Top Queensland Half-day Tours

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.

Enjoy the sun, sand, and marine life of the Low Isles without the midday crowds—the early-morning or early-afternoon departures avoid the busiest times. Snorkel in the coral gardens, walk around the tiny islands, or take a glass-bottom boat tour so you can stay dry while admiring the underwater world. Choose whether to snorkel with or without a guide, depending on your confidence level.

Green Island is one of the closest parts of the Great Barrier Reef to Cairns, but planning a day trip visit there can be complicated. However, your options are all laid out in front of you with this half-day trip. Easily book activities, such as a ride on a semi-submarine or glass bottom boat, together with your catamaran ride between Cairns and the island.

This is a great tour for those who only want to spend a half-day out or are short on time. We visit two areas on this trip, Daintree River and Mossman Gorge. We begin with a drive along the Captain Cook Highway, on the way to the Daintree River, and share a little history along the way. Here, we board a cruise along the Daintree River, looking out for local wildlife, including the estuarine crocodile, snakes, birds, frogs, and more. After the Wildlife Cruise, we enjoy morning tea with Lamingtons and tea/coffee. Once in Mossman Gorge National Park, we conduct an interpretive walk along an elevated boardwalk. Weather dependent, we can enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear rainforest stream, whilst being surrounded by the beautiful and healing Mossman Gorge rainforest. What a memorable way to spend your morning!

Discover the beauty of Hervey Bay and K'gari Island from the water on this sightseeing and swimming cruise. Leaving from Hervey Bay, you’ll cruise through the turquoise waters of the Great Sandy Strait and along the western coast of K'gari Island (weather dependent), past lush forested islands and secluded beaches. If you fancy, you can even jump in the water and come face-to-face with dolphins and sea turtles in the purpose-built boom-net.

Enjoy an unforgettable animal encounter with a visit to Hartley's Crocodile Adventures from Cairns. Brave a face-to-face meeting with menacing crocodiles or hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies with guidance and supervision from the friendly staff, then get up-close to other Aussie creatures like Koala's, cassowaries, quolls and snakes. Best of all, your self-guided tour includes entrance tickets, hotel pick-up and round-trip transport from Cairns.

Set out on a half-day catamaran tour to stunning Whitehaven Beach for swimming at this postcard–perfect slice of paradise. Considered one of the world's top beaches and the most beautiful one in the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach is a must-see in the Great Barrier Reef region. Travel in comfort from Port Airlie on a motorized catamaran with air-conditioning. Morning or afternoon tea is provided on board and your crew supplies beach activities and informative commentary along the way.

Follow the trail of Australia’s outback pioneers on this tour down the Longreach-Windorah mail route. Gallop through the bush and down dusty roads on a restored stagecoach, just like settlers used in the 19th century. This family-friendly outback throwback includes a traditional smoko (scones with jam, cream, and tea), a classic Australian bush movie screening, and time to browse the Cobb and Co Courtyard collection.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge. Whether you're short on time or just prefer comfortable itineraries, this half-day tour lets you see and do a lot but without cramming everything in. Cruise along the Daintree River, looking out for crocs, birds, and other wildlife. Take a nature walk in Mossman Gorge and cool off with a swim in a rainforest stream if you like.

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, Numinbah valley and Rainbow Falls. This small-group tour is limited to 16 people for a personalised experience, and includes light refreshments and hotel pick-up from selected locations.

After a short ferry ride from Townsville to the paradise of Magnetic Island, you'll board a luxury sailing yacht for a few hours of sailing, relaxation, fun and a delicious grazing platter. Sail along the breathtaking Magnetic Island coastline with its impressive granite boulders and hoop pines before anchoring in one of the secluded bays. There you'll have plenty of time to have a swim, stroll on the beach and relax, before enjoying a locally sourced grazing platter served with organic wines and local beers or soft drinks. While at anchor experience the local wildlife up close and personal - observe batfish and other reef fish, kites, sea eagles, and turtles. Our friendly, knowledgeable crew will share insights into the area and its vibrant marine life. They will also give you the opportunity to steer the yacht or learn a bit about sailing during your journey, if you wish. A day of fun and relaxation to remember. Return ferry tickets to Townsville included.

Experience Cape Tribulation on a half-day snorkeling adventure. After a convenient pickup at your hotel, board a sturdy ocean safari vessel and head for the cape. Throw on your gear and dive in, watching for sea turtles, eagle rays, giant clams, brilliant coral, starfish, and tropical fish as you swim along the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at the Daintree Rainforest—a UNESCO World Heritage site—from the water.

Embark on an exclusive small-group adventure through the breathtaking Southern Daintree Rainforest, guided by experienced experts. This unforgettable experience includes: Morning tea and a light lunch. Informative and engaging commentary from knowledgeable guides. Intimate groups capped at 20 guests for a personalized experience. A wildlife-spotting river cruise to explore the region's unique fauna. A visit to the stunning Mossman Gorge. Comfortable travel in air-conditioned vehicles. Discover the wonders of this ancient rainforest in style and comfort!

This small-group bus tour is an efficient way to save time and check off the top landmarks of Brisbane. Rather than spending hours researching and planning a route, enjoy an expertly planned sightseeing route that takes you between the city’s must-see spots—including Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park, Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, and Brisbane Powerhouse, all with insightful commentary from your guide between stops. Hotel pickup adds convenience to your experience.

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.

Whether you’re on a quick shore excursion from a cruise ship or are staying around Airlie Beach and don’t want to self-drive, this shuttle bus service makes it easy to visit Cedar Creek Falls. With departures throughout the morning and afternoon, you can find a time to suit your schedule. Admire the natural beauty of the falls, swim in the clear waters, and look out for birds and animals.

Travel back in time to the golden era of train travel with a journey on the Mary Valley Heritage Railway. Experience the old world nostalgia as soon as you step into the historic Gympie Station, where you’ll learn about the history of steam locomotives before boarding the Mary Valley Rattler. Enjoy the countryside views as you head out to Amamoor, where the train is turned around for the journey back.

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.

Explore more of the Whitsundays’ Conway National Park on a fun small-group Segway tour. Learn to operate the vehicle: full instruction and practice time is provided so no experience is necessary. Then follow your guide on a scenic tour through the rainforest, going further than you would on foot. Glide along serene rainforest trails, following part of the Whitsunday Great Walk, and hop off to enjoy a filling morning tea.

Magnetic Island has so much to offer travelers, it can be hard to know where to start. But if you’ve seen the Netflix show “Izzy’s Koala World”, you may already know your host for this tour. Visit a wealth of bays, including the wreck of the Presto, look out for wildlife including rock wallabies, turtles, and dugong, learn about the island’s World War II history at the forts, and more.

Hop aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned catamaran for a dinner cruise from Cairns, and experience a new perspective on the city from the water's edge. Sip a complimentary welcome drink as you glide along the Cairns waterfront precinct and along the idyllic Trinity Inlet, then tuck into a delicious hot and cold buffet dinner featuring seafood and fresh local produce. Vegetarian and other dietary options can be catered for.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales off the coast of Hervey Bay with this morning or afternoon half-day cruise. Ride the sheltered waters of Platypus Bay in a stable catamaran that offers superior comfort and clear views of passing marine life, which may also includes dolphins, turtles and seabirds, and perhaps even a dingo on the sandy beach at Fraser Island.

Experience the thrill of an up-close encounter with migrating whales on this half-day cruise from Brisbane, available only between June and November. Set sail around Moreton Bay on a luxurious high-speed catamaran and tuck into a delicious buffet lunch on-board as you soak up the scenery. Finally, keep your camera to hand as you spot humpback whales swimming and breaching beside the ship – a rare opportunity to spot the gentle giants in their natural environment.