Top Gold Coast Nature and Wildlife Tours

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.

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.

Spotting whales in their natural habitat can be tricky if you don't know where to look. Skip the guesswork on this whale-watching cruise, which guarantees you will see humpback whales as they migrate past the Gold Coast from June to November or you receive a complimentary second cruise. The tour is led by a marine biologist guide who is passionate about conservation and offers insights into whale behavior that enrich the experience. Includes morning tea and a photo booklet souvenir.

Take a walk-through Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s natural bushland under the stars. Explore 9 cosmic zones on a 1.5km celestial trail. Allow 60-90 minutes for this immersive experience. Be inspired by stunning lights, colours and cosmic sounds. Enjoy delicious snacks and drinks – perfect to take on your cosmic adventure. Your visit supports vital wildlife conservation programs and the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. Please note our doors for this event close at 7:30.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the chance to spot whales in the wild so close to the Gold Coast. Just a twenty-minute cruise offshore, the Australian Whale Sanctuary is prime humpback whale habitat. Get great views of the creatures (when conditions are right) from onboard your comfortable boat, and watch live underwater footage streamed directly to your mobile device. This easy 2.5-hour trip can fit into busy itineraries.

Don't just see the Whales, EXPERIENCE THEM! Our experience is like no other! Onboard our new state-of-the-art vessel, we are able to get you to the whales a lot quicker, meaning more time watching whales and less time travelling! With 360 degree views from all positions onboard, and limited tickets onboard, you'll always have prime views and never have to battle crowds. Our professional crew onboard also offer great commentary of the whales through the surround speakers. We offer the best experience, and the best whale views, unobstructed by crowds onboard the SAFEST & FASTEST whale watching vessel. Awarded QUEENSLAND'S NEW TOURISM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR!

Sample the natural beauty of the Gold Coast, without having to buy or rent equipment, with this outdoor adventure. Hop on a sea kayak and paddle your way over to Wave Break Island for a guided snorkel over a rocky reef and a short bushwalk. Spot dolphins and stingrays, then enjoy tasty, locally sourced snacks before returning to shore.

In a small group with a maximum of eight people we will spend 3-4 hours offshore with the Humpback whales. There are over 35,000 Humpbacks on Australia's East coast so sightings are guaranteed although the whales decide if they want to swim with us. Our skipper is highly experienced swimming with whales around the World and is very familiar with identifying happy and curious whale behaviour. Our group size is kept to a minimum of just eight swimmers to increase the chances of a unique and special encounter. Despite their size humpbacks can be shy and large groups of people in the water are definitely not ideal for a good whale interaction. To keep you warm we have 5mm freedive suits with hoods and quality masks and fins. Our boat is fast and comfortable and gets us to the Whales quickly.

A rainforest visit is easy to rush when you're working out which trails, viewpoints, and waterfalls to fit in. Leave the planning to your guide on this private tour as you head from the Gold Coast to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests and Springbrook National Park. Watch for wild koalas and kangaroos, stop at scenic viewpoints, and learn about the Aboriginal custodians of the land. At lunch, choose a picnic spot at the top or bottom of a waterfall.

Experience the Gold Coast’s beautiful Surfers Paradise on a tour aboard an amphibious Aquaduck that transforms seamlessly from bus to boat. Bring the kids and hop aboard this unusual dual-purpose vessel for a jaunt along the area’s picturesque beaches, past local landmarks like Marina Mirage, and along the glitz of Millionaire’s Row.

Visitors to the Gold Coast seeking some thrills and adventure will find plenty on offer at the zipline and rope course over Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Follow precarious rope networks and ziplines to navigate this area of rainforest high above the ground, which even crosses over a crocodile enclosure to really up the stakes. Please note that this adventure course has both age and height restrictions for users.

Embark on a day of discovery with the Hop on Hop off Bus to Tamborine Mountain, visiting two of the area’s top attractions—the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk and the Glow Worm Caves. Travel in comfort and enjoy the flexibility to explore Tamborine Mountain’s unique charm at your leisure. • Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk: A scenic eco-adventure through elevated walkways, bridges, and forest trails, offering spectacular views and a deeper connection to nature. • Glow Worm Caves: Experience the enchanting glow of thousands of bioluminescent glow worms in a specially designed cave. A unique and unforgettable encounter!

Get ready for a day of discovery, adventure, and unforgettable moments! Start at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where Australia’s most iconic animals come to life—hand-feed friendly kangaroos, snap a photo with a cuddly koala, and be amazed by vibrant lorikeets swooping down during the famous feeding. Wander through lush rainforest and enjoy captivating wildlife shows before we journey south. In Byron Bay, soak up the laid-back vibe as you explore boutique shops, stroll golden beaches, and breathe in the ocean air. Cap it all off with a visit to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, where sweeping views from Australia’s most easterly point will take your breath away. This is the ultimate blend of wildlife, nature, and coastal charm—an experience you’ll never forget!

In the late afternoon, walk amongst kangaroos as they graze freely and search for koalas in a wild natural habitat. After dark witness the unique beauty of the Glow Worms in their natural habitat while discovering the rainforest of a nighttime! On our nocturnal walk into the rainforest to the base of a waterfall we will search for wildlife and other critters lurking in the wilderness. This experience is designed to avoid other people and see as many animals and creatures as possible. If the sky is clear it is a beautiful spot to see the stars and the night sky or watching the sunset over the Gold Coast hinterland from a viewpoint.

Whale Watching & Sailing Cruise – Gold Coast (Small Group) Experience the Humpback migration away from crowds. While others carry hundreds, we limit ours to 28 guests, ensuring a front-row seat on our luxury sailing catamaran. The Experience Depart Southport for a 4-hour journey. Our stable catamaran offers a unique, low perspective perfect for witnessing whales breaching and tail-slapping. Enjoy expert commentary on whale behavior and the marine ecosystem. Dining & Drinks Enjoy morning tea and a fresh lunch of gourmet wraps and baguettes filled with meats, cheeses, and salads. For the sail home, visit our onboard licensed bar to purchase a cold beer, wine, or soft drink. Highlights Small Group: Max 28 guests for unobstructed views. Fresh Lunch: Gourmet wraps/baguettes and morning tea. Licensed Bar: Drinks available for purchase on deck. Sighting Guarantee: If no whales are seen, join us again for free!

This is far more than a standard sightseeing tour. Led by renowned local wildlife expert and qualified zoologist "Phil the Frogfather", this private experience combines spectacular waterfalls, ancient rainforest, breathtaking lookouts and authentic wildlife encounters that most visitors never get the chance to experience. Unlike large group tours that follow a fixed itinerary, every tour is tailored to your group and adapted to current wildlife activity, weather conditions and your interests. Phil's extensive knowledge of the Gold Coast Hinterland allows guests to discover hidden locations and search for rare native wildlife including pademelons, koalas, echidnas, platypus, rare frogs, reptiles and birdlife. With private transport, lunch, snacks and refreshments included, this is a personalised, immersive nature experience designed for travellers seeking a genuine connection with Australia's remarkable wildlife and natural landscapes.

The Gold Coast Broadwater is an estuary north of Surfers Paradise, known for sheltered waters, island beaches, and dolphins. Working out where to go and what do there can be hard visiting on your own. With this tour, your guide will get you set up kayak equipment and snorkeling gear for you to visit nearby Wavebreak Island. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin in the area.

Swim with whales on the Gold Coast with this guided half day excursion. Get eye to eye with these amazing, gentle creatures in either the Gold Coast, Coolangatta, or Tweed heads area. Your guide will do everything they can to find humpback whales for you to swim with. Coffee/ tea and fresh fruit will be provided after the swim, and snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and spray jackets included.

Step Into the Wild and Then Take to the Skies! Start your day immersed in the lush, tranquil setting of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary—home to Australia’s most beloved animals. Then, gear up for adrenaline-pumping aerial action at TreeTop Challenge Adventure Park, located inside the sanctuary itself. Located just 200 metres from Currumbin Beach, TreeTop Challenge combines the beauty of ancient rainforest with the thrill of 14 ziplines, 7 high ropes courses, and over 100 climbing, swinging, and leaping challenges—all while soaring above iconic Australian wildlife. This self-paced, fully supervised adventure caters to all thrill levels—from beginner-friendly green circuits to Australia’s most extreme black diamond high ropes. Test your courage with the famous Croc Shock zipline and climb over kangaroo country before conquering ninja obstacles and sky-high platforms. This experience offers unforgettable moments and epic views.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Tamborine Mountain with Pineapple Tours! Embark on an enchanting journey through the treetops on the Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Skywalk. Feel the thrill of walking high above the ground and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the lush rainforest below. As the morning adventure wraps up, enjoy the convenience of Pineapple Tours' Hop-On Hop-Off service, giving you the freedom to explore the mountain at your own pace for the rest of the afternoon. From cascading waterfalls to panoramic viewpoints, Historical Sites and Even a chance to Taste Gin and Liqueurs, Tamborine Mountain has a treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be discovered. To ensure a hassle-free experience, Pineapple Tours provides door-to-door pickups from hotels in both Brisbane and the Gold Coast in their new, modern minibuses. Revel in comfort, style, and the wonders of nature on this unforgettable day out with Pineapple Tours.

Leave the crowds on land and immerse yourself in the underwater world off the Gold Coast in search of turtles and other marine life on this small-group boat tour from Chinderah, south of Fingal Head. Cruise to the Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, the foraging grounds of a large number of turtles. Then jump off board to snorkel and look out turtles, rays, and temperate species of fish.

Since time immemorial, Aboriginal people who speak the Yugambeh language have lived off the land of Burleigh Heads National Park. Delve deep into their culture on this fascinating walking tour, led by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander guide. Encounter dreaming stories at the Jellurgal Aboriginal Culture Centre, then discover sacred sites, traditional bush tucker, and the sustainable practices that have kept the land liveable for thousands of years.

Start your day off right with a kayaking and snorkeling tour to Wavebreak Island from Biggera Waters, south of the Gold Coast. Paddle at a leisurely pace, while keeping an eye out for wildlife such as stingrays and seabirds. Head to a secluded island for a snorkel break, where you can spot loads of tropical fish. Visit a secluded beach and enjoy a picnic breakfast to refuel before heading back.