Top Queensland Wildlife Watching in 2026

Experience the marine life of the Great Sandy Strait and K’gari on a morning dolphin-watching tour from Hervey Bay. Ride aboard a smaller boat that allows for a more personalized experience as you look for two dolphin species, sea turtles, and other animals. The tour includes time for boom-netting and a swim at K’gari (in the warmer months), and morning tea is served on board.

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.

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.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour is fully commentated, offering fascinating insights into the delicate ecosystems that make the Whitsundays so special. With its relaxed atmosphere and rare opportunity to see the reef come alive at night, this is an unforgettable 60 minute experience you won’t find anywhere else.

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.

While the plants of the Cairns Botanic Gardens provide plenty of opportunities for photographers, taking advantage of the garden’s tiny lifeforms takes skill. Learn about macro photography and the garden’s insects, spiders, and fungi on a small-group tour limited to 8 participants. If needed, hire camera gear with updated pricing and get specific guidance on settings and composition to improve your photography skills.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Explore Magnetic Island by boat, with up to two snorkeling stops and equipment included, plus an optional guided walk with opportunities to spot koalas. Allow approximately 4.5 hours from Townsville or 4 hours from Magnetic Island. Routes, snorkeling stops, walks and wildlife sightings depend on weather and local conditions. Lunch is an optional purchase at checkout, rather than included in the tour price. Townsville guests check in at The Docks, 108 Flinders Street, at 8am for the 8:30am departure. Magnetic Island guests meet at Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal at 8:45am for the 9am pickup.

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.

Get set for a wet and wild adventure as you hurtle down the Mulgrave River on a giant tube! Hang on tight as you navigate small rapids and then soak up the scenery as you drift through the rainforest. This fun-filled morning tour includes hotel pick-up and round-trip transport from Cairns, plus around 2 hours of tubing. Best of all: there’s no experience necessary, so everyone can give it a go!

This is one for the kids! Explore the enchanting Cairns Botanic Gardens on a Family Night Walk that reveals the rainforest's mysteries after dark. This immersive experience is tailored for families, highlighting nocturnal wildlife such as frogs, spiders, and unique insects, all while providing insights into their behaviors and ecological roles. With a maximum of 10 participants, enjoy being in a natural setting allowing observation and photography opportunities. Participants can bring their cameras for expert guidance on capturing stunning images of the night-active creatures. The tour is particularly designed for nature lovers and photographers, making it a perfect adventure for all ages. - Family-friendly night walk for all ages (note at least 1 x child must be booked in your group) - Maximum of 10 participants for an intimate experience - Focus on nocturnal wildlife including frogs, spiders, and more - Expert photography guidance for capturing nighttime wildlife moments

Experience the best of Bribie Island in just half a day on this streamlined tour that combines a 4-wheel drive experience along the beach, kayaking in the lagoon, kangaroo-spotting, and a visit to a World War II bunker. Included transfers from Bribie Island hotels simplify your day, as well as national park entry fees, snacks, and bottled water. See and do more than you could going alone.

Double Island Point is one of the best places in Australia to surf, and this half-day tour from Noosa is ideal for surfers of all levels. Follow the Great Beach Drive to the island by 4WD, and enjoy magnificent views of uncrowded point break waves that you can ride for hundreds of feet, even as a beginner. Need more guidance? Upgrade to add a group or private surf lesson.

Swim with whales on the Gold Coast with this guided half day excursion. Get eye to eye with these amazing, gentle creatures in either the Gold Coast, Coolangatta, or Tweed heads area. Your guide will do everything they can to find humpback whales for you to swim with. Coffee/ tea and fresh fruit will be provided after the swim, and snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and spray jackets included.

Award winning Cultural experience from Traditional Quandamooka Custodian! View Beautiful Minjerribah (Straddie) through the eyes of a local showcasing it's Culture, Country and Stories. Guaranteed to see Land and Sea animals along the way including Koalas, Dolphins, Birds and much more!