Welcome to Brisbane — Queensland's River City
Brisbane is Australia's third-largest city and one of the country's fastest-growing destinations, combining urban sophistication with easy access to some of Queensland's most spectacular natural wonders. Nestled along the winding Brisbane River and blessed with a subtropical climate, the city offers year-round outdoor adventures, world-class cultural attractions, award-winning dining, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that embodies the true Australian spirit.
Whether you're seeking wildlife encounters at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, snorkelling adventures at the Tangalooma Wrecks, rainforest walks through Tamborine Mountain, or exploring hidden city laneways and rooftop bars, Brisbane serves as the perfect gateway to South East Queensland's diverse experiences.
Best Time to Visit Brisbane
Brisbane enjoys a subtropical climate with warm weather year-round, making it an ideal destination in any season. However, different times of year offer unique advantages depending on your interests.
🌸 Spring (Sep-Nov)
Perfect weather, Jacaranda blooms, outdoor festivals, ideal for hiking and island trips.
☀️ Summer (Dec-Feb)
Hot and humid, best for water activities, great for beach and snorkeling.
🍂 Autumn (Mar-May)
Comfortable temperatures, clear skies, excellent for hiking and wine tours.
❄️ Winter (Jun-Aug)
Mild and dry, whale watching peak season, perfect for city walks.
Brisbane City Highlights & Cultural Experiences
Brisbane's city center is a vibrant blend of modern architecture and historic landmarks, connected by the iconic Brisbane River. From world-class museums to hidden laneways, the city rewards exploration.
🍷 Food & Wine Scene
Brisbane has emerged as a culinary destination with James Street dining, Eat Street markets, and craft breweries. Join a guided food tour to taste the city's best offerings.
🌃 Laneways & Nightlife
Discover hidden bars, rooftop venues, and specialty coffee roasters. Our Laneway Walk reveals Brisbane's best-kept secrets.
👨👩👧👦 Family Attractions
South Bank's Streets Beach, Queensland Museum, Botanic Gardens, and CityCat ferry rides make Brisbane exceptionally family-friendly with many free attractions.
🏛️ Cultural Precinct
QAGOMA, Queensland Museum, QPAC, and State Library offer world-class exhibitions and performances. Most feature free entry to permanent collections.
Nature & Wildlife Experiences Near Brisbane
Brisbane's unique position between rainforest and coastline provides exceptional wildlife viewing within minutes of the city center.
🐨 Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Visit the world's first and largest koala sanctuary with over 130 koalas. Hand-feed kangaroos, see platypus, wombats, and 100+ native species.
Book Tour🏔️ Mt Coot-tha
Brisbane's highest point offers spectacular 360-degree views. Adjacent Botanic Gardens feature 56 hectares of themed gardens and walking trails.
City TourMoreton Bay Islands — Tropical Paradise
Moreton Bay is home to pristine island destinations with crystal-clear waters, world-class snorkelling, and abundant marine life — all within 1-2 hours from Brisbane CBD.
🤿 Moreton Island
Perfect for snorkelling at Tangalooma Wrecks, sandboarding, dolphin feeding, and marine-life experiences. Day trips include ferry, equipment, and guide.
🏝️ North Stradbroke Island
Famous for Point Lookout, migrating whales, pristine beaches, and rich Indigenous heritage. Less crowded with a laid-back atmosphere.
🐋 Whale Watching (Jun-Oct)
Witness spectacular humpback whales during their annual migration. Peak season July-September offers 98% success rate with expert guides.
Scenic Hinterland Escapes
Just 40-90 minutes from Brisbane, the Scenic Rim offers dramatic landscapes with lush rainforests, mountain vistas, cascading waterfalls, boutique wineries, and charming villages.
🍷 Tamborine Mountain
Rainforest skywalks, wineries, craft shops, and scenic lookouts. A favourite day trip combining nature and indulgence with lunch included.
⛰️ Glass House Mountains
Iconic volcanic peaks, lookouts, and hiking routes suitable for all skill levels. Dramatic landscapes perfect for photography.
💧 Springbrook National Park
World Heritage rainforests with spectacular waterfalls, ancient trees, glow worm caves, and Best of All Lookout with panoramic views.
Featured Brisbane Tours & Experiences
Cooee Tours offers carefully curated small-group experiences (maximum 16 passengers) with expert local guides, comfortable transport, and comprehensive inclusions. All tours feature convenient hotel pickup from central Brisbane locations.
Moreton Island Snorkel & Sandboard
Experience Queensland's most accessible tropical island with world-class snorkelling, thrilling sandboarding, dolphin watching, and pristine beaches.
View Details & BookTamborine Wine & Rainforest
Escape to cool mountain air for rainforest walks, boutique wine tastings, and elevated canopy experiences. Perfect blend of nature and indulgence.
View Details & BookLone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Visit the world's largest koala sanctuary. Hold koalas, hand-feed kangaroos, see platypus, wombats, and 100+ native species.
View Details & BookAll Cooee Tours Include
Suggested Itineraries
Whether you have a half-day or a full week, these curated itineraries help you maximize your time while experiencing the best of South East Queensland.
Half-Day — City Highlights (4 hours)
Morning Option:
- 8:00 AM - South Bank Parklands & Streets Beach
- 9:00 AM - Cultural Precinct walk (QAGOMA, Museum)
- 10:30 AM - CityCat ferry to CBD
- 11:00 AM - Queen Street Mall or Eagle Street Pier
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at Howard Smith Wharves
Afternoon Option:
- 1:00 PM - Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tour
- 3:00 PM - Mt Coot-tha Lookout
- 4:00 PM - Botanic Gardens walk
Full-Day — Moreton Island Adventure (9 hours)
- 7:00 AM - Hotel pickup from Brisbane CBD
- 8:00 AM - Board ferry at Holt Street Wharf
- 9:30 AM - Snorkelling at Tangalooma Wrecks (2 hours)
- 12:30 PM - Beach BBQ lunch
- 1:30 PM - Sandboarding on coastal dunes
- 3:00 PM - Dolphin watching cruise
- 5:15 PM - Return to Brisbane
Weekend — Brisbane + Coast (2-3 days)
Day 1: Brisbane City - Lone Pine, Mt Coot-tha, South Bank, evening dining
Day 2: Moreton Island full-day adventure
Day 3: Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast day trip with coastal walks
Week-Long — Complete SEQ (7 days)
Day 1-2: Brisbane city exploration and cultural attractions
Day 3: Moreton Island snorkelling and sandboarding
Day 4: Tamborine Mountain or Springbrook rainforest
Day 5-6: Sunshine Coast (Noosa, Eumundi Markets, Australia Zoo)
Day 7: Gold Coast or return via scenic hinterland
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the absolute must-do experiences in Brisbane?
Brisbane's top experiences include:
- Moreton Island snorkelling at Tangalooma Wrecks — Queensland's most accessible tropical marine encounter
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary — World's largest koala sanctuary with 130+ koalas
- South Bank Parklands — Free artificial beach and cultural precinct
- Brisbane River cruise — Scenic CityCat or guided tour
- Tamborine Mountain — Rainforest walks and wineries
- Whale watching (June-October) — Humpback migration
How many days should I spend in Brisbane?
2-3 days: City highlights plus one day trip
4-5 days: City plus 2-3 different day trips
7+ days: Complete South East Queensland circuit
Brisbane serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby regions while returning to city accommodation each night.
When is the best time to visit for whale watching?
Season: June to October annually
Peak: July to September (98% success rate)
Peak season offers mothers with calves, more playful behavior, and frequent breaching. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends.
Are Brisbane tours family-friendly?
Yes! Many Brisbane tours accommodate families:
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (all ages)
- Moreton Island adventures (ages 5+)
- River cruises (all ages)
- Gentle hinterland tours (all ages)
Most tours offer child pricing for ages 4-15. Check individual tour pages for specific age requirements.
Do I need a car in Brisbane?
In the city: Not necessary. Excellent public transport, walkable CBD, bike share available.
For day trips: Organized tours with hotel pickup are most convenient (recommended for islands and hinterland). Car rental provides flexibility for multiple stops.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Guaranteed (sanctuaries): Koalas, kangaroos, platypus, wombats, native birds
High probability: Dolphins (year-round), humpback whales (Jun-Oct), sea turtles, rainbow lorikeets
Possible: Wild koalas, manta rays, dugongs, various reptiles
What Our Customers Say
Don't just take our word for it — read authentic reviews from travellers who've experienced Brisbane with Cooee Tours. We maintain a 4.8/5 average rating across 1,200+ reviews.
"The Moreton Island tour exceeded all expectations! Snorkelling at Tangalooma Wrecks was spectacular — we saw sea turtles, hundreds of tropical fish, and the coral on the shipwrecks was fascinating. Sandboarding was thrilling, and our guide Emma was incredibly knowledgeable. Small group size made it feel personalized. Highly recommend!"
"As wine lovers, we were blown away by the Tamborine Mountain experience. Three boutique wineries with stunning views, exceptional wines, delicious lunch, and the rainforest skywalk was unexpectedly magical. Our guide Sarah knew all the winemakers personally. Best day trip!"
"Traveling with three kids (ages 6, 9, and 12), we were worried about keeping everyone engaged. This tour was perfect! Lone Pine was the highlight — kids loved holding koalas and feeding kangaroos. Guides were patient and knowledgeable. Highly recommend for families!"
4.8 out of 5 stars based on 1,247 verified reviews
Rated on TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and direct feedback
📋 Free Planning Resources & Downloads
Take these comprehensive planning guides with you! Our downloadable PDFs provide offline access to maps, packing lists, itineraries, and insider tips.
Complete packing guide including seasonal clothing, essential items for island trips, reef-safe sunscreen tips, and photography equipment suggestions.
Detailed printable map covering Brisbane CBD, attractions, Moreton Bay islands, Tamborine Mountain, and public transport routes.
Comprehensive 42-page resource with detailed itineraries, wildlife spotting tips, food recommendations, and transport guide.
Quick Enquiry & Booking
Ready to explore Brisbane? Send us a quick enquiry and our expert booking team will respond within 24 hours with availability, pricing, and any special requests.
Prefer to Talk?
Phone: +61 7 3XXX XXXX (Mon-Sat 8am-6pm AEST)
Email: bookings@cooeetours.com.au
We speak English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Japanese