Top Brisbane Outdoor Activities

Swap the crowds of the busy city center for a peaceful day sightseeing from a river cruise. You’ll sail along Brisbane River with live commentary to entertain you and make sure you don’t miss any highlights. Save time and get access to multiple incredible photo opportunities on one tour. You’ll see Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Story Bridge, and Brisbane City Center. Conveniently, the boat also has a coffee shop/bar if you’d like to purchase a drink.

Journey into the hinterlands on this 5-hour morning tour of the Springbrook National Park from the Gold Coast. Explore the UNESCO-listed Goondawanna rainforests by mini-van, stopping to walk through the jungle, peek into ancient caves and enjoy views of Mount Warning from the Best of All Lookout. Visit natural wonders like Purling Brook Falls and Natural Bridge. This small-group tour is limited to 15 people for a personalised experience, and includes light refreshments and hotel pick-up from selected locations.

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.

Climbing the Story Bridge is impossible to do on your own, and for good reason. This guided climb sets it up, starting with a safety briefing at Howard Smith Wharves before you clip onto the static line and ascend the bridge's eastern side. Reach a platform around 262 feet (80 meters) up for wide views over the Brisbane River, Moreton Bay, and the Glass House Mountains.

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.

Jump off the ferry and immerse yourself in a special kind of island paradise with this full-day small-group tour of North Stradbroke Island from Brisbane. A great way to combine sightseeing with learning about the fascinating history and stories of the island, including its Traditional Custodians, the Quandamooka People, this full-day tour is entertaining and educational in equal parts. You’ll also have the chance to see koalas, manta rays, turtles, and dolphins in the wild.

Experience the nighttime enchantment of Mt. Tamborine National Park on this unique evening rainforest walk and glowworm tour. Observe nocturnal wildlife by torchlight with a guided bushwalk through the rainforest, where you’ll come across an ethereal waterfall illuminated by glowworms. Afterward, enjoy dessert with a hot beverage at a mountain top restaurant.

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 Lamington snacks with dietary options and a special souvenir gift during your intimate, wheelchair-accessible tour experience.

The Brisbane River, flowing directly through the city after which it’s named, is the longest river in South Queensland. Take a relaxing ruise along the river, seeing iconic sights including Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Brisbane City Center, and Story Bridge in a short amount of time. Fit a morning or afternoon departure into your vacation schedule.

See Brisbane from the water with this relaxed sightseeing cruise along the Brisbane River. You can check off more landmarks in less time than a walking tour and admire views of Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Story Bridge, and Brisbane City Centre. Also, the onboard commentary adds context through local history and stories, helping you make the most of your time without the hassle of navigating the city on foot.

Discover Australia’s Gold Coast through the eyes of a local, and let a guide show you the highlight attractions and hidden gems that you don’t want to miss on this small-group tour. From wildlife spotting at Coombabah Lakeland Conservation Park to shopping along Cavill Mall, with plenty in between, there’s heaps to see and do with one easy booking.

Cruise along Brisbane’s waterfront and green spaces—and save hours of time on foot—with this small-group e-bike tour. Check out the city’s highlights with your guide as they share live commentary via your Bluetooth-equipped bike. Pause to snap photos and get an insider’s perspective on spots such as South Bank Parklands and Story Bridge.

Tackle the waves during a morning or afternoon surf lesson at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast. First, receive a safety briefing and basic instruction on the sand before heading into the water. You'll be provided with a long-sleeve rash shirt or a wetsuit (depending on the season), a soft beginner surfboard, leg ropes, and sunscreen. You’ll be able to continue practicing your technique on your own after catching some initial waves.

Discover the Brisbane River either by day or night on a 90-minute kayak tour. Enjoy a water perspective on the Story Bridge or the South Bank Parklands after learning the basics of paddling from your expert guide. If you choose the night tour, you’ll hop into illuminated kayaks and enjoy the multicolored displays on the Story Bridge or glide past the evening lights of South Bank. This kayak tour is suitable for all levels of experience and provides a fantastic look at the city’s vital waterway.

Get more out of your exploration of North Stradbroke Island with this intimate tour that will have you meeting local native artists, enjoying Myora springs, and gazing from beautiful view points at Point Lookout . This hassle free tour includes lunch along with oppurtunity for complementary tea next to Brown lake. Be astonished by the wildlife at North George Walk, with the ability to sea a multitude of sea life.

Looking for an unforgettable morning that fits into your schedule and your dreams? Ballooning, Bubbles & Go is your premium express escape into the skies. Operated by Australia’s most experienced balloon operator Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast, this early morning express adventure brings you the thrill of hot air ballooning with a touch of elegance. Start your morning with convenient hotel pickup before floating high above the stunning Gold Coast Hinterland. Take in sweeping views of rolling hills, stunning countryside and spot wildlife from the serenity of your hot air balloon basket. It’s a moment of peace, beauty, and exhilaration that will stay with you forever. After landing, celebrate in style with a sparkling wine toast and receive a commemorative flight certificate to mark the experience. Plus, you’ll take home a Premium Digital Photo Pack valued at $130, capturing your airborne adventure in high resolution.

Skip the city in search of the wildlife of South East Queensland when you travel to the Springbrook Plateau, Numinbah Valley, and Mt. Tamborine on a full-day tour from Brisbane. Instead of being rushed along, your guide leads a leisurely walk in Springbrook National Park to see two stunning waterfalls, Natural Bridge, and a glow-worm cave. Enjoy free time at Gallery Walk to explore shops and cafes.

Sail to picturesque Moreton Island, a renowned location for spotting dolphins, turtles, and dugong just over an hour from Brisbane. This private all-day eco-cruise includes a buffet lunch, beach time, and a guided snorkel tour at the Tangalooma Wrecks, with all equipment provided.

Relax and see Brisbane from a different perspective on this half-day river cruise. Instead of navigating busy streets or planning separate sightseeing activities, enjoy a smooth ride along the Brisbane River, with live commentary and scenic views of historic and modern landmarks. Back on land, enjoy an included lunch at a nearby pub.

The best of the Sunshine Coast is spread out across a variety of locations—hard to reach alone, especially without a car of your own. Hop aboard a coach to explore beyond Brisbane on a guided tour that checks off the Hinterland and Noosa, including artisan villages, Eumundi Markets, and views of the Glasshouse Mountains.

See Brisbane by bicycle on a shared small-group tour capped at eight riders, with a local guide leading you along inner-city and riverside paths. Bicycle use and a safety briefing are provided as you ride past Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Goodwill Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves, the City Botanic Gardens, and New Farm Park.

Animal lovers—this one’s for you. Enjoy a hassle-free day out to Australia Zoo with round-trip transfers from select Brisbane hotels. Ride comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle, then get into the zoo quickly as admission is included. Once inside, benefit from at least six hours to explore, catch live shows, and spot a variety of creatures, including tigers, giraffes, crocodiles, kangaroos, and more.

Enjoy a day in nature on an intimate small-group tour of the Springbrook National Park and Mount Tamborine. Visit the Natural Bridge, manmade glowworm caves, meander on Gallery Walk, and wander the impressive Tamborine Skywalk rainforest path. Native animals may pop out their heads from time to time, and stay fueled with a light lunch at a Subway. A great day out for families, couples, or solo travelers alike.