Great Barrier Reef Tours from Brisbane
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10 best Great Barrier Reef tours from Brisbane
Compiled by

MelissaBrisbane travel expert at TourRadar
- Brisbane to Cairns Adventure
- Essential Brisbane to Cairns
- 7 Day Brisbane to Cairns with Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Comfort Tour
- 9 Day Brisbane Tour – Daintree | Whitsundays | Great Barrier Reef
- Australian Vanlife: East Coast & Sunkissed Wonders
- Whitsundays, Reef & Rainforest - 9 days
- Brisbane to Cairns Discovery - 7 days
- Essential Australia Private Tour
- East coast & dream islands (from Brisbane to Cairns)
- Tropical Queensland: Brisbane to Cairns (Small Group, 2027/2028) (from Brisbane to Cairns)
Duration 8 days Destinations Brisbane, Noosa, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Townsville, Lucinda, Mission Beach, AthertonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$3,960
Brisbane's Mount Coot-Tha marks the starting point through Noosa National Park and Airlie Beach. The route includes 2-night Whitsundays sailing adventure, Whitehaven Beach visits, finishing in Cairns after Mission Beach's tropical shores.
Duration 10 days Destinations Brisbane, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Mission Beach, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$3,620
Duration 7 days Destinations Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Mission Beach, Yungaburra, Lake Eacham, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Autopia Tours From
- NZ$4,737
Duration 9 days Destinations Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Mission Beach, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas, Kuranda, Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Autopia Tours From
- NZ$6,751
Duration 15 days Destinations Brisbane, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Bundaberg Central, Lady Elliot Island, Rockhampton, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic IslandSee all destinations Age Range Ages 99+ Operator Journaway From $4,782
36% Off- NZ$3,039You save $1,743
Whitsundays, Reef & Rainforest - 9 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour was well organized and we were very informed on the areas visited.”
Shelley, traveled in March
The coastal passage from Brisbane's Lambert Street to Cairns' Crystalbrook Flynn features flight to Airlie Beach, boat transfers to reef sites, and Solar Whisper cruise on Daintree River, showcasing spots from Whitehaven Beach to Cape Tribulation.
Duration 9 days Destinations Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Mission Beach, Atherton, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree National Park Age Range Ages 18+ Operator On The Go Tours From
36% Off- NZ$8,336
The route from The Point Brisbane on Lambert Street weaves through Whitsundays and Mission Beach to the Great Barrier Reef region, concluding at Flynn Hotel in Cairns after touring Atherton Tablelands over 7 days.
Duration 7 days Destinations Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Mission Beach, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef Age Range Ages 18+ Operator On The Go Tours From
36% Off- NZ$5,849
Duration 9 days Destinations Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Firebird Tours From
36% Off- NZ$8,106
The coastal adventure from Brisbane moves to K'Gari, Lady Elliot Island and Hamilton Island before Cairns. Stops include Rockhampton and Townsville, covering 1,600km of Great Barrier Reef coastline with island transfers.
Duration 14 days Destinations Brisbane, Fraser Island, Rockhampton, Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island, Townsville, Cairns Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
36% Off- NZ$11,203
Duration 9 days Destinations Brisbane, Noosa, Fraser Island, Hervey Bay, 75 Mile Beach, Rockhampton, Hamilton Island, Sarina, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday IslandsSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator AAT Kings From
36% Off- NZ$9,775
What people love about Great Barrier Reef Tours from Brisbane
- Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays
The trip was excellant. The locations that we went to were awesome. Lots of incredible moments and adventures to be had on this trip. Weather was the only problem with lots of clouds and rain during the summer wet season. Some didn't seem to like it, but It wasn't a problem for me though, lots of fun still to be had, just wear a rain jacket. The guides were amazing doing their best to take care of everybody's preferences. Guides were friendly and knowledgeable about the areas travelled activities to do etc. The took care of all the arrangements leaving us to mingle and enjoy the moment. Overnight train ride was not very comfortable to sleep in, but was an adventure in itself :). On the whole, came back with tons of new memories, fears conquered, and new friends made. Highly recommend this tour!
- Oz East Coast Adventure 20 days
I had such an amazing experience! The organisation, trips and people were incredible. Met the best group of people who are now friends for life, Val our tour leader brought us all together so well and always kept us entertained and on schedule.
- Oz East Coast + Work 20 Days
Tour of a lifetime! So many great activities during the trip
What our customers ask about Great Barrier Reef Tours from Brisbane
How many stops are typically included between Brisbane and the Great Barrier Reef?
The journey from Brisbane to the Great Barrier Reef includes 6-8 key destinations along Queensland's coast. Travelers can expect to visit coastal gems like Noosa with its national park then continue to K'gari (Fraser Island). The route leads north to Airlie Beach where boats depart for the Whitsunday Islands followed by stops at Mission Beach and Magnetic Island before reaching the reef access point of Cairns. A TourRadar traveler shared "Each stop from Brisbane was unique and offered something special - from Fraser Island's sand dunes to the Whitsundays' perfect beaches."
What is the typical length of tours from Brisbane to the Great Barrier Reef?
Most tours along Queensland's coast run between 7-20 days with 13 days being standard. The North Queensland Adventure route allows time to explore highlights like Noosa K'gari (Fraser Island) and the Whitsundays en route to the Great Barrier Reef. According to a TourRadar traveler "Such an enjoyable trip up the East Coast! Completely stress free and includes really fun once in a lifetime activities!"
What are the most common starting points for tours within Brisbane?
Tours depart from three central Brisbane locations: The Point Brisbane Hotel on Lambert Street BUNK Brisbane hostel in the downtown area and the Roma Street vicinity near Parklands. Most itineraries begin with an evening orientation walk taking in South Bank's beach area and the Brisbane River. A TourRadar traveler noted "The Point Brisbane Hotel was a perfect starting point with easy access to explore the city via the free CityHopper ferries."
What activities are included in the first day starting from Brisbane?
Day one begins with an evening welcome meeting at 5-6pm followed by a guided walk through Brisbane's key sites including South Bank the Botanic Gardens and riverfront areas. Groups typically gather for dinner at a local restaurant before exploring the energetic Fortitude Valley district. One TourRadar traveler noted "Our first evening in Brisbane was perfect - we had a great orientation tour followed by dinner where we got to know our group."
What is the best time of year to start a Great Barrier Reef tour from Brisbane?
The prime touring season runs March through November. June to August brings mild temperatures and minimal rain making it peak season. Spring and fall months (March-May and September-November) offer pleasant conditions with smaller crowds. A traveler's review states "We went in March and had perfect weather throughout the journey from Brisbane to Cairns making it ideal for both city exploring and reef activities."
What type of accommodation can I expect at the start of the tour in Brisbane?
Brisbane accommodations range from upscale hotels like The Point Brisbane and Next Hotel to social hostels such as BUNK Brisbane. Premium tours feature stays at boutique properties like the Crystalbrook Flynn while budget-conscious options provide shared rooms in backpacker venues. A TourRadar guest noted "The accommodation in Brisbane was great - less of a hostel and more of a resort with a pool and licensed cafe."
More about Brisbane
Brisbane to Cairns tours