Top Queensland Nature and Wildlife Tours

Take a leisurely river cruise from Brisbane to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to observe native Australian wildlife. This half-day tour departs from bustling Southbank and cruises along the Brisbane River with views of iconic landmarks on the way to Lone Pine. Upon arrival, enjoy ample time to meet the animals. Observe the platypus, and watch animal shows that feature sheepdogs and birds of prey. A great experience for animal lovers.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love this one-hour crocodile-spotting cruise on the Daintree River. Unlike many other tour boats, this one is solar powered so it's very quiet, doesn't disturb the wildlife (or you), and is free of fumes. Look out for crocs as well as other wildlife like snakes, frogs, and many kinds of birds.

The rainforest-clad islands, white-sand beaches, and vast coral reefs of the Whitsundays are even more impressive when viewed from above. With this tour, take off on a scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and admire the views from the panoramic windows. Fly over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the Heart Reef, and enjoy a magnificent bird’s eye view of the Great Barrier Reef.

Combine a reef and rainforest experience on this day trip to Green Island. Located just 45 minutes from Cairns via catamaran, this island is home to over 120 plant species and colorful birds. While there, take a self-guided walk to discover some of the island's flora. Day visitor facilities include a pool bar, restaurant, and shops. Food is also available for purchase.

Set sail for a day of swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in the Whitsundays on this full-day tour. Cruise around the islands on a high-speed catamaran and discover the colorful underwater world of the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef as you stop at two snorkeling hotspots. Explore the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, admire dramatic coastal views on a hike to the Hill Inlet Lookout, then tuck into a delicious buffet lunch on-board (included).

Go snorkeling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day cruise from Cairns. Relax on board your 80-foot (25-meter) luxury catamaran as your captain sails to two exclusive locations on the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to snorkel or dive, with full instruction provided by guides, and see an array of colorful fish, sea turtles, and corals. Your tour includes morning and afternoon tea, and a buffet lunch, with additional beverages available for purchase.

Experience one of the wonders of the natural world up close and personal on this snorkeling and diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. Climb aboard a superyacht in Cairns and set sail to two different outer reef locations. Explore the colorful world underneath the water, and snorkel or dive for a closer look. A delicious barbecue lunch and light refreshments are included.

Set sail for a quintessential Aussie beach adventure with this 5-hour cruise to beautiful Fraser Island. Look out for dolphins and sea turtles as you cruise out across Hervey Bay, then enjoy up to 2 hours of free time to explore Fraser Island. Make the most of optional activities like kayaking, fishing or snorkeling; cool off with a swim or stroll along the fine sandy beaches. Back on-board, tuck into a scrumptious BBQ lunch, including fresh Hervey Bay prawns, as you float back to the mainland.

The Noosa River system is unique as its entire upper catchment is protected in National Park. Throughout the afternoon cruise take the opportunity to observe and photograph the spectacular mirrored waterways and unique eco system. Australia’s Everglades are found in the Northern end of the Noosa River system, perched within the sand dunes of the Cooloola National Park. An untouched, pristine wilderness area awaits you…. Pure freshwater pulses out of the Cooloola Sandmass and filters through the tea tree infused ecosystem into this unique river system - creating the most spectacular reflections you will ever see. Enjoy a complimentary glass of “Beer OR Bubbles” whilst gliding down the reflective waterways of Australia’s Everglades. Watch the stunning colour changes as the sun sets slowly over this magnificent wilderness area before returning to Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp.

Tackle the grade II and III rapids of the Barron River on this adrenaline-pumping half-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Prepare to get wet and wild as you hurtle over the rapids, then float downstream past the jagged cliffs, plunging ravines, and lush rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park. Best of all: with gentle rapids and full instruction provided, this tour is suitable for all levels, including complete beginners.

Immerse yourself in Northern Queensland’s waterfalls, rainforests, and other natural wonders on this full-day tour from Cairns. Admire the untouched scenery and stop to swim in the famous Millaa Millaa, and Josephine Falls. In between, visit Babinda Boulders and Mount Hypipamee, watch for wildlife such as tree-kangaroos and platypus, and admire a tropical sunset at Lake Eacham. National Park admission, lunch, refreshments, and hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Get a taste of the Atherton Tablelands during this 10-hour food tour and tasting experience from Cairns. Learn about how the volcanic soil allows cultivation of diverse range of produce and taste the spoils of this region. All tastings and meals are provided, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.

Journey to the rain forest village of Kuranda via two unique transit options on this memorable full-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Skip the line and enjoy Gold Class service aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through lush mountain passes and waterfall gorges along the way. In the opposite direction, glide above the treetops in a gondola and soak up spectacular views of the mountains and coastline on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. In Kuranda, enjoy leisure time to explore the heritage markets, learn about aboriginal culture or interact with native wildlife.

Spend a day on the Great Barrier Reef at two different snorkel and dive sites on this luxury catamaran cruise from Cairns. Travel in style aboard a fast, comfortable catamaran to the outer edge of Upolu Reef, "Wonder Wall," and the Upolu Cay reef area where you can choose to snorkel or dive (additional cost) and observe the coral that's teeming with colorful fish. Take an Adventure Snorkel & Glass Bottom Boat Tour through the highly protected no-fishing zone sites and refuel with a buffet lunch on board the catamaran.

Explore the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day tour to Fitzroy Island. After arriving from Cairns on a fast ferry, have free time to do what you choose: snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, lounge on the white-sand beach or see the coral from a glass-bottom boat. Upgrade to add the Activity Pass Plus Lunch, which provides a picnic lunch, snorkeling gear, stinger suit, a glass-bottom boat tour.

Enjoy a full-day tour of the stunning Whitsunday Islands, traveling on a sturdy motorized raft to world-famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Beach. You get to choose from two tours that offer either more snorkeling or more beach time. Gain exclusive access to secluded spots where you can snorkel around pristine coral reefs, and take a walk with your guide in the national park to a lookout point with spectacular views. Your boat travels quickly across the ocean, giving you more time to enjoy the Whitsundays.

Experience the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kuranda Rainforest on a full-day tour from Cairns. Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda where you first visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest flight aviary in Australia. Tour the Rainforestation Nature Park in an amphibious Army Duck vehicle, then see koalas, dingoes and more at the Koala and Wildlife Park. Take a dreamtime walk with a Pamagirri guide for the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, then feast on an Australian barbecue buffet lunch. Finally, return to Cairns on the scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Guarantee your entry to Cairns Aquarium, by booking your admission ticket in advance. Family-friendly and fun, Cairns Aquarium is home to 70 different exhibits that house over 16,000 marine and land animals life from the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland's Wet Tropics Rainforest.

See snapping crocs in action on this half-day tour to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. Departing from Cairns or Palm Cove, explore the five different zones of this eco-park and working crocodile farm, including a narrated boat tour through a coastal lagoon. Stroll along elevated boardwalks to observe cassowaries, turtles, lizards, and koalas, and admire the mighty stars of the attraction at the thrilling Crocodile Attack Show.

If you're short on time, sample the natural beauty of the Gold Coast on this outdoor tour. Hop on a sea kayak and paddle your way over to Wave Break Island to swim and snorkel amid sub-tropical fish and marine wildlife. Look out for dolphins and stingrays and enjoy a snack before heading back to shore.

Discover the underwater beauty of the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day tour from Cairns. Glide across the Coral Sea on a catamaran ride to a premium outer reef location with diverse marine life. Spend hours at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed reef with exclusive access to an activity platform staffed by marine biologist guides. Snorkel, scuba dive, or opt to take a glass-bottom boat tour.

Discover K’gari’s (Fraser Island’s) highlights on a full-day tour with an experienced guide that includes time to swim in pristine lakes, hit the beach, and explore the rainforest. Visit iconic spots including Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Seventy-Five Mile Beach, Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek, the Maheno shipwreck, and the Pinnacles. Learn about the animal and plant life both on land and in the ocean, where dolphins, dugongs, sharks, and humpback whales can be spotted. Depart early from Hervey Bay/Rainbow Beach and travel aboard our custom 4WD coach on this comprehensive K’gari tour.

The Daintree River, which meanders through one of the oldest rainforests in the world, is home to wildlife that you’re more likely to spot from the water. On this experience, cruise down the river with a guide looking for native wildlife such as crocodiles, tree snakes, and many species of birds. Learn about the unique tropical ecosystem along the way and return to the visitor center after about 60-90 minutes.