Top 10 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 a full day tracing Tasmania’s convict past and rugged coast. Your English-speaking Gray Line driver, such as Phil, Colin, Mark, or Evan, leads you from Richmond Bridge to Tasman Arch, Port Arthur, Remarkable Cave, and a Carnarvon Bay cruise. Port Arthur admission, guided commentary, transport, and Wi-Fi are included.

“Terrific day - bus driver Darren was the best - his storytelling of history was very educational with lots of humour to keep our attention. Wonderful group of people.”

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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 minibus with an accredited guide such as Daryl, Dani, Tim, or Naomi. See ancient rock art at Ubirr or Nourlangie, stop at Cahills Crossing, and choose between Fogg Dam wildlife viewing or an Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruise.

“What a great. Trip very comfortable bus plus our guide was first class would recommend to all family A x A x A”

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

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

Spend about 10.5 hours exploring the Tasman Peninsula from Hobart. Ride a comfortable coach, enjoy morning tea and lunch, take a three-hour wilderness cruise past cliffs, caves and sea stacks, then visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park. Guides such as Phil, Andrew and Ben may lead different parts of the day.

“It was quite a wonderful experience. The guide was really informative and we got to see a huge pod of dolphins, seals and different birds like an albatross.”

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4.Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & Sandboarding Day Trip

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

Travel from Sydney to Port Stephens for a 90-minute dolphin cruise, a koala sanctuary walk, and 4WD sandboarding at Anna Bay. You’ll have lunch, snacks, and water included. Guides such as Gordon, Chen, Alfie, and Yan have been praised for lively commentary, clear instructions, and helpful photos.

“We got to see some dolphins while on the cruise. The cruise was really comfortable. Our favorite was the Sand Surfing at Anna Bay. That was such a fun experience. The sand was really fine and the guides were really nice. The scenery was surreal. Sand surfing is a must do for this trip.”

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

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

Travel from Darwin to Kakadu National Park by air-conditioned coach, with hotel pickup, a buffet lunch, a Yellow Water Billabong cruise, Nourlangie rock art, and the Warradjan Cultural Centre. Guides such as Michael, Anthony, Dennis, and Alan have been praised for strong commentary. The day is long, but it covers a lot of Kakadu in one outing.

“The staff were absolutely great all the way through and our driver Kev and assistant Narelle went to great lengths to make our trip enjoyable.”

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

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

Travel by ferry from Brisbane to Tangalooma Island Resort, then join a three-hour catamaran cruise for humpback whale watching. An Eco Ranger provides commentary, and a light lunch is served onboard. You also receive resort access, a boat-transfer drink, and a dolphin presentation, though most of your day is spent at sea rather than on the island.

“enjoyable trip! saw lots of whales and the weather was great. recommend sitting on the top deck for a full panoramic view! lots of whales playing around the boat!”

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

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

Travel from Adelaide by air-conditioned coach to Mannum for a two-hour Proud Mary lunch cruise on the Murray River. You’ll enjoy a buffet lunch, river scenery, commentary, free time in Mannum, and a stop at Melba’s Chocolate Factory or Woodside Cheese Wrights. Guides such as Roger, Phil, and Robin have added humor and useful local detail.

“Was a great tour extremely happy with our driver he did a wonderful job.The lunch and morning tea was excellent”

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8.Port Stephens Day Trip with Dolphin Cruise or Hike

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

Leave Sydney at 7:00 AM for Anna Bay’s enormous dunes, where a 4WD safari and sandboarding set the pace. In Nelson Bay, choose a dolphin cruise or a guided Mount Tomaree hike. Guides including James, Mac, and Aurelio are known for patient help, photos, and local tips. Return around 6:30 PM.

“It was an amazing day! Absolutely loved the sandboarding and the hike was beautiful with incredible views! The guides Maikel and Stefan were fantastic and they really made an effort to make it an unforgettable experience!”

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

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

From Darwin or Bynoe, combine a scenic helicopter flight, Finniss River airboat ride, pontoon BBQ brunch, and crocodile feeding session at Top End Safari Camp. Guides such as Josh, Jack, Matt, and Lee add local detail, while the compact schedule packs several very different Top End experiences into 4 to 7 hours.

“Excellent bus driver Lee kept us informed of local knowledge of Darwin . Matt kept us entertained on the water with his experience and knowledge of crocodiles and then kept us enthralled as he fed the monster crocs at the pens. Making it look like he was going to lose a leg to speedy. And Jake also kept us informed with his knowledge and experience with crocs and his impeccable driving of the air boat. Overall a fantastic day with great guides.”

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10.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 independent day outdoors. You get return ferry transport, about eight hours on the island, and snorkeling equipment if you choose that option. Use your time for Welcome Bay, rainforest trails, the summit walk, beach time, or lunch at the island bar and cafe. No guide, meals, or accommodation are 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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