The Viator company provides a number of organized tours (departing from the Brisbane CBD) that can be completed in a day. Five tours that we think would be good are:

• Half-day river cruise with a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (koalas, kangaroos, etc.)
  
• Brisbane city day tour, which includes a visit to the Australia Woolshed (see sheep shearing, koalas, kangaroos, etc.)
  
• Sunshine Coast and Australia Zoo (home of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin)
  
• Visit the World Heritage Lamington National Park (mountains and rainforest)
  
• Whale watching cruise on Moreton Bay
  

Please book these tours directly via the Viator web site.

Note that the conference organizers have made no agreements with Viator, so book early if you do not wish to miss out on your first choice.