Australians call it the Land of Oz. And this island continent, as big as the United States, is certainly a land of enchantment. The animal magic alone will make you gasp, with its emus, wombats, kangaroos, koalas, galahs, echidnas and fairy penguins. And don’t miss the duck-billed platypus which, in addition to its other peculiarities, has two penises – neither used for peeing!
Then there are the dream-like vistas: the burnt red Outback that seems empty but is really full of life; the lush tropical forests of Australia’s “Deep North”; Ayers Rock, the world’s mightiest monolith; the Great Barrier Reef with its dazzling underwater gardens and its 1,400 species of fish. There is the fantastic mix of cultures, from ancient Aboriginal to futuristic cosmopolitan, typified by that breath-taking architectural masterpiece, Sydney Opera House. In fact, to enjoy some of the world’s most wonderful experiences you really must go Down Under.
If you are seeking fun and adventure you will find them at every turn. For stunning views of the city and “a paradise of blue waters,” you can climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you want to go higher and see further, you can opt for a thrilling helicopter ride or a serene balloon flight. You can dive with sharks, giant stingrays and sea turtles at Manly’s Shark Dive Xtreme. You can master the swirling white water of the Tully River on a rafting expedition. And for something truly different, you can take a camel ride through the sun-baked Outback.
Australia has no fewer than ten thousand beaches – more than any other nation on earth. Better still, it has the weather to go with them. Most of the country gets over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year. So you can simply grab a hat, slap on the lotion and soak up the sun on the sand. If you are feeling more energetic you can head out to sea and swim with wild dolphins. Or you can sail around the exquisite Whitsunday Islands on board a high-speed catamaran. Snorkelling and diving at the Great Barrier Reef reveal a brilliant kaleidoscope of coral and shoals of brightly-hued fish. You have the chance to savour a natural wonder of the world.
To see something more of Australia's greatest attraction, its natural beauty, you can go on 4x4 off-road safaris. You can drive across the scorched deserts of the Outback, through the dense rain forests of Cape Tribulation and along the sandy trails of Fraser Island. You can visit the rolling vineyards of Barossa Valley and sample some of the finest wines in the world. You can view the spectacular panoramas of the Blue Mountains or the Great Ocean Road. Or, for a unique thrill, you can go round Ayers Rock on the back of a Harley Davidson motorbike. And if this is not enough, you can see jumping crocodiles and parading penguins. You can even cuddle a koala.
It would take a lifetime to explore this island continent. But Dosomethingdifferent.com enables you to pre-book the most exciting experiences and unusual attractions in the marvellous realm of Oz.
Departing Melbourne at around midday, we journey to the city’s most colourful attraction – the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes – for an opportunity to visit the beach and take some time to admire these historic landmarks.
Experience the wonders of Phillip Island Nature Park with this half day tour to see the seals, koalas, kangaroos and of course the Little Penguins that call this island home.
Similar to the Philip Island Penguin Parade, this charming tour includes a fully ranger-guided group of no more than ten at the Penguin Parade for an experience you’ll never forget. This option offers priority seating in a separate area.
A trip to the spectacular Outer Barrier Reef will be the highlight of your visit to Australia. After an early morning pick-up, transfer to Port Douglas and board your high-speed wave-piercing catamaran for the exciting crossing to the vibrant Agincourt Reef, a magnificent ribbon reef at the far edge of Australia’s natural wonder.
Cruise aboard a fast and spacious wave-piercing catamaran to the renowned Agincourt Reef, Quicksilver’s unique and stunning outer reef destination. Situated on the edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf, you will find a magical underwater world of dazzling colour and brilliance.
Our Great Ocean Road day tour is a full day trip spent exploring this truly majestic stretch of diverse coastline, taking in its amazing array of spectacular attractions.
The scenic journey in our air conditioned bus along the Great Ocean Road is a highlight in itself, as we absorb some truly amazing coastal scenery, with new views being revealed around every bend.
Experience the dramatic sea cliffs, roaring surf, white sand beaches and ancient rainforest as you travel along the Great Ocean Road, one of the most spectacular coastal journeys in the world.
Enjoy stunning aerial views of picture-perfect beaches and tropical islands on this amazing seaplane adventure before landing on a beautiful part of Whitehaven beach with few or no other visitors. There you are free to relax, sunbathe, swim and explore this remarkable pure silica beach.
Relax and enjoy the friendly service aboard your luxury catamaran as you sail in style to Michaelmas Cay located in the heart of the magnificent Great Barrier Reef.
A protected sanctuary for a multitude of migrating seabirds, this picturesque vegetated sand cay is surrounded by breathtaking gardens of vibrant corals, and home to giant clams and exotic marine life.
Board your luxury 5 star sailing catamaran for an exhilarating journey across the Great Barrier Reef to stunning Michealmas Cay, a tropical sand island surrounded by magical coral gardens and teeming with an abundance of marine life.
Head across the Noosa River bound for the Cooloola National Park via Teewah and Rainbow Beach coloured sands where you will stop for morning tea on the beach.
Jump aboard a purpose-built "Warrior" 4WD vehicle and experience a great value tour of World Heritage Listed Fraser Island. See pristine rainforests, crystal clear lakes and the unique wildlife of this spectacular island on this exciting off-road adventure along sandy tracks and the stunning Seventy Five Mile Beach.
Rise early and head through the bush in pre-dawn darkness towards the launch site. As the sun rises over the diverse Cairns Highlands, watch your balloon slowly come to life and then gently lift off to enjoy unrivalled panoramic views of this tranquil wilderness at dawn.
Enjoy the serene and uplifting experience of hot air ballooning as dawn breaks over the spectacular Australian bush. Rise up and float over the scenic Atherton tablelands with its rainforest fringed mountains and tranquil country landscapes.
Hear Aboriginal legends from the Dreamtime on a Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge and spot crocodiles on the Daintree River on this full-day tour into the Daintree Rainforest.
Your day of discovery starts with a spectacular journey aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway through fields of sugar cane and virgin tropical forest as you head for Kuranda, nestled in mountaintop rainforest splendour.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the World Heritage rainforest and close-up encounters with Australia's deadliest predator on this exciting tour of tropical north Queensland.
Thrill seekers look no further, this awesome adventure is guaranteed to get your adrenaline flowing.
The mighty Tully River is Australia's premier white water rafting river offering hours of action set amongst World Heritage Listed rainforest. Enjoy a scenic journey to the breathtaking Tully Gorge before tackling a multitude of grade 3 and 4 rapids with your highly trained River Guide.
Depart for Port Douglas and on arrival, board your luxury sailing catamaran Wavedancer for an exciting one-hour journey across the Coral Sea to Low Isles, an unspoilt tropical hideaway surrounded by 55 acres of turquoise reef.
Experience the thrill of sailing on a 30-metre high-speed catamaran to an unspoilt tropical hideaway, surrounded by 55 acres of turquoise reef, where you can do as much or as little as you want.