Top Queensland Wildlife Watching

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the chance to spot whales in the wild so close to the Gold Coast. Just a twenty-minute cruise offshore, the Australian Whale Sanctuary is prime humpback whale habitat. Get great views of the creatures (when conditions are right) from onboard your comfortable boat, and watch live underwater footage streamed directly to your mobile device. This easy 2.5-hour trip can fit into busy itineraries.

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.

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.

Spotting whales in their natural habitat can be tricky if you don't know where to look. Skip the guesswork on this whale-watching cruise, which guarantees you will see humpback whales as they migrate past the Gold Coast from June to November or you receive a complimentary second cruise. The tour is led by a marine biologist guide who is passionate about conservation and offers insights into whale behavior that enrich the experience. Includes morning tea and a photo booklet souvenir.

See nocturnal wildlife in its native habitat on this small-group nighttime guided walk around Cape Tribulation. In the company of scientist guides, venture into old growth tropical rainforest, following trails only your group has access to, and learn all about the plants and animals that make this World Heritage-listed ecosystem their home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spot humpback whales and dolphins swimming in their natural habitat during a spectacular whale watching cruise from Mooloolaba. Listen to the crew's informative commentary about the whales, which migrate annually between Australia and Antarctica, and learn about other marine life of the Sunshine Coast that you get to see firsthand. Your 22-passenger vessel provides optimal viewing opportunities without the crowds.

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!

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.

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).

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.

Explore the beauty of Magnetic Island on this 4.5-hour boat tour that combines thrilling snorkelling adventures with serene island walks. Departing from Townsville or Magnetic Island, this tour takes you through Cleveland Bay, where you’ll visit stunning reefs and bays. Enjoy snorkelling stops to discover vibrant marine life, followed by a guided walk to scenic lookouts, keeping an eye out for the famous koalas along the way. A relaxed lunch stop in a picturesque bay adds to the charm of this adventure. - 4.5-hour guided boat tour with departures from Townsville or Magnetic Island - Snorkelling experiences in beautiful reef-filled bays - Guided walk to natural lookouts with wildlife spotting opportunities - Lunch stop available at one of the island’s scenic bays

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

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!

The only Bribie Island tour packing 4WD beach driving, mirror-lagoon kayaking, WWII bunker exploration & wild kangaroo sightings into one epic 4-5 hour adventure. Just 1 hour from Brisbane—no ferry, no crowds, no full-day slog. Small groups, passionate local guides, family-friendly, and 5-star rated for delivering real Aussie nature, history & thrills in half the time. Swim & Kayak in the lagoons, take snaps of the wildlife, explore the island & leave with stories and photos that beat any postcard. Bribie’s #1 multi-adventure, every time.