Brisbane is a top choice for many travelers to Australia for its creative and laid-back lifestyle.
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You could easily fill your days in Brisbane just with activities and things to do in Brisbane city itself, but we really urge you to plan a few extra days in Brisbane so you can explore further.
Located just outside the city are some of the best attractions Australia has to offer, and their proximity to the city makes them perfect for short day trips from Brisbane.
Whether you are looking for adventurous Brisbane tours or Brisbane day trips that allow you to escape to the outdoors, there is something for everyone within easy reach of the city.
Here are the top Brisbane tours we recommend to add to your itinerary:
Stradbroke Island Day Tour
Duration: 9 hours
Price: $82 USD ($116 AUD) approx.
A must when it comes to day trips from Brisbane is a Stradbroke Island Day Tour. You’ll discover Queensland’s most popular island, affectionately known as ‘Straddie’ by the locals. Enjoy a 40-minute cruise across Moreton Bay to Stradbroke Island where you’ll explore its National Park which is managed and cultivated by the aboriginal Quandamooka people.
Photo courtesy of Tourism Australia
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Stradbroke Island is the second largest sand island in the world and is worth the visit for its beautiful beaches, forest and wildlife. Plus, the crystal clear waters surrounding the island are perfect for a swim any time of the year. Or you can head to the Point Lookout and spot dolphins, manta rays, turtles and even humpback whales.
The tour will also take you to visit a tea-tree lake where you are free to swim if you wish, and then onto the North Gorge.
This Brisbane tour costs around $82 USD ($116 AUD) depending on your travel dates. But the good thing is that the island’s sub-tropical climate makes it one of the most popular Brisbane day trips all year round.
Check Availability for the STRADBROKE ISLAND DAY TOUR
Moreton Island Shipwreck Adventure
Duration: 1 day
Price: Starting from $76 USD ($108 AUD)
If you are looking for activity day trips from Brisbane, then the Moreton Island Shipwreck, Sand Dune & Kayak 1-Day Adventure will be right up your alley. This is a real adventure packed Brisbane day tour starting with a cruise than an optional guided snorkelling tour around the Tangalooma Shipwreck. If snorkelling isn’t your thing, you can always just relax on the beach!
A picnic lunch on the beach is followed by kayaking to discover the hidden wonders the Tangalooma Wrecks. Add to that, a 4×4 tour of ‘the desert’ before sand-tobogganing at 40 miles an hour…. Phew!
Photo courtesy of Tourism Australia
After all the thrill-seeking adventure, you’ll be able to take a breather back on Tangalooma Beach before heading back to Brisbane.
Photo courtesy of Tourism Australia
With the starting prices from around $76 USD ($108 AUD), it won’t break the bank and won’t cost the earth. This Brisbane day tour is organized by Australian Sunset Safaris who are Eco-Certified and dedicated to providing quality ECO adventure tours.
Check Availability for the MORETON ISLAND SHIPWRECK, SAND DUNE & KAYAK 1-DAY ADVENTURE
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $66 USD ($94 AUD)
If you love an adventure, then get ready for one of the most exhilarating Brisbane tours with the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Take a walk along the suspended walkway before climbing Brisbane’s most iconic landmark, the Story Bridge, and learning about its history as you go.
The tour starts at the base of the Bridge where you’ll be given an introduction to the history of Story Bridge and Brisbane. From there, you’ll begin the ascent via a spiral staircase that takes you to the suspended walkway. Then, it’s up and up and UP!
Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with amazing 360-degree panoramic views of Brisbane city. The Story Bridge tour also includes a group photo when you reach the top and the opportunity to purchase individual pictures later.
Check Availability for the STORY BRIDGE ADVENTURE CLIMB
Rainforest and Glow Worm Tour
Duration: 8.5 hours
Price: $82 USD ($116 AUD)
Nature lovers looking for unique day trips from Brisbane should check out the Rainforest and Glow Worm Tour. This full-day tour is an exploration of the rainforests of Springbrook National Park and Tamborine National Park.
Springbrook National Park is one of the gems of the Gold Coast and is located less than 100km (62 miles) from Brisbane. This Brisbane day tour is a great opportunity to explore the rainforest at your leisure. Wander through towering rainforest trees, and spot pademelons, bush turkeys, goannas, and water dragons, and stunning waterfalls.
Then it’s on to Tamborine to explore the Gallery Walk before a winery visit and lunch in a restaurant overlooking the vineyards. The last stop is a chance to see the glow worm caves at Cedar Creek!
Prices for the 8.5 hour full-day tour start at $82 USD ($116 AUD) per person and includes all transportation to and from Brisbane, entrance fees into the National Park and Glow Worm Cave, guide and lunch.
Check Availability for the RAINFOREST AND GLOW WORM TOUR
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Visit
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $40USD ($57 AUD)
Brisbane Express River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit is one of the best day trips from Brisbane for families or those who love getting close and personal with wildlife.
By purchasing this tour, you’ll be able to skip the queues for the boat and the sanctuary, allowing you to make the most of your day.
You’ll enjoy a unique view of the city as you cruise along Brisbane River for 40 minutes on your way to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. There will be a few stops along the way for photo opportunities with the Brisbane cityscape behind you.
Once you arrive at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, you’ll be free to roam and enjoy the park for 2.5 hours, before heading back to the city. Depending on your dates, these Brisbane tours can cost as little as $40USD ($57 AUD) per person for the return boat trip and entrance to the sanctuary.
Check Availability for the BRISBANE EXPRESS RIVER CRUISE AND KOALA SANCTUARY VISIT
Mt Tambourine Tour
Duration: 1 day
Price: $56USD ($80 AUD)
O’Reilly’s Green Mountains Tour tops the list for great Brisbane day tours. Get back to nature as you wander through the thick vegetation of this mountaintop rainforest.
This tour from Brisbane takes you to the famous landmark, Mt. Tamborine, in the Gold Coast Hinterland. You’ll enjoy walks along stunning scenery taking in waterfalls, wildlife, ancient tree species, and amazing views.
History buffs will be impressed as they pass by the Kokoda Army Barracks and learn about bushman Bernard O’Reilly and his heroic rescue of a plane crash. Following up the history lesson with a visit to an alpaca farm and a rainforest canopy walk!
Few Brisbane day trips allow you to combine so much nature and beauty all in one go. The trip to O’Reilly’s Green Mountain is a full day coach tour with prices starting $80 per person.
Check Availability for the O’REILLY’S GREEN MOUNTAINS TOUR
Sirromet Winery Tour
Duration: 2.5 hours
Price: $35 USD ($50 AUD)
It may not be an apparent choice of a day trip from Brisbane, but is it possible to enjoy a great wine tour from Brisbane by visiting the Sirromet Winery.
Spend a very pleasant few hours on a Winery Tour & Tasting with Tuscan Terrace Lunch. Starting from a very reasonable $35 USD ($50 AUD) per person, you’ll get a tour of the Sirromet winery located at Mount Cotton, just 30 minutes drive from Brisbane.
You’ll start the tour with behind the scenes look into the art of winemaking and discover the history of the winery itself. The tour part ends with a private wine tasting of six of Sirromet’s award-winning wines.
After the tasting, you can enjoy a delicious Tuscan style lunch on the terrace. This is a great option for a group of friends or couples looking for a relaxing day trip from Brisbane.
Check Availability for the SIRROMET WINERY TOUR
Have we missed one of your favourite day trips from Brisbane? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
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