Brisbane’s city tours pack serious bang for your buck. The best options are straightforward and well-organized: classic walking tours cover all the main sights with expert local guides, while helicopter rides offer unforgettable aerial views of the cityscape. I especially love the true crime tour through Fortitude Valley – it’s fascinating, offbeat, and gives you an entirely different perspective on the city’s history. The urban winery experience is another standout, combining local wine-tasting with city culture in an unexpected way. For day-trippers, Gold Coast excursions showcase Queensland’s famous beaches and entertainment districts. Let’s check out my tested and recommended tour picks.
Good To Know
The Brisbane City Essentials Walking Tour offers a 3-hour guided exploration of the city’s top attractions like City Hall and Cathedral of St Stephen.
Brisbane City Helicopter Tours provide scenic 15-minute flights over the city’s landmarks, accommodating up to 3 passengers for an intimate experience.
The Private Brisbane City Helicopter Tour offers a 30-minute flight over the Brisbane River, Suncorp Stadium, and CBD skyline, with noise-cancelling headsets for enhanced experience.
The Gold Coast City Sights Tour from Brisbane includes a 2-hour crab-catching cruise, seafood lunch, and optional activities like a visit to the Q1 Tower and a helicopter ride.
Unique tours in Brisbane, such as the True Crime Tour, City Winery Tour, and Highlights Tour, offer diverse experiences to explore the city’s history, culture, and landmarks.
Brisbane City Essentials Walking Tour
The Brisbane City Essentials Walking Tour offers visitors a comprehensive introduction to the heart of Queensland’s capital.
This 3-hour guided excursion covers the city’s top attractions, including the iconic City Hall, King George Square, and the Cathedral of St Stephen. Along the way, guests will learn about Brisbane’s fascinating history from a knowledgeable local guide.
The moderate 2.5 km walk takes place on flat city streets, making it accessible for most travelers. With a small-group size, participants can expect personalized attention.
Highly praised for its informative and engaging guides, the tour is an excellent way to get acquainted with the city and discover hidden gems.
Travelers can cap off the experience at the scenic Eagle Street Pier.
Read our full review: Brisbane City Essentials Walking Tour Review
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Brisbane City Helicopter Tour for One (Daytime Flight Experience)
Brisbane’s scenic 15-minute helicopter tour offers a bird’s-eye perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks.
Departing from Archerfield airport, you’ll soar along the Brisbane River and South Bank, taking in aerial views of the CBD skyline, Suncorp Stadium, Story Bridge, and Gabba Stadium.
The tour accommodates a maximum of three passengers, ensuring an intimate experience. Priced from $281.86 per group, the tour includes private transportation, Bose noise-cancelling headsets, and a weight limit of 221 lbs per passenger.
While the scheduled flight time is 15 minutes, some travelers noted the experience felt slightly shorter.
Availability is limited to Saturdays and Sundays from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, so booking in advance is recommended.
Read our full review: Brisbane City Helicopter Tour for One (Daytime Flight Experience) Review
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Private Brisbane City Helicopter Tour (Daytime Flight Experience)
A private helicopter tour over Brisbane offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the city from a bird’s-eye perspective.
The 30-minute flight takes passengers over the Brisbane River, Suncorp Stadium, the central business district skyline, Story Bridge, and Gabba Stadium.
With a maximum of three passengers and weight balance requirements, the tour provides an intimate and exclusive experience.
Noise-cancelling headsets enhance the experience, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the stunning aerial views.
Departing from Archerfield Airport, the tour operates daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, with prices starting at $192.99 per group.
While non-refundable, the tour offers a unique way to see the city and is accessible to most travelers, subject to age restrictions.
Read our full review: Private Brisbane City Helicopter Tour (Daytime Flight Experience) Review
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Gold Coast City Sights Tour From Brisbane
Explore the vibrant coastal city of Gold Coast on this comprehensive full-day tour from Brisbane. The tour takes you to the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Burleigh Heads, and various scenic locations along the Gold Coast.
Enjoy a 2-hour crab-catching cruise on the Gold Coast Broadwater, followed by a seafood lunch. Optional activities include a visit to the Q1 Tower and a helicopter ride.
The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, admission to the Broadwater Parklands, and informative commentary from the driver-guide.
While the tour generally receives positive reviews, some guests have criticized the lack of informative commentary and the organization of the seafood lunch.
Read our full review: Gold Coast City Sights Tour From Brisbane Review
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Vice City – Fortitude Valleys True Crime Tour
Enjoy the hidden underworld of Fortitude Valley on this captivating 90-minute True Crime Tour.
Led by a knowledgeable host, this tour explores the dark past of Brisbane’s notorious Fortitude Valley. With a maximum of 30 participants, you’ll visit the sites of infamous crimes and hear tales of the area’s shadowy history.
The tour starts and ends at the Church Street and Wickham Street intersection, just across from the Fortitude Valley Police Station.
Wheelchair-accessible and near public transportation, this tour is suitable for most travelers. Priced from $22.55 per person, you can reserve your spot now and pay later.
With 10 reviews and a 4.0 rating, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the city’s gritty past.
Read our full review: Vice City – Fortitude Valleys True Crime Tour Review
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City Winery Wine Tasting Tour With Lunch
Embarking on a City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, offers visitors a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the winemaking process.
Located at 11 Wandoo St, the winery is easily accessible via public transportation and accommodates mobility needs.
During the tour, guests can sample wines directly from the barrel and enjoy a two-course lunch prepared over a custom-built fire pit.
The menu features a starter of bread, vege pate, charcuterie, and olives, followed by a shared main of grass-fed beef, roast pork collar, and seasonal vegetables.
Priced at $49.74 per person, the tour can be booked online with a convenient reserve now, pay later option.
Read our full review: City Winery Wine Tasting Tour With Lunch Review
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Brisbane City Highlights Sightseeing Tour
The Brisbane City Highlights Sightseeing Tour offers visitors a comprehensive 4-hour journey through the city’s most iconic landmarks and scenic vistas.
Priced at $116.06 per person, the tour accommodates up to 23 travelers and departs at 9:30 AM from Northbank Plaza.
Highlights include the Brisbane sign, Story Bridge, Botanic Gardens, Brisbane Powerhouse, Mount Coot-tha summit, and Kangaroo Point Cliffs park.
The knowledgeable local guide, Tania, receives high praise for her friendly and accommodating approach, allowing for personalized experiences.
Included in the tour are bottled water, lunch at the Botanical Garden Cafe, and alcoholic beverages.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, this tour is an excellent way to discover Brisbane’s top attractions.
Read our full review: Brisbane City Highlights Sightseeing Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Brisbane offers a diverse array of city tours, catering to various interests. From walking tours to helicopter flights, visitors can explore the city’s highlights, discover its vibrant neighborhoods, and even explore its true crime history. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, wine tasting, or a unique aerial perspective, Brisbane has an exciting tour to suit your preferences.