Top 6 Island Day Trips in Australia

1.From Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry and Bike Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 805 reviews · 9 hours · from $87Our pick

Take the fast Rottnest Express ferry from Fremantle, collect a hire bike on arrival, and spend the day exploring Rottnest Island independently. Ride to beaches, bays, museums, and quokka spots, with time to swim, snorkel, picnic, and return on the same-day ferry.

“Fantastic place to visit. Although the ferry was completely full, once on the island the crowds thinned. It probably helped going clockwise and leaving the settlement/quokkas till last.”

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2.Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 617 reviews · from $211Top rated

Spend about eight hours exploring Maria Island by boat and on foot. Crews such as Michael, Ruby, Milly, and Tamsyn lead wildlife viewing, geology commentary, lunch, and a two-hour Darlington walk. Expect a small group, open-water conditions, and chances to see wombats, seals, dolphins, and albatross.

“Staffs were very friendly and organised which made the trip very enjoyable. We will definitely come back and join the tour again.”

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3.Full-Day Bruny Island Cruises Day Tour from Hobart

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 494 reviews · from $197

Leave Hobart at 7:45 am for Bruny Island with a local guide, ferry crossing, sightseeing at The Neck and Adventure Bay, lunch, and a 3-hour wilderness cruise. Expect sea cliffs, caves, fur seals, dolphins and cold, windy conditions. Guides may include Liam, Taylor, Josh or Ruby.

“Shamed my seafaring ancestors by getting sea sick. Not the fault of the tour who were really great in supporting me. Got to see dolphins and albatrosses, the sea cliffs and caves were amazing. A bit disappointed that we didn’t get to see morRead more”

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4.Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 477 reviews · from $236

Leave Hobart at 7:30am for a guided bus trip to the Tasman Peninsula, a three-hour Pennicott wilderness cruise, lunch, and three hours at Port Arthur. Expect open-air boat seating, sea cliffs, caves, seals and possible dolphins or whales. Guides may include Paul, Murray, Phil, Alan, or Daniel.

“The Tasman island cruise is worth it for sure! It gets cold on the way back, dress warm. If you're prone to seasickness, skip, but it depends on the sea conditions. We saw whales, seals, birds, and bottlenose dolphins but the highlight is just the dolomite rocks. Unbelievable”

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5.From Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry & Bus Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 394 reviews · 1 day · from $112

Take a 25-minute ferry from Fremantle to Rottnest Island, then circle the island on a 90-minute guided bus tour. Guides such as Ella, Eli, Jess, and Richard bring local stories to the ride. You’ll have free time afterward for quokkas, beaches, lunch, or a swim.

“So glad we selected the bus compared to the pushbike, it was 39 degrees and so hot. Worth every dollar as the ferry was on time, quick and the bus made the 22km round trip of the island an airconditioned dream. Luv the Quokka's!”

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6.Green Island Full-Day Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 262 reviews · 6 hours · from $77Best value

Board a catamaran at Cairns’ Marlin Wharf and spend six hours on Green Island. Snorkel with supplied gear, walk the rainforest boardwalk, and choose a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine tour. Lunch is available with selected options, but hotel transfers and scuba activities are not included.

“Amazing experience, everyone was very special and attentive with us, I highly recommend booking with this perfect team!”

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