Red Centre." It is also the home of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Activities here can include camel rides from one of the many camel farms, stargazing under the clear desert skies, and hot air ballooning. One can visit the nearby King’s Canyon and the MacDonnell Ranges. 450 kilometres/270 miles away is Uluru or Ayers Rock, the huge sandstone monolith which rises 348 metres/1142 feet above the surrounding desert. To the local Anangu people, it is a sacred site, and climbing is now forbidden. One of the interesting features of the rock is the change in colour as the day progresses. Nearby, you'll find Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas. Said in the Aboriginal legend to be the eggs of the Rainbow Serpent that first created the world, these domes are in fact the eroded remains of another monolith that was once larger than Uluru.
Add a Cheeky Tour of Tasmania
Tasmania is an incredibly scenic destination with many rugged mountains and wilderness areas, It is in fact, the most mountainous state in Australia. Jagged peaks rise above dense forests and misty lakes in areas like Cradle Mountain. Tasmania's capital, Hobart is a pretty, arts-loving city with a vibrant waterfront and harbour built on reclaimed land. It is also associated historically with the convict era, as depicted at the Port Arthur Historic Site, an ex-penal colony. A short ferry ride up the Derwent River lies the cutting-edge Museum of Old and New Art.
There is so much more to enjoy and experience in this magical land. The biggest decision is choosing where to visit in the time available. Our Best Time to Visit Australia page will also help you decide when to travel.
Travel to Australia from the USA
Continental North America's closest major international airport to Australia is Los Angeles (LAX). Whether you are flying into Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne the flight time for nonstop flights ranges between 13hrs to 16hrs.
San Francisco (SFO) is another popular gateway with a similar flight duration. There are also nonstop flights to Sydney from Houston (IAH) and Dallas (DFW).
Travel to Australia from Canada
The only nonstop flights to Australia fly out of Vancouver International (YVR). Other popular routes connect through the USA.
"Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles
For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway,”.a great source of information for any kind of globetrotter.
Visiting the Icons of OZ on An Australia Vacation (Part 1)
Visiting the Icons of OZ on An Australia Vacation (Part 2)
Discover the WOW Factor of South Australia
Australia's Iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Opera House - Australia's Architectural Wonder
Plan Your Perfect Australia Escape
Enjoy Cruising in Australia and the South Pacific
Top 10 Things to Do in Melbourne, Australia
Top 5 Places to Visit in Australia This Summer
Top 10 Things to Do in Sydney, Australia
Swimming With the Fishes in Australia
7 Great Reasons to Take Your Kids to Australia This Summer
2 Myths About Travel to Australia
World's Best Family Destinations
Travel Through the Australian Outback By Train
Australia Vacation Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Australia vacations.
Learn about the history and culture of Australia, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Australia's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Australia for yourself. Start exploring. Book one of our Australia tours today!
Extend Your Stay
Consider an additional stopover to your Australia vacation at one of Goway's South Pacific destinations. You can choose from our selection of New Zealand vacation packages, Tahiti vacation packages stay at one of our featured Fiji resorts or perhaps take a Cook Island vacation. This can be done en route to or from Australia.
Classic Sydney, Rock & Reef
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Venture to three of Australia’s most famous spots, cosmopolitan Sydney, the outback and tropical Queensland. Get to know Sydney before catching the sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock). Then explore Cairns, the rainforest and the incredible Great Barrier Reef.
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Discover Melbourne Town
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: See the highlights of Melbourne with a quintessential city tour that takes you to many of the city's historic sights. Visit Philip Island to witness the famous 'Little Penguin Parade', with a stop en route to get up close and personal with kangaroos and koalas.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 599
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Discover Adelaide & Barossa Valley
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Explore Adelaide, a small elegant city with colonial architecture, an abundance of parkland and a Mediterranean climate. Next visit Barossa Valley, Australia’s largest wine growing area. Wine tastings and lunch are included.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 388
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Essence of Sydney in Style
FIRST CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Take an insider’s look at Sydney’s best sights, from the comfort of a luxury yacht on Sydney Harbour. Drop anchor in a peaceful bay for lunch with plenty of time to swim, fish or relax on board. Visit the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains on an off-the-beaten-track nature tour and visit remote locations with stunning views, cascading waterfalls and amazing rock formations like the famous Three Sisters.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,044
- Trip Type:
- Luxury and Beyond, Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Sydney and Reef Discovery
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Discover the spectacular Sydney harbour, visit with unique Aussie wildlife, learn about the indigenous culture in the rainforest and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. This package is perfect if you want a taste of Australia and you are limited on time.- Duration:
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,184
- Trip Type:
- Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Signature Australia: Sydney, Rock, Reef & Rainforest
DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Discover the icons of Australia in the company of a private guide. Go behind the scenes of the Sydney Opera House and cruise Sydney Harbour. Explore the Outback and see Uluru lit up at dawn and dusk. Explore the Daintree Rainforest and cap off the experience with a couple nights at a resort in the Whitsundays.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,959
- Trip Type:
- Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Signature Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef
DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: See Sydney’s famous sites behind the scenes in-style with your private-guide and cruise the fabulous harbour like a local. Head North to explore the Great Barrier Reef from your luxurious deluxe retreat. The tranquility and natural beauty of Lizard Island will pamper you.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,149
- Trip Type:
- Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Classic Aussie Rail Spectacular
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: This 12-day adventure combines two of Australia’s famous rail journeys: The Indian Pacific and The Ghan. Starting in Sydney, you will travel through the best of South Australia before going on to Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the Australian outback and beyond aboard these luxury trains.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,939
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers), Rail Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Aussie Family Adventure
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Explore the best of Australia combining the excitement of snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, a visit to the Crocodile Hunter’s Australia Zoo, dolphin feeding at Tangalooma, soaring above the rainforest in a cable car, and touring Sydney by ferry. An ideal family vacation.- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Family Vacations, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Classic South Pacific; Australia, New Zealand and Fiji
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Enjoy the Classic South Pacific by encountering Fijian, Maori and Aboriginal cultures. Travel from Fiji to New Zealand to Australia taking in fantastic sights and experiences enroute in Auckland, Rotorua, Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef.- Duration:
- 14 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,396
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers), Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Tasmanian Circle: 9 Days Hobart to Hobart Self Drive
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: The tiny island of Tasmania has much to offer. Drive through Strahan then the Cradle Mountains, famous for alpine scenery, to Hobart stopping at Launceston, Swansea and Port Arthur.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,579
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Best of the Tropical North
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: From Cairns experience easy access to tropical islands, rainforests, mountains, palm-fringed sands, beautiful beaches and the Great Barrier Reef, one of nature’s wonders of the world.- Duration:
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,164
- Trip Type:
- Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Highlights & Wildlife: Sydney, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Cairns
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Enjoy the best of Australia’s wine, culture and wildlife on this 12 day journey. Experience diverse and historic Sydney, renowned wineries in the Barossa Valley, the local wildlife of Kangaroo Island and experience a close encounter with the abundant sea life on the Great Barrier Reef.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,516
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers)
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Best of Australia Holiday of a Lifetime
FIRST-CLASS | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: See the highlights of Australia in under two weeks on our fully-escort Best of Australia Holiday of a Lifetime. On this unforgettable tour, you’ll see Australia’s major urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, view unforgettable icons like the Sydney Opera House, get into the heart of the Outback with visits to Uluru/Ayers Rock and Alice Springs, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.- Duration:
- 13 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Bucket List Travel Ideas, Escorted Coach Touring, Holidays of a Lifetime, Single Friendly
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Active Sydney & Surrounds
Get to the heart of Australia’s most famous city as you hike, bike, and venture to some of Sydney’s most iconic sites. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge, hike through the Blue Mountains, enjoy a wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, and surf at Bondi Beach for an Australian vacation you’ll never forget.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,697
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Adventures in Paradise Luxury Adventure Cruise: Cairns to Cairns
Escape to the remote paradise of Papua New Guinea to explore fascinating islands and exotic underwater worlds. Cruising aboard the True North, you’ll scuba dive through wrecks from World War II around the Deboyne Islands, visit the Trobiand Islands to learn about the villagers’ exotic customs, and fly in a helicopter over Benua Cave on Bougainville Island.- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing, Luxury and Beyond
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Australia's Kimberley Expedition Cruise from Broome
Few trips to Australia reach the unique natural sights of the Kimberley. Begin in Broome, gateway to the magnificent Kimberley wilderness and enjoy a cruise to the remote Australian Outback.- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Cruises & Sailing, Small Group Touring
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Australian Experience
FIRST-CLASS | SPECIALITY GROUP: Discover the land Downunder on this group vacation full of city tours, wildlife encounters, and great food and wine. See some of the highlights of Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, and the Great Barrier Reef. Our Groups Only Specialist would be delighted to tailor your very own group vacation Downunder. Note: This is a sample itinerary, which is private and fully customizable for group travelers.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Specialty Groups & Events
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Best of South Australia's Outback and Wine
Experience why South Australia is the state of WOW (wildlife, Outback, and wine) on this Australia vacation. As you travel across South Australia, you’ll enjoy easygoing culture in Adelaide, taste fabulous wines in the McLaren Vale and Clare Valley, and visit one of the icons of the Outback, Wilpena Pound, in the Flinders Ranges.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,699
- Trip Type:
- Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Best of the Outback: Ayers Rock to Darwin
FIRST-CLASS | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Get to the heart of Australia’s red centre with overnight stops in popular Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Katherine, Kakadu and more.- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,455
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
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Brisbane and Sydney in Style
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Start your vacation with a visit to sunny Brisbane and visit the famous Crocodile Hunter's Australia Zoo. Head on down to Sydney and see the city's iconic sights on a luxury yacht. Visit the beautiful Blue Mountains and witness cascading waterfalls and the famous Three Sisters.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,121
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Brisbane and the Top End of the Northern Territory
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Brisbane has emerged in recent decades as one of Australia's fastest-growing capital cities. Explore the city, see koalas and other native Aussie animals, and enjoy feeding wild dolphins. Next is the Northern Territory. Vacation through Australia’s “Top End”, beginning and ending in Darwin with stops at Kakadu and Katherine along with way.- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,655
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Go as you Please, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Classic Victoria
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore classic Victoria by first experiencing the highlights of Melbourne. Visit Philip Island and see the Little Penguin Parade before heading along the incredible Great Ocean Road.- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,259
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers)
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Coast & Hinterland Self Drive
Spend a week with a self drive car from Brisbane with stops along the Sunshine Coast with its dramatic cliff scenery and white sandy beaches. You will also have a guided overnight tour to Fraser Island plus a stay in the hinterland of the region.- Duration:
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,129
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
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Coastal Gems: Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef & Sydney
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore Australia's crystal coasts on this 15-day Australia vacation. This ideal introduction to the country's most famous gems takes you from Sydney to Port Douglas and Melbourne, immersing you in the rich culture and landscapes. Venture from the Blue Mountains to the Coral Sea with spectacular city stops along the way.- Duration:
- 15 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,999
- Trip Type:
- Tailor-made Travel Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
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Cradle Mountain Huts Walk
This six day walk is a journey within Tasmania’s World Heritage Area that features a huge diversity of flora and fauna. Spend nights in a private hut nestled away in this remarkable park.- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,908
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous
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