Brisbane is the sunny capital of Queensland, Australia. It’s a vibrant riverside city with a cosmopolitan arts and culture scene and world-class restaurants and bars!
The city strikes a perfect balance between forward-facing fashionable culture and a laid-back attitude. Situated between the ocean and stunning mountainous national parks, the city also maintains a thriving relationship with nature.
There are plenty of things to do in Brisbane, and plenty of tours on offer to help you get the most out of your trip. From Brisbane city tours to day trips from Brisbane, the Queensland capital is an incredibly diverse city for tours, and we’re here to share our favorites.
If you’re wondering what to do in Brisbane, these tours are a great place to start!
#1 – Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit
- $$
- 5 ½ hours
- The sanctuary hosts regular exciting talks and shows
- Opportunity to take photos with the koalas
An inviting blend of relaxation and excitement, this tour showcases some of Australia’s best-known marsupials and allows you to soak up some stunning views.
A relaxing cruise along the meandering Brisbane River offers travelers a unique perspective of the city before arriving at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Situated on the banks of the river, Lone Pine is the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the world!
You’ll be able to get up close with the cuddly koalas and even feed some kangaroos and wallabies before cruising back along the river.
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#2 – Moreton Island Ferry and Adventure Pass
- $$
- 9 hours
- Fun water activities as well as a range of land-based activities
- Free to spend your time however you’d like
Enjoy a comfortable ferry ride to Moreton Island, with its crisp white beaches and crystal clear waters.
You’ll arrive on the stunning shores of Tangalooma Island Resort, where you’ll have full access to resort facilities for the day!
Cruise the clear waters in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard, and go snorkeling to see the colorful sea life and fascinating shipwrecks. Alternatively, you could hang by the pool and soak up the island views.
#3 – Rain Forests and Glow Worm Cave – Day Tour
- $$$
- 8 ½ hours
- This full-day program includes all transportation
- Enjoy stunning scenery in this World Heritage Site
On this tour, you will explore the incredible Gondwana rainforests of Tamborine and Springbrook national parks.
Wander through gorgeous foliage between the lofty trees, marvel at waterfalls and the natural bridge, and explore the enchanting Glow Worm cave! You’ll also come across several unique animal species Including pademelons and water dragons.
Visit a winery and Gallery Walk arts and crafts district before enjoying some complimentary lunch with a view.
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#4 – Express Segway Tour of Brisbane
- $$
- 1 ½ hours
- A fun and informative way of touring Brisbane
- Awesome views and a quick way to see the main sights
Explore the beauty of Brisbane in a unique way on this exciting segway tour. After 15 minutes of fun training, you’ll set off on your segway. The tour will take you past Brisbane’s famous landmarks (such as Kurlipa Bridge and South Bank Parklands), as well as stunning parks and wildlife.
Your friendly local tour guide will provide commentary along the way, and help you to get to know the city. This tour is loads of fun and a great way to get acquainted with Brisbane!
#5 – Whale Watching Cruise with Gourmet Lunch
- $$$
- 5 hours
- An incredible whale watching experience
- Free gourmet buffet lunch on board a catamaran
Experience some of the world’s largest animals on this relaxing cruise! You’ll head into Moreton Bay, one of the best whale watching spots in the world, on an impressive catamaran. The views along the way are great, too!
A delicious, gourmet buffet lunch is included in the price, so you can satisfy your taste buds while watching the whales. It’s a truly unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for Brisbane half day tours, this is a great option!
#6 – Moreton Island Tour and Dolphin Feeding
- $$$$
- 11 hours – 1 day
- Access to Tangalooma resort facilities
- Eco-conscious tour with experienced guides
Travel to the beautiful Moreton Island by ferry and choose between a desert safari or a marine discovery tour. You’ll have some time to explore before heading off on your selected tour.
The desert safari takes you on a thrilling 4×4 ride through the Tangalooma desert, where you’ll have the opportunity to try sand tobogganing! The marine discovery tour entails a guided boat ride along the coast in search of sea creatures.
Lastly, enjoy a wild dolphin feeding before returning home.
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#7 – Stradbroke Island Day Tour
- $$$
- 9 hours
- Discover an incredible pristine island, controlled by the Quandamooka people
- Enjoy the beautiful beaches and a guided tour
Cruise from Brisbane across Moreton Bay to Stradbroke Island, the second largest sand island in the world. The island’s rugged coastline is home to incredibly beautiful beaches, which wrap around its dense central forests.
Many koalas and kangaroos live on the island, and its waters are home to everything from turtles to manta rays! Enjoy the day swimming in the beautiful safe waters, and exploring the island on a guided tour.
#8 – Tamborine Wine and Distillery Tour
- $$$
- 8 hours
- Guided wine tastings at five award-winning establishments
- Optional beer and cheese tastings
After being picked up from your accommodation, enjoy an air-conditioned mini-bus ride to Tambourine Mountain, through rainforest and gorgeous landscapes.
The tour stops at four award-winning wineries, at each of which you’ll enjoy a guided wine tasting. Enjoy a complimentary two-course lunch at a mountain top winery, and visit the famous Tamborine Mountain Distillery.
If you love beer, you can exchange one of the winery stops for a brewery and beer tasting. There is also the option to stop a Witches Cheese Factory for a tasting!
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#9 – Australia Zoo Full-Day Tour from Brisbane
- $$$
- Full-day
- A great way to experience Australian wildlife (and animals from elsewhere) up close
- Was made famous by Steve Irwin, and has a conservation-centric philosophy
Get up-close with Australia’s incredible and unique animal life at the famous Australia Zoo. After a pickup from your Brisbane accommodation, you’ll be shuttled north through Australia’s beautiful countryside to the zoo.
Experience the wonderful range of wildlife that Australia zoo has to offer and enjoy the amazing live shows, from the Wildlife Warrior show to Tiger Temple. You’ll even have a chance to handle some of the animals, such as snakes and tortoises!
#10 – Winery Tour & Tasting with Tuscan Terrace Lunch
- $$
- 2 ½ hours
- Discover the wine production process and taste some delicious wines!
- Enjoy a complimentary lunch in a beautiful location
You’ll get to go behind the scenes of a working winery, where your guides will show you each area of production in order to give you a full understanding. Learn the history of Sirromet wine, and enjoy a wine tasting of six of the varieties.
Next, it’ll be time for the Tuscan Terrace lunch. The Tuscan Terrace is a timber deck tucked amid the fig trees, where you’ll enjoy a two-course Italian style meal.
#11 – Four X Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting
- $
- 1 ½ hours
- Explore a heritage listed brewery and learn about Australia’s favorite beer
- Enjoy a beer tasting after the tour
Discover the production process and history of Castlemaine XXXX beer on this fascinating brewery tour. You’ll walk through the brewery learning about each of the ingredients used to make beer, and each step of its production!
After the tour, you’ll get to taste the final product at the brewery restaurant. Feel free to stick around and enjoy a few more beers (at your own expense) and check out the merchandise store before heading home!
#12 – The best of Brisbane Bicycle Tour
- $$
- Either 2 or 3 ⅓ hours
- A great way to learn about the city’s history and culture
- A fun way to see the city, with gorgeous views
Explore Brisbane with the wind in your hair on this fun and informative cycle tour. You’ll cycle along the river through some of the city’s most beautiful areas, such as New Farm the City Botanic Gardens.
You’ll also cruise past some iconic attractions including Story Bridge and Kangaroo. Stop for a picnic in stunning New Farm Park, and admire the river views. This tour offers a cultural and historical introduction to this beautiful city!
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#13 – Story Bridge Adventure Climb
- $$$
- 2 hours
- Learn about the history of Story Bridge as well as the city it overlooks
- A fun and adventurous way to get amazing views
Story Bridge is one of Brisbane’s most famous landmarks. The large steel cantilever bridge extends tall and proud across the Brisbane river.
This tour takes you on an adventurous, scenic climb to the highest point of the bridge, where you’ll be able to soak up some incredible 360-degree views!
From the summit platform, you’ll be able to see all of Brisbane and its surroundings, including Moreton Island and the Glass House Mountains.
#14 – Moreton Island Shipwreck, Sand Dune, and Kayak
- $$$
- Full-day
- Experience all of the best activities Moreton Island has to offer
- Enjoy the beautiful surroundings
If you’re after a day packed full of adventure activities amid the beauty of Moreton Island, this tour is for you.
Cruise across Moreton Bay to the Island, where you’ll have the option to relax on the beach or partake in the activities. Join in on a guided snorkeling tour, and explore waters on a full guided tour of the shipwrecks and animal life!
Enjoy a picnic lunch and unique glass bottom kayaking experience before heading to The Desert for some 4×4 fun and sand tobogganing.
#15 – Electric Bike Tour with City Lights
- $$
- 2 hours
- Experience the beauty of Brisbane at night
- Comfortable electric bike and a local guide
This electric bike tour unveils a different side of Brisbane, as the sun sets and the city comes to life with vibrant lights.
You’ll pass through the trendy suburb of Teneriffe and enjoy stunning views across the Brisbane River. You’ll pass by Story Bridge before reaching the city center, and marveling at the lit up trees, fountains, and buildings on Roma Street
The electric bike makes for an easy ride and helps save up your energy for other activities!
#16 – Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa Tour
- $$$
- 9 hours
- A great way to see the countryside and quaint villages
- This is a small group tour, which keeps it intimate and enjoyable
This tour takes you through the lush Australian countryside to the Blackall Range Mountains. You’ll pass small villages and farms along the way, and enjoy stunning views from both Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and Gerards Lookout
Explore the quaint mountain village of Monteville, experience the Eumundi Markets, and visit the stunning beaches of Noosa. Lastly, you’ll stop by at Yandina ginger factory, and get to try some delicious ginger ice cream!
#17 – O’Reilly’s Rainforest and Mt. Tamborine Tour from Brisbane
- $$
- Full-day
- Explore Tamborine Mountain and an incredible ancient rainforest
- Enjoy stories along the way and stop for wine tastings
On this tour, you’ll be shuttled from Brisbane through the countryside to Lamington National Park, stopping by gorgeous Tamborine Mountain along the way.
You’ll get to explore a dense subtropical rainforest in a World Heritage National Park. The mountaintop rainforest is thick with ancient tree species, wildlife, and waterfalls. You’ll also get to enjoy a tree-top walk and enjoy lunch at a cafe.
#18 – Bribie Island 4WD Nature Adventure
- $$$
- 6 – 8 hours
- A great way to see the best of Bribie Island
- Fun and informative
Head north to Bribie Island after a pickup in Brisbane, and get ready for a day of exploration! This 4WD adventure tour aims to show you the best the island has to offer.
You’ll pass through dramatically contrasting landscapes, from pristine white beaches and the rugged Australian bush, to open forests and swampy wetlands where you’ll hit the Bribie 4WD track.
You’ll stop a few times along the way to admire local wildlife, swim in lagoons, have a picnic lunch, and learn about the Bribie WWII bunkers.
#19 – Essential Brisbane: Walking Tour
- $
- 3 hours
- See Brisbane’s sights while learning about its history and culture
- Get insider tips from your local guide on how to spend your time in Brisbane
This Brisbane walking tour is an amazing way to get acquainted with the city and see parts of Brisbane that buses can’t go. It’s a small group tour, so you’ll get to meet other travelers and enjoy each other’s company!
The tour will take you to many of Brisbane’s iconic attractions, such as Story Bridge, Eagle Street Pier, and the City Botanic Garden. Your guide will point out the best bars and restaurants while you walk, and you’ll get to explore hidden secrets along the way!
#20 – Brisbane River Dinner Cruise
- $$
- 3 hours
- See the city lights from the water
- Enjoy an Australian dining experience with live entertainment
Soak up the city lights from on board a classic wooden boat with outdoor decking on this stunning evening experience. This is the most romantic of the Brisbane River tours.
Indulge in a delicious contemporary buffet meal and enjoy unobstructed views of the waterfront. Lights ripple in the water and sparkle on the banks of the river as the boat meanders along.
The stellar views and delicious food are complemented by live onboard entertainment, and the cruise offers a wonderfully romantic atmosphere.
#21 – Best of Brisbane Full-Day Sightseeing Tour
- $$$
- 8 hours
- Get to see many of Brisbane’s best bits
- Learn a lot about the city along the way!
This full-day tour is packed to the brim with sights, views, and attractions, and is one of the best Brisban day tours!
A coach tour of the city center shows off Brisbane’s architecture while you learn about the city. Next, cruise along the Brisbane River for a different perspective before heading to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
After some koala cuddles, you’ll get to take in the scenic city views from Mt. Coot-tha Lookout.
FAQs about Brisbane Tours
We’re sure you’ve got some questions about taking tours in Brisbane, so to make things a little easier, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions below.
How do I book a Brisbane tour?
The easiest way to book a tour in Brisbane is through an online tour provider. There are many tour providers operating in Brisbane, but our favorite is GetYourGuide.
The site has a great range of tours and experiences in and around Brisbane, and it’s incredibly easy to use.
What should I pack for a tour in Brisbane?
We recommend packing comfortable walking shoes, as many of the tours involve at least a bit of walking. Brisbane gets warm outside of the Winter months (June – August), so packing light, airy clothing is generally a good idea! Don’t forget your bathing suit and a camera!
How much do tours in Brisbane typically cost?
Australia, in general, is a fairly expensive country, and the tour prices tend to reflect that. However, the tours we’ve recommended for Brisbane are all well worth the money.
On average, our recommended tour cost about $80, with the cheapest tour costing around $23 and the most expensive coming in at about $140.
How long do tours in Brisbane last?
The length of a tour in Brisbane varies greatly. Excursions into the countryside or the islands generally last a full day, while many of the tours within the city are just a couple of hours. There are also some full-day tours in the city.
Closing Thoughts on Brisbane Tourism
Tours are a great way to experience any new city, and Brisbane is no exception. The tours we’ve recommended will help you maximize your time in the city, and showcase the best of what it has to offer! From Brisbane sightseeing tours to winding down with some wine or cuddling a koala, these tours won’t disappoint.
There is a tour for every kind of traveler in Brisbane. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening river cruise, a sightseeing segway tour, an action-packed island adventure, or a journey through the rainforest, Brisbane has you covered!
We hope we’ve helped you find your perfect Brisbane tour. Enjoy your trip!
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