Day Trips & Excursions in Queensland

Spend a day immersed in the beauty and culture of Tropical North Queensland. Departing from Palm Cove, glide above the coastal canopy in a gondola during a ride on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. When you arrive in the mountain village of Kuranda, choose from a variety of activities including a visit to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, wildlife encounters at Rainforestation Nature Park and hand-feeding feathered friends at Birdworld. You'll also catch a ride on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway that winds through waterfall gorges and World Heritage-listed rain forest.

Take a day trip from Cairns to Kuranda on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and return via the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Alternatively, make the 1-way journey by railway and return by skyrail. Enjoy a tranquil ride as you soar above the rainforest canopy, with views from Cairns all the way to the Great Barrier Reef, and spend free time in Kuranda Village. If you wish, upgrade your transport with admission to the Rainforestation Nature Park or Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park "” the latter option with or without lunch.

Explore Moreton Island on a full-day tour that travels to Tangalooma Island Resort from Brisbane on a luxury ferry. Depending on the option you select, explore activities such as snorkeling at Tangalooma Wrecks, stand-up paddle-boarding, taking a beach Segway tour, or scuba diving. A luxurious morning ferry cruise to and from the resort awaits for your adventure.

Explore the natural bounty of Queensland on this full-day tour to Lamington National Park from Gold Coast or Brisbane. Soak up spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean from atop Mt Tambourine, and create your own adventure at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. Encounter flocks of king parrots and other native bird species on a treetop canopy walk, and try your hand at bird feeding on a ground-level bush walk. Visit a local alpaca farm for a furry finish to the day!

Go kayaking with dolphins and 4-wheeling on the beach during a 6-hour tour on the Sunshine Coast, just 1.5 hours north of Brisbane. Visit a National Park location that is only accessible by 4WD vehicle, and kayak around Double Island Point looking for dolphins, migrating whales, turtles, rays and more. Includes kayak equipment and instruction, light refreshments, and transportation by 4WD and ferry.

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.

Journey to the heart of the jungle and explore the UNESCO-listed rainforests of Northern Queensland on this full-day tour from Cairns. Pose for photos beside the gigantic Curtain Fig trees; marvel over the steaming pools of the Crater Lakes and tuck into an indulgent Devonshire Tea overlooking Lake Barrine. Then, look out for tree kangaroos as you hike to Ellinjaa and Zilliee Falls; cool off with a dip by Millaa Millaa Falls.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to see a lot of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in one day. Get out of the city and travel with a small-group to see a ton of highlights including iconic beaches, markets, one of the world's largest Ginger Factories, and artisan villages.

Explore Byron Bay and Mullumbimby at your own pace on this private tour from the Gold Coast. In the company of just your party (up to 11 people) and a guide, begin with tea and free time to explore the village of Mullumbimby before traveling to a working organic farm for lunch. Continue to Byron Bay to explore the town before heading to Watego's beach to embark upon a walk up to Cape Byron lighthouse for views of the coast and, possibly, dolphins or whales.

See some of Australia's most famous natural wonders "” the rainforest and Great Barrier Reef "” during an action-packed full-day tour from Cairns. Spend the morning in the mountains, taking the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway between Cairns and Kuranda. In the afternoon, head to the Great Barrier Reef in style on an approximately 25-minute helicopter tour. Transfer to an afternoon cruise on the Outer Reef to admire the underwater world while swimming or snorkeling.

Enjoy a full-day small-group tour from Cairns that visits two attractions located to the south of the city: Paronella Park and Mamu Tropical Skywalk. Stroll around the elegant grounds of Paronella Park and see the beautiful gardens and the ruins of the Spanish Castle. Stop in Mena Creek for lunch, then experience the rain forest of Australia up close at Mamu Tropical Skywalk. Your small-group tour has numbers limited to 10 people for a more personalized experience, with round-trip transport from Cairns or the Northern Beaches.

Immerse yourself in traditional Australian culture with a half- or full-day tour of the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park from Cairns. Get hands-on as you master boomerang or spear throwing, try basket weaving or take a didgeridoo lesson, then tuck into a delicious buffet lunch (not included). That's not all: you'll also get chance to learn about bush tucker and herbal medicines, hear Dreamtime stories from Aboriginal performers and be entertained with traditional art, dance and handicraft demonstrations.

Explore the wild landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands on this full-day tour from Cairns. Cruise around the Lake Barrine crater lake, spot native wildlife the UNESCO-listed wet tropics rainforest, and tour the magnificent Paronella Park. Along the way, see natural wonders like the Curtain Fig Tree, and take a swim beneath Millaa Millaa Falls. Enjoy your choice between three itinerary options for the day.

Discover the sun-bronzed shores and fashion-forward streets of Noosa Heads, one of the most famous towns of Australia's Sunshine Coast, on this full-day tour from Brisbane. Browse the shops along lively Hastings Street, walk the seafront promenade along Noosa Beach and enjoy a ferry cruise along the Noosa River. After lunch (not included), explore the arts and crafts village of Montville and enjoy a short hike through the Mary Cairncross Park, taking in dramatic views of the Glass House Mountains.

Leave busy Brisbane for a full-day tour that showcases the natural beauty of North Stradbroke Island. Swim in the surf or freshwater lakes, take a short guided hike, view whales and other marine animals from the beach and coastal lookouts, visit small towns including historic Dunwich and Amity, and go in search of the island's population of wild kangaroos and koalas. Your small-group tour has numbers limited to 13 people, which ensures a more personalized experience with your knowledgeable guide.

Embark on a full-day adventure to the rain forest village of Kuranda and delve into the rich history of Tropical North Queensland. Travel to and from Palm Cove aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which lets you soar through the treetops on a gondola. In Kuranda, choose from a variety of itineraries to suit your interests, such as a visit to the Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park and wildlife counters with koalas, butterflies and kangaroos.

Get away from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast for the day on this tour around through the serene Springbrook National Park. Explore miles and miles of stunning Australian rainforest with help from your guide, a former Queensland Wildlife Ranger. Discover hidden waterfalls and animal habitats, meet the glow worms living under the unreal Natural Bridge, and take stunning photos at the Park's many lookouts including the appropriately-named Best of All Lookouts.

Leave busy Brisbane for a full-day tour to Australia Zoo and Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Have about four hours on your own at the Australia Zoo "” made famous by Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin and one of Queensland's top attractions. Afterward, continue to Montville for a stroll about town, then into Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve for an optional guided rain forest walk. Enjoy the fresh air of themountains and learn about the plants of this subtropical zone before returning to Brisbane in the late afternoon.

Catch sights of crocodiles and adorable kangaroos with a special 1-hour Zootastic Experience at Hartley's Crocodile Adventure. Enjoy getting to know the zoo's animal residents as you go behind the scenes, and learn about their daily life and natural habitats. The fun doesn't end there: spend as long as you like exploring the zoo independently after the tour ends, spot crocodiles on a cruise of Hartley's Lagoon and see other Aussie creatures like cassowaries, quolls and snakes. This small-group tour is limited to six people for a personalized experience.

Taste award-winning liqueurs, spirits and wine on this tour of the Mt. Tamborine area, which also includes a gourmet lunch. Taste the bounty of the Great Brisbane region, including locally produced cheese from Witches Chase Cheese Factory, spirits from Tamborine Mountain Distillery, and vintages from multiple wineries. All tastings, snacks, and beverages provided means a seamless, belly-filling experience.