Top Queensland Wildlife Encounters

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Start your day with a unique breakfast experience surrounded by wildlife on Magnetic Island. This 90-minute event allows you to meet adorable residents like Garry the koala and Harry, the Southern Hairy-nosed wombat, all while enjoying a freshly prepared breakfast outdoors. Set amongst native trees, the menu includes pancakes, crispy bacon, eggs, and local fruits, catering to various dietary needs. Connect with passionate rangers dedicated to wildlife conservation, and create lasting memories in this interactive setting. Capture the essence of Australian wildlife while respecting their well-being, as koala photos are not permitted.

Experience one of the wonders of the natural world up close and personal on this snorkeling and diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. Climb aboard a superyacht in Cairns and set sail to two different outer reef locations. Explore the colorful world underneath the water, and snorkel or dive for a closer look. A delicious barbecue lunch and light refreshments are included.

Tackle the grade II and III rapids of the Barron River on this adrenaline-pumping half-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Prepare to get wet and wild as you hurtle over the rapids, then float downstream past the jagged cliffs, plunging ravines, and lush rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park. Best of all: With full instruction provided, this tour is suitable for all levels, including complete beginners.

Get up close and personal with the nightlife in Surfers Paradise—the natural nightlife, that is! Take a nocturnal walk in the lively, subtropical rainforest of the Gold Coast and see some of its local inhabitants waking up ready for a busy night. This walk is particularly good for spotting glow worms in their natural habitat, and your knowledgeable guide will help you spot other creatures in the depths of the forest too.

Enjoy a relaxing yet activity-filled half-day on Magnetic Island. On board the cruise you’ll learn about the unique biodiversity of this island from your local guides. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle boards are provided so you can fully explore the underwater environment of Magnetic Island’s fringing reef. This is a fun trip for the whole family.

Explore the lush beauty, amazing wildlife, and rich heritage of Tropical North Queensland on this customizable full-day trip to Kuranda from Cairns. Travel to this enchanting rainforest village aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, and choose from a variety of activities including visits to Birdworld and Rainforestation Nature Park. Hang out with koalas and exotic birds, browse local markets, and more. At the end of the day, glide through the treetops back to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Unlike standard whale watching boat tours, this experience is a full-day eco adventure into the remote Great Sandy National Park from Rainbow Beach. Your tour includes: - Scenic 4WD beach transport through the National Park - Access to remote coastal locations unreachable by regular vehicles - Small group guided ocean kayaking - Quiet, low-impact whale encounters with no engine noise - A more personal and immersive wildlife experience - Opportunities to encounter dolphins, turtles, rays and more - Time spent in pristine natural surroundings far from crowded tourist vessels - Crystal clear waters of Honeymoon Bay & ancient coloured sand cliffs - A natural whale sanctuary Rather than viewing whales from a large boat amongst crowds, our tours focus on respectful encounters in nature, allowing wildlife experiences to happen naturally and on the whales’ terms. This is more than just whale watching — it’s a complete Great Sandy National Park adventure experience.

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

Mangrove Tunnels At Noosa Heads: The only kayak tour operating right at Noosa Heads, discover the secret waterways and local wildlife here in Noosa. Explore a globally recognised Noosa Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO site dedicated to conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. Paddle through a variety of ecosystems, including mangrove forests, salt marshes, and seagrass beds, each supporting a rich array of marine and plant life. Encounter an abundance of wildlife, rays, crabs, native bees, snakes and especially bird species such as the majestic Osprey, the colourful Rainbow Bee-eater, and the elusive Mangrove Kingfisher.

Experience the beauty of Brisbane on this full-day wildlife and wilderness coastal tour. Offering visitors the chance to come face to face with kangaroos, birds, and even a shipwreck, this private tour is a great way to get out of the city and discover the beauty of Brisbane’s northern coastline. You’ll also visit the Osprey House Environmental Centre and swing by Scarborough boat harbor for lunch (at own cost).

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.

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.

Hop in a kayak and paddle from Palm Cove to Double Island, where mangroves and coral reefs await. Along the way, you’ll meet turtles, fish, and small rays, and, if you’re lucky, even dolphins and whales. No previous kayaking experience is needed, and the tour is suitable for all. All kayaking equipment and light snacks are provided.

Treat yourself, along with your family and friends, to a day exploring a family-owned farm. Skip the usual petting zoo crowds and get introduced to the animals in an intimate setting. Feed them, pat them, and interact with them in a calm environment, so your can feel what it's really like to live on a farm and care for these amazing creatures.

Journey to the rain forest village of Kuranda via two unique transit options on this memorable full-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Skip the line and enjoy Gold Class service aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through lush mountain passes and waterfall gorges along the way. In the opposite direction, glide above the treetops in a gondola and soak up spectacular views of the mountains and coastline on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. In Kuranda, enjoy leisure time to explore the heritage markets, learn about aboriginal culture or interact with native wildlife.

Enjoy a full-day whale-watching tour from Hervey Bay that visits Platypus Bay, a prime location for whale-watching near K'Gari. Have plenty of time to witness the majestic humpback whales at play as they pass Australia during their annual migration to Antarctica. Your tour includes morning and afternoon tea and a delicious lunch buffet. Learn about the whales and the marine environment from your crew’s informative commentary.

Get into a kayak for an amazing guided trip from Rainbow beach, but first get into a 4WD zipping up the sand to the Great Sandy National Park where you get to the kayak starting point, Double Island Point. Your experience is all planned out for you, so you just need to enjoy the ride, and keep an eye out for Bottlenose dolphins, Humpback whales, turtles and rays!

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.