Brisbane’s self-guided tours offer practical, budget-friendly ways to see the city. Of all available options, three stand out:
The Short Brisbane tour works perfectly for first-timers, using 17 clever clues to guide visitors through the central district’s must-see spots.
The Brilliant Brisbane audio tour wins points for its flexibility – you can start and stop wherever you want.
Best of all is the comprehensive Brisbane walking tour, which hits both famous landmarks and local secrets while letting you set your own pace.
Let’s explore these top picks in detail.
Key Points
The Discover Broadbeach Self Guided Walking Tour offers a 2-3 hour, 2.5 mile (4 km) wheelchair and stroller accessible experience with engaging clues highlighting local attractions.
The Brilliant Brisbane Self-Guided Audio Tour provides a self-paced experience with customizable starting and ending points, but has mixed reviews on GPS functionality.
The Short Brisbane Self-Guided Device-Based Tour includes 17 clues for approximately 3 hours of exploration, starting and ending at ANZAC Square, and is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
The Escape to Coochiemudlo Island: A Self-Guided Audio Tour offers lifetime access to an offline audio and map experience, starting and ending at the Victoria Parade South noticeboard.
The Brisbane: Self-Guided Walking Tour With Audio Guide provides an immersive audio experience revealing hidden gems, including the iconic Story Bridge, Moreton Bay region, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Discover Broadbeach Self Guided Walking Tour – Brisbane
The Discover Broadbeach Self Guided Walking Tour – Brisbane offers visitors and locals alike a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant and picturesque suburb of Broadbeach on the Gold Coast.
This self-guided tour lasts approximately 2-3 hours and covers a distance of 2.5 miles (4 km), making it an ideal activity for a leisurely afternoon.
The tour starts and ends at the Event Cinemas Pacific Fair, providing a convenient meeting point. The route is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome, ensuring accessibility for all participants.
Along the way, participants can enjoy an engaging mental challenge as they follow clues and discover the area’s highlights.
The tour is available year-round, with opening hours ranging from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays and 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturdays.
Booking is easy, with a private tour option and a “Reserve Now and Pay Later” option available.
With an overall rating of 5.0 based on 3 reviews, this self-guided tour is a must-try for anyone exploring the Brisbane area.
Read our full review: Discover Broadbeach Self Guided Walking Tour – Brisbane Review
Book now: Check availability
Brilliant Brisbane Self-Guided Audio Tour
Exploring Brisbane’s vibrant culture and rich history couldn’t be easier with the Brilliant Brisbane Self-Guided Audio Tour. This self-paced experience allows travelers to choose their starting and ending points, seeing the city at their own pace.
The tour includes an audio file and GPS map, though travelers must download the audio before starting.
While the tour is only available in English and can accommodate up to 15 travelers, it doesn’t include any admission fees or a physical guide.
Travelers should have a moderate fitness level, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with back problems or who are pregnant.
Reviews of the tour have been mixed, with some users reporting issues with the GPS map and difficulty following the instructions.
However, others appreciated the historical information provided and the opportunity to learn new facts about Brisbane.
The tour host has acknowledged the feedback and offered refunds for poor experiences, committing to improving the tour based on user input.
Read our full review: Brilliant Brisbane Self-Guided Audio Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Short Brisbane Self-Guided Device-Based Tour
A smart-device-based self-guided tour allows travelers to explore Brisbane’s vibrant culture and rich history at their own pace, avoiding the constraints of traditional guided tours.
This unique experience provides participants with a total of 17 clues guiding them around the city for approximately 3 hours of exploration. The tour starts and ends at ANZAC Square, with the first clue provided on-site, offering a convenient and flexible starting point.
Designed to be accessible, the tour accommodates wheelchair users, strollers, and service animals, with most surfaces being wheelchair-friendly. However, one clue does require negotiating a flight of stairs, which may pose a challenge for some participants.
The tour is suitable for most travelers, with no serious medical conditions required to participate.
Priced at $36.18 per group (up to 6 participants), this self-guided tour provides a cost-effective and customizable way to discover Brisbane’s highlights.
With a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the experience offers flexibility and value for money.
Read our full review: Short Brisbane Self-Guided Device-Based Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Escape to Coochiemudlo Island: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Escape to the tranquil Coochiemudlo Island with a self-guided audio tour that allows you to experience Brisbane, Australia, at your own pace. The tour offers lifetime access in English, so you can start, pause, or restart anytime using the VoiceMap app.
You’ll have offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, which you can access on your smartphone with headphones.
The tour starts at the noticeboard on Victoria Parade South at the jetty and ends back at the same point. Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and near public transportation.
Infants must sit on laps, but most travelers can participate. Keep in mind this is a private tour, with only your group taking part.
The tour is available daily from July 21, 2020, to December 7, 2025, so be sure to confirm the start time with the local provider before your experience.
As this is a non-refundable tour, there are no refunds for cancellations.
Read our full review: Escape to Coochiemudlo Island: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Brisbane: Self-Guided Walking Tour With Audio Guide
Set out on a captivating self-guided walking tour of Brisbane, Australia, with an immersive audio experience that allows you to uncover the city’s hidden gems at your own leisurely pace.
Explore the iconic Story Bridge, a renowned landmark offering breathtaking views of the Brisbane River and the city skyline. Discover the tranquility of the Moreton Bay region, where you can escape to Tangalooma and witness the unique Tangalooma Wrecks or venture to Moreton Island for a thrilling day of sand tobogganing and snorkeling.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, a must-see destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Along the way, learn about the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, uncovering its secrets through the expertly curated audio guide.
This self-guided tour offers the flexibility to customize your experience, ensuring you make the most of your time in Brisbane.
Read our full review: Brisbane: Self-Guided Walking Tour With Audio Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Brisbane offers a range of self-guided walking tours that allow visitors to explore the city at their own pace. From the vibrant Broadbeach district to the tranquil Coochiemudlo Island, these tours provide an engaging and flexible way to discover Brisbane’s diverse attractions. Whether you prefer a classic audio guide or a device-based experience, there’s a self-guided option to suit your preferences and interests.