The Ultimate Brisbane Island Day Trip Experience - From Moreton Island to North Stradbroke Island
Brisbane Island Day Trips: The Perfect Escape
Brisbane is a gateway to some of the best island adventures in Australia. Whether you're a local itching to get away for a day or a visitor looking to make the most of your time in Queensland, Brisbane offers a range of day trips that mix adventure, relaxation, and a little island magic.
River to Bay is a local operator that combines scenic river cruising, snorkelling, pub hopping, and the best of island life, with tours that journey from the heart of Brisbane to the pristine shores of Moreton Island and North Stradbroke, with plenty of good times in between.
From scenic coastlines to adventurous escapes, these day trips from Brisbane are perfect for when you need a break without going too far.
Moreton Island day trips
For those who want to soak up natural beauty and wildlife, a day trip to Moreton Island offers endless opportunities to explore. Dive into the serene waters of the Blue Lagoon, explore the vast Moreton National Park (which covers 95% of the island), or tackle the towering dunes of the Tangalooma Desert for some epic sandboarding.
Prefer something more chilled? The island's coastline is a mix of calm beaches and surfable waves, so you can soak up the sun or catch a few breaks. For history buffs, check out Queensland's oldest lighthouse, and if you're a wildlife lover, keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles, and even dugongs. If you're lucky, you might spot whales cruising by in season. From sandy thrills to beach bliss, Moreton Island is the perfect day trip from Brisbane.
Tangalooma Moreton Island day cruise
Looking for an adrenaline-packed day trip? Tangalooma’s Moreton Island Day Cruise is just the ticket. Departing daily at both 7:30am and 10:00am from the Brisbane Wharf, this full-day escape whisks you across Moreton Bay to the sun-soaked shores of Tangalooma Island Resort. This cruise is 75 minutes from Brisbane across Moreton Bay and starts at $99 per adult and $59 per child ages 3-14 years old for their standard Beach Day Cruise. The excitement begins the moment you arrive. Your package includes return boat transfers, access to resort facilities, and resort lunch vouchers worth $25 per adult and $20 per child. With a mix of adventure and laid-back island charm, it’s the perfect way to make the most of a single day in paradise.
North Stradbroke Island Day Trips
Known to locals as Straddie, North Stradbroke Island is a day trip that blends adventure, culture, and relaxation. Famous for its stunning beaches and laid-back vibe, Straddie offers a bit of everything, whether whale watching, soaking up the coastal views on the Gorge Walk or heading out on a four-wheel adventure on Flinders or Main Beach.
For a laid-back family vibe, pack a picnic and head to the tranquil Brown Lake, or wander through the North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum to explore the island's fascinating past. Art lovers can swing by the Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Art Gallery for a glimpse of local Indigenous culture, while the Point Lookout Lighthouse offers the perfect spot for soaking up panoramic ocean views.
SeaLink North Stradbroke Island Day Cruise
But the fun doesn't stop there. Set off for North Stradbroke Island and the stunning Amity Point
Hop aboard SeaLink’s North Stradbroke Island Day Tour and set your sights on Amity Point - a local gem known for its laid-back charm and incredible wildlife. Here are the offered transport options:
Transport pickup options from Brisbane:
- 8:30 am : YHA 392 (Roma Street Brisbane City)
- 8:45 am : Brisbane Quarters (Back of the hostel on Wimpole Lane)
- 9:50 am : Cleveland Station
- 10:00 am : Ferry departure parking (3 Emmett Dr, Cleveland QLD)
- Ferry departs 10:30 am
Priced at $175 per adult, the experience includes return ferry travel, on-island bus transfers, a complimentary drink, and guided commentary along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for wild koalas, kangaroos, and even dolphins as you explore this coastal paradise. By the time you cruise back to the mainland in the late afternoon, you’ll have a camera full of memories - and maybe even a sundowner in hand as the day winds down over Moreton Bay.
You’ll also visit the peaceful shores of Amity Point, where you'll land at the iconic Amity Tavern - think beach bar vibes, cool drinks, and a mouthwatering lunch (included, of course). This laid-back spot is a local legend, perfect for kicking back and soaking up the Straddie scene.
Beyond Moreton and Straddie: discover more of Brisbane’s island adventures
If you’re planning a day trip from Brisbane, you’re spoiled for choice. Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island are two of the top options, but they’re just two of the many islands throughout Brisbane that’s worth exploring. Here two other island destinations that you should check out:
Coochiemudlo Island
For a more relaxed day trip, try Coochiemudlo Island, a small and serene spot perfect for swimming, picnicking and spotting local wildlife. Just a quick ferry ride from Victoria Point, "Coochie" is all about laid-back vibes—think calm beaches, shady walking trails, and the chance to spot some local wildlife while you picnic or paddle. To really get to know the island, you can join the Full Island Guided Tour with Coochie Guided Island Tours. It’s a gentle two-hour walk that weaves through bushland, mangroves, and coastal paths, with stories that bring the island’s Indigenous history and unique ecosystem to life. You’ll even pass the site where Matthew Flinders first came ashore. It’s relaxed, enriching, and the perfect way to experience Coochie beyond the beach towel.
Bribie Island
Another great day trip option is Bribie Island, where you can enjoy a mix of activities, from beach lounging and fishing to 4WD adventures along the coastline. Bribie Island is a 2 hour drive from Brisbane, connected to the mainland by bridge and packed with laid-back coastal charm. Spend the day swimming in calm, crystal-clear waters, kayaking through Pumicestone Passage, or strolling along white sandy beaches. Nature lovers will love the walking trails and wildlife spotting, while the island’s cute cafes and weekend markets add a local flavour. With dolphins, dugongs, and stunning views around every corner that you’ll want to come back to again and again!
Stay at Crystalbrook Vincent
After a day trip of island adventures, Crystalbrook Vincent is the perfect place to rest, recharge, and indulge. Located at Howard Smith Wharves, this five-star hotel features luxury rooms and suites that combine dynamic designs and sustainable amenities with a prime riverfront location.
Fuel up for your island-hopping day trip with breakfast or brunch at Mews before heading out to catch your boat at the City Botanic Gardens - just a quick 5-minute drive from the hotel.
Ready for Your Next Day Trip Adventure?
Whether you're after an adventurous day trip of sand, surf, and snorkelling or a laid-back pub crawl with a few scenic stops, Brisbane's islands offer the perfect mix. With easy day trips to Moreton Island, North Stradbroke, and beyond, your next island escape is just a short boat ride away.
