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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.

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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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  • South Australian Wildlife and Wine

    A South Australia vacation takes the route not travelled by most trips to Australia. Less crowded but no less satisfying, enjoy the Festival State’s world renowned wines, and marvel at the natural treasure trove that is Kangaroo Island, a haven for a wide variety of Australian and Southern Ocean wildlife.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 2,669
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • South Pacific Trio: Australia, New Zealand & Fiji

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Spend 16 days exploring Fiji's Coral Coast, Sydney, and Auckland, three of the most iconic South Pacific Destinations. Indulge in your five-star Fiji resort with complimentary activities, pristine beaches, and cultural excursions, fly to Sydney for four nights of unlimited exploration with discounted access to top attractions, and uncover the charm of Auckland, navigating its highlights with a 48-hour hop-on-hop-off tour.
    Duration:
    16 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,999
    Trip Type:
    Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Fiji See Trip Details

  • South West & Wine

    Discover Perth by embarking on a tour of Nambung National Park and the mystical Pinnacles Desert. Sample wine in the Margaret River Wine Region and drive through the Boranup Forest.
    Duration:
    6 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 1,540
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Sparkling Sunshine Coast

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: While staying on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, enjoy a visit to Fraser Island reached by cable ferry to Cooloolan National Park with its 75 mile long beachfront. .Experience natural beauty during a guided rainforest walk and also have a freshwater swim plus Aussie BBQ lunch.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 1,353
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Spectacular South Australia

    FIRST-CLASS | SPECIALTY GROUP: This exclusive post-Lions Club International Convention group tour combines the natural wonders of Kangaroo Island and the Great Ocean Road with wine tours and city breaks along the picturesque coastline of South Australia.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,329
    Trip Type:
    Specialty Groups & Events
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Sydney Outdoors

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: A very special Sydney package which includes an exciting jet boat ride, a bicycle tour around the city, a full day to the Blue Mountains including a stop at a wildlife park and a trip to the famous Bondi Beach to enjoy learning to surf.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 1,838
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Sydney Plus

    Get to know this iconic city of historical sites, stunning landmarks and incredible wildlife. Explore the Rocks area and the Opera House then travel to the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 2,391
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Sydney: Southern Capitals - City Meets Bush Premier Escorted Vacation

    First-Class | ESCORTED COACH TOUR:: Enjoy a first class escorted tour of Southern Australia. Begin in Sydney, travelling to Canberra, the beautiful Snowy Mountains and the mighty Murray River before concluding in Melbourne.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 2,059
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Sydney: Tastes of Southern Australia: Premier Escorted Vacation

    FIRST-CLASS | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: See the sights of Southern Australia as you go from Sydney to Adelaide. Visit Canberra and the Snowy Mountains, then embark on the Great Ocean Road heading to Kangaroo Island and Adelaide.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 5,962
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Tasmania - A Devil of an Experience

    FIRST-CLASS | SPECIALTY GROUPS: Explore Australia’s island state of Tasmania on this 9-day custom group tour. The amazing natural landscapes and unique culinary scene that has been gaining global recognition in recent years give you plenty of options to pack your itinerary. Discover every corner of Tasmania with stops at Launceston, Cradle Mountain National Park, Freycinet, Richmond, and Hobart.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Specialty Groups & Events
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Tasmanian Self Drive: Launceston to Hobart (or V.V.)

    FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Enjoy driving through Tasmania, taking in its stunning unspoiled wilderness. From Launceston travel to Swansea, explore the east coast’s beaches, granite outcrops and deserted caves.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 579
    Trip Type:
    Self-Drives, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Tassie Convict Discovery

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Tasmania offers a world of difference from the rest of Australia. Explore the ruins of the infamous Port Arthur penal settlements, learning the history of Australia’s early convicts.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 757
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Taste of Tasmania

    Across the Bass Strait lies a side of Australia unlike any other.
    Duration:
    6 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 1,024
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Small Group Touring
    Australia See Trip Details

  • The Complete South West Self Drive

    Like a whole other country, Western Australia enchants visitors with natural icons unlike any found in the east, delicious wine and cuisine, and a history all of its own. Explore the southwest tip of Australia in detail and at your own pace on this self-drive adventure.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 1,309
    Trip Type:
    Self-Drives
    Australia See Trip Details

  • The Kimberley Ultimate Luxury Adventure Cruise

    Come aboard the True North for the ultimate luxury cruise of Western Australia. Enjoy two weeks of lavish indulgence as you visit Kimberley’s iconic sites, from the majestic twin falls of King George Falls to the 20,000-year-old Bradshaw paintings dotting the region.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Top End Explorer: 4 Days (Darwin - Kakadu - Katherine - Darwin) Self Drive

    Enjoy the complete freedom and flexibility of a self-drive vacation through Australia’s “Top End”, beginning and ending in Darwin with stops at Kakadu and Katherine along with way.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 509
    Trip Type:
    Self-Drives
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Untamed Kimberley & West Coast Escorted Vacation

    MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH: Explore the rugged and contrasting landscapes of Kimberley and the West Coast on this epic journey through Western Australia. As you pass from the Top End to Perth, you’ll cruise on rivers, hike to waterholes, tour working diamond mines, explore coral reefs, relax on pristine beaches, and engage with unforgettable Indigenous cultures.
    Duration:
    21 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ On Request
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Value Tasmania (9 Days): Value Plus Escorted Vacation

    Begin and end in Launceston, spending ten amazing days seeing the many of the highlights of Tasmania including Freycinet National Park, Port Arthur, the Cradle Mountains, Strahan and more.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ On Request
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Victoria Encompassed

    FIRST-CLASS | SPECIALTY GROUP: This exclusive post-Lions Club International Convention group tour helps you discover the beauty and bliss of the state of Victoria. Explore the stunning coastline, delve into the state’s bounty of food and wine, and see its adorable wildlife, including the Blue Penguins of Phillip Island, on this comprehensive Australian group tour.
    Duration:
    6 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,049
    Trip Type:
    Specialty Groups & Events
    Australia See Trip Details

  • West Coast Discovery Self Drive: Perth to Broome

    Get out and see the Australia less-travelled on this Western Australia self-drive. Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace behind the wheel, with a confirmed itinerary and accommodation to make the most of your time, plus the support of Goway’s co-pilot kit, designed for Australia self-drives.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 1,539
    Trip Type:
    Self-Drives
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Wonders of Reef, Rock & Sydney

    FIRST-CLASS | SPECIALTY GROUP: This exclusive post-Lions Club International Convention group tour showcases three of Australia’s greatest landmarks: the red rock of Uluru in the Northern Territory, the world’s largest coral reef system the Great Barrier Reef, and the iconic city and surrounds of Sydney.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ On Request
    Trip Type:
    Specialty Groups & Events
    Australia See Trip Details
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