Brisbane Tours
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You can see most of Brisbane in a day or two (the interesting bits at least) and the best way to get around the city is on foot. The CBD itself isn't huge and if you're even modestly fit you'd have no trouble seeing pretty much everything there is to see — namely the River, Botanic Gardens, Queen Street Mall, Southbank and Roma Street Parkland. A free shuttle bus does a loop of the CBD every 15 minutes or so, so there's always vehicular backup if your legs get too tired — you can grab the timetable here. Volunteer guides offer free walking tours of the two botanic gardens every day except Sundays, visit the Our Brisbane site for more info. The Brisbane River Cats and Ferries are another great way to see the city. In the early days the river was the main form of transport, so most of the important historical sites can be reached from the water.
If you want to see a bit more of the city, or venture down to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, or Fraser Island, your best bet is on an organised tour. We've listed some of the most popular Brisbane tours below — you can book them all online.
Organised Brisbane Tours — See the city and surrounds
Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Not quite as famous as Sydney's Harbour Bridge, but arguably just as scenic (especially at night) the Story Bridge is a Brisbane icon and climbing it is a great way to take in the sights.
Cost: about $100 per person
Duration: 2.5 hours
Schedule: Departs every 20 mins from Dawn
Brisbane Morning Tour and Cruise
Hear the history and see why more and more people love to call Brisbane home. Take a relaxing cruise along the Brisbane River through the city center, complete with informative commentary from locals.
Cost: about $65
Duration: 3 hours
Schedule: Daily from 9am
Brisbane City Highlights Tour
Includes the most popular sights, city center, historic homes, local attractions and popular South Bank Parklands. Enjoy magnificent afternoon views from Mt Coot-tha Lookout and visit a Koala Sanctuary
Cost: about $84
Duration: 7 hours
Schedule: Daily from 9am
Tangalooma Day Cruise
Travel from Brisbane to Tangalooma for an island breakaway. Cruise across Moreton Bay and spend a few hours with dolphins, palm trees, pristine beachfront of Tangalooma and spectacular Moreton Island.
Cost: about $75
Duration: 9.5 hours
Schedule: Daily from 9am
Brisbane Cruises
Join us on a Gold Coast to Brisbane cruise and experience what makes the marine area so unique. Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of 300 islands as well as the Broadwater, Sovereign Islands, Tipplers Resort, Curan Cove, Jumpinpin and Moreton Bay Marine Park. Watch for marine wildlife such as dugongs, dolphins, black swans, turtles and sea eagles. Price includes free morning/afternoon tea, delicious BBQ lunch and luxury return coach.
Duration: About 8 hours
Schedule: Daily from 9am
Balloon HOT AIR Cairns
This is absolutely a Brisbane must do, from only $240pp, take off for a hot air balloon ride and O’Reilly’s Vineyard Champagne Breakfast; it’s really, the best way to start your day. Every day is different, your morning starts with all the spectacle of the balloons inflating, then hop onboard and watch the sun rise over the majestic hinterland of the Scenic Rim, enjoy sweeping views from Brisbane to Mount Tamborine and Lamington National Park.
Duration: About 5 hours (Depending on chosen tour)
Schedule: Starting from 4.45am (Depending on chosen tour)