Top Queensland Nature and Wildlife Tours

The rainforest-clad islands, white-sand beaches, and vast coral reefs of the Whitsundays are even more impressive when viewed from above. With this tour, take off on a scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and admire the views from the panoramic windows. Fly over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the Heart Reef, and enjoy a magnificent bird’s eye view of the Great Barrier Reef. Live commentary is available in English, Mandarin, and Spanish.

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.

The Daintree River, which meanders through one of the oldest rainforests in the world, is home to wildlife that you’re more likely to spot from the water. On this experience, cruise down the river with a guide looking for native wildlife such as crocodiles, tree snakes, and many species of birds. Learn about the unique tropical ecosystem along the way and return to the visitor center after about 60-90 minutes.

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.

Venture off-the-beaten-track and explore the UNESCO-listed wilderness of Australia’s tropical north on this full-day tour from Cairns. Journey along the Captain Cook Highway; take a guided hike through the Mossman Gorge and cool off with a dip in the Mossman River. After lunch (included), look out for crocodiles on a scenic cruise down the Daintree River, then continue to Cape Tribulation to trek through the Daintree Rainforest and enjoy magnificent views over the Great Barrier Reef. This small-group tour is limited to 14 people for a personalized experience.

Experience the beautiful Daintree River on a guided cruise. Choose from a variety of tour options, including morning trips with complimentary coffee and slushies for children, a lunch excursion with a meat pie and a cold drink, and afternoon adventure with a glass of wine, beer, and snacks. See crocodiles and an array of beautiful birds.

Visit the world’s largest koala sanctuary, which is located an easy 20-minute drive from downtown Brisbane. Home to more than 100 koalas as well as more than 70 other animal species, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers multiple ways to learn about native Australian wildlife. Enjoy experiences such as watching koalas and hand-feeding kangaroos and wild lorikeets under staff supervision. See platypus, sheepdogs, and birds of prey in action.

Set sail for a day of swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in the Whitsundays on this full-day tour. Cruise around the islands on a high-speed catamaran and discover the colorful underwater world of the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef as you stop at two snorkeling hotspots. Explore the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, admire dramatic coastal views on a hike to the Hill Inlet Lookout, then tuck into a delicious buffet lunch on-board (included).

Venture into the rainforest of the Atherton Tablelands with an expert guide to observe Australian native animals in the wild. From Cairns, travel into the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland to observe kangaroos, lizards, and possums by daylight, then continue after sundown to look for nocturnal critters like the elusive platypus and Lumholtz tree kangaroo. Enjoy afternoon tea at Lake Barrine and dinner at a country restaurant. This small-group tour is limited to 11 people, which ensures a more personalized experience with your guide.

Learn about geological history, local wildlife, and early explorers during a 45-minute Cathedral Cave tour at the Capricorn Caves. Take in the underground splendor of the cave system while learning more about its history, geology, and even its wildlife. The ramps and smooth pathways make this tour accessible to a wide range of travelers.

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.

Get up close to Australia’s native wildlife at the award-winning Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas. Spot kangaroos and koalas as you wander through the wetlands; tiptoe past crocodiles in the savannah; meet nocturnal critters under a starry sky in nocturnal habitat; then take in views of the rainforest from the treetop canopy walk. Upgrade to include breakfast with the birds or “swimming” with the crocodiles.

The Daintree's rainforest, coast, and the rugged Bloomfield Track are spread across a big stretch of Far North Queensland, hard to cover self-driving in a day. Join a 4WD tour that links them with a guided walk through the ancient rainforest and along the sand at Cape Tribulation. Watch for crocodiles on a river cruise, cool off with a freshwater swim in the forest, and finish with a tropical fruit ice cream.

Enjoy a close encounter with Australia's native animals at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the Gold Coast. Your ticket includes admission to the park plus daily keeper presentations and animal shows. Admire critters such as the kangaroo, Tasmanian devil, koala, wombat, echidna, and reptiles that live in natural-style bush and rainforest habitats. Walk through the stunning 5-acre forest of the Lost Valley and see unique flora and wildlife such as lemurs, red pandas, capybaras, and other exotic reptiles.

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders and Aboriginal heritage of Australia's Tropical North Queensland on this full-day tour from Cairns. First, head to the Mossman Gorge to take part in a traditional smoke ceremony with the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people. Then, enjoy lunch in the Daintree Village. After lunch, join a wildlife cruise on the Daintree River where you might see a crocodile, and learn about the fragile ecosystem of this impressive, serpent-like river system. Finally, head to Thornton’s Beach, where the rainforest meets the reef.

Visit Cape Tribulation at the heart of the Daintree to see a spectacular natural habitat come to life at night. Our Daintree Great Barrier Reef Night Tour is led by a local guide who will take you underneath the canopy of one of earth's oldest rainforests. You'll find a lively nocturnal world of Far North Queensland flora and fauna, some of which only exists here.

Get away from the rowdy crowds on the Sunshine Coast and make some new feathered friends in the heart of Queensland with this unique hinterland experience. Enjoy interactive encounters with native and exotic birds in the walk-through aviaries at Maleny Botanic Gardens. Meet cockatoos, macaws and more and get one-of-a-kind photo opportunities with these friendly birds – on your hand, on your head, and against the backdrop of the scenic Glass House Mountains.

Many of the reefs and mangroves around Palm Cove are hard to reach from land. Take to the water instead and paddle by kayak to Double Island; no experience needed. As you glide across the water, look out for turtles, fish, and small rays along the way. Dolphins and whales are sometimes spotted too.

Take off on a flight over the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, and see sights including Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet. Catch a bird’s-eye view of many of the Whitsunday Islands and fly over Whitehaven Beach and picturesque Hill Inlet before heading toward the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll see one of the most photographed reef locations, Heart Reef. The comfortable fixed wing aircraft offers big window viewing, plus enjoy pilot commentary.

Follow an expert photographer around Cairns Botanic Gardens, after it's closed to the public, on this guided nighttime photography walk. Bridgette Gower is a highly experienced photographer specializing in the tiny, weird, and wonderful, and on this unique tour, she teaches you how to use your camera to take pro shots. Learn professional photography tricks, and all about the wildlife that live there.

Hop on a Jet Ski tour of the Whitsunday Islands from Airlie Beach for an unforgettable experience of this tropical paradise. The multiple tour options suit beginner and experienced riders, with tandem riding possible on some tours. Zip past picturesque coves and beaches as you learn about the region from your guide and admire the gorgeous views. Receive personalized attention on small-group tours.

The Daintree's highlights are spread across rainforest, river, and coast, which is a lot to link up on a self-drive day from Cairns. Take a guided walk through the ancient forest at Mossman Gorge, watch for crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, and walk the sand at Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the beach. A tropical lunch and a stop at the Daintree Ice Cream Company round out the day, with hotel pickup included.

Experience the beauty of the Hinterland on this full-day discovery tour of Lamington National Park and the Scenic Rim from Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast. Embark on a scenic adventure to 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) above sea level, where you'll take in panoramic views, stroll along a peaceful canopy treetop walk, and spot wild birds along the way. Relax at O'Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, then enjoy a visit to the charming Mountain View Alpaca Farm.