Also Worth a Mention

Need more? Here are another 20 worthy tours and operators that AT recommends.

1/ Australian Urban Adventures // Unlock the hidden secrets in and around some of our favourite cities on this quirky tour to find out what ticks in urban Australia. 1300 364 512, www.intrepidtravel.com

2/ Bawaka Cultural Experiences // Cultural exchange with the Burarrwanga family in remote East Arnhem Land (left). (08) 8987 3433, www.yolngutourism.com

3/ Brookes Safaris // Personalised high-end touring for the discerning traveller through Kakadu, Arnhem Land and across the Top End. (08) 8948 1306, www.brookesaustralia.com.au

4/ Burke & Wills Tour // Exploring Australia’s inland on a 12-day journey through three amazing outback states. (08) 8088 2389, www.tristate.com.au

5/ Cradle Mountain Huts // Alpine trekking at its best on a fully guided walk along the Overland Track in Tasmania’s World Heritage Area. (03) 6392 2211, www.cradlehuts.com.au

6/ Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris // Marvel at the Creation rock art galleries of Mount Borradaile and extensive landscapes of floodplains of Arnhem Land. (08) 8927 5240, www.arnhemland-safaris.com

7/ Desert Tracks // Highly rated cross-cultural school program touring the Pitjantjatjara Lands and Musgrave Ranges in northern SA. 0402 326 729, www.deserttracks.com.au

8/ Flyaway Faraway Kimberley Style // Crisscross the continent by air on a visit to extraordinary locations well off the beaten track. (03) 5572 1371, www.airadventure.com.au

9/ Fremantle Prison Tours // Explore the cellblocks and stunning prisoner-produced artworks before descending to the convict-built tunnels below for 30mins of punting the eerie subterranean waterways. (08) 9336 9200, www.fremantleprison.com.au

10/ Kakadu Animal Tracks // A wildlife and wilderness experience that includes exceptional natural and cultural interpretations. (08) 8979 0145, www.animaltracks.com.au

11/ Larapinta Trail // Revel in a true outback challenge hiking the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges. (08) 8952 4324, www.wayoutback.com.au

12/ Lockie’s Run: Aramac and Gracevale Tour // Trade yarns and billy tea with local history buff Tom Lockie on a character-driven tour in and around Barcaldine in central Qld. (07) 4651 2211, www.artesiancountrytours.com.au

13/ Official Neighbours Tour // Don’t laugh; this definitive Ramsay St tour for die-hard Neighbours fans, value-added with a genuine Neighbours’ star, is always sold out, so book well ahead. (03) 9650-9680, www.bunyiptours.com

14/ Rudall River Expedition //Pioneer-spirited 4WD enthusiasts join a gypsy convoy to venture into a little-known destination in northeast WA. (08) 9341 6727, www.globalgypsies.com.au

15/ The Real Outback Tour // Small group 10-day 4WD safari from Adelaide to Alice with every night spent sleeping under a million stars. (08) 8356 5501, www.headingbush.com

16/ Tiwi Tours // Rare opportunity chat with the Morning Tea ladies and visit Tiwi artists on Bathurst Island. (08) 8922 2720, www.aussieadventure.com.au

17/ Top of the Range Safari // Action-packed one-day expedition incorporating everything from hiking in Cape Range National Park to snorkelling at Ningaloo. (08) 9949 1550, www.ningaloosafari.com

18/ Oz-Trek 4WD Weekend Tour // Appreciate the nature of the south coast of NSW with eco-friendly bush explorer Richard Dunne. (02) 4471 7911, www.southcoast.com.au/oztrek4wdtours

19/ Uptuyu Aboriginal Adventures // It’s Up To You to design your tour on this private Indigenous adventure through the Kimberleys. 0400 878 898, www.uptuyu.com.au

20/ Yellow Water Cruises // Up close with, crocs, buffalo, wild pigs and more than 60 species of birds on the floodplains and wetlands of the South Alligator River system. (08) 8979 0145, www.yellowwatercruises.com