Experience Queensland's vibrant capital, cruise to the historic Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and see the city's most iconic landscapes and famous attractions. After the city sightseeing, take a break and escape to Lady Elliot Island, which is located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. It will give you the chance to explore one of the most pristine sections of the reef and its colourful underwater life. After visiting Lady Elliot Island, you will experience a real taste of island life on Moreton Island. You will have a thrilling desert adventure at Tangalooma Desert, feed wild dolphins, snorkel and explore the Tangalooma Wrecks, or simply enjoy this wonderful island and relax on the beach.
Welcome to Brisbane! The vibrant capital of Queensland and the perfect gateway to both coastal and hinterland adventures. Set along the winding Brisbane River, the city blends contemporary culture with a relaxed outdoor lifestyle and warm subtropical climate. Stroll through South Bank’s lush parklands, dine along the river, and visit the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. Explore Howard Smith Wharves for riverside dining and city views, or unwind at the iconic Brisbane City Beach, an urban oasis in the heart of the city.
To make the most of your day in Brisbane, start with a stroll through the picturesque South Bank. This cultural heart of the city features lush riverside gardens and world-class institutions like the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). For a refreshing break, visit Streets Beach, a unique sandy urban oasis where you can swim in sparkling lagoons right in the centre of the city. For a different perspective, hop on a CityCat ferry for a relaxing ride along the Brisbane River. Disembark at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens for a peaceful walk under ancient fig trees, or head to the Queen Street Mall and James Street to explore a mix of high-end fashion and quirky boutiques. As the day continues, make your way to Howard Smith Wharves. Tucked beneath the iconic Story Bridge, this revitalised precinct is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal or a local craft beer with stunning waterfront views. If you have time for a short trip, head to the Mt. Coot-tha Lookout as the sun begins to set; it offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city skyline stretching toward Moreton Bay. Whether you are soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the wharves or exploring hidden parkland trails, Brisbane offers an effortless blend of urban energy and natural beauty.
Tucked between Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge and the New Farm cliffs, with knockout views of the city skyline and river, you’ll find Howard Smith Wharves – the city's go-to spot for good times. Just a breezy 10-minute stroll from the CBD, this once-forgotten patch has been reimagined into a buzzing riverside boardwalk packed with restaurants, bars, a boutique hotel, and plenty of spots to kick back and soak up the sunshine. By day, it’s all river breezes, long lunches, and beers by the water. By night, the lights twinkle on, the drinks start flowing, and the precinct comes alive with Brisbane’s signature energy. With some of the city’s best restaurants and bars calling it home (hello, Felons Brewing Co), Howard Smith Wharves isn’t just a must-visit - it’s where Brisbane really shows off.
Your accommodation: Amora Hotel Brisbane
Experience luxury and comfort at Amora Hotel Brisbane, perfectly situated in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. The spacious, modern rooms and suites offer stunning city views, plush bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, and all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay.
Lady Elliot Island is located on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. The visit allows you to view one of the most pristine sections of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef from the air as well as below the water all in one day. Enjoy a gorgeous scenic flight en route to Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, where you will be greeted upon arrival and given a brief island orientation tour before exploring the island at your leisure. You will be fitted out with snorkel equipment before joining a glass bottom boat/guided snorkel tour to explore the reef where you will come face to face with a large variety of coral and brilliantly coloured fish, and may even encounter turtles, dolphins and their resident manta rays. A buffet lunch is served in the restaurant and you can participate in one of the island’s guided activities after lunch or spend the rest of the afternoon snorkelling or relaxing.
Your accommodation: Amora Hotel Brisbane
Experience luxury and comfort at Amora Hotel Brisbane, perfectly situated in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. The spacious, modern rooms and suites offer stunning city views, plush bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, and all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay.
Experience the best of Brisbane’s natural beauty and wildlife with a Return River Cruise combined with admission to the renowned Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Begin your journey with a scenic river cruise along the Brisbane River, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline, the lush parklands, and iconic landmarks like the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs. The leisurely cruise is a perfect way to relax and soak in the sights while enjoying informative commentary about Brisbane’s history and river life.
Upon reaching the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, enjoy direct access to one of the world’s largest and most beloved koala conservation facilities. Wander through lush, expansive grounds and get close to a wide range of Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and more. Hold a koala for a memorable photo or hand-feed kangaroos in their natural habitat. The sanctuary also offers a variety of animal encounters and educational presentations, making it a fantastic experience for animal lovers of all ages. Enjoy 3 hours exploring Lone Pine, before re-joining the cruise for a relaxing return journey on the river back to the city.
Your accommodation: Amora Hotel Brisbane
Experience luxury and comfort at Amora Hotel Brisbane, perfectly situated in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. The spacious, modern rooms and suites offer stunning city views, plush bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, and all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay.
You will be collected from Brisbane and transferred to Holt St Wharf.
Depart Brisbane today from the Holt Street Wharf and head for your tropical island paradise, Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island. Travel time is approximately 75 minutes.
Today you can explore the resort at your own pace through free activities available to guests. Learn how to sail a catamaran, meet the helicopter pilots, or join the Eco Rangers to learn about the iconic Kookaburra and meet some up close during their feeding. The old whaling station tours detail how the town of Tangalooma evolved from exploiting whales to becoming a home of sustainable whale watch tourism and conservation. If you like to keep fit while on holiday, you can hire a range of sports equipment for free and head out to the tennis and squash courts, play some quintessentially Australian beach cricket, or kick back and relax by one of the resort pools.
You can also choose to hire equipment for water-based activities, including stand-up paddle boards, sea-scooters and snorkels to explore the Tangalooma Wrecks, clear-bottom kayaks to view the fantastic reef below, or even take a whole boat out for a spot of fishing.
Your accommodation: Tangalooma Island Resort
Tangalooma Island Resort is only a 75-minute catamaran cruise from Brisbane. The Resort is the perfect family holiday destination for guests seeking an understated yet unique adventure, educational or nature based experience - right on Brisbane’s doorstep on the incredible Moreton Island.
Feeling the need for speed? Take a journey to the Tangalooma Desert as part of this thrilling and bumping 4WD bus tour where getting there is half the fun! As Tangalooma Island Resort buses have exclusive drive-on access to the desert, guests will receive a unique look into the heart of Moreton Island and then participate in the exhilarating sport of Moreton Island sand tobogganing, reaching speeds of up to 40km per hour!
Today you will experience the thrill of riding your own ATV quad bike through the beach and bush at Tangalooma Island Resort! Your professional guide will assist you and ensure that regardless of your experience, you'll have a great time riding through the challenging trails.
The highlight of any visit to Tangalooma is the opportunity to hand feed one of the wild bottlenose dolphins that visit the shores each evening at sunset. There is a large family of these playful dolphins that visit regularly, each with their own distinctive and unique personalities. This tradition on Moreton Island began in the 80s with a dolphin named Eric who visited regularly. Returning one day with a calf in tow, it was discovered Eric was actually a female and was renamed Beauty. Beauty brought her family to the jetty for feeding for many years and today, her children still visit the feeding program that began as a result.
Tangalooma's Dolphin Care Team, consisting of Eco Rangers and dedicated staff, operate the program adhering to strict guidelines to ensure not only the dolphins' protection, but also that they maintain their natural instincts and independence.
Remember to wear something you do not mind getting wet, or pants you can rolls up. Remove any hand jewellery that may scratch the dolphins, and ensure you do not wear any insect repellents, perfumes, deodorants or sunscreen.
Today you will enjoy a relaxing cruise on a high-speed catamaran as your search for the amazing Humpback whales. You will have a full commentary by an Eco Ranger throughout your cruise, and a light lunch while on board.
Your accommodation: Tangalooma Island Resort
Tangalooma Island Resort is only a 75-minute catamaran cruise from Brisbane. The Resort is the perfect family holiday destination for guests seeking an understated yet unique adventure, educational or nature based experience - right on Brisbane’s doorstep on the incredible Moreton Island.
Farewell your tropical island paradise at Tangalooma Island Resort and board the ferry back to Brisbane. The journey takes about 75 minutes.
You will be collected from Holt St Wharf and transferred to Brisbane.
Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights throughout Australia, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!