The 7 Best Nature Reserve Tours in Australia

1.From Port Arthur: Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 704 reviews · 3 hours · from $127Our pick

Join Pennicott Wilderness Journeys for a three-hour, fast-moving cruise from Port Arthur along the Tasman Peninsula. Expect open-air tiered seating, waterproof coats, lively English commentary, sea caves, Cape Pillar cliffs, and possible encounters with seals, dolphins, albatross, and migrating whales.

“This was a refreshing, spectacular experience. Everything I had hoped for. Thanks so much for a fantastic experience.”

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2.From Hobart/Adventure Bay: Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 601 reviews · 3 - 10 hours · from $127

Take a fast, open-air wilderness boat from Adventure Bay along Bruny Island’s southern coast. Hear Breathing Rock, pass sea caves and The Monument, watch for seals, dolphins, whales and seabirds, then explore Bruny Island before returning to Hobart if selected.

“This was such a fun experience! Amazing sea bird sightings and very knowledgeable guides.”

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3.Hobart: Bruny Island Wilderness Coast Eco Cruise with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 498 reviews · 10 hours · from $194

Spend 10 hours exploring Bruny Island by coach, ferry, and custom-built coastal boat. Cruise past sea caves, cliffs, Breathing Rock, and Friar Rocks, where fur seals gather. Guides such as Zoe, Jamie, Liam, and Murray add lively commentary, while morning tea, lunch, jackets, and hotel drop-off are included.

“Absolutely brilliant. Zoe was an amazing guide. A little ray of sunshine and was so knowledgeable. Loved everything about the tour. Bonus we saw a humpback whale.”

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4.Wilsons Promontory Wilderness Cruise from Tidal River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 449 reviews · from $118Best value

Set out from Norman Beach with guides such as Damo, Ella, or Jazzie for a 2.5-hour cruise along Wilsons Promontory. Expect Bass Strait views, Skull Rock, Australian fur seals, seabirds, and possible whales or dolphins. Jackets and ginger tablets are available, but rough water can make the ride lively.

“Great boat trip with an informative crew and amazing scenery - skull rock was the clear highlight 🤟”

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5.From Darwin: Kakadu Wilderness Escape & Rock Art Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 403 reviews · 12 hours · from $180

Spend 12 hours travelling from Darwin into Kakadu with an English-speaking guide such as Becs, Daryl, Dani, Leigh, or Tim. See ancient rock art at Ubirr or Nourlangie, watch crocodiles, visit wetlands, and learn about Country. Expect 620 km of driving, heat, walking, and memorable scenery.

“Was a wonderful tour. We saw the countryside in a way that would not be possible without Rachel as a guide and the great itinerary from this tour. Definitely gave us a taste for more, we want to come back to see even more of this wonderful park.”

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6.Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise from Adventure Bay, Bruny Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 293 reviews · from $129

Join Pennicott Wilderness Journeys at Adventure Bay for a 3-hour cruise along south Bruny Island. Your local crew takes you past sea caves, blowholes and towering cliffs while searching for dolphins, seals, sea eagles and other coastal wildlife. Waterproof jackets are provided.

“Absolutely beautiful and a fun experienced crew. Saw seals, dolphins etc. A must if you are going to Bruny island.”

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7.Southwest Tasmania Wilderness Experience: Fly Cruise and Walk Including Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 233 reviews · from $537

From Hobart, Par Avion flies you along Tasmania’s southern coast to Melaleuca. You’ll cruise Bathurst Harbour, walk in Southwest National Park, and eat lunch in a remote setting. Pilots such as James, Callum, Dave, and Liam also guide the day, with live commentary throughout.

“Wonderful experience rugged south west of Tasmania, staff including Liam the pilot and Peter the guide were first class.”

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