Top Queensland Sightseeing Tours in 2026

Ride to the Low Isles on this Great Barrier Reef sailing and snorkeling cruise from Port Douglas. You'll enjoy a full day relaxing on white-sand beaches, snorkeling and sailing the reef in a glass-bottom boat. With an expert marine biologist as your guide, explore pristine tropical waters filled with marine life. You're served a buffet lunch by an attentive crew aboard a luxury catamaran, limited to 33 passengers.

Enjoy the most scenic 30 minutes of your life on this helicopter ride over the Great Barrier Reef. Fly over Green Island and see its unique forest canopy—it’s actually part of the reef, not an island—and see Mount Yarrabah and False Cape on your way. Spot marine life like rays and sharks from above as you travel to Arlington Reef, then enjoy unbeatable views of the Queensland coastline and the Great Dividing Range on your way back to Cairns.

If visiting the ancient coral cay of Green Island for the day wasn’t great enough, add a seawalker helmet dive to your package. Take a super-fast catamaran from Cairns to the island and choose between the use of snorkeling gear or a glass-bottom boat ride (included). Add more fun to the day by donning a glass helmet and taking a guided walk on the seabed, surrounded by coral and tropical fish while keeping your head dry.

Busy Great Barrier Reef boats can make it hard to find a quiet spot between snorkeling stops. Travel in the Gold Class Lounge on a large catamaran to the Outer Reef, with a dedicated concierge looking after your group. Relax in a separate lounge area with extras provided, then head out to explore the waters.

Explore Northern Queensland’s natural beauty on a full-day tour of Cape Tribulation and the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Daintree Rainforest from Cairns. Start the day spotting koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles at a wildlife park in Port Douglas, then head to Cape Tribulation beach. Take a guided hike through the rainforest, looking out for native birds such as cassowaries. End with a cruise on the Daintree River and perhaps spy wild crocodiles.

Spend a day immersed in nature, without worrying about logistics, on this day trip from Cairns. Experience the natural wonders of Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands and visit different parts of the UNESCO-listed Daintree Rainforest. Explore waterfalls like Josephine and Millaa Millaa, swim in Lake Eacham, and see the Cathedral Fig Tree, with lots of time for swimming and a flexible itinerary adapts to weather and group preferences.

The best of the Sunshine Coast is spread out across a variety of locations—hard to reach alone, especially without a car of your own. Hop aboard a coach to explore beyond Brisbane on a guided tour that checks off the Hinterland and Noosa, including artisan villages, Eumundi Markets, and views of the Glasshouse Mountains.

Getting from the airport to your hotel can be very stressful. Avoid the hassle altogether and prebook this Brisbane arrival transfer shuttle from Brisbane Airport. You’ll ride comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle from the airport to your hotel in the Brisbane or Gold Coast area. You’ll be able to bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag with you, too.

Whether you want to immerse yourself in the Great Barrier Reef or view it from a bit of a distance, this day trip to the outer reef has you covered. The activity platform at the reef provides opportunities to snorkel, dive, and swim, and to view it from the comfort of a semi-submersible and an underwater observatory. An ideal day trip for the whole family.

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.

Get a bird’s-eye perspective of Tropical North Queensland on an unforgettable hot air balloon flight at sunrise. Soar over the Atherton Tablelands as golden sunlight breaks across beautiful farmlands, rivers, and forests. Choose the duration of your flights and enjoy pickup and drop-off from your Cairns, Northern Beaches, or Palm Cove hotel. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful way to start your day!

Visit two of the most popular wildlife venues in the Cairns area with this combo admission to the Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld. Aussie animals are renowned for various reasons—from adorable (koalas) to elusive (wombats). You’ll have the chance to see an array of wildlife. Some activities are an additional fee.

Leave busy Brisbane for a small-group full-day tour that showcases the natural beauty of North Stradbroke Island. Swim in the surf or freshwater lakes, take a short guided hike, view whales and other marine animals from the beach and coastal lookouts, visit small towns including historic Amity Point, and go in search of the island’s population of wild kangaroos and koalas.

Get a taste of the Atherton Tablelands during this 10-hour food tour and tasting experience from Cairns. Learn about how the volcanic soil allows cultivation of diverse range of produce and taste the spoils of this region. All tastings and meals are provided, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.

Explore the natural bounty of Queensland on this full-day tour to Lamington National Park from Gold Coast or Brisbane. Soak up spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean from atop Mt Tambourine, and create your own adventure at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Encounter flocks of king parrots and other native bird species on a treetop canopy walk, and try your hand at bird feeding on a ground-level bush walk. Visit a local alpaca farm for a furry finish to the day!

The spread of the Gold Coast hinterland—its vineyards, pastures, and forest—can only be taken in from the air, which is hard to arrange yourself. Drift over it by hot-air balloon at dawn instead, picked up first from your Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach accommodation. Come back down to a buffet breakfast with sparkling wine at a local vineyard.

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.

Take in the highlights of Agnes Water by land and sea on-board a unique LARC amphibious vehicle. Set out on a full-day adventure crossing tidal creeks, sandy beaches and 4WD drive trails, as you explore the Town of 1770 and Bustard Bay. Stop for lunch (included) on Middle Island, take in the views from the Bustard Head lighthouse, then get your adrenaline pumping as you try sandboarding (optional) down the dunes of Middle Island.

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.

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.

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!

Mooloolaba is one of many resort towns along the Sunshine Coast–the kind of place where the beaches and bars get packed during the summer. Take a break with this lunchtime cruise along the Mooloolaba coast. Dine on fresh seafood (including locally caught prawns) and enjoy views of the town’s golden beaches from inside a cozy cruise ship on the Coral Sea.

Exploring the Whitsundays’ natural highlights can be a hassle on your own. This full-day tour from Airlie Beach takes care of the logistics for you, pairing a visit to Cedar Creek Falls with time to relax at the secluded Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill. Swim in freshwater rock pools, unwind on the beach, and enjoy included food and a drink, all without worrying about transport or planning a route between stops.

Maximize your chances of spotting whales on this half-day cruise from Hervey Bay. Hop aboard a purpose-built vessel designed for comfort, visibility, and responsible eco-tourism, and listen as the crew guides you through close-up whale encounters and shares insights into their behavior. Listen to whales sing via an onboard hydrophone, and watch for other marine life as you cruise the bay.