Forget the Sydney Opera House or Uluru. The top 10 things travellers are raving about Down Under are a long way from what you’d expect.
TripAdvisor has revealed its hot list of best experiences in Australia according to travellers’ reviews.
Here are the top 10:
- WHITSUNDAYS JET-SKI TOUR — AIRLIE BEACH, QUEENSLAND
Explore the Whitsunday Islands by jet ski on this adventure-filled tour. Zoom past coves and white sandy beaches and learn about this UNESCO- listed site from your guide.
This tour is suitable for all skill levels from beginner to experienced, with four different tour options. Tours are limited to 20 guests for a great small-group experience.
- THE BEST OF MELBOURNE BIKE TOUR — MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
Melbourne is one of Australia’s most bike-friendly cities, with more than 135km of on and off-road bike trails.
On this sightseeing cycling tour, take the scenic route around the city’s atmospheric neighbourhoods, through its beautiful parks and waterfront districts and along the meandering Yarra River — with plenty of photo opportunities and an optional lunch stop along the way.
- HERVEY BAY PREMIUM WHALE WATCHING CRUISE — HERVEY BAY, QUEENSLAND
Enjoy the majestic migration of humpback whales on this whale- watching cruise from Hervey Bay.
Listen to informative commentary about the whales and their migration towards the Antarctic from your enthusiastic guides. This premium tour includes morning tea, a buffet lunch and an afternoon tea with fruits and cheeses.
- PERTH EAST FORESHORE AND CITY SEGWAY TOUR — PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
See the highlights of Perth on a Segway tour along the city’s booming and beautiful riverfront. With a knowledgeable guide, cruise along the Swan River and check out attractions like Kings Park, Claisebrook Cove or the river foreshore.
Covering more ground than a walking tour, but still outside in the fresh air, a Segway is the ideal way to explore a sunny, outdoorsy city like Perth.
- ATHERTON TABLELANDS WATERFALLS TOUR FROM CAIRNS — CAIRNS, QUEENSLAND
Experience the natural wonders of Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands on this day trip from Cairns. With a guide, you’ll take easy walks to three waterfalls — Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls and Dinner Falls — and a refreshing swim in Lake Eacham.
See the Cathedral Fig Tree, take in the views of the volcanic crater in Mt Hypipamee National Park and enjoy lots of time for swimming and photos.
- HOBART KAYAK TOUR — HOBART, TASMANIA
Explore Hobart from the water on a kayak tour with an experienced guide. You have three options to choose from when booking: a two-and- a-half hour tour from central Hobart, a seven-hour tour past cliffs, caves and beaches or a 10-hour Tasman Peninsula tour.
You’ll either admire Hobart’s bustling waterfront along the River Derwent or take in the scenic wilderness outside the city on one of the full day adventures. Learn paddling techniques from your guide, who also provides narration about the city and surrounding region.
- OCEAN RAFTING TOUR TO WHITEHAVEN BEACH — WHITSUNDAYS, QUEENSLAND
Make the most of your time exploring the Whitsunday Islands’ Whitehaven Beach aboard a motorised raft on this full-day tour.
Choose between tours that offer a snorkelling expedition or extended beach time at secluded spots you wouldn’t be able to access on your own.
Listen to your naturalist guide talk about the flora and fauna of the area during nature walks and guided snorkelling expeditions (use of snorkel equipment is included). Afternoon tea and cake, as well as hotel pick-up and drop-off, make this tour a convenient option.
- MOOLOOLABA SEAFOOD LUNCH CRUISE — SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND
Mooloolaba is one of many resort towns along the Sunshine Coast — the kind of place where the beaches and bars get packed during the
summer.
Take a break with this lunchtime cruise along the Mooloolaba coast. Dine on fresh seafood (including locally-caught prawns) and enjoy the views of the town’s golden beaches from inside a cosy cruise ship on the Coral Sea.
- SYDNEY BEER AND BREWERY TOUR — SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES
Taste a range of great beers and learn about craft brewing in Sydney on a tour with a knowledgeable guide.
See the inner workings of the breweries and meet the people who are revolutionising beer-making in Sydney.
Choose from three options: two different six-hour tours include a delicious pub lunch, and the three-hour tour, offered in the afternoon, hits the highlights in a shorter time frame.
- TWO-DAY CAMPING AND SURFING GREAT OCEAN ROAD TRIP FROM MELBOURNE — MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
Tick off the highlights of Australia’s world-famous Great Ocean Road and learn to surf on this action-packed two-day road trip from Melbourne.
Hit the beach for a two-hour surf class, spot wild koalas and kangaroos and soak up the scenery of Apollo Bay, the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Best of all, spend a night in a teepee by the beach, where you’ll tuck into a hearty Aussie barbecue around the campfire.
This article originally appeared on Escape and was reproduced with permission
