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.

Brisbane City Walking Tour: local guide, small group, 100 mins
Walk Brisbane's inner streets with a local guide in a group capped at 8 people. This 100-minute tour threads through Queen Street Mall, past City Hall, and down laneways most visitors miss. Your guide unpacks the city's architectural layers and neighbourhood stories as you move at a steady pace. You'll come away with a real sense of how Brisbane ticks—the sort of knowledge that only comes from someone who actually lives here, not a scripted spiel.

Hook-A-Barra Fishing and Farm Activity
This 2.5-hour session puts you on the farm where barramundi are raised, then into the water to catch your own. You'll walk through the breeding operation, learn how the fish are farmed, then spend time with a rod in hand trying to land one. Finish with a tasting board that showcases what these fish can become on a plate. It's hands-on and straightforward—no filler, just fishing and food.

Luxury Airport Transfer Gold Coast-Brisbane / Brisbane-Gold Coast
Dedicated private car service linking Brisbane Airport and Gold Coast, covering the 80-minute corridor with a driver who knows the route. You'll travel in a chilled, modern vehicle straight from terminal to accommodation—no shared minibus stops, no waiting for other passengers. Bottled water included, all charges upfront. Handy if you're touching down with luggage and just want to reach your destination without faffing about with taxis or ride-shares.

eBike Noosa Sightseeing Tour - New!
Start at Mt Tinbeerwah's summit and descend three hours through Queensland's Hinterland on electric bikes, gliding past rainforest canopy, river bends, wetlands and mangrove systems around Lake Weyba and Lake Doonella. The bus ferries you uphill; gravity and pedal-assist do the rest as you roll toward Noosa township. Snacks included, no climbing required.

Brisbane Small Bars and Street Art Tour
A 3-hour guided roam through Brisbane's hidden bar scene paired with street art discoveries. Your local expert steers you towards three neighbourhood bars—some tucked away from the tourist trail—while pointing out murals by the city's top artists. Thursday routes venture into South Brisbane and West End via Fish Lane's gallery walls; Saturday stays central around the best small bars. Non-drinkers welcome.

Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tours
Taribelang Bunda guides lead a three-hour cultural tour across the Bundaberg region, sharing knowledge of their 60,000-year connection to Country. Walk significant sites while learning language, artefact use, and the layered history of Indigenous and European settlement. Morning tea features native bush tucker prepared traditionally, offering a tangible sense of the landscape's cultural depth.

Jellurgal Walkabout Small Group Tour
Walk Burleigh Headland with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander guide who shares Yugambeh country knowledge across two hours. The tour begins at Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre with audiovisual storytelling about Dreaming narratives, then moves into Burleigh Heads National Park to see sacred sites, traditional food sources, and coastal landmarks like Tallebudgera Creek. You'll hear how the Yugambeh people have maintained this landscape for millennia while watching for dolphins and sea eagles against Pacific views.

Small-Group Gin Masterclass in Gold Coast
A hands-on two-hour session on the Gold Coast where you'll learn gin's backstory, explore the distillation craft, and create your own 500ml bottle. Work with a master distiller to select from 50 botanicals, blend your spirit using small copper stills, and taste the result. You take home your custom gin.

Gold Coast Breakfast Sailing Cruise with Croissants & Sparkling
Catch the Gold Coast's best light from a 38-foot yacht during this two-hour morning sail. You'll drift past waterfront mansions and coastal inlets with fresh pastries and sparkling wine (or tea and coffee) in hand, finishing well before lunch plans kick in. It's a straightforward way to start the day without the usual breakfast rush, with room to chat, read, or simply watch the water pass.

1 Hour Single or Double Kayak Rental to the Nth Bribie Island
Launch straight onto one of Australia's largest sand islands from Bills Boat Hire—Bribie Island's northern tip sits minutes away by kayak. Paddle the tidal lagoon past upside-down jellyfish, sea cucumbers and stingrays, or explore Pumicestone Passage, a nursery ground teeming with migratory waders, pelicans and kites. An hour's rental lets you reach this protected National Park shoreline with your own provisions and time to spare.

Private Surf Lessons in Coolangatta
Get your feet on a board at Kirra Beach, one of Australia's premier breaks and the Gold Coast's most reliable learning ground. This 90-minute private lesson puts you with an instructor who reads swells and your progress in real time. You'll paddle out with supplied wetsuits and boards matched to your needs, whether you're touching water for the first time or refining your pop-up technique.

Resin Art Classes Brisbane: Cheeseboards & Coasters
Learn resin pouring in Brisbane with a one-hour guided session creating functional art like cheeseboards and coasters. Work alongside experienced artists who'll teach you mixing, pouring, and detail work from scratch, regardless of your experience level. All materials—quality resin, pigments, tools—are supplied, and you'll leave with a piece that needs 24 hours to cure before collection or delivery.

2 Hour Private Brisbane Mountain Bike Coaching Session and Ride
Learn proper mountain bike technique on Brisbane's Mt Cootha trails over two hours with Ben Forbes, an enduro racing veteran and local guide with nearly two and a half decades of competitive experience. You'll cover genuine ground on two wheels, spot native wildlife, build fitness and pick up skills that'll stick with you long after the ride ends. All gear provided; bring your own water bottle or use the park fountains.

Self Guided Agnes to 1770 Scooter Hire
Rent a scooter in Agnes Water and cruise the 1770 area at your own pace for two hours. Navigate coastal roads and local hotspots with a helmet provided, stopping wherever catches your eye. No guided route means you set the rhythm—blast through highlights in one loop or meander between beachside cafés and scenic viewpoints. Solo riders only; perfect for travellers who prefer steering their own course.

Great Keppel Island PADI Discover Scuba Dive with Keppel Dive
Test the waters of scuba diving with a three-hour introductory dive off Great Keppel Island. You'll descend into the Reef with a qualified instructor guiding you through the basics, exploring what lies beneath without committing to a full certification course. All gear and tuition included. Perfect for deciding whether diving is your thing before investing time in formal training.

UTV 4wd Cassowary Falls and Daintree Rainforest Adventure tour
Tear through Daintree's ancient rainforest on a four-wheel drive, fording creeks and crossing private bush tracks under expert guidance. This 2.5-hour adventure combines high-octane riding with a swim at Cassowary Falls, a croc-free waterhole where you can cool off and hand-feed native turtles and fish. Based on a secluded property in tropical North Queensland, it suits anyone after a genuine adrenaline hit paired with rainforest immersion—arrive ready to get soaked.

Magnetic Island Jet Ski Experience: Five Beach Bay in 90 Minutes
Pilot your own jet ski around Magnetic Island's Five Beach Bay for 90 minutes of coastal exploration. Departing from Horseshoe Bay, you'll navigate eight bays—seven reachable only by water—past granite outcrops, sea caves, and remote beaches. A local guide leads the way, sharing insights on marine ecosystems and wildlife while you spot turtles, rays, dolphins, and raptors. Stop for swims in sheltered coves and take home professional photos from your adventure.

Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour
Spend three to four hours exploring the Gold Coast's craft beer scene with a local guide. Visit three working breweries, taste their signature brews, and learn how the region's hop industry has flourished. Small groups keep things intimate whilst you chat directly with brewers and discover what sets each operation apart. The tour departs from designated Gold Coast meeting points—note that it's roughly an hour by train from Brisbane CBD to the starting location.

One Hour Coral Farm Tour, Discover Australia's Marine Life
Walk through Australia's working coral farm to see how reef restoration happens on the ground. Over 75 minutes, guides show you the breeding tanks, juvenile colonies, and outplanting operations that are actively rebuilding damaged reefs. You'll see species at different growth stages and learn what makes some corals resilient while others struggle. Bring a phone—they loan a lens filter to capture the actual colours you're seeing without the blue-water distortion.

The Jolly Roger
Tear across Pumicestone Passage on a jetski for 60 minutes of wide-open throttle and coastal exploration. The guide throttles back or cranks it up depending on your crew's nerve and appetite—whether you're bringing an eight-year-old or chasing adrenaline, there's a route with your name on it. You'll get fitted with safety gear, snaps for the album, and a proper skipper to show you the best of the water.

Gold Coast Skippered Canal Cruise
Glide through Gold Coast waterways aboard a silent electric vessel with a local guide steering the route. Choose between 1 to 5 hours exploring the network of canals, mansions and urban coastline. The whisper-quiet boats handle gently enough for first-time boaters, accommodating up to 10 passengers. You'll drift past architectural landmarks and native wildlife without engine noise cutting into the experience.

Gold Coast 2 hr Sailing Cruise with Drinks & Tasting Plate
Spend two hours sailing the Gold Coast aboard a 38-foot yacht with up to nine other guests. You'll slip into calm waters whilst sipping your choice of sparkling wine, beer or water, with a tasting plate of cheese, biscuits, fruit and a sweet treat. Keep an eye out for dolphins cruising past as the crew handles the sails and you focus on unwinding on deck.

Sirromet Winery + CBD & Mt Coot-tha Private Helicopter Experience
Fly by private helicopter from Brisbane CBD over Mt Coot-tha to Sirromet Winery, taking in the city's skyline and surrounding landscape en route. This 2.5-hour experience accommodates up to three passengers and delivers you to the vineyard's Tuscan Terrace for lunch or independent exploration. Activities and meals onsite are arranged separately, giving you flexibility to shape your visit.

Gold Coast 2 Hr Sunset Private Sailing Charter with Drinks & Food
Sail the sheltered Gold Coast Broadwater on a private two-hour charter with up to 10 guests. You'll glide across calm waters whilst sipping complimentary wine or beer (or soft drinks) and grazing a deluxe spread. Watch for dolphins, rays and sea eagles cruising overhead. The crew handles everything—navigation, catering, comfort—leaving you to soak in the afternoon light and good company. Perfect whether you're new to sailing or a seasoned hand.

Private, luxury Gold Coast Gondola cruise with cheese & wine
Hire your own gondola for 90 minutes along the Gold Coast's Main Beach and Surfers Paradise waterways. You'll drift past sprawling waterfront estates whilst enjoying a bottle of wine and artisanal cheese board, arriving with a red carpet welcome. Perfect for marking an occasion or simply experiencing the canals at your own pace with up to four others aboard.

Buderim Forest Flight Owl Encounter and Tour
Hand-feed and fly Barking Owls and Eastern Barn Owls through a Sunshine Coast forest park near Buderim. This 60–90 minute encounter pairs close-up wildlife interaction with a guided walk exploring the region's natural history and landscape. You'll handle the birds under expert supervision, learn owl behaviour and ecology, and move at a pace suitable for all fitness levels. Book for 2–4 people; solo visitors pay a minimum two-person rate.

Half Day Outer Reef Snorkelling Tour from Port Douglas
Sprint out to Port Douglas's Outer Reef in a zippy speedboat, reaching pristine snorkelling grounds in under two hours. With just 14 passengers max, you get genuine elbow room to explore coral and fish at your own pace. The boat ride itself—quick enough to sidestep seasickness—is half the appeal. Includes wetsuit, mask and fins; just bring your own snacks and sunscreen.

Aquascene Magnetic Island Quick Dip Trip
A 3-hour coastal cruise departing Nelly Bay on Magnetic Island that pairs a guided snorkel with afternoon tea. You'll explore the island's shoreline aboard a small vessel, slip into the water for a reef look-around, then settle back with refreshments while soaking in the scenery. Relaxed pacing suits all fitness levels, and the boat accommodates prams, wheelchairs, and service animals.

Mooloolaba Whale Watching – Small Group Tour
A 2-hour small-group boat tour from Mooloolaba designed to watch humpback whales during their migration along the Sunshine Coast. With a maximum of 20 passengers, you'll observe breaches, tail slaps and other natural behaviours from close range. The skipper provides live commentary on whale biology and behaviour throughout the outing, combining observation with education in one compact experience.

The Mystery of the Missing Professor Escape Room in Brisbane
Step into an alternate reality where something unsettling lurks beneath the familiar surface. Professor H Geber, your guide to the Realm of Mystery, has vanished after hinting at a major breakthrough. You and your team have 60 minutes to navigate this strange dimension, piece together his research, and uncover what happened to him. The clock is ticking in Brisbane's most bewildering puzzle experience.

Kids Only Surf Lessons at The Spit, Main Beach (Ages 6- 13)
Small-group surf lessons for children aged 6–13 at The Spit, a sheltered local beach near Main Beach, Australia. Two-hour sessions keep numbers tight (maximum four per instructor) so your child gets genuine attention from qualified coaches. The calm, shallow waters and stunning Surfers Paradise backdrop make it an ideal spot to learn the basics without the crowds or hazard. Equipment, facilities and all-day parking included.

Jet Ski Safaris - 30 Minute Jet Ski Hire
Tear up the Gold Coast's purpose-built jet ski circuit on a high-powered machine. This 90-minute session takes place on a sheltered 1km loop designed specifically for safe, flat-out riding. You'll get a thorough safety rundown from experienced staff before hitting the water. The course suits both precision riders threading around marker buoys and those keen to push the throttle hard.

Ancient Egypt Night Tour
Step into a three-millennia-old world with a night-time guided walk through Cairns' Tomb of the Pharaohs, exploring eleven burial chambers and the rituals surrounding death in ancient Egypt. This 90-minute after-hours tour peels back layers of Egyptian funerary custom, revealing how pharaohs and queens were honoured in the afterlife. You'll move through recreated tombs that bring mummification practices and burial traditions to life, gaining insight into beliefs that shaped one of history's greatest civilisations.

Gold Coast: 1-Hour Jetski Tour from Surfers Paradise
Throttle across the Gold Coast's waterways on a personal jet ski, starting in Surfers Paradise before opening up on the Broadwater. This two-hour experience pairs a guide on their own ski with your chance to dial the intensity up or down—cruise past riverside estates and mangrove channels, or push harder around sandbars and island outcrops. You control the speed; the guide ensures you've got the skills to handle it.

Sunshine Coast and Noosa Private Tour Inc. 2-Course Gourmet Lunch
A customised private tour of the Sunshine Coast and Noosa built around your interests, not a preset itinerary. Your local guide steers you towards both signature spots and quieter corners, keeping driving time minimal so you spend more time exploring. A two-course lakeside lunch for two is included, along with hotel pickups and dropoffs. Runs 1–7 hours depending on what you want to see.

Heart Reef & Whitehaven Rest and Relax - 2.5Hr Helicopter Tour
Soar over the Whitsundays in a helicopter, landing on Whitehaven Beach for ninety minutes of swimming and snacking. You'll touch down on the famous white sand, refuel with drinks and canapés, then take flight again to spot Heart Reef's iconic turquoise outline from above. The route circles back via Hayman, Hook and the Molle Island chain, giving you sweeping views of this corner of the Great Barrier Reef.

Helicopter Tour - Sirromet Winery & Scenic Flight
Fly by helicopter from Brisbane to Sirromet Winery at Mount Cotton, landing in style for a two-hour vineyard visit. This three-hour experience pairs aerial views of Brisbane's CBD with time to taste wines, explore manicured grounds, and dine at the estate's restaurants—all at your own pace. Your pilot waits on standby via text, ready for the scenic return flight whenever you wish. Groups up to 30 accommodated across multiple aircraft.

Parasailing on the Gold Coast, Fly solo, Tandem or Triple
Launch yourself 300 metres above the Gold Coast on a solo, tandem, or triple parasail. You'll drift over Surfers Paradise and the Broadwater for two hours of uninterrupted coastline views. Whether you're chasing a personal thrill or sharing the experience, you'll be harnessed safely and fitted with all gear on site. Perfect for anyone wanting to see the strip from an angle most tourists never reach.

Rainbow Beach: Surf Lesson Safari & Beach 4WD Double Island Point
A three-hour surf lesson at Double Island Point, accessible only by 4WD across Rainbow Beach. You'll paddle into one of Australia's longest waves within a protected Marine Park, with qualified instructors guiding you through fundamentals in waist-deep, crystalline waters. The remoteness keeps crowds at bay, making this Queensland gem ideal for learning on genuinely quality swells that let you progress fast.
