Australia · HISTORICAL TOURS

History Tours in Australia: 15 Days Out With the Prices Attached

37 tours  ·  from $16

This is the list you would text a mate who lands on Friday: 15 history tours that hold their price, each with the traveller verdict and the one thing worth knowing beforehand.

Ultimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture - Laneways, street art, and the city’s creative side
Historical Tours, History Tours in Melbourne, Melbourne Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Victoria Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Melbourne

Ultimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture

1.Ultimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,451 reviews · from $92Our pick

Walk Melbourne with a local English-speaking guide in a group of no more than 12. See Federation Square, Hosier Lane or nearby street art, arcades, Chinatown, the Yarra, Old Melbourne Gaol, and more. You also receive a Melbourne coffee, a final drink, a map, and practical tips for the rest of your stay.

“It was an amazing tour and the tour guide was great at teaching and very funny. It wasn’t any ordinary tour because of how many fun things we got to do along the way and how it wasn’t all about the history while still getting to learn so many awesome things. I would totally recommend this tour to anyone looking for a great time in Melbourne, Australia!”

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Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey - What the Journey Feels Like on Board
Cable Car & Rail Trips in Melbourne, Cable Cars & Scenic Railways, Historical Tours, History Tours in Melbourne, Melbourne Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences, Victoria Tours

Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

2.Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,195 reviews · 2 - 4 hours · from $29

Ride Puffing Billy, a preserved steam railway built in 1900, through the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne. Choose a journey from Belgrave or Lakeside, enjoy the famous sill-side seating between Belgrave and Lakeside, and allow 2 to 4 hours for the train and Emerald Lake Park area.

“The journey was just as eventful as I had hoped for and I do it again”

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Morning World Heritage Cruise on the Gordon River from Strahan - Sarah Island and Tasmania’s convict past
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Morning World Heritage Cruise on the Gordon River from Strahan

3.Morning World Heritage Cruise on the Gordon River from Strahan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,193 reviews · from $111

Spend six hours cruising from Strahan through Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River. You’ll pass Hell’s Gates, visit Sarah Island with a local guide, eat lunch aboard the catamaran, and walk through ancient rainforest in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Guides such as Sarah and Kim bring the convict story to life.

“Upper deck window was very much worth the money. Such a great cruise very informative and enjoyable. Would highly recommend.”

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Strahan: World Heritage Cruise on Gordon River with Lunch - Hells Gates and the mouth of Macquarie Harbour
Cradle Mountain Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Historical Tours, Tasmania Tours, Tour Reviews

Strahan: World Heritage Cruise on Gordon River with Lunch

4.World Heritage Cruise on Gordon River with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,143 reviews · 6 hours · from $109

Spend six hours aboard a family-run catamaran from Strahan, visiting Hells Gates, Sarah Island, Heritage Landing rainforest, and Morrisons Huon Pine Sawmill. You’ll get live commentary, a guided convict-site walk, lunch made with Tasmanian produce, and time to move around the vessel. Upper-deck seats include morning tea and a drink.

“An excellent 6 hr trip in Macquaire harbour and down the Gordon River. We had an hours guided visit on Sarah Island the former penal colony which was very interesting .On the day we visited it was Remembrance Day and the Captain indicated a 1 minute silence with the ships hooter . Lunch was excellent and the commentary throughout informative. World Heritage Cruises has a.so been run by a local family for very many years . Highly recomended”

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Sydney: The Rocks 90-Minute History Walking Tour - Reading The Rocks through its earliest streets
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Sydney: The Rocks 90-Minute History Walking Tour

5.The Rocks 90-Minute History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,092 reviews · 1h 30m · from $32

Explore The Rocks with an English-speaking guide such as Judith, Anne, Paul, or Vickie. In 90 minutes, you’ll follow cobbled lanes, courtyards, old pubs, and harbour viewpoints while learning how Sydney began as a British convict settlement. Small groups, amplified commentary, and a mostly easy route make this a useful first look at Sydney.

“Very informative presentation about the history of the country in general and The Rocks in particular with many specific sites/buildings etc to illustrate and re-enforce the discussion”

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Experience History onboard The Mary Valley Rattler - Riding the 1950s steam train
Fraser Island & Hervey Bay Tours, Historical Tours, Queensland Tours, Tour Reviews

Experience History onboard The Mary Valley Rattler

6.Experience History onboard The Mary Valley Rattler

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 963 reviews · from $49

Start at restored Gympie Station at 9:00 am for a three-hour ride on the Mary Valley Rattler. Explore the Rusty Rails Cafe and Heritage Museum, hear railway stories from the volunteer crew, and travel through rural Mary Valley scenery to Amamoor before returning. Food and drinks are extra, so bring water or buy snacks at the station.

“When the steam train went over the car crossing and they sounded the whistle. How all the crew were so friendly and they all are volunteers. The turning of the train and the entertainment out ended of the train ride. The young gentleman talking along the train ride. All the food that was provided. The hole experience was really good.”

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Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour - Snorkeling in the sheltered coral lagoon
Cairns Tours, Historical Tours, Queensland Tours, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Trips in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours

Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

7.Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 841 reviews · from $232

Travel by fast catamaran from Cairns to Reef Magic’s Marine World platform, where you can snorkel in a sheltered coral lagoon, join marine biologist talks, and use the glass-bottom boat, semi-submersible, and underwater observatory. Optional scuba sessions, helmet walks, and helicopter flights cost extra. Guides including Ella, Ethan, Kaitlin, and Takuya have earned praise for patient help in the water.

“It was a good experience They took participant safety very seriously Well organized - friendly and helpful They went out of the way to make sure everyone got something out of the trip. The views from the chopper were amazing Highly recommend the team”

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Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart - The south route past Battery Point and Sandy Bay
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Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart

8.Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 570 reviews · from $25Best value

Board at Murray Street Pier for a one-hour Derwent River cruise with live commentary from the captain. Choose a north route beneath the Tasman Bridge, a south route past Battery Point and Sandy Bay, or add lunch or dinner. It is a simple, affordable way to see Hobart from the water.

“Great commentary very interesting information and facts. Lunch was delicious. Staff very friendly and helpful.”

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Port Arthur Historic Site Admission and Tour Options - Start in the Port Arthur Gallery
Historical Tours, History Tours in Port Arthur, Port Arthur Tours, Tasmania Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Port Arthur Historic Site Admission and Tour Options

9.Port Arthur Historic Site Admission and Tour Options

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 509 reviews · 1 day · from $37

Spend a full day at Port Arthur Historic Site, 1.5 hours from Hobart. Use the self-guided audio, join free talks, cruise around the Isle of the Dead, and add guided options with guides such as Nim. Your ticket includes two consecutive days of entry, more than 30 historic buildings, and a 20-minute harbor cruise.

“The guide was very knowledgeable, the tour went at a good pace and I got to see a lot of the site and buildings!”

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From Perth: Wave Rock, York and Aboriginal Cultural Tour - York, Western Australia’s first Avon Valley town
Aboriginal Cultural Tours, Historical Tours, Perth Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Western Australia Tours

From Perth: Wave Rock, York and Aboriginal Cultural Tour

10.Wave Rock, York and Aboriginal Cultural Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 498 reviews · 12h 30m · from $176

Travel from Perth into Western Australia’s Wheatbelt on a 750-minute coach tour with stops in York, Corrigin, Kondinin, Hippo’s Yawn, Wave Rock and Mulka’s Cave. You’ll get lunch, attraction entries, live English commentary and hotel pickup. Guides such as Anton, Luke, Chris and James are known for lively local stories.

“Luke, our guide, is a very talented person, who can drive and tell amazing stories about Australia, its history and culture. It’s always a great pleasure to cooperate with people who love what they are doing!! Thanks for that, guys!! 700 km during 12 hours seemed unnoticed easy walk with the level of care and attention you are providing ❤️”

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Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart - Leaving Hobart before the crowds
Historical Tours, History Tours in Port Arthur, Port Arthur Tours, Tasmania Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart

11.Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 477 reviews · from $236

Travel from Hobart to the Tasman Peninsula by guided bus, then spend three hours on a fast wilderness cruise past sea caves, cliffs, seals, dolphins, and seabirds. After lunch, explore Port Arthur Historic Site for three hours. Waterproof jackets, tea or coffee, transport, and entry are included.

“Fabulous and recommend. Phil was a great tour guide and very accommodating. The boat ride was awesome. The prison was very interesting.”

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Discover Perth Walking Tour: History, Art, Local Insights + More! - Starting at Perth Digital Tower
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Discover Perth Walking Tour: History, Art, Local Insights + More!

12.Discover Perth Walking Tour: History, Art, Local Insights + More!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 458 reviews · from $51

Walk 3km through central Perth with guides such as Alex, Adie, Phoebe, Lucy, and Chloe, stopping for stories about art, architecture, history, and city life. The leisurely 3-hour route includes time for coffee, toilets, photos, and questions, then ends near Barrack Square with practical ideas for the rest of your stay.

“Alex was the most amazing tour guide. We were a small group of 3 tourists and as an Australian local myself but first time in Perth it was a wonderful experience. I learned things some of my local friends didn't know. Alex was engaging, funny and informative. Everything you'd want from a tour guide! P.s Sorry my review is two months late Alex! All went well with my overseas move :)”

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Tasman Peninsula Tour, Cruise & Port Arthur Historic Site - The drive from Hobart to morning tea
Boat Tours in Port Arthur, Cruises & Boat Tours, Historical Tours, History Tours in Port Arthur, Port Arthur Tours, Tasmania Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Tasman Peninsula Tour, Cruise & Port Arthur Historic Site

13.Tasman Peninsula Tour, Cruise & Port Arthur Historic Site

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 339 reviews · 10h 30m · from $233

Travel from Hobart by guided coach to the Tasman Peninsula, enjoy morning tea, then cruise for three hours past sea stacks, caves, cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife. After lunch, spend three hours at Port Arthur Historic Site before returning to Hobart. Warm layers matter, and hotel drop-off is available.

“The shuttle picked us up on time and the boat adventure was wonderful - exciting, beautiful, and fun. I was also very grateful to our driver for being so accommodating. The highlight of my trip was to get to feed and pet the roos!”

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Ultimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture - Laneways, street art, and the city’s creative side
Historical Tours, History Tours in Melbourne, Melbourne Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Victoria Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Melbourne

Ultimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture

14.Ultimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 338 reviews · 3 hours · from $91

Walk Melbourne’s central streets with a local English-speaking guide such as Hugo, Emily, Beau or Ian. See Gold Rush architecture, Hosier Lane, arcades, Chinatown, Flinders Street Station and the Yarra, with a coffee stop and a pub drink included. Groups are capped at 12.

“This tour was a great way to get a taste of Melbourne, its history, architecture and hidden gems. Emily shared stories of the city she grew up in and showed us places we would never have discovered on our own. We enjoyed ourselves so much we barely noticed the rain! The authentic Melbourne coffee and pub visit were a nice touch. Highly recommended.”

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Aboriginal Heritage Walk - Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens - Meeting your guide at 11:00 am
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Aboriginal Heritage Walk – Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens

15.Aboriginal Heritage Walk – Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 314 reviews · from $30

Join an Aboriginal guide such as Uncle Den, Jacobi, or Ben for a 90-minute walk through Melbourne Gardens. You’ll learn how native plants served food, medicine, and cultural purposes on Kulin Country, with time to smell leaves, touch bark, hear stories, and enjoy lemon myrtle tea. The tour begins at 11:00 am.

“Great tour. Informative and casual. The guide was great. It was in a gorgeous environment. The group was great.”

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New in Historical Tours

★ 5.0Darwin History and Wartime Experience TourFrom $42144 reviews
★ 4.5Darwin Heritage WalkFrom $42101 reviews
★ 5.0Authentic Indigenous Cultural Tour Including Scenic River CruiseFrom $11788 reviews
★ 5.0Cairns History Walking TourFrom $3752 reviews
★ 5.0Entry Ticket at Historic Village HerbertonFrom $16114 reviews
★ 4.0Hinterland Heritage Wine TourFrom $14328 reviews
★ 4.5Albany’s Historic Whaling Station Admission TicketFrom $2686 reviews
★ 5.07 Day Adelaide to Uluru Adventure and Cultural TourFrom $1,10852 reviews
★ 4.9Sydney Convicts, History & The Rocks 2.5-Hour Walking TourFrom $36181 reviews
★ 4.2Port Arthur Historic Site Ghost TourFrom $24173 reviews
★ 4.8Longreach History and Town TourFrom $1723 reviews
★ 4.9History and Donuts Walking TourFrom $7772 reviews
★ 4.9Small Group 2-Hour Heritage WalkFrom $4128 reviews
★ 4.8Albany: Historic Whaling Station Entry TicketFrom $2524 reviews
★ 4.9A Barossa Valley pickup: Wine and Heritage Tour, Local GuideFrom $14820 reviews

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