Gold Coast Day Tour: Wildlife, Rainforest & SkyPoint

Kangaroos, koalas, dolphins and a rainforest waterfall in one day from Brisbane

A full-day Gold Coast tour departing Brisbane combines wildlife spotting at Coombabah Lakeland Conservation Park, coastal views and Yugambeh cultural insights at The Spit, lunch with 360° views at SkyPoint Observation Deck, and a guided walk to Natural Bridge Waterfall in Springbrook National Park's World Heritage rainforest. The itinerary packs four distinct landscapes into a single day, with free time in Surfers Paradise to choose your own pace.

Step-by-step itinerary

Gold Coast wildlife and cultural tour

• Walk Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Park
• Stroll The Spit seawall and spot dolphins
• Learn Yugambeh culture from expert guides
• Visit SkyPoint Observation Deck for lunch
• Relax or swim at Surfers Paradise beach
• Explore Surfers Paradise at leisure
• Guided rainforest walk at Springbrook National Park

The experience

You leave Brisbane early and head straight into Coombabah Lakeland Conservation Park, where kangaroos and koalas are common sights on a walk through the reserve. From there, The Spit seawall offers a leisurely stroll with views of the coastline. Dolphins are regular visitors, and whales pass through seasonally. Your guide, officially endorsed by the Yugambeh Museum, shares the history and customs of the local Yugambeh people as you move along the coast.

Mid-morning brings free time on the beach to swim or rest before heading to SkyPoint Observation Deck atop Q1, Australia's tallest building. Lunch is included here, served with 360° views across the Gold Coast. You must arrive by 1:30 pm to eat. After lunch, Surfers Paradise is yours to explore: some travelers race across the water on a Paradise Jet Boat, others hop aboard the Aquaduck, shop along Cavill Mall, or simply stay on the sand. The choice is yours, and the tour builds in time for it.

The day ends with a scenic drive through Numinbah Valley to Springbrook National Park. A fully guided rainforest walk takes you through the World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest to Natural Bridge Waterfall, where cascading water and ancient landscape meet. The tour runs 11 to 12 hours total, so plan accordingly if you have evening plans back in Brisbane.

What’s included

• Lunch with 360° views at SkyPoint Observation Deck.
• admission to SkyPoint.
• guided walk through Springbrook National Park to Natural Bridge Waterfall.
• expert guide endorsed by the Yugambeh Museum.
• hotel or central pickup in Brisbane (public transport options also available).

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and ThursdayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Child (2 to 16 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Southern Cross Tours

Is this one for you?At 11 to 12 hours, this tour fills most of a day but leaves room for an early breakfast or late dinner back in Brisbane. The fixed schedule (lunch at SkyPoint by 1:30 pm, the rainforest walk at the end) means you cannot rearrange the stops, but free time in Surfers Paradise lets you skip activities or linger on the beach if the pace feels rushed.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 16 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I see dolphins and whales on this Gold Coast tour?

Dolphins are regular sights at The Spit seawall, and whales pass through seasonally. Your guide will point them out during the coastal walk, though sightings depend on the time of year and sea conditions.

What is Natural Bridge Waterfall like in Springbrook National Park?

Natural Bridge Waterfall sits deep in the World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest, accessible by a fully guided walk. The waterfall cascades through an ancient landscape shaped over millions of years. The rainforest itself is the main draw, not a single dramatic drop.

Is there time to do activities in Surfers Paradise, or is it just a quick stop?

Surfers Paradise includes free time built into the itinerary, so you can choose how to spend it: a Paradise Jet Boat ride, the Aquaduck, shopping on Cavill Mall, or the beach. You are not rushed through. The tour accounts for this as part of the day.

What does the Yugambeh cultural part of the tour involve?

Your guide, officially endorsed by the Yugambeh Museum, shares the history, culture and customs of the local Yugambeh First Nations people as you walk along The Spit. It is woven into the coastal section of the day rather than a separate stop.

Is lunch included, and what are the views like at SkyPoint?

Lunch is included at SkyPoint Observation Deck atop Q1, Australia's tallest building, with 360° views across the Gold Coast. You must arrive by 1:30 pm to eat. The observation deck itself is also part of your admission.