Nature and Wildlife - Australia in One Day

• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

This is Australia in one day! Your own private session with cuddly koalas, pat kangaroos and support conservation at the same time. Explore breathtaking beaches, wild bush land and lush rainforest on this full-day, CUSTOMISABLE tour!

Destination

Sydney, Australia

Category

Day Trips

Duration

10.5 hours

Transport mode

Car

Available languages

English

Included

• Entrance tickets
• Private guide
• Driver
• A/C Car
• Entrance fees into the wildlife sanctuary
• Complimentary bottle of wine and chocolate.
• Professional photos of you on the tour
• Pick-up Included

Excluded

• Meals, snacks

What you can expect

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with Matt.

1. Meeting point

   You will be picked up anywhere in Sydney. Your local host will contact you regarding the exact pickup point.

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Mrs Macquarie's Chair: A Photographers Dream

   Immerse yourself in the allure of Sydney's architectural marvels and seize the opportunity to have a stunning professional photograph captured against the backdrop of two of the world's most renowned landmarks: the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This extraordinary experience comes at no cost.

4. Emabark on a Tranquil Escape: Crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge

   Escape from the urban bustle of Sydney as you cross the magnificent Sydney Harbour Bridge, affectionately known by locals as "The Giant Coathanger." This iconic structure serves as a gateway to serenity, leading you away from the city's vibrant chaos and into the tranquil embrace of the breathtaking bush and picturesque coastline.

5. Untouched Beauty: Berowra Valley National Park

   Embark on an awe-inspiring bushwalk through the enchanting Berowra Valley National Park, where hidden treasures and cultural wonders await. Delve into the heart of this magnificent natural sanctuary as you uncover little-known Aboriginal carvings, an intriguing testament to the region's ancient heritage.

6. Secrets of the Hawkesbury River Unveiled

   Prepare to be spellbound by a hidden gem that rivals the allure of a Blue Mountains lookout - without the crowds. Nestled away in secrecy, this secret location offers an unrivaled vantage point, granting you breathtaking panoramic views that stretch over the majestic valleys and mangroves of the mighty Hawkesbury River.

7. Culinary Odyssey: From Oysters to Pearls (optional)

   Indulge your senses in a gourmet adventure like no other, where farm-to-table delights await at every turn. Savor the exquisite flavors of gourmet produce, including delectable fresh oysters and succulent local seafood, showcasing the finest offerings of the region. After your culinary journey, visit NSW's only pearl farm right next door.

8. Ride into the Wilderness: Glenworth Valley Horse Riding Tour (optional, 2-hours)

   Experience a guided tour that takes you through mesmerizing rainforests, enchanting rock pools, and untouched native bushland. Whether you're an experienced rider or a beginner, immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of the area.

9. Encounters with Australian Wildlife at a Sanctuary

   Encounter enchanting creatures like koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, and much more. This sanctuary is a treasure trove of Australia's diverse wildlife, featuring an impressive collection of native animals.

10. Coastal Indulgence: Avoca Beach and Beyond

    Indulge in a beachfront feast at the Avoca Beach Point Cafe, where delectable modern Australian cuisine meets stunning ocean views. Savor a delicious meal and explore the captivating rock pools teeming with sea life.

11. Aerial Spectacle: Witnessing the Secret Bat Colony

    Embark on an extraordinary adventure to discover a hidden valley where a magnificent flying fox or fruit bat colony resides. Prepare to be captivated by the sight of hundredss of these remarkable creatures.

12. Sweet Temptations: Gosford Chocolate Factory Tour

    Experience the delights of chocolate-covered mangoes, macadamias, ginger, and much, much more. Indulge in a scrumptious journey at The Gosford Chocolate Factory.

13. Coastal Tranquility: Terrigal Beach Retreat

    Immerse yourself in a world of leisure with a bottle of complimentary wine as you enjoy whale watching from the headland (seasonal) or a walk along the coastal boardwalk. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a detour at one of the local gelato stores.

14. Gin Tasting Amidst Serene Gardens: Distillery Botanica (optional)

    Indulge in a complimentary gin tasting at Distillery Botanica, surrounded by three acres of serene gardens. Don't miss the chance to experience the flavors and tranquility of Distillery Botanica.

15. Wine Tasting with a Twist: (optional) Firescreek Winery

    Escape into the world of regenerative organic winemaking at Firescreek Winery, where complimentary wine tastings beckon. Challenge convention with wines made from fruit and flowers, not grapes.

16. Idyllic Retreat: Somersby Waterfalls and Picnic Area (seasonal)

    Indulge in the ultimate escape beside cascading Somersby Waterfalls amidst a lush rainforest or a beautiful secluded beach. Unwind, rejuvenate, and revel in this idyllic experience of tranquility and serenity.

17. Ancient Artifacts: Bulgandry Aboriginal Engraving Site

    Step into the extraordinary world of Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place, nestled within the breathtaking Brisbane Water National Park. Marvel at these extraordinary creations, dating back over hundreds or thousands of years.

18. Cityscape Spectacle: The Big Finale

    Prepare to be dazzled by the breathtaking vistas of Sydney's cityscape, the iconic Sydney Harbour, and the majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge from a lesser-known vantage point.

19. Make it yours

    Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

    Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

    Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

I can personalize this tour for you

• Tell me your preferred date and group size
• Tell me your preferences and wishes so I can customize the tour for you
• Wait for my personal offer in your inbox!

Contact me

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Tim🇺🇸 United States

15 February 2025

Matt’s tour was one of the highlights of our Australia trip. His positive attitude, high energy and enthusiasm is wonderful and the love for his country and it’s resources was evident the entire time. His attention to detail was phenomenal. This is a trip we will remember for the rest of our lives.Greatest Australian Tour EVER!

Kevin

17 January 2025

Really fun day with Matt. Saw a lot in 10 hours. Hiking, sanctuary, beaches, downtown. He really has a finger on the pulse of Sydney and surrounding areas, most of which you wouldn’t find if stumbling around on your own. Would highly recommend his tour. The best day ever!

Lisa🇺🇸 United States

8 January 2025

Matt's tour was amazing. We saw so many new things and got to enjoy great scenery. He takes professional photos throughout the day and you end the day with many great memories. Wonderful experience. 10

Mark

22 December 2024

Matt led us on a great off-the-beaten-path tour of Sydney. He was punctual, friendly and knowledgeable on all things Sydney. We started off on a bush walk where he pointed out many local plants and how the Aboriginals used them for a variety of purposes. We then went to a local lookout of a salt water river and estuary, a pearl factory, a chocolate factory and an animal sanctuary. At the sanctuary we say a Koala, kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and others. After lunch, we went to Avoca Beach and hiked over a rocky shore and saw deep tide pools, giant pelicans, and a spectacular beach. He took us to a place to see a large bat colony (flying foxes to the locals, and ended the day with some champagne and chocolate. We learned a great deal about Sydney, the area north of the city and the people who settled Australia thousand of years ago. It was a remarkable day.A perfect way to see Sydney

Debbie🇺🇸 United States

10 November 2024

This was such an amazing experience! Matt made the day so much fun and was so knowledgeable about everything! From the wildlife experiences to the views and everything in between it will not be a day that I will ever forget. I can’t wait to come back and go on another tour with Matt. Absolutley Amazing Day!

Kent🇺🇸 United States

10 September 2024

Matt was an excellent guide and custom-tailored our tour to maximize our experience. He is very knowledgeable of the flora and fauna of Australia and could easily describe the different species we encountered. We enjoyed waterfalls, koalas, kangaroos, flying foxes, aboriginal carvings, beaches, chocolate, and many other things on our tour. Thanks Matt! We had a great time!Matt was an excellent guide!

Fawaz🇰🇼 Kuwait

17 August 2024

It was my brother and I’s first time in Australia and Matt was such an amazing guide with a great sense of humor! In addition to showing off uniquely Aussie experiences with the animals and nature, he was very informative and passionate of the land he calls home! Absolute recommend for everybody visiting the land Down Under! Fantastic tour from a fantastic guide!

Rodney🇺🇸 United States

28 February 2024

Was in touch with Matt for several months before we traveled Down Under. We told him what we were interested in (scenery and wildlife around Sydney) and he designed a perfect day. Due to our cruise schedule we only had one full day in Sydney before we flew home. Matt picked us up as we left their ship, gave us an amazing day and dropped us off at the Airport in time for our flight home. His tour included an amazing Kangaroo/koala encounter, scenic views, a great lunch at a nice beach, and other special extras. Do yourself a favor and hire Matt. He is very knowledgeable and personable!!!Best day of our 16 day Australia vacation

Erin

17 January 2024

We had an incredible day out with Matt! Seriously, if you want to see more than just the city sites around Sydney, booking this tour with Matt is A MUST! He was very communicative and professional prior to booking and carried these same values throughout the entire day of sightseeing! Matt truly has a love for his home and I believe him being able to share this part of his life with others, is what brings true happiness to him. It was a long day, but we saw everything he promised on the tour AND MORE!! One of the most favorite stops for us was meeting his friend Gary Purchase and seeing some of his artwork! He also surprised us with a "Surprise Bonus Stop" plus picked up some famous Harry's at the end of the day! Matt pours his heart & soul into his tour! Do not book this type of tour with anyone but Matt. The reason you book with Tours by Locals is to actually have a local take you around to see things that only they know about!Big day out was THE BEST DAY OUT

Bayi🇨🇭 Switzerland

31 December 2023

This tour was really a fun memorable experience for my daughters and myself! We got to see beautiful sceneries, saw some fluffy animals, visited a location wih aboriginal carvings, had lunch in a beautiful settings in avoca beach and also met with a very kind aboriginal artist who welcomed us into his home and shared some of the history of his ancestors with us. Georgia our tour guide was really nice, fun, helpful and knowledgable! We are grareful we go to experience this and would highly recommend Matt and Georgia to anyone who wants to experience Sydney’s surroundings in a day!Fun and educational trip!!

Jennifer🇺🇸 United States

1 May 2023

Matt was extremely personable and made me feel like family. He was able to tailor my experience to include what I most wanted to see. We saw several animals at the wildlife park, enjoyed a wonderful beachfront lunch and sunset at a gorgeous lookout. I would highly recommend hiring Matt to design a wildlife and nature adventure just for you!Fantastic Sydney Wildlife Experience

Sandra🇩🇪 Germany

9 March 2020

Do you want to spend a fun day exploring beautiful beaches, getting close to cockatoos & kangaroos and discovering aboriginal carvings? Matt will tailor his tour to your interests and adapt to your pace (even if you are really slow, feeling the need to document every inch of stunning rock formation). He won our hearts (he did have wine and chocolate... and a good taste in music) and we were actually sad to return to the city in the evening. We strongly recommend this tour! Thank you, Matt, for the great day and photos! Sandra & Melanie Best tour guide in town

Jennifer🇺🇸 United States

21 May 2021

We loved our virtual tour with Matt. Lots of beautiful sights and plenty of laughs. A great time

Jake🇨🇦 Canada

4 March 2021

Matt was a great host. He was kind, well spoken and did a great job showing my family a virtual trip into the forests surrounding Sydney. RecommendedFun excursion

Janice🇨🇦 Canada

20 February 2021

In honour of our Sydney's 25th birthday we traveled from our couch in Toronto, Canada to Berowra National Park outside of Sydney, Australia and thoroughly enjoyed it! Matt was our personable guide who imparted his passion for this region with wisdom and humour. The scenery was quite magical. Such a wonderful way to spend a COVID birthday! Thanks, Matt, for sharing your beautiful homeland with us - we will see more of Australia ASAP! Sydney for Sydney

Jackson🇺🇸 United States

4 February 2021

We had a great time with Matt. It was wonderful to travel down under where the sun was shining, even for just an hour. We had a chance to learn about the history of the land, and all about the plants and critters that inhabit the area. Thanks Matt!Relaxing and fun experience!

xxxxxx

21 January 2021

Great experience and lovely guide :):):)Great experience

Angel🇺🇸 United States

12 January 2021

This is a “going-along-with-your-tour guide” tour into the Sydney wilderness where Matt takes you on his secret path inside Berowra Valley National Park. He’ll tell you about the flora and fauna, as well as the rock formations and other related stories. Matt is super fun and keeps the tour very enjoyable. I highly recommend taking Matt’s virtual tour!Great virtual tour w/ super fun guide

Lesanne🇺🇸 United States

5 January 2021

Matt was funny and personable and extremely knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the Australian wilderness he was trekking through with us. He had stops along the way to show us beautiful caves and nests and other habitats for birds and insects. After our adventure with Matt, we were inspired to look up his area and the animals he spoke about on the internet, spurring the addition of Australia to our 'must visit' list. Thank you Matt! We enjoyed getting to know you and appreciated your hospitality and knowledge! Fun Hike!

Shikha🇺🇸 United States

22 December 2020

SO glad to have found this through WithLocals. Matt was beyond amazing! Perfect touch for our Australia Staycation! Not only is Matt knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, he’s also funny, engaging, and has amazing camera skills. The reception was spot on, and our family from different continents were able to participate and enjoy this adventure! Thank you again!!!!Absolutely fantastic

Gloria🇨🇦 Canada

30 November 2020

Matt is such a character and my group loved this bush walk with him! Our favourite part was seeing some of the native plants and ancient caves, nothing like what we have here in Canada. Matt, hope to see you one day in Australia.Lots of laughs

Karen🇺🇸 United States

26 October 2020

Matt was a wonderful host and took us to visit the bush country near Sydney. We viewed Aboriginal carvings and amazing landscapes with unique flowers and trees. Matt is a knowledgable guide and provided great insight into the area of our walkabout. It was a welcome visit to Australia during quarantine. This was a birthday celebration and the group enjoyed the experience.Great trip to the outback!

Ann🇨🇦 Canada

23 September 2020

Our family enjoyed a Covid-birthday trip with Matt in Sydney Australia. Matt is a personable and enthusiastic guide with a great sense of humour. We very much enjoyed his live introduction to the beautiful countryside around Sydney and learning about some of the local birds, plants, caves, and the termite nests. It was a fun trip and a nice way to connect with family members who are spread across the country. Thanks Matt!Sydney Nature Walk

Kim🇺🇸 United States

4 September 2020

This tour was a covid-birthday gift for my husband since we currently can't leave our country and it was a blast! Matt was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and so much fun! The bushwalk was beautiful and we learned at lot about nature. Matt bravely showed us the Aboriginal way of hunting for termites. Pick this one! You can't go wrong!Do this... You'll love it!!!

Malinda

12 August 2020

As an Aussie living abroad, I really enjoyed the tour and experiencing live Aussie critters, native flowers and plants, caves and lookouts. Matt has heaps of interesting bits of information about the area that I learnt. A lovely way to get out and about, when you are unable to, cause Matt does it for you! Looking forward to a coastal walk next time! Thanks so much!We had a lovely time!

Winnie

12 August 2020

I joined Matt's tour with about 6 other people. It was fantastic! I went in not knowing what to expect, but from the moment Matt got on camera and started talking, we were all captivated. I learnt so much about the Australian nature. Matt showed us native plants such as gum trees, native irises and kangaroo tails. He spoke about how Aboriginal people used plant parts for medicinal purpose and making tools. Matt found a huge termite nest and ate a termite in front of us!! The view was spectacular and it felt very special to see cliffs, caves, views and carvings that very few people would get a chance to. It felt like I was right there in the wilderness. At one point during our tour Matt met a young man who was hiking and got lost. As we all watched, Matt led him to the right path out of the forest before we resumed our tour. This stuff isn't scripted or planned - it was amazing for us to meet and "help" the lost hiker! I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see what the Australian "bush" is all about, and have a knowledgeable and fun tour guide to talk you through it (and eat termites on your behalf)."Fantastic tour!

Regina

12 August 2020

Thank's so much for our journey through Australia's wilderness. We really enjoyed our virtual hike and learned a lot too. Would love to come to Australia and do your "real" tour one day.We enjoyed your virtual hike!

Sue

12 August 2020

Hi Matt, I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your tour of the wild bush. You have a natural way that draws people in. I was interested in all the plants that are unfamiliar to us here. You had lots of interesting facts about the caves and carvings etc. I felt like I was there. I even liked the car ride. Thank you for sharing this with us. Nice to meet you.I enjoyed the Australian wild bush!

Erik

12 August 2020

So here’s the thing about Matt and his interactive tours...the minute he starts heading out into the bush (forest), he’s in his element. And his enthusiasm is contagious. He showed me and my girlfriend everything: wildlife, caves, explained the historical significance of this beautiful part of the world. He even stopped at a tree and ate some termites like the Aboriginals use to! Matt loves his little corner of paradise. And it shows. Loved it!Great interactive tour

Christine

12 August 2020

Matt is very knowledgeable and has a genuine concern for the area. We also watched him help a lost hiker find his way out of the bush.Excellent tour

Julie🇺🇸 United States

4 August 2020

We so enjoyed our virtual online tour with Matt. He has such a warm and genuine personality. We learned about various native plants, trees, birds, aboriginal history and saw beautiful cliffs and caves. He really packed a lot into our time together! I think kids and adults alike would enjoy this virtual getaway to Australia. Many thanks to Matt for giving us the chance to “travel” and experience a bit of Australia’s charm without leaving our home! Great virtual escape with the family!

Jón🇳🇱 Netherlands

10 July 2020

This online experience by far exceeded my expectations! What a great way to immerse yourself into the Australian nature with Matt! I'd never expected to see such great views, secret cliffs and real aboriginal carvings. Matt is a true expert in sharing his passion for nature and wildlife. I've learned so much in this one-hour experience. It makes me instantly wanting to travel to Australia. Thanks so much, Matt!Australian nature right from my living room

Autumn

8 February 2020

Highly recommend this tour! All of the destinations truly highlight the beauty of the surrounding coastlines, culture, & nature. Experiencing this tour with Matt, a fun local who is passionate about this area because it is a second home to him, definitely provides a memorable, unique experience. Especially visiting from Hawaii and understanding culture, the aloha spirit, and the true beauty that surrounds us, I wouldn’t have expected anything less. It would be hard to define a favorite part but the cliffs are definitely breathtaking along with the crystal clear waters. In addition, the Koala is a remarkable creature. The kangaroos are pleasant as well but then again the wallaby was just as cute. This was the loveliest day on my trip and in the future I would hope to take another tour with Matt to see other hidden gems in his backyard!All the hidden gems

Adrian

8 February 2020

If you only had a day or 2 in Australia, this is the only tour you need to experience all things Aussie. We got picked up in a private, comfortable vehicle, by our super-friendly, knowledgeable and polite guide Matt, and off we went. Matt took us to the best pristine beaches on the Central Coast. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the sun, surf and sand - just like the locals and sure beats trudging around in Sydney city hustle and bustle (which is what we woyld have done if not for this tour) Lunch was at an amazing and reasonably-priced restaurant on the water watching ..... huge pelicans!!!!! What a treat it was for us The town itself was a lovely quaint little coastal town. Did I mention we got to pat free-roaming kangaroos and emus??? There were also koalas, dingos, birds, wombats, reptiles. We hate seeing animals in cages and used for human amusement so we were very pleased when Mat took us to this wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary closely simulated the animal's natural environment and conservation was a big part of the park's work. Matt took us on a walk through the beautiful bushland where we took the best family photos overlooking a valley, and we had a great time discovering Aboriginal carvings! If history is you thing Matt also includes a brief history lesson. He really knew his way around and his passion shines through. Thank you Matt for showing us "your back yard" and creating our Australian memories.The only tour you need!

David

1 February 2020

I have just arrived from Matt's tour of nature and wildlife in Sydney and, if I could, I would do it again tomorrow. We hiked to discover amazing aboriginal carvings, visited a wildlife park in which I literally cuddled and hugged kangaroos and wallabies, walked around beautiful non-touristy beaches and contemplated astonishing views of the cliffs in the Central Coast. We even had a fantastic swim in one of them. In sum, Matt will help you to discover hidden Australian treasures which are incredibly close to the city. I do not usually go on tours when travelling (I normally backpack around) but I am incredibly happy I did. Rather than a touristic tour, this is an authentic one-day trip organised by a genuine traveller. If you are planning to book just one tour during your stay in Sydney, forget about the Blue Mountains and do this tour with Matt. You will not regret it!An authentic trip oganised by a genuine traveller