Brisbane Sightseeing Tours

You can see most of Brisbane in a week or so 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, City Botanic Gardens, Queen Street Mall, South Bank and Roma Street Parklands. For more places to explore in Brisbane, check out our comprehensive Brisbane destinations section.

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. Volunteer guides offer free walking tours of the two Botanic Gardens every day except Sundays. The Brisbane CityCats 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 and suburbs, 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.

Brisbane Tours — See the city and surrounds

Best of Brisbane Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

Discover Brisbane's historic city centre, river and wildlife on a full-day tour. You'll tour Brisbane's city-centre attractions by coach, take a cruise along the Brisbane River followed by a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane. Cuddle a koala at a wildlife sanctuary and enjoy Brisbane's most iconic views from the Mt Coot-tha Lookout.

Brisbane Sightseeing Tour and Brisbane River Cruise

Discover the tropical charm of Brisbane on a three-hour tour of Queensland's capital city. Perfect for first-time visitors, this comprehensive morning tour is a well-rounded introduction to Brisbane's famous sights and includes a cruise along the Brisbane River.

O'Reilly's Lamington National Park and Tree Top Canopy Tour

Experience the natural beauty of World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park on a Queensland day trip from Brisbane or Gold Coast. You’ll visit an Alpaca farm, see unparalleled views from Mount Tamborine, watch for colorful birds, and enjoy a variety of rainforest activities at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, including a treetop canopy walk.

Sunshine Coast and Noosa Full-Day Tour including Underwater World

Spend a day discovering the many attractions of the Sunshine Coast. You will visit Noosa Heads and Hastings Street before following the coast to Mooloolaba. Browse the boutiques or take a swim in the warm waters of the pristine beaches and explore the underwater world aquarium on this fun-filled full-day tour.

Gold Coast, Canal Cruise and Springbrook National Park Day Trip

The Gold Coast has it all Palazzo Versace, Surfers Paradise, Broadwater Canal and the magnificent rainforest hinterland. You'll see it all on this full-day trip departing either from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Be amazed by the numerous contrasting experiences you can squeeze into just one day.

Brisbane Afternoon City Tour including Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Mt Coot-tha

This tour takes you past some of Brisbane's historic buildings including the oldest "the Mill or Observatory." Get a feel for Brisbane's convict past before traveling through the leafy sub tropical suburbs. Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where you will have the opportunity to "Cuddle a Koala".

Brisbane City Highlights and Leisure Tour

Spend a day exploring the city of Brisbane. Tour by coach through Brisbane CBD past prominent buildings and feel the heartbeat of the Brisbane past and present. You'll tour past many historical and significant architectural buildings, including City Hall, Parliament House, St Johns Cathedral, Treasury Casino and much more. And if that is not enough you can add on a river cruise, wheel ride and visit to the Koala Sanctuary.