Tours

At the Brisbane City Council office, pick up a self-guided Brisbane CityWalk map (also available from tourist information offices and online), as well as brochures and maps detailing other designated Brisbane walking trails.

The Brisbane Explorer. The Brisbane Explorer operates air-conditioned, double decker, hop-on, hop-off tour buses that make circuits of city landmarks and other points of interest, including South Bank, Chinatown, and Mt. Coot-tha lookout. They leave from Post Office Square every 45 minutes, starting at 9 am; last departure is 5:15 pm. You can buy tickets online or from agents, and get on or off at any of the 20 stops all day for A$35 (or $A60 for two days). Post Office Sq., 280 Queen St., City Center, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000. 02/9567–8400; www.brisbanecityexplorer.com.au. From A$35.

JPT Tours. JPT Tours (also known as Australian Day Tours) conducts half- and full-day tours of Brisbane, Moreton Island, Fraser Island, Springbrook National Park, Mt. Tamborine, Byron Bay, and northwards to Australia Zoo in Beerwah, with options to include meals and attractions. Check online to view current rates, last minute specials, and promotions, including buy two tours, get one free. Buses depart both the Gold Coast and Brisbane. 2 Elkhorn Ave., Shop 18, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, 4217. 07/5630--1602; 1300/781362; www.jpttours.com. From A$70.

Kookaburra Showboat Cruises. This tour company runs lunch, dinner, high tea, and special event cruises along the Brisbane River on board its iconic paddle wheelers. Lunch cruises include scenic and historic commentary; live entertainment and dancing are highlights of dinner cruises. The weekend jazz lunch cruise is especially popular. Eagle St. Pier, 45 Eagle St., City Center, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000. 07/3221–1300; www.kookaburrariverqueens.com. From A$49.

River City Cruises. This operator runs daily sightseeing tours through and around South Bank, the City Center, and Kangaroo Point cliffs, including morning and afternoon tea options. It departs from Jetty A at South Bank Parklands, in front of the Wheel of Brisbane. Jetty A, South Bank Parklands, Brisbane, Queensland. 0428/278–473; www.rivercitycruises.com.au. From A$29.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Energetic visitors might want to scale Brisbane's Story Bridge for a 360-degree city overview; the climb takes around two hours and goes during the day, twilight, and evening. Wharf and Main Sts., Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, Queensland, 4169. 1300/254627; www.sbac.net.au. From A$119.