Australia · HISTORICAL TOURS
The 15 best historical tours you can book today, with the price, the length and who each one really suits. The order is not an accident — start at the top.
A 3-hour small-group walk through Melbourne’s icons, laneways, street art, coffee, and history, with included drinks and local tips.
“Fabulous tour. This is the second time I have taken the tour. Firstly, Melbourne is a wonderful city to walk. Secondly, the tour is informative and a lot of fun. Highly recommend.”
Ride the heritage Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave or Lakeside, plus scenic Emerald Lake Park stops.
“It was a wonderful experience! Everyone was very helpful and friendly plus the entire area was clean and well maintained!”
Cruise from Strahan through Hell’s Gates into the UNESCO Gordon River, tour Sarah Island, and walk a rainforest boardwalk with lunch onboard.
“This is full of value, the crew are very professional, the boat is so comfortable, food is amazing, there is a great selection of drinks and you will receive so much information on this cruise, I would recommend this day cruise as it’s such great value.”
Strahan world heritage cruise on Tasmania's Gordon River: Sarah Island tour, rainforest walk, Huon Pine sawmill, and local lunch.
“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”
Walk The Rocks in 90 minutes with a small-group guide, cobblestones, harbour views, and convict-era stories for $32 in Sydney.
“It was great. Anne was very knowledgeable & Wendy & Kathie thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Volunteer-run 1950s steam ride on the Mary Valley Rattler from Gympie Station, with Amamoor turntable, snacks and cafe.
“The train is exquisite and a wonderful experience. We were also very impressed with the enthusiasm of the volunteers who were very professional, attentive and welcoming. The attention to detail was fabulous ! The games set up for the kids at Amamoor and the watermelon slices were a small touch but a lovely one. It made us feel cared for. Thank you !”
Great Barrier Reef full-day from Cairns with fast catamaran, snorkel gear, glass-bottom boat, underwater observatory, marine biologists, lunch.
“We had an amazing time on a trip to the Great Barrier Reef with Reef Unlimited! This was the best snorkeling experience we have ever had. The ocean water was crystal clear, and the coral reef was filled with a variety of fish - it did not disappoint. We would like to give a huge shout-out to Kaitlin, a marine biologist, and Takuya, a Japanese-native scuba instructor, whose knowledge and helpful attitude made the trip even more enjoyable. Tip: The one-way trip to the pontoon takes about 90 minutes. We highly recommend taking anti-nausea medication to prevent seasickness.”
Derwent River historic harbour cruise from Hobart. Live captain commentary, scenic waterfront views, plus optional lunch or dinner.
“Ferry and overall cruise was great. Unfortunately, vegeterian food options were inadequate, unhealthy.”
Port Arthur Historic Site in Tasmania. $37 admission with audio, 20-minute harbor cruise past Isle of the Dead, plus optional guided tours.
“We drove so got there early before the coaches. A fascinating place with great historical significance. Restaurant is worth a visit as well! Unfortunately it rained really heavily so we had to curtail some of the trip.”
A long Perth day trip to Wave Rock, York, Dog Cemetery, Hippo's Yawn, and Mulka's Cave with lunch and entry fees.
“Jonathan has been an excellent, professional & knowledgeable tour guide! It’s a blessing to be in his team on 22 Jul tour to Rock Wave”
Cruise Tasman Peninsula for wildlife and sea cliffs, then visit UNESCO Port Arthur prison. Round-trip transfers, lunch, and guided views from Hobart.
“Great waterside view of the rocky south coast of Tasmania, from the west side to the east side. The boat and guides were excellent. And the 3 hour free time period at Port Arthur prison yard was informative and worthwhile. Highly recommend!”
A 3-hour Perth walking tour for first-timers and return visitors, mixing public art, history, and local tips with an easy pace.
“Alex’s love for Perth shines through every story she tells, every piece of art she shows, and every historic tidbit she shares! She made us all fall in love with Perth in turn!”
Hobart day tour to Tasmania’s Tasman Peninsula, with a 3-hour wilderness cruise and Port Arthur Historic Site entry, plus lunch.
“The whole day was great! We really enjoyed the boat ride and what there was to see. Our guides on the boat ride were awesome! We were very lucky as we had fantastic weather!”
3-hour Melbourne walk of Gold Rush history, Hosier Lane street art, and local coffee plus a pub drink with a small-group guide.
“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.”
![Port Arthur Historic Site [official] - Your $38.01 Pass: What You Really Get for the Money](https://cdn3.introducingaustralia.com/wp-content/uploads/port-arthur-historic-site-official.jpg)
Port Arthur 2-day UNESCO convict pass: audio tour, MV Marana harbor cruise, 30+ ruins, museum and Convict Study Centre.
“Definitely need 2 days to see everything. It was great to see the life they lived and all the hardships they endured.”
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