9 Shore Excursions Tours in Australia, From Cheapest Up

1.Sydney Shore Excursion: Sydney Opera House Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 160 reviews · from $34Our pick

Explore the Sydney Opera House with a small group of up to 10 people and a guide such as Esteban, Judy, Sheila, or Steve. In one hour, visit elegant foyers and selected performance spaces, hear the story of the building’s design and construction, and learn when photos are restricted. About 300 stairs make comfortable shoes essential.

“Excellent informative tour of the iconic building. Very knowledgeable guide . The building is beautiful and the story is fascinating.”

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2.Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Scenic Trail Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 110 reviews · from $164

From Penneshaw Cruise Port, this 7 to 8-hour small-group tour visits Seal Bay, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, and Flinders Chase National Park. Guides such as Pete, Joel, Nikki, Cheryl, and Kylie are praised for strong island commentary and flexible timing. Lunch, bottled water, admissions, and port pickup are included.

“Joel was incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating to our group. He was personable and made the experience so enjoyable. Lunch was delicious too! I'll definitely book again if I'm back again!”

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3.Shore Excursion: Hobart Highlights Day Tour

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

Cover Hobart’s top sights in 5 to 7 hours with a local driver-guide such as Peter, Andrew, Jodi, or Tammie. Ride from the cruise terminal to Mt Wellington, Richmond, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Wicked Cheese Co. Saturday departures include Salamanca Market. Expect small-group transport, local commentary, and a flexible plan for changing weather.

“Fantastic day exploring the highlights of Hobart! Got to Salamanca Market, Mount Wellington, fed kangaroos, visited Richmond for lunch, and stopped at several lookouts. Despite the ever-changing weather, this was a great trip while in port! Highly recommend.”

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4.Penneshaw: Shore Excursion Kangaroo Island Scenic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 103 reviews · 7 hours · from $162

Spend seven hours crossing Kangaroo Island from Penneshaw to Flinders Chase National Park, Seal Bay, Remarkable Rocks, and Admirals Arch. A local English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, lunch, and water are included. Guides such as Pete, Nikki, Lutz, and Cheryl have helped make this small-group tour lively and informative, but expect a long day with plenty of driving.

“Loved the entire day!! If you're looking for a full day trip, you must do this one!!Incredible places, amazing animals and the best guide Nikki Redman. Definitely recommend to other travellers. Great value for money”

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5.Darwin Shore Excursion: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 61 reviews · from $35

Set out from Darwin’s cruise terminal or the Top End Visitor Information Centre on an open-top Big Bus. Choose a 24 or 48-hour pass, listen to recorded commentary, and hop off at 11 stops including Crocosaurus Cove, the Waterfront, Cullen Bay, Doctors Gully, the Botanic Gardens, and the Military Museum.

“Service was good information was informative and we had a very pleasant day”

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6.Shore Excursion – Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus from Burnie

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · from $157

Ride from Burnie Port to Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park in a small group of up to 20. Choose from short walks around Dove Lake and nearby tracks, look for wombats, wallabies, and echidnas, and hear local stories from guides such as Peter, Shannon, Richard, Mark, and Jeremy. The schedule is built around your ship’s arrival and departure.

“Awesome tour of cradle mountain. The tour guides ensure we make it back to the cruise on time. And it was a long drive. The guides were knowledgeable and knows their way around the mountain to ensure we can see what we can and have photos taken. Great day”

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7.Wings Wildlife Park Shuttle, Burnie Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 34 reviews · from $89

Ride from central Burnie to Wings Wildlife Park with a guide or driver, then explore independently for about two hours. See Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, koalas, parrots, and more than 150 species. Optional animal encounters cost extra. The scenic return passes the Leven River and Penguin.

“Seeing the Tasmanian Devil up close but not too close! The oral presentation was most informative. I enjoyed being able to walk in with the kangaroos and wallabies …an up close encounter.”

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8.Cairns Shore Excursion: Cairns City Sights & Surrounds Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 25 reviews · from $78

Use your port day for a small-group Cairns tour covering the Cairns Museum, St Monica’s Cathedral, Flecker Botanic Gardens, Palm Cove, and a Devonshire tea. A guide such as Chris, Eric, or Matt may lead the 20-person group. Barron Gorge access can change after cyclone damage, so check current conditions before booking.

“This is the perfect tour for visitors who are looking for an intro. to the Cairns area, not only the city but the surrounding suburbs. 5 hours allow more time to see the area and visit sites including the Cairns museum and botanic garden. Small bRead more”

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9.From Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Shore Excursion Tasting Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 23 reviews · 7 hours · from $162

From Penneshaw, you’ll visit Pennington Bay, Island Beehive, Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Bay of Shoals Wines, Kangaroo Island Spirits, and Emu Ridge Eucalyptus. Expect tastings, lavender scones, local stories, and a guide such as Caitlin or Joel. This tour is for cruise passengers only, not Sealink Ferry arrivals.

“Guide Caitlin was friendly and personable. We had a small group and the locations we visited had lovely food & drinks”

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