Top Queensland Sightseeing Tours in 2026

Explore Airlie Beach on a private tour by tuk-tuk for a fun twist on a traditional sightseeing tour. Just sit back and admire the city as a guide introduces you to the best locales. Select from various tour durations and themes, including a food tour or sunset ride, to suit your schedule and budget.

Discover the vibrant underwater world of the outer Great Barrier Reef with a Quicksilver snorkeling cruise from Port Douglas. Board a luxurious catamaran to Agincourt Reef, where you can tailor your day with activities like snorkeling, fish feeding, semi-submersible tours, or the unique Ocean Walker helmet dive. Complete the adventure with a tasty buffet lunch and options to take your exploration deeper with scuba dives for beginners or certified divers alike.

Explore the waters of Airlie Beach on this guided jet ski tour. Zip across the bays at high speed, with the chance to possibly encounter marine life such as sea turtles. The Sea-Doo skis are suitable for both experienced riders and beginners. No experience required. There is a maximum of two passengers per jet ski.

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.

Spot humpback whales swimming and playing in their natural environment on this half-day Hervey Bay catamaran cruise. Observe the majestic sea creatures using the boat’s underwater viewing windows or listen to the whales sing using the onboard hydrophones. Learn all about the gentle giants from your expert guide, then tuck into morning or afternoon tea as you watch the whales from the deck.

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.

Spend a day on the Great Barrier Reef at two different snorkel and dive sites on this luxury catamaran cruise from Cairns. Travel in style aboard a fast, comfortable catamaran to the outer edge of Upolu Reef, "Wonder Wall," and the Upolu Cay reef area, where you can choose to snorkel or dive (additional cost) and observe the coral that's teeming with colorful fish. Refuel with a buffet lunch on board the catamaran, ensuring there's

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.

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kuranda Rainforest independently can be time-consuming and complex, with transport, tickets, and timing to manage. This full-day tour from Cairns simplifies the experience by combining the region’s highlights into one seamless itinerary. Journey to Kuranda aboard the historic Scenic Railway, visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, tour Rainforestation Nature Park in an amphibious Army Duck, and see koalas, dingoes, and native wildlife at the Koala and Wildlife Park. An immersive Dreamtime walk with a Pamagirri guide, and an Australian barbecue buffet lunch are included, before returning to Cairns via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Make the most of limited time in Cairns with an easy, half-day sightseeing tour that's perfect for cruise passengers and short-stay visitors. Instead of juggling taxis and timetables, travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle as you visit highlights such as the Cairns Botanic Gardens, Palm Cove Beach, and Barron Gorge National Park.

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.

Some call Hervey Bay the Whale Watch Capital of the World for the migrating humpbacks which glide through between July and late October. Marvel at these playful 44-ton (40-tonne) mammals from the comfortable MV Amaroo catamaran with guaranteed sightings (conditions apply). While packages include morning or afternoon tea on board.

Watch the sunset from the deck of a luxury catamaran on a relaxing evening cruise from Port Douglas. Admire the coastline during golden hour for epic photos, and enjoy being outside when temperatures have cooled. Your captain steers your vessel to prime viewpoints for watching the sunset and the Coral Sea, the Low Isles, and the gorgeous coastline around Port Douglas.

Seeing the Great Barrier Reef usually means snorkeling or diving, which rules it out for anyone who'd rather stay dry. Ride a glass-bottom boat over the reefs near Airlie Beach instead, watching the coral, reef fish, and turtles through the hull. Commentary covers the marine ecosystem as you go.

Go kayaking with dolphins and 4-wheeling on the beach during a half-day tour on the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane. Visit a National Park location that is only accessible by 4WD vehicle, and kayak around Double Island Point looking for dolphins, migrating whales, turtles, rays and more. Includes kayak equipment and instruction, light refreshments, and transportation by 4WD and ferry.

Go snorkeling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day cruise from Cairns. Relax on board your 80-foot (25-meter) luxury catamaran as your captain sails to two exclusive locations on the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to snorkel or dive, with full instruction provided by guides, and see an array of colorful fish, sea turtles, and corals. Your tour includes morning and afternoon tea, and a buffet lunch, with additional beverages available for purchase.

Explore the powdery white sand and turquoise waters of the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands on this full-day speed boat cruise around the islands. You’ll have plenty of time on the famous Whitehaven Beach for a buffet lunch picnic, swimming, and snorkeling, with a lesson if necessary, and also stop at Hill Inlet. The crew will also share stories and facts about marine life, aboriginal culture, and local history along the way.

Benefit from a full-day sailing tour from Port Douglas to the Outer Barrier Reef to swim, snorkel, and sail in one of Australia’s most famous destinations. Visit the northern portion of the Great Barrier Reef, where coral cays and turquoise ocean are home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. Includes a buffet lunch, guided snorkel tour, glass-bottom boat tour, and commentary from a marine biologist guide.

Explore the wild landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands on this full-day tour from Cairns. Cruise around Lake Barrine crater lake, spot native wildlife in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed wet tropics rainforest, and tour the magnificent Paronella Park. Along the way, see natural wonders such as the Curtain Fig Tree, swim beneath Millaa Millaa Falls, and enjoy an included lunch. Avoid the hassle of self-driving as you explore this beautiful area.

Discover the underwater beauty of the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day tour from Cairns. Glide across the Coral Sea on a catamaran ride to a premium outer reef location with diverse marine life. Spend hours at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed reef with exclusive access to an activity platform staffed by marine biologist guides. Snorkel, scuba dive, or opt to take a glass-bottom boat tour.

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.

If you want to enjoy a tropical island beach paradise from Cairns but don’t have a lot of time, this half or full-day trip to Green Island is ideal. Be transported by fast catamaran from Cairns to save time. Choose between a glass-bottomed boat tour or the use of snorkeling equipment. Get access to the island’s pool or take a self-guided walk of the island if you want to be more active.

Take in the beauty of local flora and fauna in Cairns’ Trinity Inlet with this short cruise (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes in duration). Admire diverse bird life, marvel at the mangroves and hopefully also spot a crocodile or two. The tour only takes a limited number of guests, so commentary from your guide is personalized and there is plenty of time for questions.

Watch the dreamy sunset over the Whitsunday islands on this evening cruise, sailing on-board a traditional gaff-rigged schooner. Sip a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and tuck into light snacks as you glide around Pioneer Bay, and experience the beauty of Airlie Beach at twilight as you drift back to shore.