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.
More DetailsAustralia
-
- Sort by:
- Most Popular
- Duration
- Price
-
- Filter by:
- Price Range
- Duration Range
- Trip Type
- Reset all
-
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.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,592
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
-
Trans Continental Classic
FIRST-CLASS | RAIL: Travel from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean on this 13 day rail journey from Sydney to Perth. Board The Indian Pacific after spending a few days exploring Sydney and travel across the country. Visit Canberra, Australia’s capital city, and explore Adelaide and Kangaroo Island along the way.- Duration:
- 13 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,869
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers), Rail Travel Ideas
-
Island Tracks
FIRST-CLASS | RAIL: Enjoy riding the Spirit of Queensland Train as you travel from Cairns to Fraser Island stopping at Hamilton Island before heading to Sydney to see the incredible sights. Couple the best of Queensland’s tropical island escapes and brilliant beaches with iconic Sydney.- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,158
- Trip Type:
- Rail Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
-
Auckland: Waltzing Matilda: Holiday of a Lifetime
FIRST-CLASS | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Embark on an unforgettable journey across Australia and New Zealand with the Waltzing Matilda Holiday of a Lifetime. As one of Goway’s premier tours, Waltzing Matilda showcases the icons of two remarkable nations, taking you from the harbour of Auckland to the Outback and Uluru/Ayers Rock to the Great Barrier Reef and includes the cosmopolitan cities of Melbourne and Sydney.- Duration:
- 20 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Bucket List Travel Ideas, Escorted Coach Touring, Holidays of a Lifetime, Multi Country Vacation Ideas
-
Sydney, Mountains & Vineyards Self Drive
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Set out on this lovely self-drive escape to experience the iconic Blue Mountains, the beautiful bay of Port Stephens and the world-renowned vineyards and wineries of Australia’s famous Hunter Valley.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 999
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
-
Australia’s Kimberley Expedition Cruise from Darwin
FIRST-CLASS | CRUISE: A 10 night exploration voyage to the Kimberley has many highlights. Visit 300ft waterfalls, 20,000 year old Aborginal outdoor artwork and explore a maze of natural sandstone caves. Begin in Darwin, 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
-
The Gold Coast Long Stay
FIRST-CLASS | LONG STAY: The Gold Coast dares you to try everything it offers. Enjoy the warmth and sunshine, world-class theme parks and shopping, dig your toes into fine white sand, ride sparkling waves and explore the lush, subtropical hinterland.- Duration:
- 31 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Bucket List Travel Ideas, Snowbird Long Stays
-
Sunshine Coast Long Stay
MODERATE | LONG STAY: The Sunshine Coast is a many-flavoured region of beautiful beaches, shining waterways and restful mountains. It gives you room to breathe; its natural beauty is still largely unspoiled and carefully protected; and it offers you an unsurpassed choice of attractions and activities (or non-activities if you've a mind to just laze around).- Duration:
- 31 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Bucket List Travel Ideas, Snowbird Long Stays
-
North of Sydney Long Stay (Central Coast)
FIRST-CLASS | LONG STAY: Enjoy a winter break on the beach, a short journey from Sydney. Sunshine, swimming, dining and fresh air are some of the excellent ingredients included in this Goway longstay vacation package.- Duration:
- 31 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Bucket List Travel Ideas, Snowbird Long Stays
-
Classic Downunder: Auckland to Melbourne
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Get to know the true Downunder by experiencing the best of both Australia and New Zealand. Journey through New Zealand and Australia’s most spectacular sights including Rotorua, Milford Sound, Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef, with exciting, cosmopolitan cities to create the perfect Downunder experience.- Duration:
- 19 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,964
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers), Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
-
Ultimate Downunder: Auckland, Queenstown, Sydney, Great Barrier Reef
DELUXE | PRIVATE GUIDED: On this incredible voyage exploring New Zealand and Australia, relax as you fly to breathtaking Milford Sound, sail iconic Sydney Harbour and unwind in the paradise that is Hayman Island, all while overnighting in world-class accommodations.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,759
- Trip Type:
- Bucket List Travel Ideas, Luxury and Beyond, Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Private Experiences, Small Group Touring, Stays of Distinction, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
-
Cairns: Tropical Beaches and Reef: Guided Vacation
MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Explore the countless tropical beaches and Great Barrier Reef on Australia’s east coast during this 9-day escorted coach tour. Make your way from Cairns to the Gold Coast with stops at Kuranda, the Atherton Tablelands, Airlie Beach, Sarina, Rockhampton, Fraser Island, and Hervey Bay. Enhance your trip with the expertise of your highly trained travel director and driver.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,320
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
-
Essence of Australia: Sydney, Rock and Reef
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Visit Australia’s must sees on this quintessential vacation. Drop anchor in Sydney’s famous harbour from the comfort of a luxury yacht. Discover the unique landscape, history and culture in Ayers Rock and then finish your vacation snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef.- Duration:
- 11 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,491
- Trip Type:
- Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
-
Classic Sydney and Great Barrier Reef
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Visit the two of the most popular parts of Australia, particularly for first time visitors. Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and harbourside Sydney. See the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and more, snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, then get to know the secrets of the rainforest.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,426
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
-
Port Douglas Tropical Discovery
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Located on beautiful Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas offers a “village by the sea” atmosphere. Enjoy day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and Cape Tribulation while staying in Port Douglas.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 699
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
-
Cairns Barrier Reef Discovery
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Rainforests. Enjoy time on a wave piercing catamaran then board an amphibious army duck to venture into the rainforest.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 648
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
-
Discover Splendid Sydney
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: From its convict origins as the first European settlement in Australia, Sydney grew into the country’s largest and most exciting city. Take time to explore the sights of splendid Sydney.- Duration:
- 4 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 681
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
-
Ultimate Retreats: Great Barrier Reef, Sydney & Kangaroo Island
DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Head on a relaxing Aussie adventure that combines the best of natural encounters and luxury accommodations. Visiting Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, and Kangaroo Island, you’ll stay in pampering deluxe hotels and lodges and experience a blend of Australia’s natural and cultural highlights.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 6,888
- Trip Type:
- Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences, Stays of Distinction, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
-
Alice Springs to Darwin 4WD Self Drive
Self-drives offer an easy way to enjoy Australia’s sights at your own pace. Spend some time in historic Tennant Creek before going to Katherine and Kakadu National Park, ending in Darwin.- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 769
- Trip Type:
- Self-Drives
-
Cairns: East Coast, Beaches and Reef: Guided Vacation
MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Discover Australia’s beautiful tropical east coast on this 12-day escorted coach vacation. Make your way from Cairns to Kuranda, Arilie Beach, Whitsundays Islands, Sarina, Rockhampton, Fraser Island, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, and Sydney. Australia’s East Coast invites you to explore its countless beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, islands, and vibrant local wildlife.- Duration:
- 12 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 5,305
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
-
Essence of Queensland
FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore the wonders of the Sunshine State on this 14-day Queensland vacation, taking you from Surfers Paradise to Moreton Island, Brisbane, Noosa, and Port Douglas. Hand feed dolphins, explore Lamington National Park, visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and dive into the wondrous ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef and ancient tropical Daintree Rainforest.- Duration:
- 14 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,869
- Trip Type:
- Beach & Island Escapes, Go as you Please, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
-
Gold Coast: Tropical Islands and Rainforest: Guided Vacation
MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Embark on this 9-day vacation along Australia’s Gold Coast with a highly experienced travel director and driver. Relax on the many beaches, tropical islands, and rainforests as you make your way from the Gold Coast to Cairns, stopping at Fraser Island, Langmorn Station, Rockhampton, Sarina, Airlie Beach, and the Whitsundays Islands.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,320
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
-
Outback Australia: The Color of Red
Experience the wonders of the Red Centre of the Outback with visits to unique Alice Springs, the remarkable Kings Canyon and the amazing Uluru- Kata Tjuta National Park, home to the unusual Olga’s and the iconic Ayers Rock. Enjoy two dinners under the stars.- Duration:
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,377
- Trip Type:
- Escorted Coach Touring
-
Three Capitals Classic
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Take the opportunity to experience three of Australia’s capital cities. See the sights of Sydney before heading to Canberra, the national capital, then visit the highlights of Melbourne.- Duration:
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,469
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers)
-
Wine, Wilderness & Wildlife: Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Tasmania and more
FIRST CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Discover Australia’s unique icons, unforgettable flavours, and gorgeous wildlife on this exciting journey Downunder. Connecting from Sydney to Adelaide, Tasmania, and Melbourne, you’ll tour world wonders, get up close to kangaroos and Tasmanian devils, and sample some of the world’s best food and wine in lush wine regions.- Duration:
- 15 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,629
- Trip Type:
- Classics (Bestsellers), Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas