Leaving from · AUSTRALIA

8 Island Day Trips in Australia Worth Booking

8 day trips  ·  from $67 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 8 island day trips in Australia worth a free day, each with its price and the one thing to know before the pickup.

From Brisbane: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip - The 75-minute cruise across Moreton Bay
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From Brisbane: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip

1.From Brisbane: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,108 reviews · 1 day · from $126Our pick

Take a 75-minute cruise from Brisbane or the Gold Coast to Moreton Island, then follow English-speaking guides such as Ryan, Will, Jacob, or Darcy through snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks, transparent-kayak sessions, 4WD beach and bush tracks, and fast sand toboggan runs. Lunch wraps, water, equipment, and safety gear are included.

“One of the best things we’ve done so far! All the guides were amazing, super chatty, easy going and a good laugh. All the activities were SO much fun! Felt on a high all day! Lunch was build your own wrap, loads of options for all dietaries, we also had crisps and cookies which was a nice surprise. All around a fantastic day trip and would recommend to anyone looking to book- worth every penny.”

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Cairns: Fitzroy Island Full-Day Trip with Optional Extras - The 45-minute ferry from Cairns
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Cairns: Fitzroy Island Full-Day Trip with Optional Extras

2.Cairns: Fitzroy Island Full-Day Trip with Optional Extras

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,668 reviews · 8 hours · from $67Best value

Take a 45-minute fast ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, then set your own pace for up to seven hours. Walk five rainforest trails, swim, snorkel near White Rock, or add a glass-bottom boat ride, snorkel gear, and picnic lunch. The island is 94 percent protected rainforest, with options for easy walkers and active hikers.

“We really enjoyed our time at Fitzroy Island. As we were visiting on a cruise we realised we couldn't do the full day return but the team were quick to resolve this by rebooking our return ferry for an earlier time. The trip over to the island departed on time and the ferry was clean and comfortable. There was quite a long queue to get the stinger suits and snorkels and we were waiting for a long time. The island itself is fantastic but be warned its quite the little trek to the beach area but fully work it. Snorkeling is good near the white rock but there are some…”

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Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne - Meeting koalas at the Conservation Reserve
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Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

3.Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 775 reviews · from $125Top rated

Leave Melbourne for Phillip Island’s Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, the Nobbies, and the famous Penguin Parade. Your driver-guide handles the long return journey, wildlife-park entries, and timing. Expect a social group of up to 38 people, about nine and a half hours on the road, and a chilly evening beside the penguin viewing platforms.

“When we booked it, it showed a kind of burrow with a glass front that we were to be in...there was nothing like that there”

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Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast - Getting across Moreton Bay by ferry
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Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast

4.Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 633 reviews · from $128

Spend a long, action-packed day on Moreton Island with guides including Michelle, Ryan, Darcy, Will, and Jacob. Ride a 4WD to the Tangalooma Wrecks for snorkeling and transparent kayaking, then sandboard down the dunes. Lunch and equipment are included, but ferry and park fees cost extra.

“It was really good, a bit rushed because all the activities, but really nice! It is worth it, you should try”

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Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne - The Nobbies and Seal Rocks in a short coastal stop
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Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne

5.Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 566 reviews · from $150

Travel from Melbourne in a minivan with a guide such as Travis, Josh, or Adam, stopping at Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s famous Penguin Parade. You’ll feed wallabies, spot Australian wildlife, learn about conservation, and watch little penguins return to shore. Expect a long afternoon and late evening, with warm clothes essential.

“Our tour guide Travis was very engaging & enthusiastic which was contagious. Although the day was rainy the experience at the sanctuary Amazing - the koalas, wallabies and kangaroos were awesome!!! They were all friendly and the experience of petting and feeding them was memorable. This tour is something everyone coming to Australia should experience.”

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Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip with ATV Quad Bike Tour - Arriving at Tangalooma Island Resort
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Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip with ATV Quad Bike Tour

6.Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip with ATV Quad Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 467 reviews · 1 day · from $119

Travel from Brisbane to Tangalooma Island Resort by high-speed boat, then spend the day between the beach, pools, wildlife talks, lunch outlets, and a guided 45-minute ATV tour. The package costs $119 and includes resort access, a $25 lunch voucher, one boat drink, helmets, and return transfers.

“I loved it as you get to ride on the berms and the team make it safe but not boring. Tour very flexible and the ATV staff really chill.”

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Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island Day: Wildlife & Beaches - Starting in Brisbane and crossing Moreton Bay
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Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island Day: Wildlife & Beaches

7.Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island Day: Wildlife & Beaches

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 391 reviews · 1 day · from $134

Spend a full day on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island with a small group and guides such as Anton, Ivy, Jack, and Tess. Ride the ferry from Cleveland, walk the North Gorge, watch for whales, swim at Cylinder Beach, and seek koalas at Amity Point. Lunch is your own choice, and pickup is available from Brisbane or Cleveland.

“We met at the Pullman hotel at 08.35, departed via mini bus at 08.45 and arrived at the Ferry terminal at around 09.45. We boarded the ferry at 10.15 and arrived at North Stradbroke Island around 11.15. Overall, it was a fantastic day with great weather. We saw rays, turtles, dolphins, kangaroos, koalas, ospreys, kookaburras, wallabies and lizards. The beaches and coastline of the island is beautiful. There are regular toilet breaks and cafes with a chance to buy food and drink. We arrived back at the hotel at 19.15.”

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Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform - The Koala Conservation Reserve starts the wildlife story
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Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

8.Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 383 reviews · from $172

Spend about 9.5 hours visiting Phillip Island from Melbourne with an English-speaking driver-guide such as Fiona, Craig, Vicky, or Ben. See koalas at the Koala Conservation Reserve, walk at the Nobbies, pause in Cowes, and watch little penguins return from the sea from the Penguin Plus platform. The tour includes transport and park admissions, but not meals.

“Excellent tour. Fiona was a very nice guide. Very cold on the platform. Little blue penguins were amazing.”

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