Brisbane to shine at ATE: Discover Queensland’s capital like never before

April 16, 2025
By Patrick Cros
Brisbane-credit Tourism_Australia

Brisbane is set to host ATE25, Australia’s premier travel trade event, from 27 April to 1 May 2025. As the vibrant capital of Queensland—and the future host of the 2032 Olympic Games—Brisbane is stepping into the global spotlight, showcasing its dynamic blend of urban experiences and natural escapes. To mark the occasion, Across Australia invites you to discover a selection of immersive travel products available to travel agents through our website, designed to inspire and boost your Queensland sales.

# Climb into Brisbane’s Skyline: The Story Bridge Adventure Climb​

For a unique perspective of Brisbane, Story Bridge Adventure Climb offers an exhilarating experience atop one of only three bridge climbs worldwide. This guided journey provides panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, making it a must-do for visitors seeking both adventure and insight.​

Participants can choose from day, twilight, or night climbs, each offering a distinct ambiance. The twilight climb is particularly enchanting, as climbers witness the transition from daylight to the city's illuminated skyline. Throughout the approximately 1.5-hour experience, knowledgeable guides share stories about Brisbane's history and the bridge's construction, enriching the ascent with cultural context.

# Get Wrecked in Paradise: A Moreton Island Adventure

Just off the coast of Brisbane lies one of Queensland’s best-kept secrets—Moreton Island, a natural wonderland of crystal-clear waters, towering sand dunes, and unforgettable marine encounters. With Sunset Safaris' Get Wrecked 1 Day Tour (Sunset Safaris Brisbane), your clients can experience a thrilling eco-certified day trip packed with adventure, nature, and fun, ideal for active families and curious explorers alike.

This small-group tour begins with a journey to the iconic Tangalooma Wrecks, where guided snorkeling reveals a colourful underwater world of reef fish, turtles, and—if you're lucky—playful dolphins. The adventure continues with transparent kayaking over sunken shipwrecks, offering a unique window into the island’s aquatic life.

On land, adrenaline rises as guests race down towering sand dunes at 70km/h with expert-led sand tobogganing, followed by a rugged 4WD safari through bush tracks and along unspoiled beaches to the island’s central desert.

Certified for its sustainable tourism practices, this tour blends environmental respect with exhilarating experiences.

Inclusions: all equipment for snorkeling and kayaking, 4WD transfers on the island, sandboarding gear, and a delicious picnic lunch.

# From Whale Tails to Dolphin Smiles: An Iconic Day at Tangalooma

Looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience just 75 minutes from Brisbane? The Full Day Whale Watching Cruise with Wild Dolphin Feeding organized by Tangalooma Island Resort offers a rare blend of marine encounters and laid-back island charm—all in a single day.

From June to October, guests can witness the majestic migration of humpback whales aboard a smooth-sailing catamaran on Moreton Bay’s best whale-watching cruise. With expert commentary and spacious viewing decks, every breach and tail slap becomes a moment to remember. After the cruise, guests can enjoy full access to the resort’s beachside facilities and explore activities like Eco Ranger presentations and educational talks at the Eco Centre.

But the true highlight comes at sunset: a chance to hand-feed a pod of wild bottlenose dolphins, a magical tradition unique to Tangalooma since 1987. It's an experience that stays with travellers long after the sun has set.

Inclusions: Return catamaran transfers from Holt Street Wharf, resort access and day lounge use, one beverage onboard, a light lunch during the cruise, a 3-hour whale watching tour, Eco Ranger presentations, and the unforgettable dolphin feeding experience.

# Brisbane from the River: A Scenic Cruise to Meet Australia's Wildlife Icons

For a peaceful escape just minutes from the city, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Return River Cruise (Mirimar Cruise) is one of Brisbane’s most iconic and relaxed day trips. Departing conveniently from the Cultural Centre Pontoon in South Bank, this leisurely cruise offers guests a unique perspective on Brisbane’s evolving skyline and tranquil suburbs.

As you glide down the Brisbane River, enjoy live commentary from the captain highlighting local history and riverfront landmarks, from glittering towers to hidden mangroves. Onboard, homemade morning teas, snacks, and light meals are available for purchase at the café, making the journey as pleasant as the destination.

The highlight of the day is a 3-hour visit to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s largest koala reserve, home to over 100 koalas and an impressive array of Australian wildlife. Guests can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, and possibly catch a glimpse of the elusive platypus in the Platypus House.

This experience perfectly combines nature, relaxation, and wildlife encounters—ideal for families and first-time visitors to Australia.

Inclusions: Return river cruise from Brisbane city, entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and expert commentary onboard.

# Nature, Elegance, and Exclusivity: Discover Queensland on a Private Eco Safari

For travellers seeking a personalised, high-end experience of South East Queensland’s natural wonders, Eco Safaris Queensland offers a selection of private full-day tours that blend comfort, sustainability, and curated discovery. With expert local guides and luxury 4WD vehicles, each itinerary is tailored for small groups, couples, or families looking to explore the region at their own pace. From Brisbane, guests can choose from several signature day tours, each showcasing a distinct facet of the state's natural and cultural beauty:

  • Lamington National Park: A World Heritage-listed rainforest teeming with wildlife, ancient trees, and breathtaking canopy walks.
  • Noosa & Sunshine Coast Beaches: A relaxed journey through charming coastal towns, pristine surf beaches, and lush hinterland.
  • Stradbroke Island: Explore one of the world’s largest sand islands with its wild headlands, marine life sightings, and beach walks.
  • Brisbane City & Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Combine urban exploration with a visit to the world’s largest koala reserve for a truly local encounter.
  • Tamborine Mountain (6 or 8 hours options): Discover lush rainforests, boutique wineries, waterfalls, and panoramic views in this green hinterland gem.

Inclusions: Private guide and vehicle, hotel pick-up and drop-off from Brisbane, bottled water, and optional add-ons like wine tasting, lunch, or scenic walks depending on the selected itinerary.

# From Brisbane to the Tropics: Explore Queensland with Handpicked Packages

Brisbane isn't just a gateway—it’s the beginning of a tailor-made Queensland journey. With Across Australia’s curated travel packages, your clients can savour the best of Brisbane before heading north through lush hinterlands, reef-fringed coasts, and ancient rainforests.

The 4-Day Brisbane City Packages come in three irresistible flavours:

  • 4 Days Brisbane – Food & Wine Package: A gourmet escape for curious palates. Savour Brisbane’s flavours with a guided food tour and discover the city’s best craft breweries on a full-day brewery experience. Optional: add an immersive Aboriginal dinner show. Package includes 3 nights at Rydges Southbank (or similar), all listed tours, and private airport transfers with inStyle Limousines for a refined culinary getaway.
  • 4 Days Brisbane – Active Package: Perfect for active travellers, this itinerary blends city exploration with thrilling experiences. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Brisbane, climb the iconic Story Bridge, and opt for a scenic hot air balloon flight over Greater Brisbane. Includes 3 nights at Rydges Southbank (or similar), all listed tours, and private airport transfers with inStyle Limousines.
  • 4 Days Brisbane – Discover Package: A perfect blend of nature and culture, this itinerary showcases Brisbane's highlights. Cruise along the river to visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, then spend a full day discovering the wild beauty of North Stradbroke Island at sunset. Includes 3 nights at Rydges South Bank (or similar), all listed tours, and private airport transfers for a seamless city escape.

For those with more time, Goway’s Brisbane to Cairns journeys offer a deeper dive into Queensland’s natural wonders. Choose from a 9- or 13-day itinerary, or go all in with the 17-Day Eco Discovery, which blends reef experiences, rainforest encounters, Indigenous culture, and sustainable travel across Queensland’s most iconic sites.

  • 13 Day Brisbane to Cairns – East Coast Discovery

Explore Queensland’s legendary coast at your own pace with this self-drive adventure. From Brisbane to the tropics, discover K’Gari’s wild beauty, the Whitsundays, lush rainforests and coastal gems like Mission Beach and Airlie. Includes 12 nights’ accommodation, 13 days car hire, ferry transfers to K’Gari, and digital travel documentation for a seamless road trip.

  • 17 Day Brisbane to Cairns – Eco Discovery

This eco-conscious self-drive journey reveals Queensland’s wild side, from the Noosa Everglades to turtle nesting at Mon Repos, reef tours at Lady Musgrave and Whitehaven, and sailing the Great Barrier Reef. Travel in a Hertz electric vehicle and stay in handpicked eco-lodges. Includes 16 nights’ accommodation, EV rental, four guided nature tours, and digital travel docs.

Lady Elliot Island Day Trip

Another option for nature lovers: set off on a full-day adventure with Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort and explore the pristine waters of the Coral Sea, home to some of the Great Barrier Reef’s most vibrant marine life.

Departing Brisbane with a convenient hotel pick-up, this eco-certified tour includes a scenic flight from Redcliffe Airport to the breathtaking coral cay of Lady Elliot Island, located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend your day snorkeling alongside manta rays and turtles, gliding over coral gardens on a glass-bottom boat, and walking the reef at low tide. A buffet lunch with wine or beer is served on the island, and the experience includes return air transfers, snorkel gear, fish feeding, and access to day guest facilities.

It’s a truly unforgettable way to discover the exceptional natural beauty of Queensland’s coastline in just one day.

Across Inbound
ABN # 57 002 767 839
Privacy PolicyContact Us
Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand
Australian Tourism Export Council
IATA Logo
Copyright ©2021 All rights reserved Across Australia. Site by 
Loopdesign.
cross