Australia Wildlife viewing Tours &amp; Trips

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Visits

Alice Springs, Auckland, Cairns, Christchurch, Melbourne, Queenstown, Sydney, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Wellington

Highlights

I like to spend much of the day exploring
Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group

Themes

Culinary & Wine, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness, Photography, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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31 days From$13,599

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Discover A Land Down Under: Melbourne, Adelaide & Sydney

By Road Scholar

preferred

4.4/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Visits

Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney

Highlights

I like to spend much of the day exploring
Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group

Themes

Culinary & Wine, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness, Photography, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

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13 days From$4,099

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New Zealand and Australia: The People Down Under

By Road Scholar

preferred

4.4/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Visits

Auckland, Dunedin, Melbourne, Sydney, Wellington

Highlights

I like to spend much of the day exploring
Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group

Themes

Culinary & Wine, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Yoga, Meditation & Wellness, Photography, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

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20 days From$6,499

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Australia Adventure: Adelaide, Tasmania & Sydney 2021

By Tauck

none

4.2/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Adelaide, Great Ocean Road, Hobart, Melbourne, Richmond, Sydney, Tasmania, Victoria

Highlights

Taste your way through the best of South Australia
with food and wine adventures in Adelaide
the Barossa Valley
Melbourne
Freycinet National Park

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour.   5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for.   Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

By Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T. Tours)

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15 days From$11,990

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Australia & New Zealand: An Adventure Down Under

none

4.9/5 Excellent

Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Melbourne, Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Highlights

Visit Cleland Wildlife Park
Visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service
Enjoy a casual dinner of Australian cuisine
Explore an array of native plant, animal, and bird species
Discover the deep spiritual and cultural connection the Aboriginal people have to the land.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the trip. OAT was IMMOVABLE on allowing us to find an alternative travel companion and it was 100% due to rigid policy, not real barriers. We never expected a refund and wouldn't have blamed them if we could not fill my spot. They refused to even give us the opportunity. Appalling and sadly representative of their customer service. Congratulations, you lost two customers and one long time referral source. I only think it is fair that folks know the nature of the company at this point. An absolute shame. As a dedicated Edmund Hillary member of OAT with a history of introducing countless friends to your service including 4 who booked trips, I am writing to express my deep concern over the handling of our Galapagos trip booking in light of a recent medical emergency. This situation not only highlights significant gaps in customer communication and care but also underscores the need for immediate, effective action. Timeline of Events and Communication Issues: Initial Contact on 11/22: We contacted OAT 19 days before the trip, scheduled for 12/11, as soon as it became clear that extended surgical complications would prevent my travel. Policy of No Refunds or Changes Under 30 Days: We were informed that the trip is non-refundable under 30 days, which is understood. However, OAT also refused to allow a replacement traveler, posing zero risk to the company. Both of us called, met with the same response. Response from Exceptions Department on 11/22: The no-change policy was reiterated by the Exceptions Department on the same day. Written Escalation on 11/22: Both parties sent written letters to escalate the matter. Delayed Response Until 11/29: We did not receive any response until 11/29, with OAT mentioning the inability to make changes 12 days before the trip. Policy vs. Practical Reasons: The response seemed more policy-based than practical. We offered to cover the cost for a replacement traveler for the internal Galapagos flight, which was declined. The rep always returned to the policy prohibiting it. She further added we do not sell trips within 30 days. Upon looking the next day, I found no less than 7 different itineraries with no less than 13 different trips that I could have booked within 30 days. Further Escalation Request and Conversation on 11/30: A further request for escalation resulted in a 23-minute conversation on 11/30 without any change. Given these circumstances, I propose the following practical solution: Future Travel Credit in Exchange for Re-Selling My Space: If finding a substitute traveler is unfeasible, I suggest OAT resell my space to another interested party, crediting me for a future trip. This solution aligns with my preference and ongoing loyalty to OAT. The lack of a constructive response and rigid adherence to policy without considering exceptional circumstances is alarming. It not only affects this immediate trip but also impacts my ability to continue advocating for OAT in good conscience. An amicable and prompt resolution to this issue would speak volumes about OAT's commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility. Unless there is a prompt and constructive resolution to this matter, we will be forced to escalate our concerns further. This includes reaching out to higher management within OAT, engaging with consumer protection agencies, sharing our experience through travel forums, and social media for breach of service. Our preference is to resolve this amicably, yet the current trajectory leaves us little choice but to pursue these avenues. I implore you to seriously consider these options and respond in a manner that reflects OAT's values of empathy and customer support. Your immediate attention to this matter is not only appreciated but necessary for a resolution that respects both parties' interests. Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to this critical issue."

By National Geographic Expeditions

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30 days From$9,190

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New Zealand Adventure

preferred

3.5/5 Great

30 reviews

Group Tour

Lodging level

Luxury - 5 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Abel Tasman National Park, Mount Cook, Nelson, Queenstown

Highlights

Sea kayak among dolphins and fur seals on the coast of Abel Tasman National Park.
Trek across Franz Josef Glacier, exploring the maze of crevasses and towering icefalls.
Go tubing through caves lit up by glowworms.
Stargaze and watch for wildlife on an overnight cruise in glorious Milford Sound.

Themes

50 plus, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Train & Rail Journeys, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

By National Geographic Expeditions

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12 days From$7,695

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Australia Family Adventure

preferred

3.5/5 Great

30 reviews

Group Tour

Lodging level

Luxury - 5 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Blue Mountains, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Highlights

Snorkel and dive in a magical world of rainbow-colored fish, turtles, starfish, and sponges at the Great Barrier Reef.
Go spearfishing with members of the Kuku Yalanji people, and learn about their ancient heritage while cooking up the day’s catch.
Get up close to kangaroos, emus, and wallabies at a wildlife park, and even have a chance to feed them.
In the heart of the outback, venture into sandstone canyons beneath towering red rocks, and enjoy dinner under the desert stars with an astronomer.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

By Senior Discovery Tours

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12 days From$7,990

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Australia and New Zealand

none

3.8/5 Great

18 reviews

Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Alice Springs, Auckland, Cairns, Christchurch, Dunedin, Great Barrier Reef, Queenstown, Sydney, Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Highlights

Visit charming Dunedin to see historic Larnach Castle.
Opportunity to cruise the Great Barrier Reef in tropical Cairns, enjoy a scenic train
Explore Auckland
Visit the magical Ruakuri Cave for a subterranean tour.
Discover Queenstown

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I went on a Grand Tour of Italy with my husband and we had the trip of our lives. Senior Discovery Tours took care of everything so we just got to enjoy ourselves. Would highly reccomend!"

Best Australia Luxury Tours

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20 days From$11,997

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Trusted Customer

Aug 2023

Written on

The Northwest Passage - M/V Sylvia Earle

Beechy island, seeingpolar bears . Greenland .

Tour: The Northwest Passage - M/V Sylvia Earle

Christopher

Aug 2018

Written on

I highly recommend Intrepid tours.

The two Intrepid treks I’ve been on (Peru and Papua New Guinea) are run by local people, and they took me to local places. I learnt something about locals’ lives; an...

Stefan

Jul 2018

Written on

Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!!

This trip was probably the hardest thing I have ever done, but the feeling of accomplishment once arriving at Owers' Corner can't be beaten. The porters are amazing ...

Emma

Oct 2015

Written on

Doing the Kokoda track was an amazing

Doing the Kokoda track was an amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone and there were many good things about the intrepid group however there were a few t...

Kylie

Sep 2015

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The Kokoda Track trip was fantastic. It

The Kokoda Track trip was fantastic. It was very different to any other trip previously taken. The history and local knowledge was fabulous and the small trekking gr...