Koalas, kangaroos & wildlife from Brisbane

For its river and the Story Bridge, the South Bank area, koala sanctuaries such as Lone Pine, and day trips to the sand islands of Moreton Bay. It is a river city, not a surf-beach resort.

Yes for the city and for most listings here: many island, wildlife and rainforest trips include a ferry or a coach transfer from the city. Nearby coasts such as the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast are separate destinations that need their own day.

The Tangalooma resort ferry takes about 75 minutes each way from Holt Street Wharf at Pinkenba, and pre-booking is required. Check-in is at least one hour before departure, so a Moreton Island day starts early and ends in the evening. Confirm times with the operator.

Humpback whales pass Moreton Bay roughly from June to October; some sources extend the season into early November. Tours mainly leave from Redcliffe north of the city, so check the departure point in the listing.

No. The Great Barrier Reef lies far to the north, and Brisbane has no ocean surf beach in the city. The Tangalooma shipwreck snorkel and the island beaches are the closest equivalent, and the Gold Coast is a separate destination for surf.