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Swain Tours boasts a solid reputation in building relationships with various hotel and tour operators around the world. We search for products that are of unquestionable quality as well as for those that are unique to ensure we are able to offer Swain travelers a second to none travel experience. The products and services featured below were hand picked for inclusion in a list of Swain preferred properties and tours. To incorporate any or many of these experiences into your itinerary is to ensure your trip will be that extra bit special and that you will be received not just as a special guest, but as a Swain guest. Some of these experiences such as Hayman, Huka Lodge, Wharekauhau Lodge and The Spire are unique to the South Pacific and are truly exceptional additions to your travel experience.

From the luxury lodges and quality self drive accommodation passes in New Zealand, to award winning tours out to the Great Barrier Reef and boutique accommodations along Australia's Great Ocean Road, we look forward to sharing our preferred properties and tours with you.

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Australia Tours

Australia, a dream destination for most Americans; at Swain we can make that dream a reality! Being from Australia, I am obviously biased towards its attributes: the great beaches, rugged mountain ranges, crystal blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef, and the outdoor lifestyle shared by all. Not to mention the mouth watering cuisine, from the freshest seafood and tender meats to juicy fruits and crisp salads! In Australia we savor our "work to live", not "live to work" lifestyle and enjoy sharing this philosophy with the visitors who are welcomed to our shores. You will be met with a hearty "G'day" and a big smile as you meet fellow Aussies throughout your journey.
— Ian Swain, President

Choose A Location:

• Queensland
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Victoria
  • Phillip Island
• South Australia
  

Queensland

Great Barrier Reef

Outer Barrier Reef
By Quicksilver
Port Douglas, Cairns & Northern Beaches
Discover a world of beauty, color, vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life when you experience the Outer Barrier Reef with Quicksilver – Australia’s most awarded reef cruise operator. Cruise in comfort aboard a sleek wave piercing catamaran to a spacious reef activity platform at Agincourt Reef, a magnificent ribbon reef, at the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. This is the perfect destination for swimmers and non-swimmers to experience this stunning reef world. With Quicksilver you can choose to dive, snorkel, or stay dry and explore from of a semi-submersible and underwater observatory. Optional activities include scuba diving, guided snorkelling tours, Oceanwalker helmet diving and scenic helicopter flights. Learn More

Discovery Scenic Flight
By Reefwatch Air Tours
Cairns
Step aboard an air-conditioned twin engine aircraft and view the reef and rainforest like you’ve never seen it before. The 1-hour flight takes in waterfalls amid the pristine World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest and many of the Great Barrier Reef systems. See Endeavour Reef (Captain Cook’s nemesis), the natural sand island of Michaelmas Cay and view marine life swimming around the many other stunning reefs, including turtles, stingrays and sharks. Learn More

Fitzroy Island
By Raging Thunder
Cairns
Fitzroy Island is a picturesque rainforest covered island surrounded by reef and an incredible diversity of marine life. It is one of 600 ‘Continental’ or ‘High’ Islands on the Great Barrier Reef, is 339 hectares in size, 94% of which is National Park. Fitzroy Island used to be part of the mainland before rising waters separated this tranquil paradise. Learn More

Sea Kayaking
By Raging Thunder
Cairns
This fully guided tour offers a tranquil way to see the beauty of the reef and Fitzroy Island. Explore the Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island by sea kayak, with no experience necessary. After transferring to Fitzroy Island by fast catamaran, have a safety briefing before taking to the water to explore this remote island's hidden delights and private beaches. Enjoy a well-earned, hearty picnic lunch on a secluded beach and snorkel the island reefs, or laze in the sun. Learn More

Thunderbolt
By Raging Thunder
Cairns
This is a reef experience like no other, board Thunderbolt 1 and you will find half the fun is getting there!! Departing from Cairns at 12.30pm the Thunderbolt will take you to the Outer Reef via Fitzroy Island for your half day outer reef experience. Enjoy two hours of snorkeling at two reef sites with all snorkeling gear and instruction included. Learn More

Rafting

XTREME Rafting on the Tully River
By Raging Thunder
Cairns, Mission Beach and Tully
XTREME is designed for the more adventurous rafter. Simply, to travel quicker and further, the group size is small and the action is large! This is rafting in the fast lane………….. This awesome adventure is located in spectacular World Heritage Listed rainforest only 2 hours south of Cairns. With over 5 hours of rafting on the mighty Tully River in grade 3-4 rapids, you are guaranteed to have the time of your life! Learn More

Barron River White Water Rafting
By Raging Thunder
Daily from Cairns
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from Port Douglas
Cairns is lucky enough to have the Barron River located just 20 minutes away, with our half day white water raft adventure leaving you plenty of time to enjoy other activities on the same day. The Barron River rapids are technical but easy, with enough excitement to provide action for up to 2 hours – the first series of Grade 2 rapids allow you ample warm-up time before the Grade 3 "Rooster Tail" rapid. Learn More

Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation & Tablelands

Cape Tribulation by Appointment: Aboriginal & Rainforest Heritage
By Down Under Tours
Cairns
The Daintree and Cape Tribulation region presents an array of unsurpassable ecological and Aboriginal cultural experiences for the discerning traveler. Enjoy this spectacular tour in a well-appointed luxury vehicle with your experienced driver/guide. The Aboriginal and Rainforest Heritage private touring option visits the Daintree and Cape Tribulation region, presenting an array of unsurpassable ecological and Aboriginal cultural experiences for the discerning traveler. Learn More

Cape Tribulation, Daintree & Mossman Gorge (CTR)
By Down Under Tours
Cairns
Enjoy a day exploring the rainforest and amazing landscapes of the Cape Tribulation wilderness area. Learn More

Paronella Park, Mamu Canopy Walkway & Tablelands
By Down Under Tours
Cairns
Enjoy a full day out taking in the magnificent Paronella Park, Mamu Canopy Walkway, Cairns Highlands and waterfalls. Learn More

Kuranda

Kuranda all Inclusive (KRST)
By Down Under Tours
Cairns
Experience the contrast of the region’s oldest railway and the worlds most beautiful Cableway, knowing that we have taken care of all the details. Learn More



Kuranda & Hartley's Crocodile Adventures including lunch (KHCL)
By Down Under Tours
Cairns
Enjoy a great day combining Kuranda with an adventurous crocodile experience at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Learn More

Kuranda by Appointment: Rainforest Untouched
By Down Under Tours
Cairns
Luxury touring for the discerning traveler must extend its boundaries beyond plush surrounds and extra ordinary service. This supreme day tour encapsulates these high standards and encompasses some of this region’s true icons. Included is a guided tour of Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, delicious lunch, guided tour with Skyrail Ranger to Red Peak Station, restricted access 4WD and afternoon tea. Learn More

New South Wales

Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains High Country Eco Adventure
By Australian Wild Escapes
Sydney
This fantastic Ecotour begins at your hotel and the historical Rocks area of old Sydney. Heading westwards across the coastal plain make your way to the Great Dividing Range of Australia. It is here you’ll leave the ‘average’ Blue Mountains tourist behind and enter the National Park to unlock a piece of Australia you would never have known existed. Learn More

Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley Vintage Experience
By Australian Wild Escapes
Sydney
A trip to Sydney is not complete without a visit to the world class wineries of the Hunter Valley. Leave your hotel and travel through the historic Rocks area before crossing over the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge. Wind your way through the leafy Northern Suburbs, and then escape through the brilliant sandstone outcrops of Ku-ring-gai National Park to reach the mighty Hawkesbury River. Stop for a traditional Aussie morning tea deep in the bush and then continue on to the historic township of Wollombi, famous for its local brew called Dr Jurd’s Jungle Juice. Learn More

Sydney

Cruise Like a Local
By Sea Sydney Cruises
Sydney
Be engulfed by the beauty and magic of Sydney as you “cruise like a local” for four hours aboard Calypso, a 52-foot Motor Yacht. Cruise the foreshores of Sydney Harbour past the world famous, iconic landmarks including The Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Opera House before dropping anchor in a secluded cove, where you’ll enjoy a gourmet barbecue lunch. Learn More

VIP Tour of Sydney Aquarium
By Sydney Attractions Group
Sydney
Expert personally guided tour by one of Sydney Aquariums Aquarists (animal keepers). This will include a detailed explanation of the platypus, dugongs and crocodile, as well as the Southern Oceans Shark Oceanarium and the Great Barrier Reef Oceanarium. Guests also have exclusive access to behind the scenes areas, including animal holding and breeding tanks, coral propagation room, filtration room, and food preparation room. To complete the tour guests are taken on a glass bottom boat tour of the Great Barrier Reef Oceanarium, where they can view the animals from above and hand feed the tropical fish! Learn More

VIP Tour of Sydney Wildlife World
By Sydney Attractions Group
Sydney
Begin your tour with a behind the scenes look at our colourful Butterfly habitat where you will see how we raise our caterpillars into beautiful butterflies. Observe our holding and breeding area for our creepy crawlies and shudder at the sight of the most venomous snakes in the world. Touch the scales and tails of our unique reptiles. Ascend into starlight as you visit the Nocturnal House and find out what the possums and quolls get up to after dark. Get up close and personal with a cuddly koala. Explore the Flight Canyon to discover our amazing bird life. Learn More

Victoria

Melbourne

Melbourne After Dark
By Melbourne Private Tours
Melbourne
Witness the transformation as the sun goes down. Marvel at Melbourne’s breathtaking heritage buildings and grand boulevards under lights. Grab a sidewalk table and soak up the atmosphere of ‘little Italy’, with a classic Italian pasta and a hearty red wine. Take in Melbourne’s stunning city lights from 300 meters above. Enjoy spectacular river views, cocktails and soft jazz from a rooftop terrace. Learn More

Understanding REAL Melbourne
By Melbourne Private Tours
Melbourne
Immerse yourself in REAL Melbourne. Visit aboriginal sites and learn about our beginnings. See how the discovery of gold shaped our city. Experience the ‘edge’ our migrant groups have given the city. Take time to interact with today’s people. Explore iconic laneways, bursting with the best cafes, boutiques and bars. Dine on Australian native produce. Learn More

Mornington Peninsula

A Chef-Led Journey through the Mornington Peninsula
By Melbourne Private Tours
Melbourne
Meet our highly regarded, local chef for a culinary journey through the peninsula. This changes seasonally but you may: meet cheese makers to discuss processes, press olives and learn about olive oil production, pick berries, visit a mussel farm, discover the joys of juicy hydroponic tomatoes, select premium quality quinces or get involved in a spice blending workshop. It’s then back to the kitchen for an intimate, hands on cooking class and gourmet feast in a fun and informative environment. Learn More

Mornington Peninsula One Day Journey
By Melbourne Private Tours
Melbourne
Be amazed by rugged coastlines, pristine white sand beaches and colored bathing boxes. Visit historic homesteads. Stroll through breathtaking gardens. Enjoy mouth watering, freshly baked scones. Sample refreshing, cool climate wines. Dine on award-winning regional produce. Visit quaint seaside towns. Relax in a private thermal pool. Feel the spray of the ocean on your face. Learn More

Phillip Island

Phillip Island Ranger-Led Adventure
By Melbourne Private Tours
Phillip Island
Enjoy a Phillip Island adventure in the company of your very own Park Ranger. Visit south coast middens of the indigenous Bunurong people. Learn about the island’s ship wrecks. Explore Churchill Island’s historic homesteads. Meet koalas and wallabies. Look behind the scene’s at the island’s conservation projects. Dine on tender kangaroo with native herbs. Enjoy the sunset return on the Little Penguins up close, from the white sands of a secluded beach. Learn More

Phillip Island Penguins Plus Experience
By Go West Gold Tours
Phillip Island
If you’re a lover of fine food and fabulous fauna, then this is definitely the tour for you! Visit the very best of the Gippsland region’s gourmet attractions where you’ll sample the local produce from delicious cheeses to chocolate, and meet koalas and of course, Little Penguins. Learn More

South Australia

Kangaroo Island

Island Life Adventure
By Exceptional Kangaroo Island
Adelaide
Kangaroo Island is the 3rd largest Australian island and over a third is protected as National or Conservation Park. The Island’s landscape provides a microcosm of Australia – red dirt roads, sheep and cattle farms, Eucalyptus trees stretching off to the horizon, rugged cliffs, beautiful beaches, bountiful local produce and a wide range of wildlife species. The Island is home to kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, sealions, echidnas, platypus, goannas, possums and many species of birds – all in their natural habitat. Learn More

Flinders Chase Adventure
By Exceptional Kangaoo Island
Adelaide
Kangaroo Island is the 3rd largest Australian island and over a third is protected as National or Conservation Park. The Island’s landscape provides a microcosm of Australia – red dirt roads, sheep and cattle farms, Eucalyptus trees stretching off to the horizon, rugged cliffs, beautiful beaches, bountiful local produce and a wide range of wildlife species. Learn More