Tours

Guided day tours are a simple way to see Brisbane if your schedule is tight. View the city's many attractions from the comfort of a chauffeured coach, with a driver giving insider information. Buses are also great for covering the relatively short distances between Brisbane and nearly all of the mainland attractions. Within an hour or two you can be taste-testing your way through the Tambourine or Scenic Rim wineries, or practicing your poker face at a Gold Coast casino.

Most day tours include admission to sights, refreshments, and on full-day tours, lunch, as well as commentary en route and time to explore.

JPT Tour Group. Also known as Australian Day Tours, this company conducts half-, full-, and multiday tours across popular sites in Brisbane, Moreton Island, the Gold and Sunshine coasts, Fraser Island, and more. 2 Elkhorn Ave., Shop 18, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, 4127. 07/5630–1602; 1300/781362; www.daytours.com.au. From A$35.

Queensland Day Tours. This group runs day tours to some of southeast Queensland's most popular beach and hinterland destinations, including the Gold Coast; Springbrook; Mt. Tamborine; and Fraser, Moreton, and Stradbroke Islands. Tour options include wildlife encounters, whale and dolphin watching, wine tastings, and more. Queensland. 0488/332–257; www.qdtours.com.au. From A$139.