Segway tours turn a city walk into something closer to a glide, and Brisbane's flat, riverside paths suit them well. The Brisbane Segway Sightseeing Tour takes small groups through the sights on two-wheeled self-balancing machines, with a guide who explains the history and points out landmarks. Training comes first. Most people find that within a few minutes they can start, stop and steer with a lean of the body, and the guide will not let the group move on until everyone is comfortable. The tour is one of the most popular activities of its kind in Brisbane, rated 4.8 stars from more than six hundred reviews on the booking page, which says a lot about how smoothly it runs. The big advantage over walking is range. You can cover more of the city in a morning than you could on foot, passing the riverside parks, the cultural precinct and the heritage buildings, while still being close enough to hear the commentary and to stop for photographs. It is a good first-day orientation.
Before booking, read the rules on the page, because Segway tours have age, weight and height limits and often require closed shoes and no heavy bags. Minimum age requirements are common, so families with younger children should check first. A helmet is normally provided. Wear comfortable clothes and sunscreen, bring water and a hat that sits securely, and avoid loose scarves or long straps that could catch in the wheels. Rain can interrupt operations, so check the booking page for the cancellation policy.
The riding is simple but you need to concentrate during the first ten minutes. Learning to lean gently forward to go and back to slow is the whole skill, and the guide will practise it on a flat patch before the group sets out. Keep your eyes up and look where you want to go, not at the ground.
On riverside paths there are walkers, cyclists and joggers, so the group travels in single file at an easy pace, and the guide handles the stops. Photographs are easiest when the group pauses at viewpoints, so keep your phone secure in a pocket or on a lanyard.
Who it suits
Teenagers and adults who like gadgets and want to cover ground, groups of friends, and visitors who tire of walking in the heat. It is less suited to anyone with balance problems or to very small children. Pair it with a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane or a river cruise later in the day, and book ahead in school holidays when groups fill quickly. If you prefer a slower pace, a river cruise is the gentler alternative, and the free parklands can be explored on foot afterwards.
What to expect
The experience
A guided sightseeing ride on Segways in a small group, with a training session before the group sets out along riverside paths.
Best time
Morning, before the heat builds, on a dry day.
How long
Check the booking page for the length of the tour you choose.
Tips
Read the age, height and weight limits first, wear closed shoes and sun protection, and keep your phone secured while riding.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want to cover more of the city than they could on foot, in a fun way.
- Families
- Check the minimum age and weight limits; it suits teenagers and active families.
- Couples
- A lively shared activity with a bit of novelty.
- Pair with
- The Wheel of Brisbane, a river cruise and South Bank Parklands.
- Time needed
- A morning or an afternoon.
Good questions
Do I need experience on a Segway?+
No. Training comes first and the guide keeps the group together until everyone is comfortable.
How is the tour rated?+
The booking page shows 4.8 stars from more than six hundred reviews.
Are there age or weight limits?+
Yes, Segway tours usually have them. Check the booking page before you book.
What should I wear?+
Closed shoes, comfortable clothes and sun protection. A helmet is normally provided.
What happens in the rain?+
Operations can be affected by wet weather. Check the cancellation terms on the booking page.
