Hand-picked tours across Queensland
Our team has been pulling together the best small-group tours, day trips and multi-day adventures around Queensland for years. Mick reads the traveller reviews before any tour earns a spot on this page — if a tour's a dud, it doesn't get listed.

Reef Rainforest Fusion - 45 Minute Reef and Rainforest Flight
Aerial tour combining two of Far North Queensland's most iconic landscapes in a single flight. Departing Cairns, you'll cross the coral formations around Green Island and Vlasoff Sand Cay before climbing inland over the Great Dividing Range towards Kuranda. The route descends through Barron Gorge to showcase the powerful Barron Falls, then sweeps back to Cairns with sweeping views of the coastal ranges. Total flight time is approximately 70 minutes.

Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruise Townsville and Magnetic Island
Track humpback whales during their migration along the Townsville and Magnetic Island coast on this four-hour marine cruise. Your crew—specialists in ocean wildlife—navigate Cape Cleveland's waters in search of breaching whales, sea turtles, and seabirds. The route takes in coastal scenery and pristine beaches while you sip complimentary refreshments and absorb live commentary from passionate conservationists who know these waters and creatures intimately.

Magnetic Island Jet Ski Tour
Throttle around Magnetic Island's coastline on a jet ski, weaving past granite outcrops and coral-fringed shallows. This two-hour stint puts you on the water where dolphins, turtles, dugongs and the occasional whale show up. You'll skim along North Queensland's best coastal scenery—white sand, palms, and the sort of marine activity you don't see from shore. All gear supplied: life jacket, goggles, safety run-through. Max two riders per ski.

Private Transfers Cairns Airport to Port Douglas
Direct private car service from Cairns Airport to Port Douglas, taking around an hour. Choose from standard sedans through to spacious people movers depending on group size and preference. The operator has three decades of experience running reliable transfers across the region, with consistent attention to detail and customer service. Baby seats and specialised infant restraints available on request.

Raby Bay Wildlife Kayak Tour
Paddle through Raby Bay's sheltered waters just half an hour from Brisbane, spotting dugongs, turtles and dolphins along the way. This 90-minute guided kayak outing suits everyone from complete beginners to experienced paddlers, with local guides explaining the bay's marine life and heritage as you drift through calm conditions. Choose between a group paddle or private tour with friends and family.

Hervey Bay: Half Day Whale watching & Island Stop Tour
Chase humpback whales through Platypus Bay aboard Wipe Out, a high-speed catamaran built for close encounters along K'gari's western coastline. This 4.5-hour Hervey Bay expedition puts you at water level with these migrating giants, then anchors at a remote beach for swimming, paddleboarding, or beach games. Conditions permitting, you'll have the chance to enter the water alongside the whales themselves.

6 Hours Brisbane Private Tour – Popular Sights in One Day
A half-day private tour showcasing Brisbane's key landmarks with a knowledgeable driver guiding your group through the city's highlights. Five to six hours of relaxed sightseeing includes hotel, airport or cruise terminal pick-up and drop-off within Brisbane City limits, plus bottled water and light snacks. Designed for small groups seeking an easy introduction to what the city offers without the rush.

Brisbane City - Private Helicopter Sunset Flight - 25min
Mark a milestone with a private helicopter spin over Brisbane as the sun dips low. You'll get 25 minutes airborne seeing Mt Gravatt, the CBD from above, Mt Cootha's lookout, and the western suburbs bathed in golden light. The whole experience runs 45 minutes, including pre-flight setup in an air-conditioned lounge at JetBase. Narrated throughout, you'll wear Bose headsets so every word cuts through the rotor noise. Bring someone special or go solo—this is the kind of view that stays with you.

Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise
Door-to-door private car service from Gold Coast Airport directly to Surfers Paradise, taking 60–90 minutes depending on traffic. Your driver collects you promptly and delivers you to your accommodation without detours or shared stops. Seats up to three passengers in an air-conditioned sedan with onboard WiFi, ideal if you want to settle in straight after landing rather than wait for a shuttle or navigate public transport.

Trevena Glen 2hr Animal Tour
Spend two hours at Trevena Glen farm getting up close with a diverse mix of animals in hands-on encounters led by a knowledgeable guide. You'll interact with donkeys, alpacas, goats, horses, sheep, pigs, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, turkeys and more across the property. Small groups of up to 15 people mean plenty of attention and genuine connection with the animals, making this ideal for families or anyone keen to step beyond the typical petting-zoo experience.

Sunset Jet Ski Tour on the Brisbane River
Pilot your own jet ski down the Brisbane River during golden hour, taking in the city's illuminated skyline and riverside landmarks from the water. This 90-minute tour launches from the CBD and guides you past Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, South Bank Parklands, and the botanical gardens. You'll handle a modern 2025 Sea-Doo with support from experienced operators who've been running these tours for over a decade. No prior experience or licence required—just the willingness to follow safety protocols.

Private Surf Lesson Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, Gold Coast
Learn to ride at Surfers Paradise with a dedicated instructor tailoring the lesson to your starting point. Based at Main Beach on the Gold Coast, this 90-minute session pairs you one-on-one with someone who'll stay in the water beside you, spotting technique tweaks and building confidence in real time. You'll progress faster with personalised attention than you would in a group.

Trevena Glen Half Day Animal Tour
Spend three hours at Trevena Glen meeting farm animals up close on this hands-on tour. You'll interact directly with donkeys, alpacas, goats, sheep, horses and other residents across the property, with morning tea included. A guide leads groups of up to 15 people through the animals at a relaxed pace, making it suitable for all fitness levels and ages.

Private Transfer - Cairns Airport to/from Cairns CBD
Skip the airport queue stress and arrive at your Cairns CBD accommodation in a private, air-conditioned car. This 15-minute transfer welcomes groups up to six people with a driver who handles luggage and knows the local area well. Book it one-way or arrange your return leg when you book, so you're sorted both directions without hunting down transport on arrival or departure day.

Private Escape Room Pursuit of the Elixir of Life
Step into a puzzle chamber where you'll hunt for the legendary Elixir of Life, following clues rooted in alchemical history and Nicolas Flamel's enigmatic manuscripts. This 60-minute escape room in Australia challenges your wits as you decode riddles, uncover hidden artefacts, and race against the clock to solve one of alchemy's greatest secrets before time runs out.

Wunyami Cultural Tour on Green Island's Eco Adventure
Explore Green Island with indigenous guides who share traditional stories woven through the reef and land. This 7-hour experience departs from Cairns aboard a catamaran, taking roughly 45 minutes each way. You'll hear saltwater legends and Reef knowledge passed down through generations, led by Wunyami custodians committed to keeping culture alive whilst creating pathways for their community. Snorkel gear or a glass-bottom boat tour lets you move at your own rhythm, with cafés and a bar on the island for sustenance.

Transfer from Whitsunday Coast Airport One way
Ground transport from Whitsunday Coast Airport to your accommodation via dedicated van or coach, taking 45 minutes to 90 minutes depending on destination. Your driver drops you directly at your resort or B&B entrance with luggage handled separately in tow trailers, keeping the cabin spacious and cool throughout the journey. Vehicles are fully air-conditioned and cater to families with young children, including purpose-built infant seating.

Port Douglas Sunset Photography Walking Tour
Walk Port Douglas as light fades across the coast, learning to frame shots that work with your camera or phone. A three-hour guided tour that pairs photography technique with local knowledge, hitting key vantage points around town whilst a guide unpacks the area's history and cultural landmarks. You'll leave with both better images and a clearer read on what makes this corner of Far North Queensland tick.

Tandem Paragliding Cairns
Launch from a Cairns beach and climb to 1,000 feet harnessed to a certified tandem pilot. This 20-minute flight traces the coastline between Cairns and Port Douglas, delivering unobstructed views of tropical beaches, rainforest ridges, and the [Great Barrier Reef](/places/great-barrier-reef) sprawling below. The takeoff itself is the rush—no runway, just sand and wind—followed by serene gliding and the option to request aerobatic moves if you want your stomach tested.

Gold Coast Hot Air Ballooning, Bubbles & Go
Rise above the Gold Coast Hinterland at dawn with Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast, Australia's most seasoned operator. This 3–4 hour outing combines the quiet thrill of floating over rolling hills and native bushland with a post-flight champagne toast and professional photo keepsake. Hotel transport bookends the experience, leaving you back by mid-morning.

Bike & eBike Hire
Pedal around Port Douglas at your own pace with a hired bike or eBike, ranging from a few hours to a week-long exploration. Roll along Four Mile Beach, stop at beachfront cafés and pubs, or pack a picnic for the sand. Skip the car park stress and follow a family-friendly treasure hunt that winds through Port Douglas' best spots. Maps and route ideas come with your hire, letting you chart your own course whether you're cycling solo or with kids in tow.

Port Douglas to/from Cairns RETURN TRIP Private Transfer 6 pax
Private transfer connecting Port Douglas and Cairns via a scenic 90-minute drive along Far North Queensland's coastal corridor. Your driver collects you from arrival point or accommodation, manages luggage, and delivers you door-to-door in air-conditioned comfort. With up to six passengers, this is straightforward point-to-point transport with a local at the wheel who knows the region well.

Townsville City Tour
This 3-hour Townsville city tour gives you a proper look at the place beyond the guidebook. You'll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle through the city's key spots, getting the lay of the land and understanding how locals actually move around here. It's designed to work for everyone—families with prams, solo travellers, people of any fitness level—and you'll finish with enough of a feel for Townsville to know where you want to spend your time next.

Gold Coast Private Skippered Limo on the Water Canal Cruise
Cruise the Gold Coast's waterways aboard an electric skippered vessel designed for maximum comfort. This 1–5 hour private tour takes up to 12 guests past canal-side mansions, the glittering skyline and local wildlife, all from a near-silent, ultra-smooth boat. Perfect for first-time boaters or anyone after a genuinely peaceful experience on the water without the rumble and vibration of traditional engines.

Tomb of the Pharaohs and Cairns Aquarium Combo
Combine two contrasting attractions in central Cairns over 2–3 hours. Begin at the Tomb of the Pharaohs, where 11 life-sized Egyptian tomb replicas showcase hieroglyphics and artefacts, then transition to the Cairns Aquarium to encounter over 16,000 marine species from the [Great Barrier Reef](/places/great-barrier-reef) and adjacent waters. Both venues sit within easy walking distance, making this a straightforward double stop for history buffs and reef enthusiasts alike.

Private Gold Coast Airport Arrival Transfer to Byron Bay
Skip the airport queue shuffle with a private driver waiting at Gold Coast Airport, ready to whisk you straight to Byron Bay. Your chauffeur meets you at baggage claim with your name displayed, handling the drive so you can settle in and start unwinding. The air-conditioned vehicle gets you to your accommodation without fuss, tolls and parking already sorted. One-way journey, all inclusive except tips.

Half-Day Daintree Rainforest Tour
A five-hour eco-tour through North Queensland's [Daintree Rainforest](/places/daintree-rainforest) and Cape Tribulation, where two World Heritage zones converge. You'll explore ancient rainforest tracks, reach dramatic coastal headlands, and cruise Cooper Creek searching for saltwater crocodiles from a historic vessel. The drive takes you through pristine tropical landscape, combining terrestrial and aquatic wildlife viewing in one compact outing.

Reef and Rainforest 60 minute Scenic Flight
Take a comprehensive helicopter tour over north Queensland's most striking landscapes in a single hour. This flight weaves together coastal reef systems, emerald rainforest canopy, dramatic waterfalls, sandy cays and tableland plateaus. You'll see the [Great Barrier Reef](/places/great-barrier-reef) from above, island formations and the contrast between developed areas and untouched wilderness. The pilot provides running commentary throughout. A complete aerial survey that captures everything the region's shorter flights offer, condensed into one continuous journey.

Cassowary Coast Goondoi Culture Tour
Spend eight hours in Far North Queensland's wet tropics rainforest with Goondoi Culture Tours, learning directly from Indigenous guides about traditional land management, ecology and cultural practices. This operator holds Ecotourism Australia certification and reinvests in conservation efforts across the region and reef systems. You'll move through ancient forest, hear stories rooted in thousands of years of knowledge, and break bread with guides who know this country intimately. It's slower travel—the kind that actually sticks.

Stand Up Paddle Board Rental in Sunshine Coast
Self-guided paddleboard rental on Pumicestone Passage near Caloundra gets you onto one of the world's largest sand islands in minutes. The sheltered waterway reveals marine life beneath you whilst you chart your own route—find a secluded beach, anchor for a picnic, or simply drift away from crowds. A straightforward way to reconnect with the water and your travelling companions.

Stand Up Paddle Private Tour
Paddle Noosa River's quiet waterways on a guided 90-minute SUP tour tailored to your ability. A local guide shares technique, safety, and the river's hidden corners while you explore at your own rhythm. All gear's included—just show up, learn, and glide across pristine water at whatever pace suits you.

Foiling Basics Instruction, from 0 to Hero
Learn hydrofoiling from scratch with Australia's most experienced instructor, a pioneer who's logged more hours on the foil than anyone in the country. This 90-minute session teaches the fundamentals that unlock surf foiling, wing foiling, and kite foiling. You'll ride an electric hydrofoil and build genuine skills in a single session—the instructor's methods compress weeks of fumbling into one focused lesson.

Tropical Trike Tours Port Douglas - Private Tour
Explore Port Douglas on a three-wheeled vehicle with a local guide steering you through rural valleys, coastal roads, and gorge country. This 90-minute to two-hour outing takes in elevated views, winding through farmland and bushland while your driver fills in the gaps with regional knowledge. Suits anyone after a different angle on the landscape—couples, groups, families—with routes you can adjust to your interests.

Secrets of Noosa Tour with Oceanview Lunch, Nature & Noosa River Ferry
A seven-hour guided exploration of Noosa's quieter corners led by an award-winning local guide. You'll traverse historic landmarks, paddle the Noosa River by ferry, scout artisan shops and galleries tucked into Noosaville, and lunch at a beachfront restaurant overlooking the Pacific. Travel in a climate-controlled coach with reclining seats and USB ports, departing from accommodation between Noosa and Twin Waters. Minimum four adults required.

Airlie Beach: Kangaroos on the beach at sunrise
Catch wild kangaroos and wallabies as they emerge at first light on an Airlie Beach shoreline, with the Coral Sea sunrise as your backdrop. This six-hour small-group outing includes a traditional Drovers breakfast of bacon and egg damper rolls, a guided chat about local wildlife, and an optional stop at a retro local café on the return. Eco-certified and built for early risers keen to see the Whitsundays on its own terms.

Noosa Everglades Cruise and Highlights Private Tour Inc. Lunch
This eight-hour Sunshine Coast loop starts with a pickup from your accommodation and takes you through Noosa's best pockets: browse Hastings Street's boutiques and cafés, ferry across the river to a two-course lunch at a riverside restaurant, then drift through the Noosa Everglades on a three-hour cruise spotting native birds and waterways. Light snacks bookend the experience, and you'll have pockets of free time to wander beaches or national park trails before heading back.

Byron Bay and Bangalow from Gold Coast
A full-day excursion from the Gold Coast exploring the northern coast's most compelling spots. Start at Cape Byron's lighthouse for panoramic views, grab morning tea at a local favourite, then explore Byron Bay's village culture—shops, galleries, cafes, and beaches. Visit the wildlife sanctuary to see native animals and taste fresh macadamia nuts. Round out the day in the hillside village of Bangalow before heading back south. Small-group format keeps things intimate across eight to nine hours.

Brisbane Highlights includes Lone Pine Entry
Spend six to seven hours exploring Brisbane's landmarks and wildlife in air-conditioned comfort. This guided tour takes you to viewpoints across the city, then to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where you can see native Australian animals up close. Lunch at the Botanical Garden Café and refreshments are included, making it a straightforward way to tick off Brisbane's highlights without navigating yourself.

PRIVATE TRANSFER Port Douglas & Cairns Airport Minibus (6am-5pm)
Reliable door-to-door minibus service connecting Cairns Airport and Port Douglas hotels. This locally-run operation handles the 1-hour journey with a meet-and-greet at arrivals, water and seasonal fruit included. Available 6am–5pm daily; outside these hours and public holidays attract extra fees. Child seats (mandatory for under-7s) can be hired for $10. Pre-book oversized gear like surfboards or bikes, and note that multiple stops or CBD pickups cost extra.
