Top Brisbane On the Water

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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) and a soft beginner surfboard. You’ll be able to continue practicing your technique on your own after catching some initial waves.

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.

You’ll probably see some turtles, and you will see some amazing sea life when you snorkel around Cook Island on this small group tour. You’ll hop on a boat for a short ride out to the island, where you’ll have around four hours to look for stingrays, wobbegongs, leopard sharks, and so much more. Photos will be available of your adventure, too.

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.

Discover the thrill of sailing on this luxurious half day Moreton Bay cruise departing from Raby Bay in Cleveland. Learn to sail on a large catamaran as you explore the pristine waters of the Moreton Bay Marine Park. Catering for couples, families, singles and groups, this Moreton Bay adventure guarantees a relaxing afternoon for all ages. Passengers can take to the helm and learn how to sail, enjoy a refreshing dip in the glistening waters or try their hand at stand-up paddle boarding, sunbathe on a sandy beach within a untouched national park island or relax with a glass of champagne on the front net as you glide across the bay. Antipasto boards and seasonal fruit platters are served as you cruise the tranquil waters. You may even be joined by dolphins, turtles, seabirds and dugongs that call this beautiful bay home.

Swap predictable sightseeing tours for something more exhilarating and adventurous—a jet ski tour along the Brisbane River. Eliminate the guesswork of planning where to ride to, and instead, follow a guide under city bridges and past riverside mansions and key city highlights. Also, to help you get more out of the experience, the trip includes photo stops along the way.

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.

Rent your own wheels while in Brisbane for a fun spin around the city that lets you set your own pace. Choose to rent a bike, rollerblades or scooter from the friendly staff at the Kangaroo Point shop. Get pointers on good bike paths and routes through town, whether you want to make a short 1.5-hour jaunt to nearby hot spots such as South Bank, the City Botanic Gardens or New Farm Park, or keep your wheels for a full day or longer in order to see more.

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.

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.

Avoid crowded bus tours and busy sightseeing spots and see Brisbane from the water with this guided twilight kayaking adventure. Having a guide to lead the way means you don’t have to worry about getting lost, and the tour offers views that you wouldn’t see otherwise—including traveling under Brisbane’s inner city bridges.

Let’s get the music pumping and the drinks flowing, jump onboard the Epic Island Pub Crawl tour for an exciting day out and a chance to party with fellow travelers! Depart from City Botanic Gardens on the Brisbane River, in the center of Brisbane City. Enjoy an exhilarating trip on a high-speed vessel, down the river, and across magnificent Moreton Bay, full of sea life including dolphins, turtles, dugongs, stingrays, and even whales (in season). Visit two of the largest sand islands in the world – North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island. Party at two island bars is The World Famous “Gutter Bar” and Jamie Vogler’s “Amity Tavern.” Enjoy lunch at the Amity Tavern, which is included. On the islands, you can expect koalas, kangaroos, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. There is plenty of time to swim in the crystal-clear waters of Moreton Bay, so bring your towel. Return to City Botanic Gardens at sunset where you can continue the party at your leisure.

Experience diving amidst amazing underwater scenery at Cook Island, just a short boat ride away from the Gold Coast, on this small-group excursion. Perfect for both beginners and experienced divers, find yourself among a wide range of both reef and pelagic fish, including pufferfish, surgeonfish, anemonefish, sweetlips, and many more. Turtles, wobbegongs, and stingrays can also be sighted.

This full-day tour is ideal for travelers who want to see a lot of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa in one day without having to self-drive. Get out of Brisbane and travel to the beautiful outskirts, visiting highlights including iconic beaches at Noosa Heads, the Eumundi Markets, and artisan villages. Enjoy views of the Glasshouse Mountains, too. Learn more about the area from your guide’s commentary.

Join a guided kayak eco-tour discovering Moreton Bay’s hidden gems. Spot dolphins, turtles, dugongs and more in breath-taking surroundings only 30 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD. Whether you’re paddling through peaceful mangrove forests, discovering hidden islands, or gliding past sandy beaches, each tour offers a unique way to connect with nature just half an hour from Brisbane's CBD. Averaging around 6km round trip and with a break in the middle for included refreshments in picturesque surroundings, this tour is suitable for those with intermediate kayaking experience and fitness. We operate in a diverse variety of locations close to our HQ in Raby Bay to suit weather conditions and tides. Ready for an Unforgettable Kayaking Adventure? Blending relaxation, exploration, and adventure, our tours offer a one-of-a-kind experience of Moreton Bay Marine Park's rich and diverse coastline. Book today and paddle your way into nature!

About the Experience Discover southern Moreton Bay with Aria Cruises on a fun, affordable, and unforgettable sailing adventure to Peel Island. Cruise across sparkling waters and enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and activity. Swim, try stand-up paddleboarding, enjoy boom netting, play beach cricket, relax on the aqua mat, or simply unwind and take in the coastal scenery. Wildlife sightings are common — keep an eye out for dolphins, dugongs, and sea turtles along the way.

Make the most of your time in Brisbane with this half-day Jetski adventure. Relax and take in the views as you cruise through Brisbane's waterfront, marvel at stunning views, savor a delicious meal, and feel the rush of riding a jetski on the Brisbane River. Plus, enjoy passing by the historic Story Bridge—an architectural gem of the city.

Embark on an exhilarating 70-minute jet ski adventure along the Brisbane River, departing from Breakfast Creek in Newstead. Discover a side of the city few ever see as you glide beneath bridges, past landmarks, and through the heart of Brisbane’s vibrant waterfront. Feel the thrill of carving through calm river reaches as the city skyline unfolds before you—a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and stunning scenery.