The 7 Beach Day Trips in Australia We Would Book First

1.Jervis Bay Day Trip with Dolphins, Roos & Beach Time

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 643 reviews · 12 hours · from $120Our pick

You’ll travel from central Sydney to Jervis Bay for a 1.5-hour dolphin cruise, lunch in Huskisson, Hyams Beach, the White Sands Trail, and wild kangaroos in Booderee National Park. Guides such as James, Aurelio, Al, and Stephane are praised for clear explanations, photos, and flexible weather-based plans. English and Portuguese tours are available.

“I really enjoyed the whole day, lots of beautiful scenery and local animals! The tour guides where really nice and thoughtful”

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2.Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 633 reviews · from $128

Spend a full day on Moreton Island with Australian Sunset Safaris, riding a 4WD to the Tangalooma Wrecks for snorkeling, transparent kayaking, and sandboarding. Guides such as Michelle, Ryan, Darcy, Will, and Jacob have helped make the activities friendly and well managed. Expect a long travel day, a beach picnic, and extra national park and ferry fees.

“A great day but the travelling time was long - bus about 45 min then 11/2 hr ferry. The activities were well organized, safe and a lot of fun. Highly recommend!”

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3.Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island Day: Wildlife & Beaches

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 391 reviews · 1 day · from $134Top rated

Spend a full day on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island with local guides such as Ivy, Jack, and Anton. Ride the ferry from Brisbane, walk the North Gorge, watch for whales, dolphins, turtles, kangaroos, and koalas, then swim at Cylinder Beach before sunset at Amity Point.

“Phenomenal! Incredible nature, stunning views and an amazing tour guide, Jack :)”

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4.All-Inclusive Waterfall Explorer Day Trip from Airlie Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 253 reviews · from $121

Travel from Airlie Beach to Cedar Creek Falls with a local guide such as Donna, Jenny, Jeni, or Rowena, then relax at Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill. The five-hour outing includes transfers, a morning snack, lunch, and one beer, wine, or soft drink. Water levels vary sharply by season, so check conditions before booking.

“Donna was awesome. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend. Especially when the weather isn’t great to get out to the islands, it’s a great alternative.”

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5.Airlie Beach: Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 156 reviews · 8 hours · from $211

Spend eight hours aboard Red Cat Adventures’ fast, air-conditioned catamaran, travelling from Airlie Beach toward the Outer Great Barrier Reef. You’ll receive snorkelling gear, safety guidance, snacks, and a buffet lunch, with two or more reef stops chosen according to weather and visibility. Jamie is one crew member praised for patient help in the water.

“Loved the experience of going to the great Barrier reef. When snorkeling the highlight was definitely seeing the Turtle Swimming so gracefully and so close. Lots of fish, a small reef shark, "Nemo" also on arrival we saw some Manta Rays as well also some lovely coloured corals. The team worked very hard to keep us all safe. The equipment we were issued was of good quality, and we were given a safety demo before going into the water. All was very well presented and made clear, we all had a dive number for safety as well. The only slight criticism was there were a lot of people in the…”

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6.Airlie Beach: Cedar Creek Falls & Northerlies Beach Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 122 reviews · 5 hours · from $112Best value

From Airlie Beach, join guides such as Donna, Jenny, or Jade for a five-hour outing to Cedar Creek Falls and Northerlies Beach Bar. Walk through white cedar trees and palms, swim in the creek when conditions allow, then enjoy one meal and a basic drink beside the Coral Sea. The waterfall is seasonal.

“This trip was excellent, the tour guide shared so much interesting information about the local area”

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7.Gold Coast: Moreton Island Day Trip Kayak & Sandboarding

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 46 reviews · 12 hours · from $155

Travel from Surfers Paradise to Moreton Island for a guided 4WD tour, sand tobogganing at up to 70 km/h, transparent-kayak paddling, and snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks. Your guide provides equipment, safety instructions, live commentary, and a beach lunch. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, and dry clothes.

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