Australia · TOURS IN BRISBANE

15 Tours in Brisbane to Build a Day Around

38 tours  ·  from $25 a head

Good tours in Brisbane fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

From Brisbane: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip - Snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks
1-Day Tours, Full-Day, Moreton Island Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Brisbane

From Brisbane: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip

1.Moreton Island Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,108 reviews · 1 day · from $126Our pick

Take a 75-minute cruise from Brisbane or the Gold Coast to Moreton Island, then follow guides such as Ryan, Will, Jacob, or Darcy through snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks, transparent kayaking, 4WD tracks, and fast sand tobogganing. Lunch is build-your-own wraps. It is fun, active, and tightly scheduled.

“What an experience! So much fun packed into a few hours, definitely worth doing this trip to experience snorkelling, kayaking and sand boarding. Guides were amazing. Big shout out to Steve, Ryan and Darcy, absolute legends! Lunch was class too. Catered to all of our abilities (we had a group of 5 ranging from ages 10-62!). Would highly recommend”

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From Brisbane: Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket - The early Brisbane pickup and one-hour drive
Private Drivers, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Brisbane, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

From Brisbane: Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket

2.Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,539 reviews · 9 hours · from $126

Travel from selected Brisbane hotels to Australia Zoo in an air-conditioned vehicle with guides such as Steve or Bruce. Your $126 ticket includes transport, entry, a brief wildlife hospital visit, and about six hours inside the zoo for crocodile shows, animal talks, kangaroos, koalas, and more.

“Our guide Steve was telling us so many funny stories during the drive that we could really enjoy the ride. Additionally he perfectly instructed us on how we should go through the zoo to have the best possible outcome. Really recommend this tour”

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Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - Three hours among Lone Pine’s koalas and Australian wildlife
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Brisbane, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

3.Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,522 reviews · from $82

Cruise from Southbank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary with commentary from the captain, then spend three hours among koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds, and reptiles. The round-trip boat ride, sanctuary admission, and onboard cafe make this a simple family outing. Food and koala-touch encounters cost extra.

“Fantastic customer service, coffee, food and commentary on board. Air conditioned and prices exceptional.”

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Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit - What you see from Southbank to Lone Pine
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Brisbane, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit

4.Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,397 reviews · 5h 30m · from $81

Take the MV Mirimar II from Southbank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, with live English commentary from the captain, café service, and 75 minutes of river scenery each way. You get three hours at the sanctuary to see koalas, feed kangaroos, visit Platypus House, and catch wildlife presentations. Optional koala encounters cost extra.

“It was a super experience so pleased to see the ongoing care all the animals receive. Boat was comfortable and staff all kind and attentive.”

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Brisbane: Moreton Island Return Ferry & Adventure Day Pass - Arriving at Tangalooma Island Resort
Moreton Island Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours in Brisbane

Brisbane: Moreton Island Return Ferry & Adventure Day Pass

5.Moreton Island Return Ferry & Adventure Day Pass

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,195 reviews · 8 - 9 hours · from $98

Take the early ferry from Brisbane to Tangalooma Island Resort for a self-guided day of kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and beach time. Your $98 pass includes return transport, equipment hire, resort facilities, and land games. The shipwrecks are the main prize, but currents, weather, and cold water can affect the day.

“We had such an amazing day. Your island is beautiful… wow.”

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Brisbane Whale Watching Cruise from Redcliffe or Sunshine Coast - The cruise route through Moreton Bay
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Brisbane, Whale Watching

Brisbane Whale Watching Cruise from Redcliffe or Sunshine Coast

6.Brisbane Whale Watching Cruise from Redcliffe or Sunshine Coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 997 reviews · from $114Top rated

Sail from Redcliffe aboard the purpose-built Eye Spy catamaran during the June to November humpback migration. Captain Kerry and the crew provide live commentary while you watch whales, calves, dolphins, and other marine life. Your five-hour trip includes a fresh picnic lunchbox, with hotel pickup from selected Brisbane and Sunshine Coast locations.

“This was an absolutely amazing trip. To see the whales up close like that is just spectacular. I was concerned about how engaging in a tour like this may adversely affect the whales, but the crew were very clear (and proud!) about how their boat is specifically designed to not disturb the whales, and once you are out there you see that the whales if anything are just as interested in us as we are in them. We were not chasing them and they could have easily gotten away from us if they wanted. The person providing commentary helped you to spot the whales easily and provided a lot of…”

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Morning Sightseeing Cruise: 10:30am-12pm (90min) - Starting at the Cultural Centre pontoon
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Brisbane

Morning Sightseeing Cruise: 10:30am-12pm (90min)

7.Morning Sightseeing Cruise: 10:30am-12pm (90min)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 973 reviews · from $37

Take a 90-minute morning cruise from South Brisbane’s Cultural Centre pontoon. You’ll pass Customs House, Story Bridge, Brisbane’s city centre, South Bank and Kangaroo Point Cliffs while hearing onboard commentary. Tea, coffee, scones, jam and cream are included, with a licensed bar, restrooms and a souvenir river map on board.

“Great to hear about the history behind the growth of the urbanisation of the river and the how much the river was used for industrialisation way back when!”

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From Brisbane: North Stradbroke Island Wildlife Adventure - The early start and ferry crossing
Tour Reviews, Tours in Brisbane, Wildlife

From Brisbane: North Stradbroke Island Wildlife Adventure

8.North Stradbroke Island Wildlife Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 869 reviews · 10 hours · from $105

Spend 10 hours exploring North Stradbroke Island with a small group of up to 11 people and guides such as Rob, Rio, or Aggie. You’ll visit Brown Lake, Myora Springs, Cylinder Beach, Point Lookout, and Amity Point, with chances to see koalas, kangaroos, dolphins, turtles, whales, and rays. Transport, ferry tickets, and water are included.

“I always wanted to visit this island. Lovely place to visit and see plants and wild kangaroos and kualas”

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Brisbane: Story Bridge Adventure Climb - Starting at Boundary Street and getting ready
Theme Parks & Attraction Passes, Tour Reviews, Tours in Brisbane

Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb

9.Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 648 reviews · from $107

You’ll suit up at Howard Smith Wharves, pass a breath test, clip into a static safety line, and follow a guide up Brisbane’s Story Bridge. Expect about 90 minutes on the climb, with views of the river, Moreton Bay, Mt. Coot-tha, and distant national parks. Guides such as Adam, Andrew, Jasper, Ethan, and Olivia add history, humor, and calm support.

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Piper Family of 8 The Story Bridge Climb brought laughter, teamwork, and stunning evening views over the city, making it an unforgettable adventure for our whole family. Adam, our guide, was fabulous — witty, funny, enRead more”

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Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast - The 75-minute ferry ride across Moreton Bay
1-Day Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Moreton Island Day Trips, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Brisbane, Tour Reviews, Tours in Brisbane

Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast

10.Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 633 reviews · from $128

Spend a full day on Moreton Island with Australian Sunset Safaris. Ride a 4WD bus to the Tangalooma Wrecks, snorkel or use a transparent bodyboard, paddle a clear kayak, and sandboard down the dunes. Guides including Michelle, Ryan, Darcy, Will, and Jacob help run the activities. Ferry and national park fees cost extra.

“The trip has an excellent range of adventures. 4WD off roading, sandboarding, kyacking and snorkelling. We loved it. It is a 90 minute ferry trip each way.”

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Brisbane Segway Sightseeing Tour - South Bank and the Brisbane Sign
Segway Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Brisbane

Brisbane Segway Sightseeing Tour

11.Brisbane Segway Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 629 reviews · from $92

Learn to ride a Segway with one-on-one instruction, then follow a local guide from Kangaroo Point through South Bank, the Botanic Gardens, river paths, bridges, and city viewpoints. Morning, afternoon, and evening departures are available. The route can include the Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves, and possums on night tours.

“Great tour. Segway is a great way to see the city quickly. The tour guide is great, knowledgeable, and friendly. Would definitely go again.”

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Brisbane: Morning Sightseeing Cruise: 10:30am-12pm (90min) - The first stretch: getting your bearings on the river
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Brisbane

Brisbane: Morning Sightseeing Cruise: 10:30am-12pm (90min)

12.Morning Sightseeing Cruise: 10:30am-12pm (90min)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 521 reviews · 1h 30m · from $34Best value

Join River City Cruises aboard the MV Neptune at South Bank for a 90-minute English-language cruise past Kangaroo Point, central Brisbane, and the Story Bridge. You’ll hear live commentary, enjoy morning tea, and have access to covered outdoor seating, an indoor cabin, a licensed bar, and onboard bathrooms.

“I really enjoyed the cruise. The food was nice and the guide informative”

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Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Day Pass - Feeding kangaroos in the Kangaroo Reserve
Tour Reviews, Tours in Brisbane, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Day Pass

13.Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Day Pass

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 512 reviews · from $42

Spend 2 to 5 hours at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, about 20 minutes from central Brisbane. See more than 100 koalas, feed free-ranging kangaroos and wallabies under staff supervision, and catch included raptor, sheepdog, and keeper presentations. Koala encounters and kangaroo food cost extra.

“Nice way to get up close to a koala. They are adorable! Some of the pics may give the impression you can hold one, but that is not the case. You do get to get up close and pet them while taking pictures. This group is doing incredible work rehabbing and protecting this incredible species. There are other animals to see as well. Definitely worth the visit and your time.”

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Cruise to Lunch Package: 10:30am – 2pm (3.5hr) - Starting at the Cultural Centre pontoon
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Brisbane

Cruise to Lunch Package: 10:30am – 2pm (3.5hr)

14.Cruise to Lunch Package: 10:30am – 2pm (3.5hr)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 487 reviews · from $68

Set out from Brisbane’s Cultural Centre at 10:30am aboard the MV Neptune for a 1.5-hour river cruise with commentary, tea, coffee, and scones. See Storey Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs, then walk about 400 metres to Breakfast Creek Hotel for lunch, a beer tasting, and a timber-keg tapping before returning to the pontoon.

“Great way to travel on the river. Lunch at the pub was a fab experience. Plenty of time to explore the pub and the area around”

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Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip with ATV Quad Bike Tour - Tangalooma gives you more than a beach stop
1-Day Tours, Moreton Island Day Trips, Quad Bikes, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Brisbane

Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip with ATV Quad Bike Tour

15.Tangalooma Day Trip with ATV Quad Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 467 reviews · 1 day · from $119

Travel 75 minutes from Brisbane to Tangalooma Island Resort, then spend the day with a guided 45-minute ATV quad bike ride, a $25 lunch voucher, pools, beach access, and Eco Ranger programs. The ride suits first-timers, with safety training and helmets provided, but experienced riders may find the pace cautious.

“I had a lovely day with my sister - we didn't get to see much of the resort, however we had some food with our $25 vouchers and the quad bike experience was so much fun!”

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