The 11 Best Island Day Trips in Australia

1.From Brisbane: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip

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

Join Australian Sunset Safaris for a full-day Moreton Island trip from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Guides such as Ryan, Will, Darcy, Jacob, and Sam lead snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks, transparent-kayak sessions, 4WD beach and bush travel, and fast sand tobogganing. Lunch wraps and equipment are included.

“Great day! So much fun and the tour guides were excellent. Would definitely recommend a trip to moreton island.”

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

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

Take a 45-minute ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, then choose your pace for up to seven hours. Walk five national park trails, swim, snorkel, or book a glass-bottom boat ride. Add snorkel gear or a picnic lunch if you want an easier day.

“It was a wonderful experience travelling on Fitzroy Island with my parents! All of us enjoyed the Great Barrier Reef, which looked fabulous and indeed is a natural masterpiece!”

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3.Green Island Day Trip from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 941 reviews · from $92

Take an air-conditioned catamaran from Cairns to Green Island, 27 kilometers offshore. Choose snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat, then add lunch, a semi-submarine ride, scuba, or Seawalker. You get beach time, rainforest paths, and reef viewing in an easy eight-hour outing.

“It was very professional tour. The boat has 3 floors and there were many crew members present who were very helpful. The ride was smooth. We took the glass bottom boat option which was great. It was really easy to board as that boat came to the main boat for us. We could easily see a lot of coral, clams and fish. Green island itself was very fun. Beach had chairs and umbrella to rent. Also a trail through the forest. And plenty of eating options on the little island.”

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4.Bruny Island Traveller – Gourmet Tasting and Sightseeing Day Trip from Hobart

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 786 reviews · from $197Top rated

Spend about 9 hours and 45 minutes touring Bruny Island with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. Expect a ferry crossing, local cheese, beer, wine, oysters, honey, fudge, mead, lunch, The Neck lookout and guided walks. Guides such as Murray, Dan, Claire and Liam are known for warm commentary and careful driving.

“You might think you are on a "small group tour" but in reality you are on the island with multiple buses and every location is swamped with tourists. Over-rated and we'd never do it again.”

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

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

Spend about 9.5 hours exploring Phillip Island with a local driver-guide. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, pause in Cowes, walk the Nobbies boardwalks, and watch little penguins come ashore at sunset. General Penguin Parade entry, coach travel, and reserve admission are included.

“The tour was great. We managed to see some animals in their natural habitat The penguin parade tour is one of the best in Melbourne”

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6.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 such as Michelle, Ryan, Will, and Darcy. Ride a 4WD along the beach, snorkel around the Tangalooma Wrecks, paddle a clear kayak, and sandboard the dunes. Bring sun protection and expect a tightly timed schedule.

“I had a great excursion with Australian Sunset Safari. It was my first time snorkeling and Will helped me navigate the water. I had a life jacket but he also gave me a floatation device. It was also my first time sand surfing. I'm 6'3 and was a little tall for the board but still had fun. Darcy was also great hosting that event.”

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

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

Travel from Melbourne in a minivan with up to 11 people, led by guides such as Travis, Adam, Josh, or Gary. Visit Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies, and the Penguin Parade. Expect a long afternoon and evening, chilly coastal weather, and a memorable penguin arrival after sunset.

“Great day spent with Adam, our driver and guide. He took us to various places above and beyond what was expected. He also watched after us quite well. The highlight of course is the Penguin Parade! Watching the world’s smallest penguins waddle up the beach at sunset after a day out fishing is absolutely magical. The whole experience feels authentic and well-organized, with a strong focus on conservation and respect for the animals. The rangers do a great job explaining penguin behavior and ensuring visitors understand the importance of keeping the penguins safe.”

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

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

Take a 75-minute boat from Brisbane to Moreton Island, then spend the day at Tangalooma Island Resort. Ride an ATV for 45 minutes along beach and bush tracks, use the pools and beach, enjoy a $25 lunch voucher, and attend the 3:15pm dolphin presentation before returning at 4pm.

“Trip was pretty fun especially with the ATV. Just note the short amount of time after arrival to obtain the ATV pass and then you can enjoy the rest of the day after the fun thrilled ride!”

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9.Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip with Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 422 reviews · 1 day · from $119

Travel by ferry from Brisbane to Tangalooma Island, then join a guided 90-minute wreck snorkel with all equipment included. You get about 30 to 35 minutes in the water, resort pool access, a $25 lunch voucher, Eco Ranger activities, and a dolphin presentation. Guides such as Prea, Abby, and Hugo have earned special praise for their care.

“Everything was smooth running, from ticket collection to arrival back in Brisbane. An amazing trip with fabulous value for money.”

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

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

Travel from Brisbane to Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island by minibus and ferry with a small group and local guide. Walk the North Gorge, watch for whales from Point Lookout, swim at Cylinder Beach, and search for koalas at Amity Point. Guides include Ivy, Jack, Anto, Tess, and Tas.

“Phenomenal! Incredible nature, stunning views and an amazing tour guide, Jack :)”

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

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

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island with guides such as Fiona, Craig, Vicky, or Ben. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, and the Nobbies before watching little penguins return from the sea. Penguin Plus gives you a closer view, but bring warm clothes, snacks, and patience for a long day.

“Best part of our Aussie journey! Ben, our driver/guide, was professional, informative, friendly and helpful in every way. Everything we had hoped for. Just the best!”

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