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Brisbane Tours

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Brisbane Arrival Starter Package: 3 Days

Brisbane Arrival Starter Package: 3 Days

Brisbane is a great place for backpackers arriving to Australia. With endless possibilities to the north and south, it's a gateway for a killer trip!

Brisbane
3 Days
Snorkel & Dive Wildlife Experiences
Koala Sanctuary Return Cruise

Koala Sanctuary Return Cruise

Embark on a scenic return cruise through Brisbane's city river and encounter Australia's wildlife wonders at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Brisbane
1 Day
Day Tours Wildlife Experiences
Australia Zoo Day Tour from Brisbane or Noosa

Australia Zoo Day Tour from Brisbane or Noosa

The ultimate Australia Zoo Day Tour experience with Croc Tours – small group travel, 6 hours at the zoo, and convenient pick-ups from Brisbane or Noosa.

Brisbane
1 Day
Day Tours Wildlife Experiences
Moreton Island 'Get Wrecked' Tour ex Brisbane

Moreton Island ‘Get Wrecked’ Tour ex Brisbane

Discover the best of Moreton Island tours with a full-day adventure including snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks, transparent kayaking, 4WD and sandboarding.

Brisbane
1 Day
Adventure Day Tours Family Friendly Kayak Snorkel Wildlife Experiences
Moreton Island ATV Quad Bike Day Cruise

Moreton Island ATV Quad Bike Day Cruise

Rip across Moreton Island's sand dunes on an ATV quad bike with this epic day cruise from Brisbane. Includes return ferry, resort access, $25 lunch voucher and the quad bike tour itself. Just 75 minutes from the city – this is the Brisbane day trip that actually delivers.

Brisbane
Moreton Island Snorkel The Wrecks Day Tour

Moreton Island Snorkel The Wrecks Day Tour

Snorkel amongst the iconic Tangalooma Wrecks on this day cruise from Brisbane – return ferry, lunch voucher and full resort access included.

Brisbane
6 Day East Coast Australian Surf Bus

6 Day East Coast Australian Surf Bus

Become a pro surfer after 6 epic days of surfing along Australia's East Coast's favourite surfing spots, with expert instructors and camping accommodation.

Brisbane
6 Days
18-30s Camping Tours Surf Adventures
Brisbane to Sydney Surf Adventure

Brisbane to Sydney Surf Adventure

Learn to surf at Australia's best East Coast breaks on this 6-day adventure from Brisbane to Sydney – daily lessons, camping, meals and all gear included.

Brisbane
3 Days
North Stradbroke Island Day Tour

North Stradbroke Island Day Tour

Discover North Stradbroke Island on a guided adventure, featuring close encounters with kangaroos, dolphins, koalas, and seasonal whale sightings.

Brisbane
3 Days
Day Tours Wildlife Experiences

Popular Brisbane Destinations

Fortitude Valley

Elegant, tree-lined streets full of shopping with a multitude of laneways, small bars, and boutique hotels, Fortitude Valley is the place to watch the day turn into night. But it’s not just a high end shopping hub, Fortitude Valley is home to a burgeoning dining scene that takes full advantage of the year round warm weather and sun soaked days. Quaint kerbside cafes and gelaterias, sprawling beer gardens, and rooftop pool bars are the norm here. We recommend checking out Cielo to enjoy some drinks and rare tracks played by Brisbane’s top DJs as you watch the sun go down over the city. Perhaps something a bit more secret is your flavour? Head over to Ann Street and check out Savile Row, one of Australia’s top rated cocktail bars, full of solid banter, top notch drinks, and boutique lounging.

Southbank

If it’s all getting too hot, then head to Southbank Parklands to have a swim at Streets Beach. With the cityscape framed in front, this spectacular man made lagoon has white sandy beaches surrounded by lush botanical gardens. As the sun sets, grab a cocktail at one of the many outdoor bars. Looking for alfresco dining, the arts, and theatre? Then once again, you’ve come to the right spot. Home to some of Brisbane’s best restaurants and cultural offerings, South Bank won’t let you down.

Brisbane Riverwalk

This calming boardwalk runs along Brisbane River and takes in some of the most idyllic suburbs and city views. The set route takes you from New Farm to Howard Smith Wharves precinct on the edge of the Brisbane CBD. If you’re looking to surpass your daily steps, start at Teneriffe and wind past the city to the Botanic Gardens. It’s the ultimate power walk if you need to curb some calories off of that backpacker diet.

Stradbroke Island

Get on island time with North Stradbroke Island, only a short ferry ride away. If you’ve got a 4WD handy, get some sand on those wheels and rip into the vast off-roading. The beach driving here is epic! If not, join an epic day tour so you can witness the island properly without the risk of bogging your ride. There’s plenty of things to do on this island from fishing along Home Beach, to surfing the sand dunes. Or surfing actual waves – perfect for beginner or advanced. Check out Naree Budjong Djara National Park (home of Blue Lake), and tours with local Aboriginal guides to learn about the Quandamooka people, artifacts, hunting methods, bush tucker, bush medicines, and heaps more.

Moreton Island

Moreton Island sits just off of East Coast Australia, a short drive and ferry ride from the Queensland capital. The world’s third largest sand island (K’Gari/Fraser Island is the biggest!) is packed full of incredible adventure and things to do. We recommend booking a one day tour from Brisbane so you have enough time to explore the fabulous activities on offer.
Personally we always recommend the snorkelling on the Tangalooma Wrecks as it’s one of the best snorkel spots in Australia and the biggest attraction on Moreton Island. Ultimately how you spend your day is totally down to you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the temperature in Brisbane like?

Brisbane has some perfect subtropical weather patterns and an average of 8 hours of sun per day, making it an ideal destination for the outdoors.

Is there a lot to see outside of the city?

Yes. Of course! Within one hour of Brisbane are world-class and heritage listed national forests and marine parks. These come with many beautiful sights such as forests, lakes, valleys, rivers, and waterfalls.

Where's good to eat in Brisbane?

Brisbane is an absolute hub of great cafes, bars, and restaurants and has an eclectic mix of flavours, cultures, and budgets. Here’s some of our favourites:

Grill’d Burgers
Nok Nok
Stone & Wood Brewery
The Royal George
Buttery Boy Cafe

Check out our Happy Travels VIP Club for exclusive deals on all of these places and more. Join today and save on your travels!

What are transportation options in Brisbane?

Brisbane is a smaller city and isn’t as difficult to navigate such as Melbourne or Sydney. It also has lots of transport options from Taxi, Bus, Uber, and rental electric bikes & scooters which are app specific.

Is Brisbane a good location for backpacking?

Of course! Brisbane is a hub for backpackers. Being located on the East Coast, it is an hour north of Gold Coast and a gateway to the road that leads north to Noosa and beyond. It’s a great meeting point for all walks of life to meet and continue their journey.

Does Brisbane have a fun nightlife scene?

Brisbane is huge on nightlife! It is home to several fun suburbs that offer everything from dancing to speak easy style cocktail bars. Be sure to check out West End and Fortitude Valley for some of the best spots to visit!

What are the must-see attractions in Brisbane?

Brisbane is filled with unique and exciting attractions. Must-see spots include South Bank with its stunning parklands and cultural precinct, Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, the iconic Story Bridge, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. For panoramic city views, head to the Mount Coot-tha Lookout or explore the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) for contemporary art lovers.

What is the best time of year to visit Brisbane?

Brisbane is a great destination year-round thanks to its subtropical climate. The best time to visit is during spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) when the temperatures are mild, and there are fewer tourists. Summer (December-February) can be hot and humid, with occasional storms, while winter (June-August) is cooler and dry, perfect for outdoor activities.

How do I get from Brisbane to the Gold Coast or Byron Bay?

The Gold Coast is just about an hour’s drive south of Brisbane, and Byron Bay about 2. You can easily reach it by car, bus, or train. Greyhound buses offer frequent services to the Gold Coast and beyond, while car and campervan rentals are popular for those looking for more flexibility.

Can I surf in Brisbane or nearby areas?

Yes! While Brisbane itself isn’t known for surfing, it’s close to several famous surf spots. The Gold Coast and Byron Bay offers some of Australia’s best surf beaches like Snapper Rocks, Currumbin, and The Pass. Sunshine Coast is also within reach, offering great surfing opportunities at Noosa and Coolum Beach.

What are the best day trips from Brisbane?

Brisbane is surrounded by natural beauty and incredible day trip options. Some of our favourites include:

Moreton Island for sand dunes, snorkelling, and koala spotting.
North Stradbroke Island for hiking, beaches, and whale watching (seasonal).
Mount Tambourine for scenic walks, wineries, and waterfalls.
Australia Zoo and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for iconic encounters with Australia’s wildlife, and more.

Where can I find affordable accommodation in Brisbane for backpackers?

Brisbane offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodation options for backpackers. Popular areas to stay include Fortitude Valley and South Bank, with hostels like Brisbane Quarters and The YHA Brisbane City offering great value. Reach out to our team today to find out what accommodation option suits you best.

Is it easy to travel from Brisbane to Cairns or other Queensland destinations?

Yes, Brisbane is well-connected to other Queensland destinations. You can catch a flight from Brisbane Airport to Cairns, which takes around 2 hours, or travel by Greyhound bus or train for a longer but scenic route. If you’re planning to explore more of the Queensland coast, fill out our East Coast Package Builder form to plan your ultimate East Coast adventure.

What are the best outdoor activities to do in Brisbane?

Brisbane is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include:

Cycling along the Brisbane River and through the Botanic Gardens.
Kayaking on the Brisbane River or at nearby Moreton Bay.
Hiking at Mount Coot-tha, Glasshouse Mountains, and Lamington National Park.
Rock climbing and abseiling at Kangaroo Point Cliffs.
Wildlife spotting at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or Australia Zoo.
Relaxing in South Bank Parklands or New Farm Park.

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