Our team has been pulling together the best small-group tours, day trips and multi-day adventures around Queensland for years. Mick reads the traveller reviews before any tour earns a spot on this page — if a tour's a dud, it doesn't get listed.
Tear across Pumicestone Passage on a jetski for 60 minutes of wide-open throttle and coastal exploration. The guide throttles back or cranks it up depending on your crew's nerve and appetite—whether you're bringing an eight-year-old or chasing adrenaline, there's a route with your name on it. You'll get fitted with safety gear, snaps for the album, and a proper skipper to show you the best of the water.
Craft your own rainforest adventure across the World Heritage–listed Gondwana forests. Your private guide tailors the day around your interests: chase waterfalls, spot wild kangaroos and koalas, hunt for glow worms at dusk, or tackle scenic lookouts at your own pace. Tours run 4–14 hours from Gold Coast or Brisbane, with packed lunch at a waterfall's edge and door-to-door pickup included.
Tackle Smithfield's legendary trail network near Cairns on a guided 4-hour mountain bike adventure. Australia's oldest dedicated bike park sprawls across 60+ kilometres of terrain—everything from gentle green runs to gnarly black diamonds—carving through rainforest thick with vines, bridging creek crossings, and climbing ridges with Great Barrier Reef views. An e-mountain bike takes the sting out of climbs, letting you focus on the riding.
Your private guide and vehicle explore three protected rainforest parks across the Wet Tropics, anchored by a visit to Barron Falls, Cairns' most striking cascade. In five hours, you'll move between towering trees, swim in clear pools, and witness the transition from dense jungle to open savannah. Depart at 7am or 1pm from your hotel, returning by noon or 6pm. This works well if you're short on time and prefer avoiding group tours.
Pedal through Far North Queensland's quiet backroads and charming hamlets on an electric bike, powered by GPS directions to handpicked stops. This 4–5 hour loop takes in Mossman Gorge's swimming hole, a working chocolate producer, Shannonvale's vineyard, and the local markets. The e-assist means gentle grades and minimal sweat—perfect for families keen to cover ground without grinding.
Spend nine hours tracking koalas and kangaroos at Coombabah Lake before heading into Springbrook's rainforest to discover six cascading waterfalls and the geological marvel of Natural Bridge. This Gold Coast day tour moves at a relaxed cadence with a small group, allowing genuine wildlife spotting moments and unhurried exploration of lush valleys and clifftop vistas. You'll receive refreshments, digital photos from the day, a keepsake, and contribute to native forest restoration with every ticket purchased.
Spend two hours sailing the Gold Coast aboard a 38-foot yacht with up to nine other guests. You'll slip into calm waters whilst sipping your choice of sparkling wine, beer or water, with a tasting plate of cheese, biscuits, fruit and a sweet treat. Keep an eye out for dolphins cruising past as the crew handles the sails and you focus on unwinding on deck.
Glide through Gold Coast waterways aboard a silent electric vessel with a local guide steering the route. Choose between 1 to 5 hours exploring the network of canals, mansions and urban coastline. The whisper-quiet boats handle gently enough for first-time boaters, accommodating up to 10 passengers. You'll drift past architectural landmarks and native wildlife without engine noise cutting into the experience.
Sail the sheltered Gold Coast Broadwater on a private two-hour charter with up to 10 guests. You'll glide across calm waters whilst sipping complimentary wine or beer (or soft drinks) and grazing a deluxe spread. Watch for dolphins, rays and sea eagles cruising overhead. The crew handles everything—navigation, catering, comfort—leaving you to soak in the afternoon light and good company. Perfect whether you're new to sailing or a seasoned hand.
Fly by private helicopter from Brisbane CBD over Mt Coot-tha to Sirromet Winery, taking in the city's skyline and surrounding landscape en route. This 2.5-hour experience accommodates up to three passengers and delivers you to the vineyard's Tuscan Terrace for lunch or independent exploration. Activities and meals onsite are arranged separately, giving you flexibility to shape your visit.
Hire your own gondola for 90 minutes along the Gold Coast's Main Beach and Surfers Paradise waterways. You'll drift past sprawling waterfront estates whilst enjoying a bottle of wine and artisanal cheese board, arriving with a red carpet welcome. Perfect for marking an occasion or simply experiencing the canals at your own pace with up to four others aboard.
This nine-and-a-half-hour circuit from Cairns threads together wetlands, waterfalls and rainforest canopy in one day. You'll walk through Cattana Wetlands with a driver guide, reach Barron Falls with a Djabugay cultural ranger who explains the country's significance, taste coffee and liqueur at Skybury plantation, sample artisan ice cream at Emerald Creek, then glide above the World Heritage rainforest on the Skyrail Cableway. Small group size keeps things intimate; transport, meals and entry fees are included.
A 3-hour coastal cruise departing Nelly Bay on Magnetic Island that pairs a guided snorkel with afternoon tea. You'll explore the island's shoreline aboard a small vessel, slip into the water for a reef look-around, then settle back with refreshments while soaking in the scenery. Relaxed pacing suits all fitness levels, and the boat accommodates prams, wheelchairs, and service animals.
Sprint out to Port Douglas's Outer Reef in a zippy speedboat, reaching pristine snorkelling grounds in under two hours. With just 14 passengers max, you get genuine elbow room to explore coral and fish at your own pace. The boat ride itself—quick enough to sidestep seasickness—is half the appeal. Includes wetsuit, mask and fins; just bring your own snacks and sunscreen.
Hand-feed and fly Barking Owls and Eastern Barn Owls through a Sunshine Coast forest park near Buderim. This 60–90 minute encounter pairs close-up wildlife interaction with a guided walk exploring the region's natural history and landscape. You'll handle the birds under expert supervision, learn owl behaviour and ecology, and move at a pace suitable for all fitness levels. Book for 2–4 people; solo visitors pay a minimum two-person rate.
A seven-hour 4x4 expedition through Conondale National Park centred on Booloumba Falls and Booloumba Creek. You'll navigate rough tracks in a customised Jeep Wrangler with a guide who adjusts the route based on your interests—whether that's rainforest sections, creek crossings, or quieter valleys. The day includes snacks and a picnic lunch, giving you time to explore at your own pace rather than stick to a rigid schedule.
Combine 4WD beach driving, lagoon kayaking, and WWII bunker exploration on this compact Bribie Island adventure, just an hour north of Brisbane. Over four to five hours, you'll navigate coastal dunes in a 4WD, paddle through tea-tree-coloured waters, spot wild kangaroos, and walk through restored Fort Bribie. Small groups and knowledgeable local guides keep the pace personal and the stories authentic—all without the ferry hassles or full-day time commitment of mainland alternatives.
Small-group surf lessons for children aged 6–13 at The Spit, a sheltered local beach near Main Beach, Australia. Two-hour sessions keep numbers tight (maximum four per instructor) so your child gets genuine attention from qualified coaches. The calm, shallow waters and stunning Surfers Paradise backdrop make it an ideal spot to learn the basics without the crowds or hazard. Equipment, facilities and all-day parking included.
Step into an alternate reality where something unsettling lurks beneath the familiar surface. Professor H Geber, your guide to the Realm of Mystery, has vanished after hinting at a major breakthrough. You and your team have 60 minutes to navigate this strange dimension, piece together his research, and uncover what happened to him. The clock is ticking in Brisbane's most bewildering puzzle experience.
A 2-hour small-group boat tour from Mooloolaba designed to watch humpback whales during their migration along the Sunshine Coast. With a maximum of 20 passengers, you'll observe breaches, tail slaps and other natural behaviours from close range. The skipper provides live commentary on whale biology and behaviour throughout the outing, combining observation with education in one compact experience.
Tear up the Gold Coast's purpose-built jet ski circuit on a high-powered machine. This 90-minute session takes place on a sheltered 1km loop designed specifically for safe, flat-out riding. You'll get a thorough safety rundown from experienced staff before hitting the water. The course suits both precision riders threading around marker buoys and those keen to push the throttle hard.
Hire a top-spec electric mountain bike for two days and explore Brisbane's trail network at your own pace. Each rig comes fully kitted with safety gear and repair essentials, maintained by Ben Forbes, a competitive racer who also advises on route selection and bike setup. Suits riders of any fitness level thanks to electric assist—you'll cover more ground and tackle climbs without gassing out. The rental includes a Gap Creek Trail Map to guide your exploration.
A full-day private tour of North Stradbroke Island departing from the mainland with your own transport. Between June and October, watch for migrating whales; year-round you'll encounter dolphins and sea turtles. The itinerary strings together artist studios in Dunwich, tidal creeks fringed by mangroves, the dramatic North Gorge Walk at Point Lookout, and Brown Lake—a tea-coloured freshwater pool ringed by native bushland where you can swim or take afternoon tea before returning.
A customised private tour of the Sunshine Coast and Noosa built around your interests, not a preset itinerary. Your local guide steers you towards both signature spots and quieter corners, keeping driving time minimal so you spend more time exploring. A two-course lakeside lunch for two is included, along with hotel pickups and dropoffs. Runs 1–7 hours depending on what you want to see.
Soar over the Whitsundays in a helicopter, landing on Whitehaven Beach for ninety minutes of swimming and snacking. You'll touch down on the famous white sand, refuel with drinks and canapés, then take flight again to spot Heart Reef's iconic turquoise outline from above. The route circles back via Hayman, Hook and the Molle Island chain, giving you sweeping views of this corner of the Great Barrier Reef.
Book a private boat for 6–8 hours and design your own day across the Whitsundays. Anchor at secluded bays, snorkel vibrant coral gardens, walk island tracks, or simply sprawl on untouched beaches. Your skipper steers while you call the shots—no set itinerary, no crowds, just your group and the islands. Snorkel gear, water, and refreshments included.
Step into a three-millennia-old world with a night-time guided walk through Cairns' Tomb of the Pharaohs, exploring eleven burial chambers and the rituals surrounding death in ancient Egypt. This 90-minute after-hours tour peels back layers of Egyptian funerary custom, revealing how pharaohs and queens were honoured in the afterlife. You'll move through recreated tombs that bring mummification practices and burial traditions to life, gaining insight into beliefs that shaped one of history's greatest civilisations.
Throttle across the Gold Coast's waterways on a personal jet ski, starting in Surfers Paradise before opening up on the Broadwater. This two-hour experience pairs a guide on their own ski with your chance to dial the intensity up or down—cruise past riverside estates and mangrove channels, or push harder around sandbars and island outcrops. You control the speed; the guide ensures you've got the skills to handle it.
Grab a quick aerial perspective of Cairns from the helicopter without the hefty price tag. This 10-minute flight cuts straight to the view—the city sprawling below, the reef glinting offshore, the rainforest pressing in from behind. You'll hear running commentary from the pilot as you circle the landmarks. All fees wrapped in. Perfect if you want the rush of flight time but can't justify a longer jaunt.
Skip the Airlie Beach crowds and head north to Bowen, a quieter coastal town with dramatic beaches and quiet viewpoints. This six-hour small-group tour with Airlie Adventure Tours (Eco Tourism Australia Certified) hits the scenic spots locals actually frequent — coves tucked away from the main tourist drag, stretches of sand backed by bushland, and vantage points across the Whitsundays. Prawns and sparkling wine bookend the day, with snacks and water refills throughout.
Spot kangaroos and koalas at Coombabah Lake before heading up to Mount Tamborine for scones and Gold Coast views. This five-hour haulage loops through the hinterland's best bits—natural wildlife, mountain-village galleries, and a proper morning tea at a heritage property. Includes transport from selected Gold Coast pick-up points, park entry, and a knowledgeable guide throughout.
Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest on Queensland's far north coast with a private guide who knows the area inside out. This 9-hour outing takes you by air-conditioned minivan through World Heritage terrain, includes a river cruise spotting saltwater crocs, proper meals with drinks, and a stop at Cape Tribulation Beach. Hotel transfers bracket the day, so you just show up and follow along.
A two-day guided tour of Cairo's archaeological and cultural landmarks, starting with airport pickup. Day one covers the Giza pyramids, the Sphinx, Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur. Day two includes the Egyptian Museum, Saladin Citadel, and Khan El Khalili bazaar before airport transfer. A private air-conditioned vehicle and Egyptologist guide accompany you throughout, with breakfast and lunch included both days.
Spend seven hours exploring Queensland's Noosa Hinterland with an award-winning local guide who knows the region intimately. You'll travel through rolling hills and hidden valleys, stopping at a working vineyard for wine and cheese, a mead house or craft brewery depending on the day, and a country restaurant for gourmet lunch. The tour wraps with tea or coffee overlooking the Noosa Everglades. Door-to-door transport in a comfortable vehicle is included, along with all tastings and meals.
Direct sedan transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to your Noosa accommodation, taking roughly 30 minutes. A driver meets you at the terminal and handles your luggage, whisking you away in a premium Lexus or Mercedes. Covers up to two passengers and standard checked bags. All fees included in the quoted price.
Spend an hour at Trevena Glen Farm getting up close with working farm animals. You'll move through the property observing daily farm operations whilst handling donkeys, alpacas, goats, sheep, pigs, horses, chickens, guinea pigs, a turkey and a cow. It's a hands-on session designed for small groups keen to connect with livestock rather than a passive tour. All ages welcome, with children needing adult supervision.
Fly by helicopter from Brisbane to Sirromet Winery at Mount Cotton, landing in style for a two-hour vineyard visit. This three-hour experience pairs aerial views of Brisbane's CBD with time to taste wines, explore manicured grounds, and dine at the estate's restaurants—all at your own pace. Your pilot waits on standby via text, ready for the scenic return flight whenever you wish. Groups up to 30 accommodated across multiple aircraft.
Launch yourself 300 metres above the Gold Coast on a solo, tandem, or triple parasail. You'll drift over Surfers Paradise and the Broadwater for two hours of uninterrupted coastline views. Whether you're chasing a personal thrill or sharing the experience, you'll be harnessed safely and fitted with all gear on site. Perfect for anyone wanting to see the strip from an angle most tourists never reach.
A three-hour surf lesson at Double Island Point, accessible only by 4WD across Rainbow Beach. You'll paddle into one of Australia's longest waves within a protected Marine Park, with qualified instructors guiding you through fundamentals in waist-deep, crystalline waters. The remoteness keeps crowds at bay, making this Queensland gem ideal for learning on genuinely quality swells that let you progress fast.
Tear across the Gold Coast's waterways on a jet ski, starting with confidence-building laps before heading out on a 15km coastal run. You'll throttle past the Surfers Paradise skyline, skim sandbars around South Stradbroke Island, and spot wildlife along subtropical shores. Choose your pace—flat out or cruising—then loop back to base. The whole outing takes 90 minutes and suits riders aged 7 and up, with younger kids welcome as passengers.