Best of · AUSTRALIA HISTORY TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 australia history tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Walk Melbourne with a local English-speaking guide in a group of no more than 12. See Federation Square, street-art lanes, arcades, Chinatown, the Yarra, and Old Melbourne Gaol, with a café drink and a final drink at Captain Melville included.
“Mike was very passionate about his city with great stories and history. Tour was at an easy place with stop for coffee.”
Ride Puffing Billy, a preserved steam railway built in 1900, through the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne. Choose a journey from Belgrave or Lakeside, sit in a heritage carriage, and enjoy the famous leg-dangling tradition between Belgrave and Lakeside. Allow 2 to 4 hours.
“We had a wonderful time riding on Puffing Billy. The scenery in the Dandenong region is stunning. The volunteer staff were very efficient and great fun. I travelled with my adult granddaughters and we all had an amazing time. At the age of 74 it’s the first time I have travelled on a train, sitting with my legs dangling over the side!”
Set out from Strahan at 9am aboard a comfortable catamaran for Hells Gates, Sarah Island and the Gordon River. Guides bring convict history, rainforest and conservation to life, with a buffet lunch, onboard commentary and a rainforest boardwalk included.
“The Red Boat had very comfortable seating, good views from all areas, nice lunch, very informative guides.”
Spend six hours aboard a family-run catamaran from Strahan, crossing Macquarie Harbour to Hells Gates, Sarah Island, and the Gordon River. You’ll get a one-hour guided island tour, a rainforest boardwalk, local Tasmanian lunch, live commentary, and a Huon pine sawmill visit.
“nice easy going day... I noticed a lot of passengers from overseas.... I think they need to be warned about the Australian Drop Bear..... 🤔 😅”
Walk The Rocks with guides such as Judith, Anne, Vickie, John, or Paul, hearing personal stories from Sydney’s early settlement while exploring cobbled lanes, courtyards, historic pubs, and harbour viewpoints. The 90-minute route is gentle but includes slopes, stairs, and uneven streets.
“I highly recommend this tour. A great way to quickly learn about the history of the Rock and Australias beginning. Our guide Claudia made the experience positive, fun and motivating.”
Meet at Gympie’s restored station at 9:00 am for a roughly three-hour return ride on the Mary Valley Rattler. Expect a 1950s steam train, commentary from the volunteer crew, countryside views, the engine turning at Amamoor, and time for cafe or gift-shop purchases. Hervey Bay pickup is not included.
“The volunteers on board were really great to talk to. Cafe at station was awesome. Great value and worth a try.”
Spend about eight hours with Reef Magic from Cairns, reaching an outer-reef platform by fast catamaran. Snorkel with supplied gear, join marine biologist presentations, or stay dry in a glass-bottom boat, semi-submersible, or underwater observatory. Optional scuba, helmet walks, and helicopter flights cost extra.
“Good trip. Husband got to dive and I got to have my feet in the ocean off 5he pontoon. Glass bottom boat and semi submersible were also included. We got a helicopter ride too (extra, but worth it).”
Cruise from Murray Street Pier through Hobart Harbour and the Derwent River, with commentary covering the Botanical Gardens, Tasman Bridge, Battery Point, Sandy Bay, and more. Choose a one-hour morning or afternoon trip, a 1.5-hour lunch cruise, or a two-hour dinner cruise with a three-course meal and one drink.
“Pleasant excursion on a vintage tour boat. Friendly crew. Prerecorded commentary was good, not intrusive. Convenient and easy.”
Spend a full day at Port Arthur Historic Site, about 1.5 hours from Hobart. Use the audio guide, hear free talks, cruise past the Isle of the Dead, and add guided options such as the Essentials Tour, Premium Tour, or Escapes walk.
“The site is huge. We booked a site visit and 11am cruise. Arriving at 10.30, we grabbed a coffee and headed down to the jetty. The cruise was informative and interesting. Back on land we started at the Dockyard and worked back onto the site. So much to see, with options for lunch, we took our own, leaving approximately 4pm. It was a full day of wandering considering we had a 1.5 hr return drive to our accommodation. Excellent day out.”
Travel from Perth through York and the Wheatbelt to Wave Rock, Hippo’s Yawn and Mulka’s Cave. Your English-speaking driver-guide shares local stories, while lunch, entry fees, hotel pickup and many comfort stops keep this 750-minute day manageable. Bring a hat and prepare for flies.
“Everything ran on time. Pick up was easy and the bus drivers/guides were very friendly and informative.”
Travel from Hobart to the Tasman Peninsula for a three-hour Pennicott wilderness cruise past sea caves, cliffs, seals, dolphins, and seabirds. Then spend three hours at Port Arthur Historic Site. Drivers such as Paul, Murray, Phil, Daniel, and Alan have led this route.
“We loved this cruise! It was amazing to watch all those ancient rocks formations! The captain maneuvered the cruise very skillfully around different rocks so that we could enjoy a 360 * view. The scenery on the Tasman sea was so beautiful!! We even saw some Dolphins playing and some Seals on the rocks! The tour in Port Arthur was very interesting and Informative to learn about the prison system. The tour guide had made a very good arrangement for breakfast & Coffee and also a delicious lunch! All in all the Tasman Island Cruise was very exciting and we thoroughly enjoyed it! We do have one comment though. We…”
Walk about 3km through Perth with a local guide such as Alex, Adie, Phoebe, Lucy or Chloe. Expect stories about history, art and architecture, older photos, practical tips, a coffee break and a small group of up to 12 people.
“What a great tour ! Alex our guide was very informative, happy and ensured we all had a great time. It was very nice enjoyable and we learnt so much about the city.”
From Hobart, ride with an English-speaking guide to the Tasman Peninsula, enjoy morning tea, then take a three-hour open-boat cruise past cliffs, caves, waterfalls, seals, dolphins, and possible whales. Finish with lunch and about three hours at Port Arthur before returning around 6 pm.
“Tasman Island cruise so exciting, the Arthur Port Historic Heritage also with many beautiful photospots. The transport arrangement is really with much hospitality that make us comfortable, and the driver do a good job with briefing and some introducing. For breakfast, I am still impressed by the delicious coffee and muffin. Also the weighty and quality lunch brings us great satisfaction.”
Walk Melbourne’s laneways, arcades, landmarks, and riverside with a local English-speaking guide. You’ll hear Gold Rush stories, see street art, enjoy a coffee and a pub drink, and get practical tips for restaurants and bars. Guides include Hugo, Emily, Beau, Ian, and Laura.
“Excellent walking tour around Melbourne. Emily was a great tour guide & was a joy to follow around for 3 hours. The route follows all the big hits, as well as other recommendations & facts which helped add gravitas to Melbourne. Highly enjoyed!”
See Hobart from the Derwent River on a 90-minute lunch cruise from Murray Street Pier. Your captain provides live English commentary as you pass Battery Point, Sandy Bay, Bellerive, the Tasman Bridge, Government House, and the Royal Botanic Garden. Choose steak, fish, chicken schnitzel, or a veggie patty.
“Well informed captain. Very polite staff. Overall was a great day.”
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