Brisbane Highlights & Island Tour

Brisbane is the third-largest city in Australia and is the capital of Queensland, the "Sunshine State". It is set along the Brisbane River and was the traditional home to the Jagera and Turrbal Aboriginal mobs before Europeans founded a convict colony in what is now the central business district in 1824.
Modern-day Brisbane is one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia and has a rich, culturally diverse population. There is no shortage of attractions to visit and explore. Across the river from the CBD, South Bank is home to the city's Cultural Centre with world-class galleries and entertainment. Just an hour from the city, discover Brisbane’s stunning natural surrounds including the Scenic Rim and Somerset World Heritage rainforests, lookouts and majestic mountain peaks, while Moreton Island and Redlands Coast offer pristine waters, wildlife experiences, diving and snorkelling.

Brisbane is a hub of activities and attractions. With its unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, Brisbane offers something for everybody. Starting the day early, one could begin by exploring the South Bank Parklands, a sprawling riverside precinct filled with lush gardens, walking paths, and stunning views of the city skyline. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Brisbane River, visit the iconic Wheel of Brisbane for a panoramic view, or enjoy a relaxing breakfast at one of the charming riverside cafes. Next, consider delving into the cultural scene by visiting the Queensland Cultural Centre, which houses the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). Art enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a diverse range of local and international artworks, while history buffs can explore the Queensland Museum or the Museum of Brisbane. For a taste of the city's history, a visit to the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park is a must. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb offers breathtaking views of the city from its summit, and the Kangaroo Point Cliffs provide a perfect spot for picnics. Afterwards, make your way to the vibrant Fortitude Valley, known for its trendy boutiques, bustling markets, and eclectic mix of cafes and restaurants. Explore the Brunswick Street Mall, discover unique fashion finds, and indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the local eateries. 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.

A South Bank icon, Streets Beach is a must-visit while you’re in Brisbane. It is Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach, and it boasts a sparkling lagoon surrounded by white, sandy beaches and sub-tropical plants. It is the perfect antidote to the corporate bustle of the CBD across the river. Streets Beach, with its pristine powder white sand, lifeguards, and permanent huddle of sun-kissed bathers, offers a great spot to cool down and escape the heat. South Bank is also home to a host of free-to-use, public barbeque spots, so why not plan a full day out and make the most of what's on offer in the city's parklands? Streets Beach, Aquativity, and the Boat Pool are free to use and are patrolled by qualified lifeguards all year round.

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.

This popular cruise has been taking visitors to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for over 60 years and is a "must-do" experience while in Brisbane. The cruise travels through the city's most historic landscapes, iconic attractions, historical homesites and interesting wildlife habitats as you listen to an entertaining and informative commentary. Enjoy 3 hours exploring Lone Pine, before re-joining the cruise for a relaxing return journey on the river back to the city.

Cruising along the beautiful Brisbane River, sit back and relax as your skipper takes you along the calm waterways. Aboard the boat, you will get a complimentary Devonshire tea, with a tea or coffee to enjoy along the ride. Throughout your tour enjoy the sights of the city including the Riverside precincts, Kangaroo Point, homes of the rich and famous, historical landmarks, and much much more.

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.