Brisbane is a city that combines outdoor adventure, lush scenery, and a lively food scene, making it perfect for memorable lunch experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of spotting whales in the wild, sampling regional wines atop scenic mountains, or enjoying a leisurely river cruise with local bites, Brisbane offers something for every appetite. We love the Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch for its blend of wildlife and cuisine, especially since you’ll dine onboard the luxurious Eye-Spy catamaran while encountering humpback whales in their natural habitat. For those who prefer wine, the Deluxe Wine Tour to Tamborine Mountain offers tastings at boutique wineries plus a fine two-course lunch, making it a delightful way to soak in the region’s flavors. And if river views and historical sights appeal, the Brisbane Cruise To Lunch Package combines sightseeing with a tasty meal at the Breakfast Creek Hotel, perfect for a relaxing day out.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a variety of tours and experiences, from wildlife encounters and full-day wine adventures to scenic river cruises and craft brewery tours. There’s even an option for visiting Lone Pine to meet koalas and explore Brisbane’s highlights. Each experience offers some unique aspect—whether it’s a $1, a $1, or a scenic $1. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each, helping you pick the perfect fit.
1. Brisbane: Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch
This 5-hour cruise onboard the Eye-Spy catamaran focuses on humpback whales in their natural habitat. The tour includes a freshly made picnic lunchbox served while you watch these gentle giants breach and splash. What makes this experience stand out is the chance to meet Captain Kerry Lopez, the only female skipper in the South Pacific who owns and operates a whale watching venture. The multi-million dollar vessel offers a comfortable, stylish platform for wildlife viewing, with the added bonus of a kid-friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.
The key highlights include the thrill of seeing whales in the wild and enjoying a delicious lunch while surrounded by stunning coastal scenery. Rated 4.7/5 from over 400 reviews, travelers praise the professionalism of the crew and the opportunity to witness humpbacks breaching just feet from the boat. At $106 per person, it offers great value for a full 5-8 hour experience. Best suited for wildlife lovers, boat enthusiasts, or families seeking an authentic marine adventure.
Bottom Line: This cruise combines wildlife, scenery, and a relaxed lunch, making it one of Brisbane’s most memorable outdoor experiences.
2. Deluxe Wine Tour to Tamborine Mountain, includes two-course lunch
For around $149.16, the Deluxe Wine Tour to Tamborine Mountain offers an in-depth taste of the region’s boutique wineries, spirits, and award-winning liqueurs. This 8-hour guided tour has an intimate feel, with visits to three wineries and a distillery. The tour includes a gourmet two-course lunch and bottled water on the bus, making it a seamless way to indulge without driving.
Guests love the chance to sample artisan spirits and wines amid hillside vineyards with scenic views of the Scenic Rim. The tour’s highlight is the delicious lunch and the opportunity to purchase local produce. Reviewers mention the friendly driver and the beautiful surroundings. Some note that the itinerary may change on Mondays and Tuesdays due to trading hours, but overall, it offers exceptional value for a full day of tasting and sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine lovers wanting a relaxed, all-inclusive day exploring Tamborine Mountain’s flavors without the hassle of navigating on your own.
3. Brisbane Cruise To Lunch Package
This half-day river cruise is a terrific way to see Brisbane from the water. The 3.5-hour cruise on the MV Neptune features live commentary on the city’s landmarks, including Storey Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs. The cruise culminates with a lunch at Breakfast Creek Hotel, renowned for its hearty pub fare. The combination of scenic views and local cuisine offers a relaxing outing for travelers wanting a taste of Brisbane’s river life.
Rated 4.5/5 from over 440 reviews, this tour is praised for its informative commentary and delicious lunch. The cost of $64.41 makes it a budget-friendly option for a combined sightseeing and dining experience. It’s ideal for those wanting an overview of Brisbane’s history, architecture, and landscapes while enjoying a classic pub meal.
Bottom Line: A good choice for travelers seeking a scenic, laid-back day that combines sightseeing with a solid local meal.
4. Brisbane: River Cruise with Lunch
For a more intimate river experience, consider this 3.5-hour cruise featuring live commentary and morning tea. After the cruise, you’ll head to the iconic Breakfast Creek Hotel for a delicious lunch. This tour provides views of Brisbane’s skyline, historic bridges, and the riverbanks, with plenty of photo opportunities.
Rated 4.6/5, travelers appreciate the informative guide and the chance to relax on the water. At $59 per person, it’s a very cost-effective option, especially if you enjoy a bit of local history along with your meal. It’s perfect for those who prefer a shorter, more relaxed outing.
Bottom Line: An easy, affordable way to enjoy Brisbane’s river scenery and a quality pub lunch.
5. Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch
Beer lovers will find this 6-hour tour a highlight—visiting four craft breweries in Brisbane. Each stop offers a tasting paddle, with a tasty lunch included. The tour provides behind-the-scenes insights into the beer-making process, led by a guide who is a dedicated beer enthusiast.
Rated 5/5 from 64 reviews, travelers speak highly of the friendly guides and the variety of beers sampled. Notable stops include Green Beacon Brewing Co. and Sea Legs Brewing Co., with some flexibility to visit other breweries. The $141.70 price includes transport and multiple tastings, making it a good value for a full day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for beer aficionados wanting a relaxed, social experience with excellent beers and a hearty lunch.
6. Brisbane: Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch
This 8-hour guided tour explores Tamborine’s best wineries and distillery, with tastings at three wineries and one distillery. It includes a delicious two-course lunch, snacks, bottled water, and scenic rainforest views. Visitors appreciate the well-paced itinerary, with a focus on regional flavors.
Rated 4.7/5, guests rave about the quality of the tastings and the lush scenery. The tour is especially suited for those who enjoy both wine and spirits, plus a full day of sightseeing. The focus on local produce and the small-group format ensure a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive day for wine and spirit enthusiasts who want to combine tasting with sightseeing in Tamborine.
7. Brisbane: Sirromet Winery Tour with Tasting & 2-Course Lunch
This 3.5-hour tour showcases Sirromet Winery, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and six wine tastings. The highlight is the two-course lunch at the Cellar Door, paired with a glass of wine. The winery itself is renowned for its scenic setting and high-quality wines.
Rated 4.8/5, travelers praise the friendly staff and the generous tastings. The $59 price offers good value, especially given the comprehensive experience and lovely setting. It’s suitable for wine newbies and connoisseurs alike.
Bottom Line: A perfect half-day escape into Queensland’s wine scene, with a satisfying meal and a relaxed atmosphere.
8. Mount Tamborine Deluxe Wine Tasting with Two Course Lunch
This 8.5-hour tour offers a small-group experience exploring Queensland’s wineries and distilleries. You’ll visit Witches Falls Winery and Cedar Creek Estate, tasting award-winning wines and regional specialties. A gourmet two-course lunch is included, along with snacks and scenic mountain views.
Rated 5/5, travelers find this tour personalized and scenic. The tour is especially suited for couples or small groups seeking an up-close wine experience without driving. The inclusion of local artisan products adds to its appeal.
Bottom Line: A top choice for quality wine tasting combined with scenic mountain views and excellent food.
9. Brisbane: Luxury Winery Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery
This 8-hour luxury tour visits family-owned wineries and Australia’s most awarded distillery. It features guided tastings, a gourmet two-course lunch, and scenic lookouts along the route. The modern vehicles and smaller groups ensure a comfortable, exclusive experience.
Rated 4.8/5, reviews mention the high-quality tastings and the scenic stops. At $197 per person, it’s a premium experience that appeals to travelers wanting a more upscale day of wine and spirits. Suitable for special occasions or those who appreciate finer wines.
Bottom Line: For those seeking an elegant, curated wine and distillery day, this tour offers luxury, scenery, and great food.
10. Brisbane: Tamborine Mountain Local Winery Tour with Lunch
This 6-hour tour takes you to three local family-run wineries with tastings of boutique wines, paired with a gourmet two-course lunch. The scenic mountain lookouts and the hop-on hop-off style afternoon make for a flexible experience.
Rated 4.6/5, travelers appreciate the stunning views and personalized attention. It’s ideal for those wanting an authentic, intimate wine tour with an emphasis on local producers.
Bottom Line: A relaxed, scenic way to taste Queensland wines and enjoy mountain vistas, perfect for small groups.
11. Lone Pine, Brisbane Highlights and Lunch!
This 6-7 hour experience combines a city tour with the chance to see koalas at Lone Pine, plus visits to South Bank, Kangaroo Point, and Brisbane Powerhouse. The tour includes lunch and entry to the wildlife park.
Rated 5/5, travelers love the easy pace and informative guides. It’s especially great for families or first-time visitors wanting to see Brisbane’s highlights while meeting iconic Aussie animals.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a full day of city sights and wildlife, with a relaxed lunch break included.
12. From Brisbane: Gold Coast Day Tour with Lunch
This 11.5-hour trip covers the Gold Coast’s highlights, including kangaroos and koalas at Coombabah Lakeland and springbrook’s waterfalls. It includes lunch at Skypoint Observation Deck, with panoramic views, and free time in Surfers Paradise.
Rated 4.8/5, travelers appreciate the full day of diverse activities and the local cultural insights. It’s suited for those wanting to combine nature, sightseeing, and beach time in one day.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive day trip for those wanting to experience both nature and city life along Queensland’s coast.
13. BNE – Mt Tamborine All Inclusive Tour with Lunch and Tastings
This 8-hour tour highlights boutique wineries with tastings at Witches Falls and Cedar Creek Estate, topped with a gourmet lunch. It’s perfect for visitors wanting an immersive experience in the mountain’s wine culture, with sightseeing along the way.
Rated 4.7/5, many guests praise the friendly guides and the beautiful scenery. It’s a good choice for wine lovers wanting a full, relaxed day without the stress of driving.
Bottom Line: Ideal for small groups seeking quality wines, scenic views, and good food in a full-day format.
14. Brisbane: Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High-Speed Boat
This 8-hour adventure combines high-speed boat rides with visits to North Stradbroke and Moreton Islands. The tour features lunch at Amity Tavern, plus visits to island bars and opportunities to swim or relax on sandy beaches.
Rated 3.5/5, it’s more suitable for adventurous travelers who enjoy beach, boat, and party elements. The dolphin and whale viewing opportunities (in season) add excitement, though some reviews mention this tour’s more energetic vibe.
Bottom Line: For active travelers looking for a fun, outdoor island experience with a lively atmosphere.
$115 per person
15. City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch
In Brisbane’s inner city, the City Winery offers a small-group tour that includes a behind-the-scenes look at wine production, a wine tasting, and a two-course meal over a fire pit.
Rated 3/5 from a small number of reviews, it’s a more intimate, local experience. The tour is perfect for those wanting to combine city exploration with a touch of wine culture, especially if you’re short on time but want quality.
Bottom Line: A compact, authentic experience for wine enthusiasts interested in local production.
$50.60 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience in Brisbane
When selecting a tour, consider your interests and pace. Want wildlife and outdoor scenery? The Whale Watching Cruise or Lone Pine visit are excellent. Looking for a relaxed, scenic day with a focus on regional flavors? The Tamborine Mountain wine tours or full-day winery trips (like the Luxury Winery Tour) offer both wine and sightseeing. If your priority is a shorter, budget-friendly outing, the river cruises with lunch are ideal, especially the Brisbane: River Cruise with Lunch.
Book early during peak seasons or holidays, and think about your fitness level—some tours involve walking or boat rides. For wine or spirit tours, check if you prefer a guided, all-inclusive experience or a more flexible hop-on, hop-off style.
Final Thoughts
Brisbane’s diverse lunch experiences cater to wildlife enthusiasts, wine lovers, river fans, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you prefer a wildlife cruise, a scenic wine tour, or a relaxing river cruise with local bites, there’s a memorable outing waiting for you. The Whale Watching Cruise offers a rare wildlife sighting combined with a delicious onboard picnic, while the Tamborine Mountain wine tours serve up regional flavors with stunning views. For a mix of sightseeing and dining, the Brisbane Cruise to Lunch provides a laid-back day on the water plus hearty pub fare.
To maximize your trip, consider your interests—wildlife, wine, scenery, or a mix—and your available time. Many of these tours are highly rated, offering excellent value and authentic experiences. Book early, and enjoy one of Brisbane’s best-loved lunch outings.