Brisbane’s Gold Coast, Moreton Bay and meandering Brisbane River offer a dazzling variety of attractions. In Queensland, Australia’s capital, take in big-city staples, historical sites and parkland as you float down the river.

Speed into Moreton Bay for a visit to its islands or a whale watching excursion. A boat tour in Brisbane is certain to be a memorable outing.

Here's all you need to know about joining a boat tour, one of the most invigorating outdoor activities in Brisbane.

What are the most popular boat tours in Brisbane?

Depending on what you’d like to do, there is a wealth of options for boat trips in Brisbane. With many river and ocean tours to choose among, you may just have to book more than one!

Sightseeing Brisbane River tours

Embark on a morning, afternoon or evening tour along the Brisbane River to experience Australia’s third-largest city’s highlights. Pass under the river’s many bridges, along side historical buildings, lively entertainment districts and beaches.

River cruise with food and drinks

Combine sightseeing with a gustatory exploration of Brisbane. Enjoy a river cruise to a landmark restaurant for a meal at the locals' favorite Breakfast Creek Hotel. Indulge in a selection of drinks to discover what the city's brewers, vintners and mixologists are up to.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary cruises

Enjoy 2 hours of sightseeing on the way to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and back with an animal-lover’s dream excursion in between. Wander the world’s largest koala sanctuary, and spy its other animal residents.

Witness a sheepdog or birds of prey show, snuggle a koala for a photo and keep your eyes out for the elusive platypus and eastern water dragons.

Moreton Bay Islands cruises

Cruise out to sea from the Brisbane River for a day of island hopping. Snorkel, scan the waters for dugongs and take a bushwalk with a guide. Top destinations in the bay are Moreton, St Helena and Stradbroke Islands.

Tangalooma cruises in Brisbane

Located on Moreton Island, Tangalooma Island Resort offers everything from hedonism to ecology. Snorkel among the Tangalooma Wrecks, try dune tobogganing, learn about dolphins or just lounge on the sands with a cocktail.

Brisbane whale watching tours

From June to November, humpback whales frequent the waters around Brisbane. Grab your camera for an almost 100% guaranteed whale sighting, a rarity for whale watching tours!

Sailing lessons in Brisbane

Learn the ins and outs of sailing on a 12-meter-long yacht, either for a day or a weekend. Absorb the sublime sights of Moreton Bay while practicing knots, compass reading and other vital sailing skills.

How much do boat tours in Brisbane cost?

Sightseeing river boat tours in Brisbane cost around US$35 per person. Morning river cruises include tea, and all tours provide commentary throughout the 90-minute excursion.

River cruises plus lunch cost US$65 per person and include a meal at the renowned Breakfast Creek Hotel. Brewery and cocktail tours cost US$80 per person and include two drinks in the price.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary cruises cost US$65 per person and include entrance to the sanctuary. Moreton Bay Islands cruises cost US$135 per person and include road transportation on the islands, lunch and use of snorkeling equipment.

Tangalooma cruises cost from US$100 to US$140 per person, depending on the additional activities. Higher-cost tours feature dolphin feeding and/or a choice of a boat tour around Moreton Island or a desert adventure.

The tours include a day pass to Tangalooma Island Resort that provides access to beaches, pools, restaurants and bars. Also enjoy a lunch and drink voucher for the resort.

Brisbane whale watching tours cost around US$120 per person, and sailing lessons cost US$280 per person for a 1-day lesson or US$520 per person for a weekend lesson. Weekend lessons provide meals and shared accommodations on the boat.

What are the highlights?

Brisbane landmarks

Queensland’s largest city, and one of Australia’s biggest, has all the draws of a major city. Float by sports arenas like Woolongabba and Suncorp Stadium, iconic Brisbane Story Bridge and Walter Taylor Bridge, the University of Queensland and the city's many parks and beaches.

Restaurants, bars and pubs

Australia has made a name for itself in the culinary world, especially with its wineries and breweries. On a river cruise with food or drinks, entrust a few hours to a local who has chosen stops at the best eateries, pubs and bars along the banks of the Brisbane River.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Started nearly a century ago as a refuge for koalas rescued from the fur trade, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a must-see for any visitor to Brisbane. It is home to more than 130 koalas, as well as lizards, birds and other marsupials. Get a chance to feed kangaroos and have your photo taken with a koala.

Moreton Bay islands

Brisbane sits along the shores of Moreton Bay, divided from the Coral Sea by several islands. Moreton, Stradbroke and St Helena are popular destinations on ocean boat tours in the bay. Snorkeling and searching for aquatic animals is prime on and around the islands.

Moreton Island is the largest and is famous for its Tangalooma Island Resort. The resort welcomes day visitors to use its amenities, and special attractions are snorkeling among the Tangalooma Wrecks, ATV riding on the dunes and dolphin watching and feeding under the care of the resort’s resident zoologists.

Wildlife

Ocean boat trips open up the possibility of seeing marine life up close. Many cetaceans pass through the area, especially humpback whales, dugongs and bottlenose dolphins.

Scan the skies for kookaburras, cormorants and pelicans. Moreton Bay is an important habitat for six of the world’s seven species of sea turtle. Watch for them swimming or venturing onto land.

How long does a boat trip last?

River boat sightseeing tours in Brisbane last around 1.5 hours. Food and drinks tours last around 4 hours. Cruises to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary last around 6 hours. Enjoy an hour-long guided boat ride each way to the sanctuary and around a 3-hour visit to the park.

Moreton Bay islands and Tangalooma Island Resort cruises last 8 to 10 hours with about a 60- to 75-minute boat ride each way to the islands. Whale watching tours last from 5 to 8 hours. There are 8-hour and overnight sailing lessons.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Boat tours in Brisbane leave from various pontoons along the Brisbane River near the center of town. Whale watching tours leave from Redcliffe Jetty, about 30 minutes north of downtown Brisbane.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Brisbane?

A boat trip in Brisbane can be amazing any time of year, but some tours are better suited to certain times. River tours, including food and drink tours and Lone Pine visits, are great at any time of year. A sightseeing tour can be a fun orientation to Brisbane at the beginning of a visit.

Whale watching tours are best from June through November. For island tours that include snorkeling and beach time, book a tour during November through March. Avoid crowds on tours in March to May and September through November.

Which other water activities can be done in Brisbane?

Travel tips

If you suffer from motion sickness, take medication 1 hour before your trip.
Carry sun protection and a bottle of water.
Bring a towel, swimwear and a change of clothing for tours to the islands in Moreton Bay.
Wear white-soled, closed-toe shoes for tours on sailboats.

Boat Tours in Brisbane