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Australia & South Pacific

Australia Vacations, Tours, Trips & Travel Packages

  • View of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Cozy up to a koala in person and make memories with an Australian icon
  • Enjoy endless hours of sunshine in Perth, the sunniest of Australia's capital cities
  • The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on Earth and is a must visit on any Australia vacation.
  • Take a dip in the clear blue waters of Tasmania's Beerbarrel Beach

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. 

Blue Mountains National Park is a great additional to all Australia vacations

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 spectacular Great Barrier Reef should be included on all trips to Australia.

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

Odd Facts about Australia

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.

Read More

FEATURED TRIP
  • Catch a show or wander around the artistically built Sydney Opera House during your next Trips to Australia.
  • Experience sunrise in Cairns at your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef during your next Australia tours.
  • Take a look at the beautiful view of the Great Barrier Reef from Aerial during your next Australia vacations.
  • Visit Bondi beach and take a walk at the white sandy beaches on your next trip to Australia.
  • Meet the "locals" during your next Australia vacations.
  • Experience the amazing Uluru at Sunset during your next Australia vacations.
FEATURED TRIP

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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Australia

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  • Kangaroos & Koalas

    Designed to be big on sights and fun but easy on kids, this is the perfect family introduction to Sydney. Explore Sydney harbour on a cruise, enjoy a walking tour of the historic Rocks district and visit the spectacular Blue Mountains.
    Duration:
    6 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Kimberley Snapshot Luxury Adventure Cruise from Broome

    Come aboard the True North for a luxury cruise exploring the waterways of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Watch manta rays, dugongs and reef sharks feed at the stunning Montgomery Reef, examine the Bradshaw cave paintings that are over 20,000 years old and cruise to the base of one of the world’s premier waterfalls, the King George Falls.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing, Luxury and Beyond
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Kimberley Waterfalls Luxury Adventure Cruise

    Come aboard the True North for a west Australian cruise like no other. Explore the waterfalls of the Kimberley region such as the magnificent King George Falls, examine extraordinary rock art from tens of thousands of years ago, and experience the majestic end of Kimberley’s wet season with its summer storms, spectacular light shows and swollen billabongs.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Launceston: Tasmanian East Coast Escape: Premier Escorted Vacation

    FIRST-CLASS | ESCORTED COACH TOURING: Explore the beauty of the 'Apple Isle' on this fantastic 6 day tour. Highlights include the stunning Freycinet National Park, Port Arthur Historic Site, Richmond and Hobart.
    Duration:
    6 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,795
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Live Like A Local: Gold Coast Australia

    A travel highlight for most Globetrotters is to mingle and interact with locals. But to actually live amongst them, even for just a short time, is an experience of a life time.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Snowbird Long Stays, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Live Like A Local: North of Sydney (Central Coast)

    A travel highlight for most Globetrotters is to mingle and interact with locals. But to actually live amongst them, even for just a short time, is an experience of a life time.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Snowbird Long Stays, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Live Like A Local: Sunshine Coast Australia

    A travel highlight for most Globetrotters is to mingle and interact with locals. But to actually live amongst them, even for just a short time, is an experience of a life time.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Snowbird Long Stays, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Melbourne: Great Ocean Road & Kangaroo Island Escape: Premier Escorted Vacation

    FIRST-CLASS | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Enjoy seven days touring some of the best of Southern Australia. Discover the Great Ocean Road before visits to Coonawarra and Adelaide followed by the unique wildlife of Kangaroo Island.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,120
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Murray River Cruise (from Adelaide: 5 days)

    Step aboard Murray Princess and experience the ultimate outback riverboat adventure. Explore a timeless landscape, observe native wildlife close at hand and visit historic river ports.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,114
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Mysteries of Melanesia Luxury Adventure Cruise

    DELUXE | CRUISE: Sail between some of the world’s least understood islands on this eye-opening adventure cruise through Melanesia and Papua New Guinea. Meet the tribes who call these islands home, and explore the largely unspoiled reefs and remote sights of this little visited part of the world.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing, Luxury and Beyond, Single Friendly
    Papua New Guinea See Trip Details

  • Natural South East Queensland Wildlife & Rainforest: Brisbane to Brisbane Self Drive

    This driving vacation offers plenty of opportunity to get out and about in Queensland’s natural beauty. Drive to and walk through Lockyer Valley, Lamington National Park and Fraser Island.
    Duration:
    6 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 849
    Trip Type:
    Self-Drives
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Natural Tasmania: Hobart to Launceston

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: During this five day tour visit the Cradle Mountains and Freycinet National Park, travel to the Tasman Peninsula and Hobart, always keeping your eyes open for the infamous Tasmanian Devil.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,369
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Northern Territory Indigenous Highlights

    Immerse yourself in the unforgettable culture of the Indigenous peoples of Australia on this tour of the Northern Territory. Passing from Uluru to Alice Springs to Kakadu National Park, you'll experience breathtaking sunsets and sunrises in the Outback, see incredible desert animals, and learn about thousands of years of Australian tradition.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,754
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Outback & Wine Self Drive

    Drive north exploring scenic Flinders Ranges National Park and Wilpena Pound. Next head south to Clare Valley, “the most unblemished wine region in Australia” before returning to Adelaide.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 789
    Trip Type:
    Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Pacific Coast Explorer Self Drive: 7 Days

    Self-drive holidays are a very unique way to travel. Begin in Sydney then head to wine country in Hunter Valley. Next is Port Stephens and Coffs Harbour before arriving in the Gold Coast.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,099
    Trip Type:
    Self-Drives
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Pacific Coast Explorer Self Drive: 9 Days

    Drive the Pacific Coast and get to know its many highlights travelling from Brisbane to Cairns with stops at Fraser Island and Rockhampton, the Whitsundays, Townsville and Mission Beach.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 859
    Trip Type:
    Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • PADI Learn to Dive

    Learn to dive with an “Open Water” course that is unmatched for experience and value. Receive two days of pool training then three days and two nights onboard a liveaboard dive vessel.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,081
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Ideas for 18 to 30 Somethings, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Queensland Coastal Explorer

    FIRST-CLASS | SPECIALTY GROUP: This exclusive post-Lions Club International Convention group tour showcases the beauty of Queensland, from the tropical rainforest outside Cairns to the colorful underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef to the powdery white sands of the Whitsundays. Immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this world-renowned natural wonderland.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 8,499
    Trip Type:
    Specialty Groups & Events
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Queensland Splendour

    Journey through Queensland to sample its diverse landscape and vibrant local life. Surf the beaches of the Sunshine Coast, hike the sand dunes of Fraser Island and dive into the wondrous ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,354
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Red Centre Sights & Sounds Discovery

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Discover the highlights of Uluru/Ayers Rock, Australia’s Red Centre. Take part in unique activities, learning about the area and its rich indigenous culture from an Aboriginal perspective.
    Duration:
    3 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 695
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Sea, Sand & City - Gold Coast & Sydney

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Embark on an enchanting 13-day adventure to Australia, commencing with an exploration of the captivating Gold Coast. Journey onward to Sydney, renowned for its iconic landmarks and magnificent harbor vistas.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,389
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Shipwreck Coast Explorer: Self Drive

    FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Starting and finishing in Melbourne, enjoy a self drive tour along Victoria’s southwest coast. The Great Ocean Road offers amazing scenery, unforgettable natural features and quaint towns making it a unique vacation spot.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 839
    Trip Type:
    Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Signature Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest in Luxury

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Get the best of both worlds and stay in luxury accommodations on this reef and rainforest vacation. Swim, snorkel, and relax on a coral cay in the Low Isles of the Great Barrier Reef. Then discover the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman River from your treehouse resort.
    Duration:
    6 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,098
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Signature Melbourne

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Discover the charms of Victoria on this regional vacation. Based in Melbourne, you’ll drive the Great Ocean Road before discovering the trendy laneway and arcade bars of the city.
    Duration:
    6 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,569
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Signature Sydney

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Discover the magic of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour on this private-guided exclusive vacation. Get to know Australia’s largest city on a walking tour and go behind-the-scenes of the Opera House before you cruise the famous harbour on a private yacht.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,057
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences
    Australia See Trip Details
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