Australia · BRISBANE TOURS
Brisbane is the gateway to Moreton Bay and the koala sanctuaries, and the river runs through the middle of it. The 15 below are priced and timed, with a note on which need an early ferry.
Spend a fast-moving day on Moreton Island with guides such as Ryan, Will, Jacob, Darcy, and Sam. Cruise 75 minutes from Brisbane, snorkel and paddle transparent kayaks at the Tangalooma Wrecks, then ride a 4WD to the desert for sand tobogganing and a DIY beach-wrap lunch.
“We had a great day with Ryan, Michelle, and Josh. The lunch offering was great and all the activities were very well run. Would recommend!”
Travel from selected Brisbane CBD hotels to Australia Zoo with an English-speaking driver such as Steve or Bruce. Your $126 ticket includes transport, entry, a brief Wildlife Hospital visit, and about six hours to see crocs, koalas, kangaroos, tigers, and live shows at your own pace.
“Great day, Steve was a entertaining guide. Lots of knowledge and pointed out lots of interesting facts on the way. Highly recommend”
Meet at Southbank’s Cultural Centre pontoon at 9:00am for a narrated Brisbane River cruise to Lone Pine. You’ll have three hours to see koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds, reptiles, and animal shows before cruising back. Food is available onboard, but koala-touch bookings cost extra.
“This is a lovely way to get to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, with an hour long river cruise to a bespoke dock at the entry. The cruise includes commentary to describe the history and landmarks of the river. They have an onboard cafe to order a limited selection of hot foods and a variety of snacks and drinks. The best part of the cruise was the captain of the boat, who was so calm and kind. The sanctuary has been around for a long time and has a variety of animals in addition to the koalas, all set in a natural open area. We really enjoyed the raptor show…”
Take the MV Mirimar II from Southbank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary with live commentary from the captain and crew. You get three hours to see more than 130 koalas, feed kangaroos and wallabies, visit Platypus House, and catch wildlife shows before cruising back to Brisbane.
“We loved the boat ride and commentary down the Brisbane river. The captain and crew were amazing so helpful and knowledgeable. We will recommend this trip to friends and family.”
Take the early ferry from Brisbane to Tangalooma Island Resort, then set your own pace with snorkeling gear, a three-hour kayak session or one hour of stand-up paddle boarding, pools, cafés, and beach activities. Snorkeling is self-guided, though guided options may be available for an added fee.
“Had an absolute fab day! Loved it! Boat was so easy.”
Join River City Cruises at the Cultural Centre Public Pontoon for a 90-minute morning cruise through Brisbane. Expect live commentary, views of Customs House, Story Bridge, South Bank, and Kangaroo Point Cliffs, plus tea, coffee, and scones with jam and cream.
“We had a great cruise on Brisbane river , the Skipper was very informative and skillful and the crew were helpful and great .”
Spend 10 hours exploring North Stradbroke Island with an English-speaking guide and a maximum of 11 people. Swim at Brown Lake, walk the Gorge Walk, watch for whales and dolphins, relax at Cylinder Beach, and search for wild koalas and kangaroos at Amity Point.
“Rio is an amazing tour guide, he really made sure that we were able to spot some Koalas and Kangaroos as he knows a few places where they often like to hang out. I enjoyed that the tour wasn't rushed, that we actually were given time at each stop to spend a bit of time and take in the scenery insted of stopping for 10 minutes taking pictures and leaving again. For anyone who would like to learn a bit about the island's history and obviously see some of its wildlife I can really recommend this tour.”
You’ll suit up at Howard Smith Wharves, pass a breath test, and follow guides such as Andrew, Jasper, Ethan, or Grace up Brisbane’s Story Bridge. The 90-minute climb reaches 80 meters above sea level, crosses six traffic lanes, and includes commentary, safety gear, and one group photo.
“Chap was exceptional at communication and personally called me to clarify our actual bridge climb time. Our guide Andrew, was a joy to climb with and had lots of knowledge about the city, the surrounding buildings and the story behind how the bridge received its name. Safety was a priority and getting into our jump suits was fairly quick and easy. As well, we appreciated having lockers to safely secure our belongings.”
Join Australian Sunset Safaris for a full-day Moreton Island adventure from Brisbane or Surfers Paradise. Guides including Michelle, Ryan, Darcy, Will, and Jacob lead snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks, clear-kayak outings, and sandboarding. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and AU$80 for park and ferry fees.
“I really enjoyed the day. You did heaps fun stuff! For adrenaline junkies! It feels a bit rushed tho :) (therefore nothing for relaxers!) One small recommendation (if possible with ferry): leave 60 mins later or so, sothat people can chill at the beach longer during lunch or afterwards. Also a few more information about the dessert and the "man made" reef would be lovely.”
Learn to ride a Segway with one-on-one instruction, then follow a guide along Brisbane’s river paths, South Bank, Botanic Gardens, bridges, and Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Morning, afternoon, and evening departures are available. Guides such as Ewan, Andrew, Matt, and Uwen are praised for patient teaching and local insight.
“Excellent morning exploring Brisbane's riverside. It was 32C and too hot to walk around - the segway tour was the perfect mode of transport. We did spend a very long time getting training, so don't plan something immediately afterwards - your schedule needs to be a little fluid. Canadian Andrew was an wonderful guide with a very friendly attitude that brought our group together. Also, please note that if you're walking there - entry is on the river side, so if you're coming over the Kangaroo Point pedestrian bridge, you'll need to loop under the pedestrian bridge once you get to the Kangaroo Point side.”
Spend 90 easygoing minutes aboard the MV Neptune, cruising from South Bank past Kangaroo Point Cliffs, central Brisbane, and the Story Bridge. Your English-speaking skipper shares local history and city plans while you enjoy morning tea, open-deck views, and the option of a drink from the licensed bar.
“So much to see along the river, it was amazing. Very pleasant weather too. We barely made boarding time, crew was very nice.”
Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, about 20 minutes from central Brisbane, to see more than 100 koalas and 70 other Australian species. Feed kangaroos and lorikeets under staff supervision, watch raptors and sheepdogs work, and add a koala encounter if you want closer contact.
“Enjoyed the sanctuary and feeding the kangaroos. Terrain a little steep at times for a wheelchair. Nice to see these animals being cared for so well”
Travel by air-conditioned coach from central Brisbane to Australia Zoo, with Glass House Mountain and pineapple-farm views along the way. Your ticket includes entry and about six hours to see kangaroos, crocodiles, snakes, giraffes, rhinos, and more, with time for the Crocoseum show.
“We had a lovely day it was easy on arrival we went straight through no lines.we saw everything in our own time and bus was on time”
Board the MV Neptune at Brisbane’s Cultural Centre for a 1.5-hour river cruise with commentary, tea, coffee, and fresh scones. After a short walk, enjoy lunch at the Breakfast Creek Hotel, a keg tapping, and beer tasting before returning by boat. The small group is limited to 20 people.
“We didnt know we had to walk a long way to hotel for lunch. Should have been told before we got on boat. Lunch was great. Beer was cold. Too puffed to enjoy it.”
Travel 75 minutes from Brisbane to Tangalooma Island Resort, then use the pools, beach, cafés, and $25 lunch voucher before a guided 45-minute ATV ride on sand and bush tracks. Finish with the Discover the World of Dolphins talk and return by boat at 4:00pm.
“Amazing - great trip out and fantastic quad bike experience”
Pick a coast, a rock or a cellar door.
