Best Brisbane Day Trips & Things to Do

Your Brisbane Adventure

If you're looking to meet one of the cute and cuddly mascots of Australia, then head out to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, just 7.5 miles from Brisbane. Hold an adorable koala in your hands or pet the free-roaming kangaroos. Watch a sheep shearing show or marvel at the beauty of Australia's birds – emus, parakeets, kookaburras, cockatoos and so much more.

For those looking to explore Brisbane's rich history, consider embarking on an intriguing Convicts and Crime tour through the laneways and squares that hold the darkest secrets of Brisbane's infamous past. These popular tours in Brisbane are led by experienced local guides who share historic tales of mystery, murder and mayhem.

Wine connoisseurs will love a day trip into the Tamborine Mountain region of Queensland on a variety of Brisbane winery tours to sample locally-produced world-famous wines. Stop at several wineries to taste their delectable wines and enjoy a superb lunch as part of your tour package.

Discover the Great Barrier Reef

Australia's 1,800-mile long Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world and a definite location to visit if you are a diving enthusiast. Many tourists join multi-day Great Barrier Reef tours from Brisbane to visit this treasure trove of exquisite natural beauty, while also enjoy a variety of small cities and attractions along the way.

Reptiles, birds, tropical fish and over 400 kinds of coral can be found out at the reef. Apart from scuba diving and helmet diving, you can also choose to go snorkeling or perhaps take a trip out to see the reef on a semi-submersible or glass-bottomed boat.

Fall in Love with Fraser Island

On your way to the Great Barrier Reef, you can stop at Fraser Island – the world's largest sand island. Take an exciting 4-Wheel Drive tour of this magnificent and picture perfect island as its wide variety of wonderfully preserved ecosystems entice you stop and explore.

You can book direct Brisbane to Fraser Island tours, as well. A great idea is to combine your Fraser Island tour with a whale watching cruise at Hervey Bay! This not to be missed opportunity takes you right up close to magnificent humpback whales. You enjoy the amazing experience aboard a luxurious 65-foot catamaran complete with underwater viewing windows and underwater camera.

Visit the World Renowned Australia Zoo

If you're a big fan of the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, then Brisbane tours that include a visit to the Australia Zoo are perfect for you! With your Australia Zoo tour you often get complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off, zoo entry fee and services of a professional tour guide all bundled in.

Ride Steve's Safari Shuttle through the zoo, watch the Wildlife Warrior Show in the Crocoseum and be sure to stop by Tiger Temple to catch a glimpse of the Sumatran and Bengal Tigers.

Travel along the Coast to Cairns

Australia tour packages are always exciting and fun because each area of this island-continent has its own distinct appeal. You can explore the many offerings of Australia's east coast with convenient multiday tours from Brisbane to Cairns.

Of course, Fraser Island, Hervey Bay and the Great Barrier Reef are among the most popular tourist stops along the way. Other incredible stops are

• Airlie Beach – a picturesque lagoon with many waterfront cafés and restaurants for you to visit

• Whitsunday Island – a collection of 74 gorgeous islands and home of Whitehaven Beach, noted as one of the world's most breathtaking beaches

• Daintree Rainforest – the world's oldest living rainforest filled with exotic plants, wildlife and natural beauty