Top Queensland Historical Tours

Experience the natural wonders of Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands to visit different parts of the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest on this outdoorsy day trip from Cairns. With a guide, you’ll take easy walks to three waterfalls—Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls and Dinner Falls—and take a refreshing swim in Lake Eacham. See the Cathedral Fig Tree, take in views of the volcanic crater in Mt Hypipamee National Park, and enjoy lots of time for swimming and photo ops. Morning and afternoon snacks are picnic lunch provided

Explore the Great Barrier Reef and a lush island rain forest on this full-day catamaran tour to Green Island from Cairns. Create your own perfect day on this protected coral cay with a variety of activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, Seawalking, nature walks, and tours on a glass-bottom boat. Upgrade to include a delicious buffet lunch on board the catamaran and/or a ride in a semi-submarine. It’s a fantastic way to discover the underwater wonders of the world’s most famous reef!

Journey to the rain forest village of Kuranda via two unique transit options on this memorable full-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Skip the line and enjoy Gold Class service aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, winding through lush mountain passes and waterfall gorges along the way. In the opposite direction, glide above the treetops in a gondola and soak up spectacular views of the mountains and coastline on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. In Kuranda, enjoy leisure time to explore the heritage markets, learn about aboriginal culture or interact with native wildlife.

Spot humpback whales swimming and playing in their natural environment on this half-day Hervey Bay catamaran cruise. Observe the majestic sea creatures using the boat’s underwater viewing windows or listen to the whales sing using the onboard hydrophones. Learn all about the gentle giants from your expert guide, then tuck into morning or afternoon tea as you watch the whales from the deck.

Enjoy an unforgettable close encounter with the marine life of Hervey Bay on this 4-5-hour cruise, including hotel pick-up. Step aboard the specially designed MV Whalesong and discover the bay’s majestic whales and dolphins with the help of an expert crew. As well as guaranteed whale sightings, you’ll have chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles and endangered dugong, plus a rainbow of tropical fish.

Experience the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kuranda Rainforest on a full-day tour from Cairns. Take the Kuranda Scenic Railway to Kuranda where you first visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest flight aviary in Australia. Tour the Rainforestation Nature Park in an amphibious Army Duck vehicle, then see koalas, dingoes and more at the Koala and Wildlife Park. Take a dreamtime walk with a Pamagirri guide for the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, then feast on an Australian barbecue buffet lunch. Finally, return to Cairns on the scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Take a leisurely river cruise from Brisbane to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to observe native Australian wildlife. This half-day tour departs from bustling Southbank and cruises along the Brisbane River with views of iconic landmarks on the way to Lone Pine. Upon arrival, enjoy ample time to meet the animals. Observe the platypus, and watch animal shows that feature sheepdogs and birds of prey. A great experience for animal lovers.

If snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, don’t miss this day trip from Cairns. The 35-metre superyacht, Evolution, departs Cairns with a record 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day! You’ll visit 2 different locations on the barrier reef for the chance to see tropical marine life in the clear waters. Lunch is included onboard the boat, and you have the option to upgrade to include additional adventures such as introductory or certified scuba diving or a helicopter flight over this UNESCO World Heritage site. Both water sports enthusiasts and novices are welcome. Includes instruction and equipment provided by friendly and professional instructors.

Explore the lush beauty, amazing wildlife and rich heritage of Tropical North Queensland on this customizable full-day trip to Kuranda from Cairns. Travel to this enchanting rain forest village aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, and choose from a variety of activities including visits to the Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park and Rainforestation Nature Park. Hang out with koalas and exotic birds, browse local markets and opt to include a delicious buffet lunch. At the end of the day, glide through the treetops back to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Get a taste of the Atherton Tablelands during this 10-hour food tour and tasting experience from Cairns. Learn about how the volcanic soil allows cultivation of diverse range of produce and taste the spoils of this region. All tastings and meals are provided, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales, and getting close to them, on this guided tour from Hervey Bay. In a small group of no more than 20 people, head out into the water in search of whales. Jump into the water for some snorkeling and, with luck, the whales will decide to swim close to you.

A small group Advanced Eco Accredited tour specifically designed to showcase the very BEST of the Daintree Rainforest focusing on spending less time in the vehicle and more time visiting 'must do' Daintree locations as The Mossman Gorge, The Daintree River, Cape Tribulation, Kulki Track, Alexandra Lookout, as well as a private World Heritage Listed location in the heart of The Daintree Rainforest . As a multiple award winner of 'Best Rainforest Tour' and 'Best Rainforest Guide", we pride on excellent and personal service. Tony's Tropical Tours is recognised as a "Safe Travels" Quality Tourism Accredited Business in alignment with the globally recognised World Tourism Council for the COVID Clean protocol. All guides are vaccinated and in accordance with the Australian Queensland Government public health directive and recent guidelines, as of 17 December 2021 it will be a requirement for all guests 16 years and older to show proof of being vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Celebrate the history of the Mary Valley Rattler and experience the magic of heritage rail travel. All aboard! @maryvalleyrattler  #maryvalleyrattler  
 Rediscover the magic of a bygone era aboard the historic Mary Valley Rattler. 
The Mary Valley Rattler fleet is made up of heritage steam & diesel locomotives, rail motors and carriages each with their own unique story. 
The historic Gympie Station on Tozer St, has been restored to its former glory. Make sure you arrive early enough to take time to wander through the station where you can learn the stories of the Mary Valley Rattler line, its people, and its history. The popular Rusty Rails Cafe offers a dine in experience before or after your rail journey, or you can buy take away treats to enjoy on board. You can even purchase a bottle of wine and a local cheese platter for the ride. The gift shop offers a selection of local goodies as well as speciality giftware and souvenirs.

Leave busy Brisbane for a full-day tour that showcases the natural beauty of North Stradbroke Island. Swim in the surf or freshwater lakes, take a short guided hike, view whales and other marine animals from the beach and coastal lookouts, visit small towns including historic Dunwich and Amity, and go in search of the island’s population of wild kangaroos and koalas. Your small-group tour has numbers limited to 21 people, which ensures a more personalized experience with your knowledgeable guide.

Get a more in-depth experience of Magnetic Island than most visitors on this tour, tailored to day trippers arriving on the morning ferry. See the island's top sights as well as some off-the-beaten-path spots, and learn about local wildlife, birds, history, geology, and folklore before heading back to the terminal in time for the ferry.

Explore the wild landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands on this full-day tour from Cairns. Cruise around the Lake Barrine crater lake, spot native wildlife the UNESCO-listed wet tropics rainforest, and tour the magnificent Paronella Park. Along the way, see natural wonders like the Curtain Fig Tree, and take a swim beneath Millaa Millaa Falls. Enjoy your choice between three itinerary options for the day.

Take the ferry round-trip from Mission Beach to Dunk Island for an independent day excursion to this beautiful tropical island. Located between Townsville and Cairns, Dunk Island has great snorkeling and fishing, walking trails that lead through the rainforest, and sandy beaches perfect for lounging. Ride in a fully-enclosed 33-foot (10-meter) ferry that transports you over the blue waters of the Coral Sea to the island in just ten minutes. You can choose to spend the morning, afternoon or full-day on the island.

Enjoy an in-depth experience of the World Heritage–listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia on a full-day tour from Brisbane to Springbrook National Park. Your expert guide shows you examples of subtropical and temperate rainforest, stopping at stunning lookout points and cascading waterfalls. Sit down for a picnic lunch at Purlingbrook Falls, take a refreshing dip in natural freshwater pools and see the foliage up close on nature walks. This small-group tour is limited to 15 participants to ensure a more personalized experience.

Learn about infamous inmates and dramatic escapes from the Boggo Road Gaol during this 1.5-hour tour of the heritage-listed prison. Visit one of the original cell blocks, the gatehouse and yards, and see graffiti made by prisoners in the 1980s. You'll also have time to explore the F Wing cell block—site of a rooftop protest by the prisoners in 1988, and hear about daily life in the brutal prison during the 100 years of its existence in Queensland.

As one of Australia’s most notorious prisons, Boggo Road Gaol is full of scary stories. Enjoy the thrill of being scared as you listen to your guide’s tales about the unexplained happenings in this historic building, which some say is haunted. You may agree by the end of the tour. The tour includes walking around the prison, but includes access for the disabled.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the outback as the sun sets over the horizon on this evening riverboat adventure. Cruise down the mighty Thomson River on a unique paddlewheeler or the Thomson Princess Riverboat, both designed for small tour groups – no massive ferry crowds. Disembark at a campground in the heart of the local bush and continue your outback experience with intimate performances and a two-course stockman’s dinner around the campfire.

Take a Walk on the Dark Side... Don’t be fooled by the bright lights and bustling city streets. This city has a past…a dark past… Enjoy a leisurely guided walking tour retracing the steps of the city's most infamous men. Transport yourself back in time to a seemingly lawless world of brawlers, fraudsters, and love triangles gone wrong. Uncover the dark secrets that lurk behind every historic building and alleyway. Wander the city streets with your tour guide and experience firsthand the rich history that once reigned supreme around every corner. Book your ticket now for a unique investigation into the criminal underbelly that once plagued this fine city. The glamour of current day Brisbane tried to hide its brutal and bloody past, but there is only so much the bright lights of Bris-Vegas can mask. Forget what you think you know about Brisbane and join us for a jaw-dropping trip down a memory lane you never knew existed. ...stories the city tried to forget...

This tour starts by driving through the short National Park beach access track at Woorim once reaching the beach our first stop will be Norfolk Lagoon & followed by Mermaid Lagoon. These areas provide fantastic photo ops with friends and iconic Australian wildlife and scenery. For Mermaid Lagoon we jump back in the 4WD and head north along the pristine beach to our next destination within Bribie Island National Park. Arriving at the WWII Bunkers (Fort Bribie) you’ll be amazed by the history of these great forts built in the 1940’s. There will be plenty of time to explore and learn the history of these structures, that are slowly descending into the ocean and may one day cease to exist. After the WWII Fort Bribie tour we head south through the National Park with plenty of time to keep a lookout for local dolphins. The tour ends by returning you to your original pickup point. Don’t miss this great experience, add to your story and book today!

On our Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience you’ll travel in a restored stagecoach on our award-winning tour – first at a leisurely pace through town and then full-tilt along a stretch of the original Longreach-Windorah mail route. Hear the pounding hooves of the magnificent horses on the outback dirt road. Hear the rattle and creak of the coach. Hold on to your hat for the only stagecoach gallop in Australia! It’s exhilarating. It’s entertaining. And it’s the closest you can get to feeling what it would have been like in the pioneer past. After the ride (depending on your itinerary) slow down with a traditional smoko (scones, jam, cream with tea). You'll also enjoy a classic Australian bush movie in retro cinema seats, followed by our Harry Redford Old Time Tent Show – a live performance featuring the very entertaining Kinnon boys. This is good old fashioned fun for all the family and is a tribute to the old travelling shows.