Brisbane Highlights & Island Tour

Brisbane, the vibrant capital of Queensland, is a city that seamlessly blends modern sophistication with natural beauty. Located along the winding Brisbane River, the city is home to a rich cultural history, having been originally inhabited by the Turrbal and Jagera peoples. These Aboriginal tribes have deep connections to the land, and their heritage is an integral part of the city’s identity. Today, visitors to the city can explore the cultural significance of the area through art, history, and storytelling, gaining insight into the traditional custodians' deep connection to the environment.
Known for its friendly locals and sun-soaked climate, Brisbane boasts a thriving cultural scene, with highlights such as the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Museum of Brisbane, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. South Bank is a must-visit, where visitors can enjoy riverside dining, relax in lush parklands, and take in the city’s stunning skyline. The highlight is the Brisbane City Beach—an urban oasis featuring sandy shores, swimming lagoons, and a relaxed, holiday vibe right in the heart of the city. The city also offers a vibrant food scene, from fresh local seafood to international cuisine.
Brisbane is the gateway to both coastal and hinterland adventures, with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and mountain ranges just a short trip away. Its eco-conscious initiatives and numerous green spaces make it a great city for outdoor enthusiasts, while its easy access to nature adds another layer to its charm. Whether you're interested in cultural exploration, natural beauty, or urban sophistication, Brisbane is the perfect place to begin your Queensland adventure.

Make the most of your free day in Brisbane with a wealth of activities to explore at your own pace. From vibrant street markets to tranquil parklands, this is your chance to experience the city’s diverse attractions. Start your day by strolling through the picturesque South Bank, home to lush gardens, riverside walks, and cultural hotspots like the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Museum of Brisbane, where you can delve into the city’s rich history and artistic heritage. For a unique experience, visit the iconic Brisbane City Botanic Gardens or take a relaxing ride along the river on a CityCat ferry. Food lovers can indulge in Brisbane’s burgeoning culinary scene, with a wide variety of cafés, restaurants, and fresh food markets offering local and international flavours. For shopping, Queen Street Mall and Fortitude Valley offer everything from high-end fashion to quirky boutiques.
If you're looking to unwind, head to Brisbane City Beach—a sandy urban oasis complete with swimming lagoons and a relaxed atmosphere. It's the perfect place to soak up the sun, take a dip in the refreshing waters, or simply enjoy the vibrant surroundings.
For nature enthusiasts, take a short trip to the nearby Mt. Coot-tha Lookout for panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas, or explore the city’s many parks and walking trails. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Moreton Bay for some beach time or enjoy water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding. To complete the day, a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is highly recommended. As the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, visitors can cuddle koalas, hand-feed kangaroos, and get up close to a variety of Australian wildlife. With so much to see and do in Brisbane, it's the perfect opportunity to tailor your experience to your interests, whether you prefer culture, shopping, nature, or just relaxing and soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

A South Bank icon, Streets Beach is a must-visit while you’re in Brisbane. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind at Brisbane Street’s Beach, a unique urban oasis located in the heart of South Bank. It is Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach, offering a sandy haven right by the river, complete with a refreshing lagoon-style swimming pool, perfect for a dip or a relaxing day in the sun. Surrounded by lush palm trees and scenic views of the Brisbane skyline, the beach is an ideal spot for families, friends, and solo visitors alike to enjoy a taste of tropical paradise without leaving the city. The beach is equipped with comfortable seating, sunshades, and plenty of space to relax or enjoy a picnic, making it the perfect destination for a leisurely day out. Located just a stone’s throw away from cafes, restaurants, and cultural attractions like the Queensland Art Gallery and the Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane Street’s Beach is an easy and enjoyable way to experience the laid-back charm of Brisbane's riverside lifestyle.

Lady Elliot Island is located on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. The visit allows you to view one of the most pristine sections of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef from the air as well as below the water all in one day. Enjoy a gorgeous scenic flight en route to Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, where you will be greeted upon arrival and given a brief island orientation tour before exploring the island at your leisure. You will be fitted out with snorkel equipment before joining a glass bottom boat/guided snorkel tour to explore the reef where you will come face to face with a large variety of coral and brilliantly coloured fish, and may even encounter turtles, dolphins and their resident manta rays. A buffet lunch is served in the restaurant and you can participate in one of the island’s guided activities after lunch or spend the rest of the afternoon snorkelling or relaxing.

Experience the best of Brisbane’s natural beauty and wildlife with a Return River Cruise combined with admission to the renowned Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Begin your journey with a scenic river cruise along the Brisbane River, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline, the lush parklands, and iconic landmarks like the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs. The leisurely cruise is a perfect way to relax and soak in the sights, all while enjoying informative commentary about Brisbane’s history and river life.
Upon reaching the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, enjoy direct access to one of the world’s largest and most beloved koala conservation facilities. Wander through lush, expansive grounds and get up close with a wide range of Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and more. Hold a koala for a memorable photo or hand-feed kangaroos in their natural habitat. The sanctuary also offers a variety of animal encounters and educational presentations, making it a fantastic experience for animal lovers of all ages.
Enjoy 3 hours exploring Lone Pine, before re-joining the cruise for a relaxing return journey on the river back to the city.

Discover the beauty of Brisbane from a whole new perspective on a Sightseeing Cruise with River City Cruises. This relaxing river tour offers a stunning journey through the heart of Brisbane, where you'll glide past the city's most iconic landmarks, including the towering Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the bustling South Bank, and the historic Story Bridge. As you cruise along the Brisbane River, take in the vibrant city skyline, lush parklands, and unique riverside architecture, all while enjoying informative commentary that shares fascinating insights into the city's rich history.
This sightseeing cruise provides ample opportunities for photography, and simply soaking in the scenic beauty of the area. With comfortable seating and both indoor and outdoor viewing options, this tour ensures a relaxed, enjoyable experience for all ages. 

A Delectable Taste of Queensland is a culinary journey from coffee to cocktails and is the perfect introduction to some of Queensland’s most renowned local produce and flavours. With everything from coffee to a seasonal seafood lunch, as well as some delicious wines, cocktails, and delectable nibbles along the way, this food tour will introduce you to some of the best food and beverages in Brisbane.

Depart Brisbane today from the Holt Street Wharf and head for your tropical island paradise, Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island. Travel time is approximately 75 minutes.

Today you can explore the resort at your own pace through free activities available to guests. Learn how to sail a catamaran, meet the helicopter pilots, or join the Eco Rangers to learn about the iconic Kookaburra and meet some up close during their feeding. The old whaling station tours detail how the town of Tangalooma evolved from exploiting whales to becoming a home of sustainable whale watch tourism and conservation. If you like to keep fit while on holiday, you can hire a range of sports equipment for free and head out to the tennis and squash courts, play some quintessentially Australian beach cricket, or kick back and relax by one of the resort pools.
You can also choose to hire equipment for water-based activities, including stand-up paddle boards, sea-scooters and snorkels to explore the Tangalooma Wrecks, clear-bottom kayaks to view the fantastic reef below, or even take a whole boat out for a spot of fishing.

Feeling the need for speed? Take a journey to the Tangalooma Desert as part of this thrilling and bumping 4WD bus tour where getting there is half the fun! As Tangalooma Island Resort buses have exclusive drive-on access to the desert, guests will receive a unique look into the heart of Moreton Island and then participate in the exhilarating sport of Moreton Island sand tobogganing, reaching speeds of up to 40km per hour!

Today you will experience the thrill of riding your own ATV quad bike through the beach and bush at Tangalooma Island Resort! Your professional guide will assist you and ensure that regardless of your experience, you'll have a great time riding through the challenging trails.

The highlight of any visit to Tangalooma is the opportunity to hand feed one of the wild bottlenose dolphins that visit the shores each evening at sunset. There is a large family of these playful dolphins that visit regularly, each with their own distinctive and unique personalities. This tradition on Moreton Island began in the 80s with a dolphin named Eric who visited regularly. Returning one day with a calf in tow, it was discovered Eric was actually a female and was renamed Beauty. Beauty brought her family to the jetty for feeding for many years and today, her children still visit the feeding program that began as a result.
Tangalooma's Dolphin Care Team, consisting of Eco Rangers and dedicated staff, operate the program adhering to strict guidelines to ensure not only the dolphins' protection, but also that they maintain their natural instincts and independence.
Remember to wear something you do not mind getting wet, or pants you can rolls up. Remove any hand jewellery that may scratch the dolphins, and ensure you do not wear any insect repellents, perfumes, deodorants or sunscreen.

Today you will enjoy a relaxing cruise on a high-speed catamaran as your search for the amazing Humpback whales. You will have a full commentary by an Eco Ranger throughout your cruise, and a light lunch while on board.

Farewell your tropical island paradise at Tangalooma Island Resort and board the ferry back to Brisbane. The journey takes about 75 minutes.