Australia's hub is a wildlife-and-scenery showcase spread across the country: wombat and kangaroo day tours near Sydney, Hunter Valley and Margaret River food-and-wine days, Great Barrier Reef snorkeling, and a Sydney Harbour Bridge kayak. Every tour here holds a perfect 5.0 rating, so it's all about which experience and which region fit your trip. Prices run from a $142 harbour kayak to a $432 private nature tour.
Wildlife lovers have the standout wombat-and-kangaroo day tour, backed by the most reviews here. Foodies can choose between the Hunter Valley gourmet day and the Margaret River wine-and-lunch trip, depending on which coast they're on. For active or scenic days, the Harbour Bridge kayak-and-breakfast and the Great Barrier Reef snorkel deliver iconic Australian moments. With every option 5.0-rated, pick by geography and appetite for adventure.
#1Best Wildlife Experience
WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, All Inclusive
An all-inclusive wombat and kangaroo day, tops in reviews.
★★★★★ 5.0 (471 reviews)·from $181·10h 30m·
At $181.38 this all-inclusive 10.5-hour wombat and kangaroo day tour from Sydney is rated 5.0 over 471 reviews, the deepest track record in the hub. It pairs close wildlife encounters with scenery like Carrington and Fitzroy Falls. The review volume makes it the confident wildlife pick.
★★★★★“The tour was great and Damon was amazing. Communicated well leading up to the tour. He gave us (by the exact minute!) the time he would be at the meet up point. He had snacks, water, jackets, chargers- you name it! even trivia! to make the all day tour comfortable and entertaining. He knew the best time to see the kangaroos and wombats before all the other tour buses arrived. The other activi”
— Verified traveller
What's included
- Ony for departure before 12pm Noon, Lunch at famous pie shop is included, options include GF, Vege "but no Vegan"
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
- Chips, Cookies, Nut Bars, Tim Tams, and Fruit
Where you'll go: Sublime Point Lookout · Macquarie Pass National Park · Carrington Falls · Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre
What's good
- Largest review base in the hub (471 at 5.0)
- All-inclusive with genuine wombat and kangaroo encounters
- Adds waterfall scenery to the wildlife
What to know
- A long 10.5-hour day
- $181 and Sydney-departure based
Best for: Wildlife lovers near Sydney wanting the most-trusted animal day tour
Skip it if: You have limited time or want to stay in the city
#2Best Food & Wine
Chef-Led Hunter Valley Gourmet Food and Wine Day Tour from Sydney
A chef-led Hunter Valley gourmet day from Sydney.
★★★★★ 5.0 (309 reviews)·from $202·Flexible·
At $201.78 this chef-led Hunter Valley gourmet food and wine day tour from Sydney is rated 5.0 over 309 reviews. It's the premium food-and-wine escape for those based near Sydney, with a chef leading the day. A polished, well-reviewed gourmet experience.
★★★★★“This is easily one of the best tours we’ve done in 10 years of travelling! We toured 3 small wineries in the Hunter Valley where the wines were paired by our own guide and Chef, Jimmy. The day started with a tour of the Sydney fish market where Jimmy bought produce for some of his creations at the wineries later and gave us a class in sushi rolling.
Jimmy’s good humour and enthusiasm were infecti”
— Verified traveller
What's included
- Bottled water
- Wine tasting
- Driver/guide
- Snacks
Where you'll go: Sydney · Sydney Fish Market · Hawkesbury River · Hunter Valley
What's good
- Chef-led gourmet food and wine focus
- Strong 309-review base at 5.0
- Full day in the renowned Hunter Valley
What to know
- Pricey at $202
- Sydney-departure based, a full day out
Best for: Food and wine lovers near Sydney wanting a gourmet day out
Skip it if: You're on the west coast or want wildlife over wine
#3Best City Tour
Sydney City Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private or Small Group Tour
Sydney highlights and hidden gems, private or small-group.
★★★★★ 5.0 (270 reviews)·from $145·6h 00m·Small groupPrivate
At $145.11 this six-hour Sydney tour offers a private or small-group format covering the Observatory, The Rocks and Sydney Harbour, rated 5.0 over 270 reviews. The flexible format and city focus make it the pick for orienting yourself in Sydney itself. Good value for a six-hour private-or-small-group option.
★★★★★“This was an outstanding tour of Sydney. Our tour guide, Joy, was the best. We loved walking across the harbor bridge, Bondi Beach, and so much more. We highly recommend this tour and we highly recommend Joy as a tour guide. Thanks for a great day!”
— Verified traveller
What's included
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Experienced driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
Where you'll go: Sydney Observatory · The Rocks · Sydney Harbour · Sydney Harbour Bridge
What's good
- Flexible private or small-group choice
- Covers Sydney's harbour and historic Rocks
- Perfect 5.0 over 270 reviews
What to know
- Six hours is a full day
- Sydney-only, no wildlife or countryside
Best for: Visitors wanting an in-depth, flexible tour of Sydney itself
Skip it if: You want wildlife, wine, or the reef
#4Highly rated
Hidden Gems of Margaret River: Wine, Italian Lunch & Emu Feeding
A Margaret River day of wine, Italian lunch and emu feeding.
★★★★★ 5.0 (189 reviews)·from $149·7h 00m·
At $149.33 this seven-hour Margaret River tour combines wine, an Italian lunch and emu feeding, rated 5.0 over 189 reviews, visiting Ashbrook Estate and Brown Hill. It's the west-coast food-and-wine pick, with a quirky wildlife twist. The reason to book if you're near Perth.
★★★★★“Had a great time with Danny as our tour guide! Very responsive, easy to reach on Whatsapp and on email ahead of our tour which put me at ease, and clear communication on meeting points and timings etc. We had such a blast visiting the petting farm, learning about the history of Margaret River and the region (Danny is very knowledgeable!), and there was plenty of time for shopping for artisanal goo”
— Verified traveller
What's included
- Olive Oil & Local Produce Tastings
- Morning Tea With Fresh Scones & Locally Roasted Coffee or Tea
- Chocolate Guided Tasting
- Italian Inspired Gourmet Lunch At Olive Farm
Where you'll go: Ashbrook Estate · Gracetown · Brown Hill Estate · Redgate Wines
What's good
- Combines wine, lunch and emu feeding
- Perfect 5.0 over 189 reviews
- Good value for a seven-hour day at $149
What to know
- Western Australia (Margaret River) specific
- Fewer reviews than the Hunter Valley day
Best for: Travelers near Perth wanting a wine day with a wildlife twist
Skip it if: You're on the east coast or don't drink
#5Best Reef Trip
Half Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour
A half-day Great Barrier Reef snorkel.
★★★★★ 5.0 (151 reviews)·from $152·5h 00m·
At $152.24 this five-hour half-day Great Barrier Reef snorkeling tour is rated 5.0 over 151 reviews. Snorkeling the reef is one of Australia's definitive experiences, and the half-day length keeps it manageable. The must-do if you're up in Queensland.
★★★★★“Me and my partner had an incredible day with locally-owned Pure Snorkelling. The onboard crew were fantastic, made up of three marine biologists, a dive expert and the captain, all knowledgeable, friendly and passionate about the reef. They were always close by making sure we were comfortable and easing any nerves, and provided full support in the water (helping those that were not strong swimmers”
— Verified traveller
What's included
- Perscription Masks
- Free Marine Bio Presentation before Departure!
- Snacks
- All Fees and Taxes
What's good
- Snorkel the iconic Great Barrier Reef
- Manageable half-day format
- Perfect 5.0 rating
What to know
- Queensland-specific, requires being in reef country
- Smaller 151-review base
Best for: Travelers in Queensland wanting the definitive reef experience
Skip it if: You're down south or not a fan of snorkeling
#6Best Value
Sydney Harbour Bridge Kayak & Breakfast Tour
Kayak under the Harbour Bridge with breakfast, cheapest here.
★★★★★ 5.0 (141 reviews)·from $142·3h 00m·Skip-the-line
At $142.05 this three-hour Sydney Harbour Bridge kayak-and-breakfast tour is the most affordable option in the hub, rated 5.0 over 141 reviews. Paddling beneath the bridge at breakfast is an iconic, active Sydney moment. Great value for a memorable, energetic morning.
★★★★★“This kayak and breakfast tour was a highlight of our trip. We got to paddle under the Harbour Bridge, or the “Coat Hanger”, and around a few coves to our breakfast spot and then back again. Breakfast included a delicious drink and meal in a cozy spot looking over the water. The food was incredible, and beautifully presented. The owner was fun to chat to. Sam, our guide, was informative, fun to tal”
— Verified traveller
What's included
- Breakfast at Thelma & Louise Café, kayak, paddle, and PFD, safety briefing, and complimentary photos
What's good
- Cheapest tour in the hub at $142
- Iconic paddle under the Harbour Bridge
- Includes breakfast, perfect 5.0 rating
What to know
- Requires paddling effort
- Smaller 141-review base
Best for: Active travelers wanting an iconic, affordable Sydney morning
Skip it if: You want a relaxed tour or can't kayak
#7Premium option
Nature & Wildlife: Australia's Hidden Side, Private Tour
A private nature-and-wildlife tour of Sydney's hidden side.
★★★★★ 5.0 (114 reviews)·from $432·Flexible·Private
At $432.07 this private nature and wildlife tour is the most expensive in the hub, rated 5.0 over 114 reviews, covering Mrs Macquarie's Chair, the Opera House and Berowra Valley National Park. It's the fully private, flexible option for those who want nature and landmarks combined. The thinnest review base here, so weigh the premium.
★★★★★“Matt, Matt, Matt
He was our guide who made this adventure sooooo memorable. He customized our day to our abilities and interests. He was candid and down to earth. Private tours are more pricey BUT you get SO MUCH MORE. You go at your own pace. We had 1 full day to tour around Sydney and I believe we got the best sights, information, culture, and then some.
Just pay the money and do it
Allison Wee”
— Verified traveller
What's included
- Australian wine (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), bottled water and chocolate included
- Travel in air-conditioned comfort in a private SUV or van if required
- Fully escorted, private tour with your own professional guide and driver
- Complimentary professional photos of you on the tour
Where you'll go: Mrs Macquarie's Chair · Sydney Opera House · Sydney Harbour Bridge · Berowra Valley National Park
What's good
- Fully private and flexible
- Blends city landmarks with national-park nature
- Perfect 5.0 rating
What to know
- Highest price in the hub at $432
- Fewest reviews (114) to lean on
Best for: Groups wanting a private mix of Sydney landmarks and nature
Skip it if: You're solo or want a specific wildlife or reef experience
Before you go
- This hub spans the whole country — Sydney, the Hunter Valley, Margaret River (WA) and the Great Barrier Reef (QLD) are flights apart, so book by where you actually are.
- For guaranteed wildlife, the Wombat and Kangaroo day tour heads into the Southern Highlands rather than relying on a zoo — a good wild-encounter option from Sydney.
- The Harbour Bridge kayak tour is an early start with real paddling — come with basic fitness and expect to be on the water at breakfast time.
- The Great Barrier Reef snorkel departs Queensland, not Sydney — slot it into a Cairns leg of your trip, not a Sydney day.
- Hunter Valley (from Sydney) and Margaret River (from Perth/WA) are the two wine-country day trips — pick the one matching your coast.
- Full-day tours like Hunter Valley and Wombat/Kangaroo involve long drives — pack water and plan a relaxed evening afterward.
How I ranked these
For Australia tours I weighted three things: what you actually get for the money (group size, what's included, special access), the rating balanced against how many reviews back it up — a 4.9 from 200 people isn't the same as a 4.6 from 15,000 — and price for what's on offer. Ratings, review counts and prices shift over time, so always check the live booking page before you pay.
Good to know
Are most of these tours based in Sydney?
Several are — the Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, Hunter Valley food and wine trip, Sydney City Highlights, the Harbour Bridge kayak-and-breakfast, and the Nature & Wildlife private tour all run from Sydney. The exception is the Margaret River wine tour ($149) and the Great Barrier Reef snorkeling ($152), which are in Western Australia and Queensland respectively — far from Sydney.
What's the best tour for seeing native wildlife?
The WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour ($181) is built around it, heading to the Southern Highlands' Macquarie Pass and Fitzroy Falls for wombats and kangaroos in the wild. The private Nature & Wildlife tour ($432) also blends wildlife with harbour icons like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Is the Harbour Bridge kayak and breakfast tour beginner-friendly?
It's a paddle on Sydney Harbour with breakfast and views up at the Harbour Bridge ($142). It's an early start and does involve real kayaking, so a basic level of fitness helps, but it's a popular, well-reviewed way to see the harbour from the water rather than a hardcore expedition.
Can I reach the Great Barrier Reef from Sydney on a day tour?
No — the Half Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling tour ($152) departs from Queensland (the Cairns/Great Barrier Reef region), which is a flight from Sydney. Book it when you're up in Queensland; it isn't a Sydney day trip despite appearing in the same Australia hub.
Which food-and-wine tour is best near Sydney?
The Chef-Led Hunter Valley Gourmet Food and Wine Day Tour ($202) is the Sydney-region pick — a full day in the Hunter Valley wine country with a chef leading tastings. The Margaret River tour ($149) is the equivalent in Western Australia, so choose by which coast you're on.
Prices are "from" prices in USD and change with date and availability. Last updated August 2026.