Top Queensland Half-day Tours

Take a leisurely river cruise from Brisbane to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to observe native Australian wildlife. This half-day tour departs from bustling Southbank and cruises along the Brisbane River with views of iconic landmarks on the way to Lone Pine. Upon arrival, enjoy ample time to meet the animals. Observe the platypus, and watch animal shows that feature sheepdogs and birds of prey. A great experience for animal lovers.

Set out on a half-day catamaran tour to stunning Whitehaven Beach for swimming at this postcard–perfect slice of paradise. Considered one of the world's top beaches and the most beautiful one in the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach is a must-see in the Great Barrier Reef region. Travel in comfort from Port Airlie on a motorized catamaran with air-conditioning. Morning or afternoon tea is provided on board and your crew supplies beach activities and informative commentary along the way.

First time in Cairns? Discover the gateway to Queensland’s tropical north on this 5.5-hour sightseeing tour. Visit city attractions like the Flecker Botanical Gardens and St Monica's Cathedral, and stroll along the scenic Cairns waterfront. Indulge in a delicious Devonshire afternoon tea (included) taking in the stunning views from the jetty at Palm Cove before taking a short hike through the Barron Gorge National Park. For the full experience, upgrade to include a 2-hour morning cruise to Green Island in the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef marine park. This small-group tour is limited to 20 people.

Set sail for a quintessential Aussie beach adventure with this 5-hour cruise to beautiful Fraser Island. Look out for dolphins and sea turtles as you cruise out across Hervey Bay, then enjoy up to 2 hours of free time to explore Fraser Island. Make the most of optional activities like kayaking, fishing or snorkeling; cool off with a swim or stroll along the fine sandy beaches. Back on-board, tuck into a scrumptious BBQ lunch, including fresh Hervey Bay prawns, as you float back to the mainland.

Celebrate the history of the Mary Valley Rattler and experience the magic of heritage rail travel. All aboard! @maryvalleyrattler  #maryvalleyrattler  
 Rediscover the magic of a bygone era aboard the historic Mary Valley Rattler. 
The Mary Valley Rattler fleet is made up of heritage steam & diesel locomotives, rail motors and carriages each with their own unique story. 
The historic Gympie Station on Tozer St, has been restored to its former glory. Make sure you arrive early enough to take time to wander through the station where you can learn the stories of the Mary Valley Rattler line, its people, and its history. The popular Rusty Rails Cafe offers a dine in experience before or after your rail journey, or you can buy take away treats to enjoy on board. You can even purchase a bottle of wine and a local cheese platter for the ride. The gift shop offers a selection of local goodies as well as speciality giftware and souvenirs.

Leave busy Brisbane for a full-day tour that showcases the natural beauty of North Stradbroke Island. Swim in the surf or freshwater lakes, take a short guided hike, view whales and other marine animals from the beach and coastal lookouts, visit small towns including historic Dunwich and Amity, and go in search of the island’s population of wild kangaroos and koalas. Your small-group tour has numbers limited to 21 people, which ensures a more personalized experience with your knowledgeable guide.

Experience the natural wonders of Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands to visit different parts of the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest on this outdoorsy day trip from Cairns. With a guide, you’ll take easy walks to three waterfalls—Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls and Dinner Falls—and take a refreshing swim in Lake Eacham. See the Cathedral Fig Tree, take in views of the volcanic crater in Mt Hypipamee National Park, and enjoy lots of time for swimming and photo ops. Morning and afternoon snacks are picnic lunch provided

Spot humpback whales swimming and playing in their natural environment on this half-day Hervey Bay catamaran cruise. Observe the majestic sea creatures using the boat’s underwater viewing windows or listen to the whales sing using the onboard hydrophones. Learn all about the gentle giants from your expert guide, then tuck into morning or afternoon tea as you watch the whales from the deck.

Enjoy an unforgettable close encounter with the marine life of Hervey Bay on this 4-5-hour cruise, including hotel pick-up. Step aboard the specially designed MV Whalesong and discover the bay’s majestic whales and dolphins with the help of an expert crew. As well as guaranteed whale sightings, you’ll have chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles and endangered dugong, plus a rainbow of tropical fish.

Experience the thrill of an up-close encounter with migrating whales on this half-day cruise from Brisbane, available only between June and November. Set sail around Moreton Bay on a luxurious high-speed catamaran and tuck into a delicious buffet lunch on-board as you soak up the scenery. Finally, keep your camera to hand as you spot humpback whales swimming and breaching beside the ship – a rare opportunity to spot the gentle giants in their natural environment.

Tackle the grade II and III rapids of the Barron River on this adrenaline-pumping half-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Prepare to get wet and wild as you hurtle over the rapids, then float downstream past the jagged cliffs, plunging ravines and lush rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park. Best of all: with gentle rapids and full instruction provided, this tour is suitable for all levels, including complete beginners.

Experience the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kuranda Rainforest on a full-day tour from Cairns. Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda where you first visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest flight aviary in Australia. Tour the Rainforestation Nature Park in an amphibious Army Duck vehicle, then see koalas, dingoes and more at the Koala and Wildlife Park. Take a dreamtime walk with a Pamagirri guide for the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, then feast on an Australian barbecue buffet lunch. Finally, return to Cairns on the scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales, and getting close to them, on this guided tour from Hervey Bay. In a small group of no more than 20 people, head out into the water in search of whales. Jump into the water for some snorkeling and, with luck, the whales will decide to swim close to you.

Observe amazing animals from Down Under and around the world at the famous Australia Zoo—Home of the Crocodile Hunter! The legacy of Steve Irwin and his family, this conservation center aims to educate visitors about wildlife and help preserve endangered species for the future. Ride to the zoo from your Brisbane or Gold Coast hotel in an air-conditioned Croc Express coach, and enjoy hours of free time to browse the fantastic mammal, bird, and reptile exhibits. Watch supervised educational demonstrations by animal handlers.

Go whale-watching from Hervey Bay on your choice of a 4-hour or 5.5-hour cruise. Ride the sheltered waters of Platypus Bay in a stable catamaran that offers superior comfort and clear views of the whales. You are likely to also see dolphins, turtles and seabirds, and perhaps even a dingo on the sandy beach at Fraser Island. The tour includes complimentary morning or afternoon tea, and the longer tour includes lunch and tea.

Go snorkeling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day cruise from Cairns. Relax on board your 80-foot (25-meter) luxury catamaran as your captain sails to two exclusive locations on the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to snorkel or dive, with full instruction provided by guides, and see an array of colorful fish, sea turtles, and corals. Your tour includes morning and afternoon tea, and a buffet lunch, with additional beverages available for purchase.

Explore the wild landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands on this full-day tour from Cairns. Cruise around the Lake Barrine crater lake, spot native wildlife the UNESCO-listed wet tropics rainforest, and tour the magnificent Paronella Park. Along the way, see natural wonders like the Curtain Fig Tree, and take a swim beneath Millaa Millaa Falls. Enjoy your choice between three itinerary options for the day.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to see a lot of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in one day. Get out of the city and travel with a small-group to see a ton of highlights including iconic beaches, markets, one of the world’s largest Ginger Factories, and artisan villages.

Get a taste of the Atherton Tablelands during this 10-hour food tour and tasting experience from Cairns. Learn about how the volcanic soil allows cultivation of diverse range of produce and taste the spoils of this region. All tastings and meals are provided, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.

Experience the thrills of parasailing while on the Gold Coast of Australia. First, you’ll receive a short safety training before being outfitted with a harness. Then, soar high above the Gold Coast, up to 400 feet (122 meters) high, and take in aerial views of the coastline. This is available for solo travelers or with one or two partners.

Spend a blissful day on Moreton Island exploring the beaches, snorkel sites, and enormous sand dunes during this full-day tour from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, or the Gold Coast. Travel with an experienced guide in a rugged 4-wheel drive vehicle, going from sea to sand as you snorkel at the Tangalooma Wrecks and kayak around the coral reef, then head inland to try sandboarding on the dunes. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach and soak in the tropical scenery of Moreton Island on this fun-filled tour. Please note: An additional cost of AU$50pp is to be paid in cash to your driver prior to departure to cover national park and ferry fees during this tour.

Enjoy a premium half-day whale-watching tour from Hervey Bay that visits Platypus Bay, a prime location for whale watching near Fraser Island. Have plenty of time to witness the majestic humpback whales at play as they pass the Australian continent during their annual migration to the Antarctic. Your tour includes morning tea, a tropical buffet lunch, and an afternoon tea with a fruit and cheese platter. Learn about the whales and the marine environment from your crew's informative commentary during the tour.

Journey into the hinterlands on this 5-hour afternoon tour of the Springbrook National Park from the Gold Coast. Explore the UNESCO-listed Goondawanna rainforests by coach, stopping to walk through the jungle, peek into ancient caves and enjoy views of Mount Warning from the Best of All Lookout.  Visit natural wonders like Purling Brook Falls, Numinbah valley and Rainbow Falls, and soak up the scenery from the Canyon Lookout. This small-group tour is limited to 16 people for a personalised experience, and includes hotel pick-up and afternoon tea.

Experience Cape Tribulation on a half-day snorkeling adventure. After a convenient pickup at your hotel, board a sturdy ocean safari vessel and head for the cape. Throw on your gear and dive in, watching for sea turtles, eagle rays, giant clams, brilliant coral, starfish, and tropical fish as you swim along the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at the Daintree Rainforest—a UNESCO World Heritage site—from the water.