If you want to know what’s the best thing to do and who to do it with in each state around Australia and in New Zealand look no further. Here is the definitive list of the best things as voted for by your fellow travellers, the TNT audience.
Winners of Best Tour Activity for NSW and Australia as a whole at this year’s GBAs, Skydive Australia have a total of 15 locations across Australia offering everything from a beach skydive in Sydney (the only beach skydive around) to a city skydive in Melbourne and also boasts the highest tandem skydive at 14,000ft.
Founded in 1999, Skydive Australia has grown from a small beachfront operation in Wollongong, NSW to a nationwide company with national and world champions amongst its crew – you’re defo in safe hands with these guys. With locations at Byron Bay, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Sydney – Wollongong, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Cairns, Mission Beach, Great Ocean Road, Melbourne, Yarra Valley, Perth City, Rockingham and York – they’ve got some of the most spectacular areas covered in the country with more planned for the future.
Skydive packages start from as little $199 for a tandem skydive from 6,000ft and from $334 for a regular jump at Cairns, Airlie Beach and Mission Beach in Queensland. For locations in NSW prices start from $334, VIC they start at $399 with a jump from 12,000ft over the Great Ocean Road from just $239 and in WA prices start at $399. With photo and video packages available from $104, this truly will be an experience that will stay with you forever. Plus, this summer Skydive Australia are offering special deals which can save over $100 on a jump – get on to it now…
credit: Skydive Australia
Haka Tours NZ took the honours for Best Tour Activity New Zealand. Offering a range of tours covering Adventure tours, Ski & Snowboarding tours and Mountain Bike tours (MTB), Haka Tours NZ are for the energetic! With group sizes kept small at a maximum of 16, you can ensure the best experience possible on your chosen tour.
Adventure tours start at a 3 day tour – Bay of Islands Winterless North Tour from $399 to the Epic NZ Tour at 24 days starting at $3,999. All tours include transport, accommodation and breakfast with plenty of activities within the price and many opportunities to get more out the experience with optional add-ons. The Ski & Snowboarding tours start at the 4 day Queenstown Snow Fix tour from $999 to the 12 day South Island Odyssey tour from $2,999 – once again, there a plenty of optional extras from guided day trips to Heli-skiing. MTBs range from the 5 day NZ Dirt & Snow Tour which splits days on the bikes and days on the snow at $999 to the 16 day NZ MTB Dreamer Tour at $4,499 which covers the best of the North and South Islands on a Mountain bike – with add-ons available.
credit: Haka Tours
Regional winners for Best Tour Activity include:
The Rock Tour (NT) – A cultural experience offering 1, 2, 3 or 4 day tour packages to Uluru and/or Alice Springs. Prices range from $120 to $495 (inc Uluru Park Fee) and include transportation, some meals, a tour guide and camping equipment although sleeping bag hire is an additional $15.
Drop Bear Adventures (QLD) – 4WD tours of Fraser Island (K’gari) are what Drop Bear Adventures specialise in. Choose from the 2 day/1 night tour which takes you off the beaten track and to the less touristy sites on Fraser Island such as Lakes Birrabeen, Allom and Boomanjin with overnight accommodation at Drop Bear’s Beach House which is…you guessed it – on the beach, the tour starts from $395 or there’s the 3 day/2 night Camping Safari from $495. Book your tour between July and October and include a fabulous Whale Watching trip and catch the Humpback Whales migrating north or if you are in to your watersports why not add on a Whitsundays sailing trip and take in the breathtaking beauty of the Whitsundays whilst sailing, snorkelling, kayaking, swimming or just taking it easy on the deck.
credit: Drop Bear Adventures
Calypso Star Charters (SA) – For a truly thrilling day’s adventure Shark Cage Diving with Calypso Star Charters is the way to go. Based in Port Lincoln, the dives take place at Neptune Islands Marine Park – the only area in Australia where you can dive with the magnificent Great White Shark. A days charter costs $395 for an adult spectator and $495 for an adult diver inc wetsuit & equipment – duration of the tour is approx. 12 hours with around 45 mins in the shark cage. Price includes breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea or for that extra thrill go for a twilight dive which is usually around 10 hours and in this instance includes snacks, afternoon tea and a cooked dinner. If sharks aren’t your bag, try the Swim with Sealions tour the company also offer. A half-day tour to Hopkins, Blythe or Langton Islands, you will have the rare opportunity to swim with the endangered Australian Sealions and again includes food and drink during the 5 hour tour. Prices start at $190 for one adult. The company is fully licensed and is Eco Certified.
Under Down Under (TAS) – Tasmanian specialists Under Down Under have a total of 19 tours to choose from. From the day tours (from $105) around Hobart and the surrounding areas to the 8 day Ultimate 8 tour ($995) – a big loop of the entire island stopping at the major attractions along the way.
Wildlife Tours Australia (VIC) – Coach tour operators Wildlife Tours Australia, will show you Victoria’s best spots with their range of 1, 2, 3 and 4 day tours. From the Phillip Island Penguin Parade to the Great Ocean Road at Sunset, departures are daily and range from $99 to $699. With 24 seater minibuses Wildlife Tours Australia offer a fun yet intimate way to experience Victoria & Melbourne.
credit: Vito_Elefante
Adventure Tours Australia (WA) – From very humble beginnings running a bus tour to Uluru twice a week, Adventure Tours Australia has grown into one of Australia’s most popular tour operators covering most of Australia. With four main themes defining their tours; Indigenous Culture, Overland, Short Breaks and Wildlife and two styles of accommodation – Basix & Original, there is something for everyone and every budget on offer here. From $350 for a 3 day trip to Uluru to $3,500 overlanding 22 day spectacular – just pick where you want to go…
