Australia · SAFARI

15 Off-Road Safaris in Australia That Survive a Second Look

29 tours  ·  from $38

A holiday always runs one day short. These 15 off-road safaris are the ones that earn the spare day, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes rather than an evening.

Ocean Safari Great Barrier Reef Experience in Cape Tribulation - The boat ride: quick, exciting, and not dry
Great Barrier Reef Tours, Queensland Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews

Ocean Safari Great Barrier Reef Experience in Cape Tribulation

1.Ocean Safari Great Barrier Reef Experience in Cape Tribulation

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 902 reviews · from $148Our pick

From Cape Tribulation, Ocean Safari takes you by fast rigid inflatable boat to two Great Barrier Reef sites. Expect about two hours in the water, reef talks, turtles, rays, giant clams, and tropical fish. Cape Tribulation pickup is included. Guides such as Brandon, Brooke, Isaac, Connor, and Liz are praised for clear safety help and lively commentary.

“The people were very professional and friendly. They were patient and made we went to the right spots in the reef. They were also excellent swimmers and took me down deeper even though o was hesitant. Highly recommended.”

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Kangaroo Island: 75-Minute Coastal Safari - What the 75-minute route gives you
Kangaroo Island Tours, Safari, South Australia Tours, Tour Reviews

Kangaroo Island 75-Minute Coastal Safari

2.Kangaroo Island 75-Minute Coastal Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 607 reviews · from $63

Set out from Christmas Cove with guides such as Elijah, Alex, Gracie, or Kimberley for a 75-minute coastal safari. Watch for dolphins beside the boat, long-nosed seals on the rocks, sea eagles, coastal birds, and seasonal whales. Life jackets, spray jackets, sunscreen, and baby harnesses are supplied.

“The guides were very friendly and we got to see the wildlife birds, seals and dolphins. Enjoyed the boat ride to. Highly recommended. Thankyou 😁”

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Marine Eco Safari - Swim with Manta Rays - Bills Bay brings an easy start to the water day
Exmouth & Ningaloo Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Western Australia Tours

Marine Eco Safari – Swim with Manta Rays

3.Marine Eco Safari – Swim with Manta Rays

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 493 reviews · from $466

Spend about seven hours exploring Ningaloo Reef from Coral Bay. Snorkel coral gardens in Bills Bay, watch turtles feed, then search for manta rays near Bateman’s Bay with help from a spotter plane. The day includes snacks, tea and coffee, a buffet lunch, safety support, and the chance to see reef sharks, whales, dugongs, and abundant fish.

“This experience was fantastic. It was very well organised and we both felt supported and safe in the water. The team are friendly, welcoming. When diving down, ask them to teach you how to equalise your ears - the crew were diving very deep and I was jealous. We Read more”

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Top End Safari Camp Day Tour - Getting from Darwin to Fog Bay Road
Darwin Tours, Northern Territory Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours

Top End Safari Camp Day Tour

4.Top End Safari Camp Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 398 reviews · from $426

Join Top End Safari Camp for a fast-moving day from Darwin, with hotel pickup or self-drive arrival. Cruise a billabong over brunch, search for wild crocodiles by airboat, watch Matt Wright’s rescued crocodiles being fed, and take a 10-minute helicopter flight over the floodplains. Guides such as Josh, Jake, Jock, and Ellie keep the day moving.

“The staff were so friendly and helpful, totally invested in their roles. Their passion was so good to see. Great value for money!”

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Whitsunday Crocodile Safari - The morning ride from Airlie Beach
Crocodile Tours, Queensland Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Whitsundays Tours

Whitsunday Crocodile Safari

5.Whitsunday Crocodile Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 366 reviews · from $107

Spend about six hours exploring Wild Whitsunday by coach, open-air wagon, and boat. Steve, Ian, and Stu share local knowledge on a two-hour Proserpine River cruise, where saltwater crocodiles often appear. You’ll also get billy tea, damper, a generous Aussie BBQ, hotel transfers, and wildlife commentary.

“This experience was really well organised and good value. Of course always at the mercy of Mother Nature as to what end up seeing, but the guide commentary was continuous and excellent. The meals, snacks and facilities provided were top notch.”

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Don't just Visit Brisbane - Experience our Moreton Bay Safari - Riding the Brisbane River toward Moreton Bay
Brisbane Tours, Queensland Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews

Don’t just Visit Brisbane – Experience our Moreton Bay Safari

6.Don’t just Visit Brisbane – Experience our Moreton Bay Safari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 354 reviews · from $315

Start at the City Botanic Gardens River Hub for a safety briefing and riding lesson, then follow a guide along the Brisbane River toward Moreton Bay. You’ll pass South Bank, Kangaroo Point, Story Bridge, the city skyline, and riverside homes. No license or prior jet ski experience is required.

“You go around the Brisbane CBD. You don't see a lot of nature. The guide is friendly. I enjoyed it and would recommend it for anyone looking to see more of Brisbane's city from a different angle.”

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Top End Safari Camp Overnight Tour - Leaving Darwin at 1 pm
Darwin Tours, Northern Territory Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Tours

Top End Safari Camp Overnight Tour

7.Top End Safari Camp Overnight Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 254 reviews · from $641

You leave Darwin at 1 pm for a two-day Top End adventure with airboat wildlife spotting on the Finniss River, a 10-minute helicopter flight, secure-cage crocodile swimming, rescued-crocodile feeding, a billabong cruise, dinner, and overnight glamping in a Deluxe Lotus Belle Tent.

“The Top End Safari Camp Overnight tour was excellent the staff were well organised and friendly. The activities were fascinating and enjoyable and the food was great. We really enjoyed the glamming experience and are recommending the the tour to all our friends Thank you for a memorable experience 😊👍”

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From Airlie Beach: Two-Island Safari - Following the guide toward Daydream Island
Queensland Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Whitsundays Tours

From Airlie Beach: Two-Island Safari

8.From Airlie Beach: Two-Island Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 229 reviews · 3 hours

Ride solo or with a friend on a guided two-hour jet ski safari around Daydream and South Molle Islands. You need no prior experience or license, and guides such as Jarrod, Izzy, Brooke, and Darragh are praised for clear safety advice and good humor. Expect fast, bumpy open-water riding, wildlife possibilities, free gear, photos, snacks, and hotel pickup.

“It was so much fun would definitely recommend! The staff are so lovely and our guide Sami was amazing! So helpful and made you feel so relaxed when jet skiing about!”

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Coral Bay: Marine Eco Safari - Swim With Manta Rays - Morning tea gives you a useful break
Exmouth & Ningaloo Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Western Australia Tours

Coral Bay: Marine Eco Safari – Swim With Manta Rays

9.Coral Bay: Marine Eco Safari – Swim With Manta Rays

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 211 reviews · 6 hours · from $247

Spend about six hours aboard the Kurni-Ku exploring Ningaloo Reef from Coral Bay. Snorkel Bills Bay, search for manta rays near Bateman’s Bay with a spotter plane, and enjoy tea, lunch, and a final reef stop. Guides such as Dan, Lou, Paul, and Will help swimmers of different abilities make the most of the day.

“Have never been able to snorkel before due to not coping with goggles on my face & not being able to breath through snorkel without panicking, but this crew helped me through & was so kind & patient with me. They looked after me the whole time out in the water until I got my confidence up & thanks to them I experienced something so truly amazing! Thank you crew for everything!”

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Cape Tribulation Ocean Safari - Great Barrier Reef Adventure - From Turtle Rock Café to the open sea
Great Barrier Reef Tours, Queensland Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews

Cape Tribulation Ocean Safari – Great Barrier Reef Adventure

10.Cape Tribulation Ocean Safari – Great Barrier Reef Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 186 reviews · 4h 30m · from $146

Take a 25-minute high-speed boat ride from Cape Tribulation to two Mackay Reef snorkel sites. A crew of up to 25 provides equipment, instruction, reef talks, and time in the water with turtles, rays, clams, and tropical fish. Pickup from local Cape Tribulation accommodation is included.

“Was very informative and Josh and Cody made sure we had fun”

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Kangaroo Island: 75-Minute Coastal Safari - What the 75-minute route gives you
Kangaroo Island Tours, Safari, South Australia Tours, Tour Reviews

Kangaroo Island: 75-Minute Coastal Safari

11.Kangaroo Island: 75-Minute Coastal Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 181 reviews · 1h 15m · from $62

From Christmas Cove Marina, join an English-speaking skipper for a 75-minute ride along Kangaroo Island’s ancient coast. Look for dolphins, seals, sea eagles, and seabirds while learning about local wildlife and coastal rocks. Guides such as Ilijah, Bonnie, Michael, and Elijah are praised for their humor and clear explanations.

“Amazing time James was very knowledgeable well worth it.”

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Monarto Safari Park: General Admission Tickets - Getting started at the entrance tunnel
Adelaide Tours, Safari, South Australia Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Monarto Safari Park: General Admission Tickets

12.Monarto Safari Park: General Admission Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 173 reviews · 1 day · from $38Best value

Spend a full day at Monarto Safari Park near Adelaide, meeting giraffes, rhinos, lions, meerkats, chimps, elephants, and Australian wildlife. Your ticket includes unlimited Zu-loop bus rides, 15 km of walking tracks, free keeper talks, and parking. Add animal encounters, such as giraffe feeding or Lion 360, for an extra cost.

“Our experience was great, the only reason I put 3 stars for the guide is we didn’t have a guide on all buses. The buses were excellent for those with mobility issues allowing everyone to have equal experience. We will have to come again when the new elephant enclosure is open. Thank you for an excellent day.”

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Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon Camping Safari from Alice Springs - Day one: Kata Tjuta before Uluru sunset
Northern Territory Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Uluru Tours

Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon Camping Safari from Alice Springs

13.Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon Camping Safari from Alice Springs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 162 reviews · from $713

Travel from Alice Springs to Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon on a three-day safari for up to 23 people. Expect long coach rides, pre-dawn starts, guided walks, campfire meals, and basic to comfortable camping. Guides such as Ty, Mishka, Lorrie, and Ryan bring local stories and practical care to the trip.

“The sunrise morning walk was so pretty and pleasant! Our tour guide Mishka took care of us all the way and stayed cheerful throughout, which was fantastic!!!!”

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Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip with Desert Safari - Arriving at Tangalooma Island Resort
1-Day Tours, Brisbane Tours, Queensland Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews

Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip with Desert Safari

14.Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip with Desert Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 142 reviews · 1 day · from $109

Take a 75-minute cruise from Brisbane to Tangalooma, then spend the day with resort access, a $25 lunch voucher, beach and pool time, and a 4WD Desert Safari. Race down Moreton Island’s tall sand dunes by toboggan, visit the Eco Centre, and return by ferry at about 5:15pm.

“Excursion très agréable. Si vous vous déplacez en transport en commun prévoyez un temps suffisamment long pour se rendre jusqu'à la marina. Ce prix comprend le déplacement en ferry. La luge sur sable est activité très sympa, même si le sable colle partout.”

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Byron Bay: Full-Day Wildlife Safari - Eucalyptus forest and the search for koalas
Byron Bay Tours, Full-Day, New South Wales Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Byron Bay: Full-Day Wildlife Safari

15.Full-Day Wildlife Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 129 reviews · 7 hours · from $133

Spend seven hours exploring eucalyptus forest, rainforest, and grassland near Byron Bay with guides such as Tom, Wendy, or Skye. You’ll travel in a small vehicle, use binoculars to spot wild koalas and kangaroos, enjoy a local picnic, and learn how to watch wildlife without disturbing it.

“Excellent day. Saw all the animals I'd always associated with Australia. Wendy was an amazing guide with great knowledge and also caring. Delicious lunch. One of the highlights of my trip. So pleased did this trip. Can't recommend it enough.”

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New in Safari

★ 5.0Cairns Trinity Inlet Sightseeing SafariFrom $4930 reviews
★ 4.5Cygnet Bay Sea Safari & Pearl Farm Tour Scenic FlightFrom $84621 reviews
★ 4.6Swan Valley: Golf Cart Kangaroo Safari w/ Mini Golf & DrinkFrom $4827 reviews
★ 4.6Noosa Ocean adventure & Dolphin Safari.From $6328 reviews
★ 4.8Epic Learn to Surf Safari 4×4 – Double Island PointFrom $10741 reviews
★ 4.4Fitzroy Island: Full-Day Ferry & Snorkel Safari Guided TourFrom $11837 reviews
★ 4.5Sightseeing River Boat Safari with Soft DrinksFrom $4352 reviews
★ 4.5Moreton Island: Desert Safari Tour & Dolphin ViewingFrom $14749 reviews

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