Top Brisbane Historical Tours

Discover the story of Brisbane on this expert-led small-group walking tour, while hitting all of the city’s main attractions. Perfect for those who have just arrived, as well as locals and those who want to go deeper in learning about Brisbane’s history, culture, society & First Nations people. Starting from the top of Queen Street, you’ll hear about Brisbane’s colonisation by the British – and how their arrival impacted the original inhabitants. Your guide will provide you with a range of perspectives on Brisbane’s development as you weave your way through the city. From tough penal colony origins to its more recent transformations as the city prepares to host the 2032 Olympics, you’ll discover the real Brisbane. Your tour ends with beautiful views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge, finishing at a popular drinking spot with a small beverage included. Walk the streets in a small group so you’re not fighting to see & hear your guide or stay on the footpath.

Experience Brisbane in a new light on this after-dark true crime tour of the city streets. A great way for locals and visitors alike to uncover the secrets that lurk in the shadows of this thriving modern metropolis, this night tour includes visits to some of the city’s most historic places and oldest buildings. Your guide will also share lots of stories about Brisbane’s notorious past as you walk through the city center.

Uncover the best of Brisbane—without being stuck on a busy sightseeing bus—thanks to this small-group guided walking tour. Along the way, pass by City Hall, the City Botanic Gardens, and Queensland Parliament House—all with entertaining stories from your guide that you’d miss out on if exploring alone. Enjoy included snacks and a gift during your intimate tour experience.

Get your haunt on with this nighttime walking tour of the 140-year-old Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane. Learn about the history and legends of some of the 120,000 dead buried there from your guide while walking through the cemetery. This tour is great fun for friends traveling together. Receive a complimentary copy of “The Ghosts of Toowong Cemetery” book as a keepsake.

Delve behind the scenes at one of Queensland's best-loved breweries on this insider tour of Brisbane's XXXX Brewery. Walk through the production area, discover how the beers are created, observe the brewing process up close, then pour the perfect pint after learning from the pros. This tour includes tastings of three XXXX beers, with the option to upgrade to add burger and fries for lunch.

Brisbane’s transformation from a harsh penal settlement into a vibrant river city is a fascinating story. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover how Queensland’s capital grew from its tough convict roots to become Australia’s third-largest city. Its colonial past is still etched into the cityscape through the heritage buildings – some built by convicts themselves. Starting at the Visitor Information Centre in Queen Street Mall, you’ll walk along what was once a dusty dirt track surrounded by convicts, the soldiers guarding them, and the odd settler. As you wander, you’ll notice reminders of Brisbane’s evolution – from dramatic flood markers to a curious safety net installed to catch falling windows from a high-rise building! The tour ends at Brisbane’s exciting new Queen’s Wharf Development, featuring The Star Brisbane and the stunning Sky Deck with its breathtaking views.

Unlock the best of Brisbane with this self-guided smartphone quest. Riddles, puzzles, and local stories guide you through the city's most interesting corners, turning an ordinary walk into an adventure. Each challenge leads to the next location, keeping you entertained while you discover places and stories you'd never find on your own. Play anytime — this 1–2 hour private quest runs 24/7. Stop for food, photos, or detours whenever you like. Available in 5+ languages.

Bring the fascinating true crime history of the 1970s and 80s in Brisbane to life on this informative and insightful walking tour through Fortitude Valley. Led by a local crime writer, this group walking tour is a great way to learn the seedy secrets of the city even locals don’t know. Whether you’re a long-timer or a first-time visitor, this tour will make you see the city’s streets and historic hotspots in a new light.

Create a memory that lasts a lifetime with a small-group resin art class in the heart of Brisbane. Get personalized attention from your teacher as you craft a keepsake from start to finish—from mixing the resin to adding the final details. With a light snack and tea or coffee included, all you need to do is let your creativity flow.

JACK SIM presents BRISBANE CRIME TOURS - Brisbane's original and longest running Crime Tours. Celebrating 25 years - as seen on TikTok & YouTube - Crime Tours Australia Discover the dark heart of the capital of the Sunshine State on this guided crime tour of Brisbane's CBD. Visit true crime scenes including the Arcade Murder, the site of the last public execution, the Regent Theatre shootout and more… Brisbane’s original true crime tours are researched and operated by crime-writer Jack Sim, publisher of the Murder Trails Series Podcast and the books BLOODY BRISBANE Volumes 1 & 2.

Brisbane, nicknamed "Brissie", is a city to explore on foot, where history, culture and nature meet. Browse 18 iconic places in one day, including ANZAC Square, St John's Cathedral, and the famous Story Bridge. Stroll through the City Botanic Gardens and enjoy views of the Brisbane River. This 8.2 km tour is perfect for culture and history lovers, offering an immersion in Australian gastronomy and outdoor living. Capture unforgettable memories while discovering the charm of this dynamic metropolis. - Circuit of 8.2 km to travel in about 3h15 - Discover 18 iconic Brisbane sites at your own pace - Immerse yourself in the local gastronomy along the way - Ideal for lovers of culture, history and nature

Take a leisurely river cruise from Brisbane to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on this two-in-one, time-saving tour. This half-day tour departs from bustling Southbank and cruises along the Brisbane River with views of iconic landmarks on the way to Lone Pine. Upon arrival, enjoy ample time to view the animals, from koalas and platypus to kangaroos and more.

See Brisbane through the eyes of a local on a private walking tour that you can shape to the preferences of you and your party. Forget rushing in a large tour group and enjoy wandering at your own pace, gleaning insider tips and history you won’t get in the guidebook from your local host as you go.

Gravediggers say this is the creepiest cemetery in Brisbane… Be led by lantern on this 2 hour guided ghost tour through the graveyard to the “Devil’s Plot”; hear the stories of the ghosts of Boggo Road Jail and the mysterious Woman in Black – maybe she appear on the tour?; gravediggers tales and sextons stories. Tour includes book The Ghosts of SOUTH BRISBANE CEMETERY by Jack Sim. Brisbane’s original historic ghost tours (est.1998) operated by haunted-historian Jack Sim, author of the Ghost Trails Series HAUNTED BRISBANE Volume 1.

Get to know Brisbane by answering trivia questions and figuring out challenges on this scavenger hunt, called Brisbane’s Perfect Recipe. You’ll learn all about the secret facts of the city as you go through the clues with your friends. This is an adult event, and it is app-led. You can go at your own pace, take your time, or compete with friends to finish first.

Brisbane’s South Bank is often considered the city’s cultural and dining heart. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover how this area evolved from originally a convict work site and then a rough waterfront of wharves and rowdy pubs into Brisbane’s most loved destination. The tour begins at the Nepalese Peace Pagoda, a remarkable structure hand-carved by 160 Nepalese master craftsmen, entirely without nails or power tools. Along the way you'll encounter some of South Bank’s more whimsical touches, like the upside-down elephant sculpture. You'll have a chance to immerse yourself in the Aussie lifestyle at parklands, beaches, and relaxed outdoor living at places like The Boat Pond, Streets Beach, River Quay Green, and Picnic Island. The tour ends at the historic Plough Inn, where you can enjoy a classic Aussie meal at an iconic and historic pub with live music – and, of course, plenty of cold beer and refreshments.

Discover more real ghost tales of Toowong Cemetery including Jack the Ripper, Hungry Ghosts, “Spook Hill”, “He Was Waiting” and more… Discover even more of the haunted history, myths and legends on the Toowong Cemetery THE OTHERSIDE Ghost Tour. Is Jack the Ripper buried in Toowong Cemetery? Decide for yourself as we visit his possible grave, hungry Chinese ghosts, weird “Spook Hill”, a creepy crypt, and where the bones of Governor Blackall lie…on this 2 hour guided historic ghost tour of THE OTHER SIDE of Toowong Cemetery. Brisbane’s original historic ghost tours (est.1998) operated by haunted-historian Jack Sim, author of Ghost Trails Series GHOSTS OF TOOWONG CEMETERY.

Experience the quintessential essence of Brisbane with our 3-hour walking tour, offering the ideal introduction to this dynamic city. Witness the seamless blend of Brisbane's rich history, vibrant present, and promising future as you explore iconic landmarks. Delve beneath the surface and truly immerse yourself in the heart of Brisbane's culture and heritage. With the guidance of a knowledgeable local guide, you'll have the opportunity to see the main tourist sights you desire while also discovering hidden areas and venues off the beaten path. This customizable tour allows you to tailor your experience to your interests, benefitting from your guide's familiarity with the areas that intrigue you most. Additionally, gain valuable insights and advice from your guide about other activities and attractions to explore during your time in the city.

Take a Walk down Vice City... Beautiful one day - deadly the next - and corrupt the day after that. Enjoy a leisurely guided walking tour retracing the steps of a criminal but alluring past. Visit the Headquarters of the Underworld Kingpins of the 1980s. Learn the location of the casinos that didn't exist. Drop into the Whisky Au Go Go Nightclub Firebombing of 1973 Re-enact sting operations from years gone by. Uncover the complete history of the Fitzgerald Inquiry's Corruption Commission Book your ticket for a unique investigation into the corruption that scourged this fine city. Travel to the Fortitude Valley, a rough and tumble place where the lights of Bris-Vegas shone the brightest during its most corrupt era. Forget the fake news stories about Brisbane, and join us for a memorable trip down the glamourous, glitzy and corruption-laden past. ...vices the city tried to forget...

Experience Queensland’s capital city with a river cruise to Brisbane’s landmark Ferris wheel. Enjoy complimentary tea, illuminating commentary from an informative guide, and beautiful views while sailing down the Brisbane River. Then, take a magical gondola ride on the Wheel of Brisbane and savor a delicious lunch and drink at the Plough Inn—it’s included in the tour price.

Spend a blissful day on Moreton Island exploring the beaches, reef, and dunes on this tour from Brisbane or Surfers Paradise. Travel with an experienced guide in a rugged 4WD. You’ll snorkel or bodyboard, paddle transparent kayaks, and try sandboarding on the dunes: If sea conditions are unfavorable, take a 4WD island tour. Your day includes a picnic lunch on the beach but excludes national park fees and ferry tickets.

Explore Brisbane's rich history and culture on this engaging walking tour starting at King George Square. Led by a knowledgeable local storyteller. Wander through the city's heart and uncover fascinating tales from the 1800s to modern times. Visit significant landmarks including City Hall, ANZAC Square, Customs House, St John's Cathedral and the Sky Deck. Admire the beautiful Brisbane Botanic Gardens and enjoy stunning views of the Story Bridge and South Bank. This tour offers insights into Brisbane's architectural transformation and the remarkable stories behind its development. - Discover iconic Brisbane landmarks on a guided walking tour - Visit St John's Cathedral, the Southern Hemisphere's only neo-Gothic cathedral - Learn about the city's history, architecture, and hidden stories from your guide - Enjoy the wonderful views from the Sky Deck - End your tour at South Bank with local recommendations for dining and attractions

Discover the diverse wildlife of South East Queensland when you travel to the Springbrook plateau, Numinbah Valley and Mt Tamborine on a full-day tour from Brisbane. Your guide leads a leisurely walk in Springbrook National Park to see two stunning waterfalls, Natural Bridge and a glow worm cave. Have time to relax and enjoy the waterfalls and rainforest on this small-group tour with numbers limited to 21 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.