Top 11 Boat Day Trips in Australia

1.Hobart: Port Arthur & Tasman Park Full-Day Trip with Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 442 reviews · 8h 30m · from $120Our pick

Spend about 8.5 hours touring Tasmania’s convict past and wild coast with Gray Line Tasmania. Your English-speaking driver-guide, such as Phil, Mark, Colin, or Evan, leads you from Richmond and Tasman Arch to Port Arthur, its harbor cruise, Remarkable Cave, and a chocolate stop.

“Really glad I did this trip. Port Arthur was fascinating and I definitely recommend. So many things to look and lovely to wander around. The boat trip was nice too.”

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2.Kakadu Wildlife Escape Fogg Dam or Crocodile Cruise from Darwin

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 295 reviews · from $155

Travel from Darwin to Kakadu in a small, air-conditioned mini-coach with guides such as Ric, Daryl, Dani, and Naomi. Visit Fogg Dam or take the Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruise, then see Bowali, ancient rock art at Ubirr or Nourlangie, and crocodiles at Cahills Crossing.

“The river cruise and croc feeding. The history and information about the indigenous people was very educational and intersting. It is a long tour so be prepared for along day of driving. My only complaint would be that the van was not very clean relative to other tours we have taken.”

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3.Tasman Peninsula Day Trip with Cruise & Devils from Hobart

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 226 reviews · 1 day · from $230Top rated

Join Pennicott Wilderness Journeys for a 10.5-hour Hobart day trip to the Tasman Peninsula. Ride a custom boat past sea cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and rock stacks, then enjoy lunch and time at the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park. Guides such as Phil, Kieran, and Ben are praised for warm, practical care.

“This was one of the best tours I have been on. The weather was perfect, and everything went right. The boat ride passed the cliffs and Tasman Island was so beautiful, and we saw many seals. We saw the fin of a sun fish too! The lavender farm food was delicious, no complaints, very big portions. The Tasmanian devil unzoo was the most interactive place I’ve been to. Our driver, Luke, was great. This was one of the best tours I have been on, and would not hesitate to book again.”

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4.Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & Sandboarding Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 219 reviews · from $145

Travel north from Sydney to Port Stephens for a 90-minute dolphin cruise, a koala sanctuary visit, lunch, and 4WD sandboarding at Stockton Beach. Guides such as Alfie, Gordon, Yan, and Chen are known for lively commentary. Bring swimwear if you want to use the boat’s optional boom net.

“The activities where amazing but the guide (Alfie) made the day perfect! His energy and storytelling got the bus laughing and brought up the energy! He gave such valuable information before the stops which made the experience even better! Thank you Alfie!!”

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5.Lady Enid Sailing and Snorkeling Day Trip including Whitehaven Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 207 reviews · from $204

Spend 9 to 11 hours aboard the classic timber yacht Lady Enid, sailing from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and an island reef. You’ll swim, snorkel, enjoy lunch and afternoon tea, then return with sparkling wine and cheese. Small groups are capped at 24 people.

“What a wonderful day from start to finish such a great experience. Crew so lovely and helpful explaining about the day and making sure we were all safe and enjoying the day. Food excellent and plentiful not to mention fizz and cheese on the return. If you want a day away from the party boats go with Lady Enid we are so pleased we did.”

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6.Darwin: Kakadu & Nourlangie Day Trip Plus Billabong Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 166 reviews · 13 hours · from $265

Spend 13 hours exploring Kakadu with an English-speaking AAT Kings guide, a Yellow Water Billabong cruise, buffet lunch, Nourlangie rock art, and the Warradjan Cultural Centre. The optional 50-minute scenic flight costs extra.

“The boat trip was fantastic. The art viewing at Nourlangie was disappointing”

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7.Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip & Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 121 reviews · 1 day · from $109

Take a ferry from Brisbane to Tangalooma Island Resort, then join a 3-hour whale watching cruise with an Eco Ranger, onboard lunch, and commentary. You can also use the resort pools, beach, restaurants, and bars, though the tight schedule leaves little time ashore.

“It was one of the memorable trips for us whilst in Austrakia for the past 3 weeks. The Tour organizers were exemplary in service , guidance, promptness, politeness, audio commentary, food served, and incredible timing of start and ending the trip as scheduled. The whale watching was pure joy and will remain etched in our memories.. A word of appreciation to every staff member and personnel who helped us at the ticket collection and inside the ferry as well as at Tangalooma Island .”

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8.Murray River Day Trip from Adelaide Including Lunch Cruise aboard the Proud Mary

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 105 reviews · from $142

Travel from Adelaide to Mannum by air-conditioned coach, then enjoy a two-hour lunch cruise on the Proud Mary. Expect river scenery, buffet lunch, free time in Mannum, and a return through the Adelaide Hills with optional stops at Melba’s Chocolate Factory or Woodside Cheese Wrights.

“Very nice trp, relaxed and not rished at all. Very knowledgeable guide and lovely places to visit. The cruise was the highlight of the trip.”

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9.Sydney: Port Stephens Day Trip with Dolphin Cruise or Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 64 reviews · 12 hours · from $90

Leave Sydney early for Anna Bay’s giant sand dunes, where you’ll ride a 4WD and sandboard golden slopes. Then choose a dolphin cruise or the Mount Tomaree summit hike. Guides such as James, Mac, and Aurelio are praised for friendly help, photos, and local tips.

“It was amazing day. Carol was a fantastic guide, super friendly and explained us every step. In all the stops, we could decide what activity to do and we found multiple options to develop them. Without any plan was a girls trip. I definitely loved the experience. 💖”

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10.From Darwin: Top End Helicopter Ride & BBQ Cruise Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 51 reviews · 4 - 7 hours · from $421

You’ll fly over Top End floodplains, race through Finniss River channels by airboat, enjoy a BBQ brunch on a pontoon boat, and feed rescue crocodiles linked to Matt Wright. Guides including Josh, Jake, Lee, and Matt bring local stories and practical know-how to this active Darwin day trip.

“Fabulous...Josh was amazing as was Anton. Both very knowledgeable and accommodating. The helicopter ride was awesome...far too short...would highly recommend to anyone wanting a Top End Adventure...”

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11.From Cairns: Fitzroy Island Day Trip by Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 47 reviews · 10 hours · from $74Best value

Take the Fitzroy Flyer from Cairns to Fitzroy Island for an eight-hour island break. Snorkel at Welcome Bay, walk rainforest trails, visit the summit, relax on the beach, or eat at the resort cafe. Return ferry transfers and snorkeling gear are available, but meals and a guide are not included.

“The crew was so incredible. My partner and I spent a good chunk of the day unwell from sea sickness and they all took such good care of us - including fellow guests. The enthusiasm from the team as highlighted in many of the reviews with wavelength really made the experience so much better.”

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