Brisbane’s Best Ecotours For Families

If you’re a fan of getting amongst nature, and want to teach your kids to care for our planet, we’ve got the tours for you! There is a wealth of natural beauty on our doorstep, and you don’t have to damage your surroundings to get a taste of it. Plus, your kids will be getting an education without even realising it. Shhhhhh!

Straddie Kingfisher Tours

Run by a local North Stradbroke Island couple who have been on the island since 1966, this is a real local education – with an eco touch. Take a leisurely day to various spots on the island to see dolphins, turtles, manta rays, kangaroos, koalas and humpback whales from June to November. Plus morning tea and a delicious beach barbecue. Yum!

Where: 5 Guy Crescent, North Stradbroke Island

Cost: Adult $80, child $40

Learn more: Straddie Kingfisher Tours website

The Canyon Flyer Guided Zipline Tour

For the thrill-seekers (with older children), this is Australia’s largest, highest and fastest guided zipline tour, getting up to 70km per hour! It spans 1.5km across Cedar Creek Gorge through treetop canopies and takes three hours. No zipline experience is necessary and it’s suitable for all fitness levels.

There is no experience necessary on the Canyon Flyer and it's applicable for all fitness levels. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Where: Cnr Tamborine Mountain Road & Cedar Creek Falls Road, North Tamborine 

Cost: Adult $55, child $45, family of four $180

Learn more: Treetop Challenge Canyon Flyer website

Bushwacker Eco Tours

This family-owned and operated group is passionate about the nature of Fraser Island and they can’t wait to share it with you! Hike World Heritage spots to see spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforests, ancient trees and plenty of natural beauty. It offers what are considered to be two of the most beautiful walks in the world: Lake McKenzie - Central Station Rainforest, and Lake Wabby moving Sand Dunes.

Where: 1 Eversleigh Road, Scarborough

Cost: Varies, see website

Learn more: Bushwacker Eco Tours

Dolphins in Paradise

Enjoy the day in the tropical paradise of Tangalooma as Dolphins in Paradise takes you on an eco tour to explore the beautiful marine park of Moreton bay and the Tangalooma Wrecks.
The area is on the migratory path of the Humpback Whale (June to November) and home, all year round, to friendly bottlenose dolphins, giant loggerhead turtles and the endangered dugong.

Where: 17 Rivergate Place, Murarrie

Cost: Adult $174, child $134, family $579

Learn more: Dolphins in Paradise website

Gondwana Guides

Barry Davies has over 25 years of guiding experience, and he’s a bird-watching specialist. Barry runs wildlife tours in South-East Queensland and around Australia, even receiving the Gold Coast Supreme Hospitality Award, the Australian EcoGuide of the Year Award, and the 2009 William Angliss EcoGuide Award of Excellence. All tours are designed to meet clients’ needs and range from one to seven days.

Where: 25 Gwingana Crt, Beechmont 

Cost: Varies, contact Barry for details

Learn more: Gondwana Guides website

Araucaria Eco Tours

Teach your kids all about Australian wildlife with Araucaria’s wildlife experts as you travel from Brisbane to the rainforest, bushland, wetland, the beach, mountains and the outback. Search for kangaroos, koalas, platypuses, bats, dolphins, birds, reptiles, frogs and all sorts of Australia wildlife across a schedule that suits you. Lots of nature-loving fun!

Where: 1770 Running Creek Road,via Rathdowney

Cost: Varies, see website for details

Learn more: Araucaria Eco Tours Learn About Wildlife website

Looking for more family outdoor adventures?:

• The Best Rockpools for Kids Around Brisbane
• The Best Bike Parks and Trails for Kids in Brisbane 
• The Best Secret Spots to Take Your Kids in Brisbane 

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Hero Image Credit: Gondwana Guides