Brisbane is a city that offers much more than its skyline and riverfront. It’s a place where day trips turn into memorable experiences, thanks to the region’s diverse landscapes, vibrant craft beer scene, and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re after the thrill of sliding down sand dunes on Moreton Island or the quiet beauty of birdwatching in Bribie Island, Brisbane’s full-day tours cater to a wide range of interests. Personally, I love the combination of nature and fun, especially the Moreton Island trip—it’s a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and spectacular scenery. But if you’re a beer enthusiast, the Brisbane brewery tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s craft beer scene that’s hard to beat. It’s these kinds of experiences that make Brisbane an ideal base for exploring through full-day tours.
Quick Overview
Brisbane’s full-day tour options include island escapes, wildlife and birdwatching trips, beer tasting adventures, and even scenic wine tours. Each offers a different way to see the region’s natural beauty and local culture. Some tours, like the Stradbroke Island Eco Tour, focus on wildlife and pristine beaches, while others such as the Full Day Brewery Tours offer a relaxed day sampling craft beers and learning about their brewing process. For those arriving via cruise, there’s a tailored private shore tour that takes you to key sights without the hassle. Now, let’s explore each experience in detail.
1. From Brisbane: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip
At number one we have the Moreton Island Full-Day Trip, a standout for those craving a day of outdoor adventure. This tour includes a guided 4WD tour that takes you across the island’s rugged terrain—exploring beaches, bushland, and towering sand dunes. You’ll slide down dunes on a toboggan, which is a thrill even if you’re not a seasoned skier, and paddle around on transparent kayaks, giving you a clear view of the vibrant marine life below. The highlight for many is snorkeling around the Tangalooma Shipwrecks, where colorful fish and coral are just a snorkel away.
What sets this tour apart is its combination of guided activities and the chance to truly enjoy the island’s natural beauty. The fully guided snorkeling ensures you see the best marine spots, while the sand tobogganing offers pure fun. With a high rating of 4.5/5 from over 1,700 reviews, travelers love how well-organized and engaging the day is. Perfect for adventure lovers or anyone wanting an active island escape, the tour balances adrenaline and relaxation in one day.
Bottom Line: This tour delivers a full day of adventure, stunning scenery, and hands-on fun. It’s especially suited for active travelers who want to see the island’s highlights without the hassle of planning.
2. Brisbane: Stradbroke Island Eco Tour – Small Group, Full Day
Second on our list is the Stradbroke Island Eco Tour, a well-loved choice for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. This full-day excursion takes you on a cruise across Moreton Bay, offering stunning views of the coast and a chance to see dolphins and native birds. Once on the island, you’ll relax at Cylinder Beach, renowned for its calm, clear waters and soft sands—ideal for swimming or sunbathing. The tour also includes a visit to Myora Springs to learn about Indigenous history and explore the rugged headlands at Point Lookout with expansive views over the water.
The real charm of this tour is in its balanced itinerary—combining beach time, wildlife spotting, and cultural learning. With a 4.8/5 rating from 193 reviews, travelers often mention how peaceful and authentic the experience feels. It’s perfect for those who want a deeper connection with nature and a break from city life, without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Bottom Line: For a quieter, nature-focused day with wildlife, beaches, and cultural insights, this eco tour offers an authentic taste of Stradbroke Island’s natural charm.
3. Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch
At number three, the Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour is a must for beer lovers. Over approximately six hours, you’ll visit four craft breweries around Brisbane, each with its own character and brewing style. The tour includes tastings of a variety of beers, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, and a hearty lunch to soak it all up. Your guide, an avid beer enthusiast, will take you behind the scenes at some breweries, sharing the stories of their brewing process and local ingredients.
What makes this tour special is its personalized approach—you’re not just sampling beers but also learning about their origins and brewing techniques. Rated 5.0/5 from 64 reviews, many mention the engaging guide and the generous tastings as highlights. It’s ideal for those who appreciate good beer and want to understand the craft behind it, all in a relaxed, social setting. The inclusion of round-trip transport from central Brisbane makes logistics simple, so you can focus on the fun.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for craft beer lovers, this tour combines education, tasting, and a substantial lunch for a well-rounded day.
4. Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour
Next, the Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour offers a similar beer-focused experience but in a different setting. This six-hour journey visits four local breweries, including the award-winning Black Hops Brewery and the popular Balter Brewing Company. You’ll sample a variety of beers, learn about each brewery’s story, and enjoy a nourishing lunch. The tour is renowned for its hassle-free logistics, with round-trip transportation from the Gold Coast included, which is particularly convenient for travelers staying in that region.
What stands out here is the diversity of breweries visited and the chance to meet the brewers behind some of Australia’s most acclaimed beers. With a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 61 reviews, positive feedback often highlights the friendly atmosphere, the quality of the beers, and the knowledgeable guides. This tour suits anyone looking to explore Brisbane’s craft brewing scene with ease and comfort.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a laid-back, beer-centric day that combines excellent tastings with scenic transport, this tour delivers.
5. Full Day Birdlife Tour in Bribie Island
For wildlife and birdwatching enthusiasts, the Bribie Island Birdlife Tour offers a peaceful escape into nature. Over about 10 hours, you’ll visit prime birdwatching spots like the Pumicestone Passage and Kakadu Beach, exploring tidal mudflats and bushland teeming with waterfowl, migratory birds, and some of Australia’s endemic species. The tour includes walks through bushland near the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre and time for relaxing at the beaches of Banksia Beach.
Rated 4.5/5 by two reviewers, this tour is praised for its professional guide and ideal pace—enough walking to see wildlife but not exhausting. It’s best suited for those who appreciate quiet, scenic environments and are patient birdwatchers or nature lovers wanting a day immersed in native Australia.
Bottom Line: If your ideal day includes spotting native birds and enjoying tranquil beaches, this birdlife tour provides a calm, nature-focused experience.
6. Full Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Brisbane
The Mt Tamborine Wine Tour offers a different kind of full-day experience—focused on wine and scenic views. This eight-hour tour includes visits to four wineries and distilleries, where you’ll sample local wines, spirits, and liqueurs. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll learn about the region’s boutique wineries and enjoy a gourmet two-course lunch overlooking the mountain scenery. The tour is best suited for those who appreciate fine wines and are interested in the region’s craft beverage scene.
While no reviews are listed, the itinerary’s combination of tastings and sightseeing makes it appealing to travelers seeking a relaxing, indulgent day. The scenic lookouts add a visual aspect to the experience, making it ideal for lovers of both wine and panoramic views.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine enthusiasts who want a leisurely day with scenic mountain vistas and boutique tastings.
$168.67 per person
7. Full Day Private Shore Tour in Brisbane from Brisbane Cruise Port
Finally, for cruise travelers, the Full Day Private Shore Tour provides a flexible, personalized way to see Brisbane’s highlights. Starting at the cruise port, your private guide will take you to iconic sights like the Story Bridge, Brisbane River, and Botanic Gardens. The itinerary can be customized to match your interests and pace, making this a highly tailored experience.
Rated 0/5 due to no reviews yet, but private tours often excel because they adapt to your schedule. The key advantage here is exclusivity and flexibility—ideal for travelers who want to avoid busy group tours and focus on what interests them most. Expect an intimate, relaxed day exploring the city’s best landmarks.
Bottom Line: Best suited for cruise passengers or those wanting a bespoke tour of Brisbane’s top sights with a private guide.
$500.78 per person
How to Choose the Best Full-Day Tour in Brisbane
When deciding which tour to book, consider your interests and travel style. If adventure and marine life excite you, Moreton Island trips are hard to beat. For wildlife and tranquil beaches, Stradbroke Island offers a peaceful escape. Beer lovers should look at the Brisbane brewery tour or Gold Coast brewery experience, depending on location preference. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy the scenic Mt Tamborine Wine Tour, while those arriving on a cruise should consider a private shore experience.
Book early during peak seasons, especially for popular tours like the brewery visits or island trips, to secure your spot. Think about your fitness level—some tours involve walking or water activities, so choose accordingly. And always confirm the inclusions, such as meals or transport, to avoid surprises.
Brisbane offers a surprising variety of full-day tours, whether you’re after outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, or tasting local beverages. For a lively day on the water and dunes, the Moreton Island trip is a top pick. For a more relaxed, nature-centered experience, Stradbroke Island delivers. Beer and wine lovers are spoiled for choice, with tours that combine tasting with scenic drives. Whatever your interests, Brisbane’s full-day options promise a rich, enjoyable day out—so book early and get ready to explore.