
If you are coming to Australia on a big cruise ship, you are in for a real treat. Many people get off the boat and feel lost because the city centre is quite large. But the best way to spend your time is to plan a special day out that is just for you. Smart travellers know that you should not wait for the slow bus with fifty other people. Instead, you can have a private car and a friendly local guide pick you up right at the ship. This is the best way to see the “Best of Queensland” without any stress. You get to see the cute koalas, the tall green trees, and the blue ocean all in one go. Because we have a perfect 5.0 score from 72 Google reviews, you know you are in good hands. We make sure every minute of your shore trip is filled with smiles and great photos. Starting your day with us means you won’t miss a thing while your ship is in port. Whether you ride in our posh Lexus LS500 or our roomy Mercedes Benz mini bus, you will feel like a king.
Content
- Fast and Easy Pick-up from Your Cruise Ship Terminal
- Meet Cuddly Koalas at Lone Pine Sanctuary
- Look Over the Whole World at Mount Coot-tha
- Relax by the River at South Bank Parklands
- Your Trip, Your Way: A Fully Customisable Day
1. Fast and Easy Pick-up from Your Cruise Ship Terminal

When your big ship docks, at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, you want to get moving fast. The terminal is a bit far from the city centre, and trust me “waiting for a taxi” can take ages. Our private tours are a ripper to skip the lines . Your guide will be standing there with a sign just for you. It feels very “unique” and “special”, like being a movie star! We know exactly when your ship arrives and when it has to leave. This means you never have to worry about being late back to the boat. We take care of all the driving so you can just look out the window at the beautiful scenery. Our Mercedes Benz mini buses are very clean and have cold air inside, which feels great on a sunny Queensland day. We have plenty of room for your bags too, if you are finishing your cruise and heading to a hotel. It is the smoothest way to start your Brisbane adventure.
Most travellers who travel with us are looking for a day that is easy and comfortable. We don’t make you walk long distances or climb big stairs if you don’t want to. Since we specialise in ADT Exclusive Private Tours, we can change the plan to fit you. If you want to spend more time looking at the city buildings or find a quiet spot for a nice lunch, we can do that. Our guests usually a group of family, and they love that we treat them like family. We don’t use a loud speaker or a strict schedule. It is just a fun day out with a local friend who knows all the best secrets. If you want the ultimate luxury, you can book our Lexus LS500 for a smooth and quiet ride for up to four people. This is why our guest’s satisfaction rate is always 100% and 5 stars. People love that we listen to what they want and make it happen. It truly is the best way to see the sights without the crowds of the big tour groups.
Q&A
A: The best trip is a Private Sightseeing Tour . It is very easy because the car picks you up right at the ship. You can travel in a luxury Lexus LS500 or a Mercedes Benz mini bus in total comfort. It is much better than a crowded bus! Book your tour HERE
A: Yes, it is very safe. We check the ship times every day to make sure we are there when you land. We also make sure you get back to the ship at least one hour before it sails away, so you never have to worry.
A: Your guide will wait for you at the exit of the terminal with a sign that has your name on it. It is very easy to find them. You won’t have to wait in any long lines for a taxi or a public bus.
2. Meet Cuddly Koalas at Lone Pine Sanctuary

One of the most exciting parts of our Brisbane tour is visiting the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. It is the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the world! When you go there, you feel a real connection to our unique wildlife. You can see dozens of koalas sleeping in the gum trees or munching on leaves. They are so soft and cute! It is a “Hero Experience” that every visitor to Australia should have. You can also walk into a big field and feed the kangaroos and wallabies. They are very gentle and love to say hello. Many travellers say this is the highlight of their whole holiday. It is a very peaceful place that shows you the wild side of Australia right near the city. You will get some amazing photos to show your friends and family back home.
Our 6 Hour Brisbane Shore Excursion includes plenty of time at Lone Pine. We don’t rush you through the park. You can watch the sheepdog show or see the platypus swimming in the water. Our guides know the best times to see the animals when they are most active. For our guests who want a high-quality day, this is the perfect mix of nature and city life. You get to see the famous Aussie animals while staying safe and comfortable in our Mercedes Benz mini bus. After seeing the koalas, we drive you through the beautiful suburbs of Brisbane to see how the locals live. It is a “fair dinkum” look at our city that you won’t get on a big bus tour. We make sure you feel like a VIP from the moment you leave the ship until the moment we drop you back.
Q&A
A: As of July 1, 2024, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary stopped all “koala holding” experiences. They made this change to let the koalas live more naturally. However, you can still get very close! Lone Pine offers a “Koala Moment” for $35. You stand right next to a koala for a photo on your own phone or camera. It’s a great way to see them up close without disturbing them. You still want hold a koala ? If a “cuddle photo” is a must-do for your holiday, we have you covered! You can book our Gold Coast & Currumbin Wildlife Private Tour. At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you can still pay for a professional photo where you get to hold and cuddle a koala.
A: Yes! At Lone Pine, you can buy a small bag of food and feed the kangaroos by hand. It is a very fun and safe experience for people of all ages.
A: It is about a 20-minute drive from the city. The drive is very smooth and scenic as we pass through some of Brisbane’s most beautiful suburbs.
3. Look Over the Whole World at Mount Coot-tha

After you meet the animals, we drive you up the winding roads to the top of Mount Coot-tha. This is a very special mountain that sits right on the edge of the city. When you stand at the lookout, you will feel like you are looking over the whole world. You can see the big tall buildings in the city centre, the blue water of the ocean, and the green islands far away. It is a beaut spot for a photo that you will keep forever. The air up there is very fresh and cool. There is a nice cafe – Mt. Coot-tha Summit Cafe – where you can get a cup of tea or a cold drink while you look at the view. It is the best way to see how big and pretty Brisbane really is.
Mount Coot-tha is more than just a view; it is a place full of local history. The name comes from an Aboriginal word meaning “honey,” and it has been a landmark for thousands of years. From the top, you can truly understand the geography of the “River City.” You can see how the Brisbane River twists and turns like a giant snake through the houses and parks. On a clear day, you can even see the Glass House Mountains to the north and the Gold Coast to the south. It is the highest point in the region, making it the best place to get your bearings. Whether you want to take a short bushwalk or just enjoy the breeze from the observation deck, it is a relaxing and majestic stop that highlights the natural beauty of Queensland.
Q&A
A: Absolutely! It is the most famous lookout in Brisbane, but you don’t have to worry about the steep, winding roads or finding a park yourself. We take you right to the summit in our luxury car or mini bus. From the top, you can see the whole city, the river, and even the distant mountains. It is the perfect spot to get your bearings and take some world-class photos without the stress of driving.
A: Yes, there is a very nice cafe at the top. You can grab a drink and a snack while you enjoy the scenery. Many travellers love to have a nice coffee while looking at the city.
A: Yes, it is a very important part of our tour. We make sure every guest gets to see the city from the mountain top.
4. Relax by the River at South Bank Parklands

Next stop, we head down the mountain and go to South Bank Parklands. This is a very fun and pretty place right in the middle of the city centre. It is famous because it has a big man-made beach with real white sand and blue water! You can see people swimming and playing in the sun while the big city buildings are right behind them. It is a very unique sight that you won’t see anywhere else. There are also beautiful gardens to walk through, like the “Epicurious Garden” where they grow real food. The whole place is full of flowers and tall trees. It is a very safe and clean park where locals love to hang out. Walking through South Bank makes you feel the happy and relaxed vibe of Brisbane.
South Bank is the cultural heart of the city, located directly across the river from the skyscrapers. It was the site of the World Expo in 1988, which changed Brisbane into a modern city. Today, it features the Grand Arbour, a long walkway covered in beautiful purple bougainvillea flowers. You can also see the Wheel of Brisbane, a giant Ferris wheel that gives you another great view of the river. The parklands are full of public art, street performers, and grassy areas perfect for a rest. It is a place where nature and city life meet perfectly. Seeing the “Beach in the City” is a must-do for any visitor. It shows how much Australians love the outdoors and how we bring the coastal lifestyle right into our urban spaces.
The area has become even more exciting with the massive Queen’s Wharf development just across the water. It is only a quick 5-minute walk across a beautiful footbridge from South Bank. This new area has the incredible Sky Deck, which is a giant platform 100 metres high in the air. From the Sky Deck, you get a 360-degree view of the “River City” that will leave you speechless. You can see the new luxury buildings and the sparkly river from high above. Because our tours are flexible, we can drop you off so you can explore both the relaxed beach at South Bank and the shiny new Sky Deck at Queen’s Wharf.
Q&A
A: It is a giant set of colourful letters that spell out “BRISBANE.” It is a very popular spot for travellers to take photos for their social media or photo albums.
A: Yes! It is one of the best places! There are dozens of international restaurants and cafes along the river. You can find everything from quick snacks to fine dining with amazing water views.
A: It is very easy! It is just a 5-minute walk across the Neville Bonner Bridge that . Our shore excursion drops you in the best spot so you can see both of these amazing landmarks.
5. Your Trip, Your Way: A Fully Customisable Day

The best thing about booking with us is that your trip is fully customisable. This means we can do whatever you want! Because you are not on a big bus with fifty other people, you get to choose where we go and how long we stay. If you fall in love with the koalas and want to stay an extra hour, we can do that. If you want to skip the shopping and see more old buildings, no worries! Our guides are here to make your dream day come true. We listen to what you like and we make it happen. This is why we consistently receive 5-star reviews with heartful feedbacks from our valuable travellers around the world. People love that they are the boss of their own adventure. It is a very high-quality way to travel.
Flexibility is the key to a great holiday. We understand that every traveller is different. Some people want to learn about the history of the convict days, while others want to see the modern architecture of the 2032 Olympic city. We can include stops at the historic City Hall, the Treasury Building, or the lush City Botanic Gardens. If you have a specific interest, like local art or artisan coffee, we know the best hidden gems to show you. This personal touch is what sets us apart from the generic tours offered by the cruise lines. You get a curated experience that matches your interests perfectly. We take pride in being the best tour company in Queensland, and we want to show you why. Your happiness is the most important thing to us, and we will work hard to make your day perfect.
Q&A
A: Yes! You don’t have to wait for others, you see more things, and you get a much more personal experience. Our 5-star reviews prove that guests prefer the private service.
A: Yes! Our private tours are made to be flexible. Just tell your guide what you like, and they will adjust the day for you.
A: We have a luxury Lexus LS500 for up to 4 people and a premium Mercedes Benz mini bus that fits up to 11 people. We have the perfect vehicle for your group size.
Book Your 5-Star Experience with Adventure Day Trips Brisbane

Adventure Day Trips Brisbane – Best of Queensland Experience 2025
Don’t settle for an average holiday. Choose the team that has been officially named a Best of Queensland Experience for 2025. We are a family-owned business established in 2017, and we take great pride in our high quality tailor-made service with “Big Smiles” guarantee. Whether you are landing at the airport or looking for a weekend escape, we are ready to welcome you.
- 📞 Phone: +61 400 055 199 (also on WhatsApp)
- 📧 Email: info@adventuredaytrips.com.au
- 🌐 Website: www.adventuredaytrips.com.au
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