Top Brisbane Sightseeing Cruises

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

To truly immerse yourself in the marine biodiversity of Moreton Island, join this all-inclusive day tour departing from Brisbane with hotel pickup. The island paradise is just a short journey away. Take a guided snorkel tour of the Tangalooma Wrecks, enjoy a buffet lunch, and relax on the beach. Cruise on the Spirit of Mulgumpin, keeping an eye out for dugongs, turtles, and dolphins, which are commonly seen around here.

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.

Zip around Brisbane on a fun, self-balancing Segway. Cruise past Brisbane’s riverside sights, glide around the Southbank Parklands, and enjoy dramatic views of Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Choose from multiple tour durations and departure times to suit your schedule and budget. Best of all: full instruction and practice time are provided and there’s no experience necessary, so anyone can give it a go.

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.

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 local restaurant. A great day out for families, couples, or solo travelers alike.

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.

Sail southern Moreton Bay with Aria Cruises on an unforgettable adventure to heritage-listed Peel Island. Departing from Raby Bay, Cleveland, this 5-hour cruise on a spacious catamaran offers the perfect mix of relaxation and coastal discovery. Once anchored at pristine Horseshoe Bay, dive into the fun! Enjoy boom netting, try stand-up paddleboarding, or lounge on the giant aqua mat. For those who prefer dry land, explore the beach or play a game of beach cricket. Keep a lookout for local residents—dolphins, dugongs, and sea turtles are frequently spotted! Your experience includes: Fresh Dining: Gourmet lunch with prawns, wraps, and salads, plus morning/afternoon tea. Drinks: One complimentary beer, wine, or soft drink (licensed bar onboard). Escape the city for a day of sun, salt, and sailing!

Visitors to Brisbane who want to pop over the NSW border without the hassle will enjoy this day tour. Forget about self-driving and simply enjoy the views during the journey. Check out the highlights of fashionable Byron Bay and Bangalow, and discover why these are such popular towns. You’ll be able to take your time on this leisurely tour, which matches the area’s laid-back vibe. Stop at the Gold Coast on the return journey.

Discover the boutique wineries of Mt. Tamborine on a full-day, small-group tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Your wine-savvy guide takes you to some of Queensland’s best local wineries to taste award-winning wines. Round-trip transportation from central meeting points is provided, so nobody needs to be the designated driver—or risk drinking and driving.

It can be easy to miss the forest for the trees when you’re visiting a big city like Brisbane – driving around the city in taxis and buses, it can be easy to forget that there’s more to this metropolis than just skyscrapers and shopping malls. Take in the city from the sky on this scenic helicopter tour from east to west. Fly around the towering suburban mountains Coot-Tha and Gravatt, see the Brisbane River winding through the city center, and get bird’s-eye views of sights like the Gabba and the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.