Best and Fun Activities To Do in Brisbane
It’s difficult not to be enthralled by Brisbane’s finest attractions. This is a marvelously cosmopolitan outdoor-lifestyle city with the finest of what its more prominent and older siblings cities have to offer, nestled in the climatic goldilocks zone (not too hot or too cold).
Lush green parks and gardens, miles upon miles of riverbank pathways, and hundreds of al fresco pubs and restaurants than anyplace else. Sand dunes, old shipwrecks, and gorgeous beaches abound on our neighboring islands. Brisbane is a great spot to unwind, refresh, and enjoy some fresh air. We, too, don’t take ourselves too seriously.
You’ve only scratched the surface of what makes Brisbane such an incredible destination when you consider Brisbanites’ zesty, youthful attitude, a culture of living in the moment, and the abundance of natural attractions on the city’s doorstep – including ancient rainforest and picture-perfect islands.
To get you started, here are 40 fun things to do in Brisbane!
Fun Activities To Do in Brisbane
Brisbane Botanic Gardens
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens are about 7 kilometres from the CBD, at the foot of Mount Coot-tha, Brisbane’s largest peak, but they are well worth the trip.
The 56-hectare gardens are open every day and are free to visit. They are known as Queensland’s premier subtropical botanic gardens and feature a range of events including workshops, exhibits, exhibitions, and free guided walks. The Bonsai House and Australian Plant Communities are particularly remarkable in this living museum of native and exotic plant collections shown in several themed areas.
Not to be missed is the beautiful Tropical Display Dome lattice structure, which features tropical flora.
Eat Street Northshore
With neon lights, live music performances, amazing fragrances, and a vast range of street cuisine from around the world, Eat Street Northshore is a sensory explosion. Eat Street Northshore is a must for fans of superb food and entertainment, taking place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night in a lovely fairyland realm of street cuisine situated in repurposed shipping containers on a disused dock.
There are over 70 food and beverage shops to select from, as well as four stages with 19 different bands performing and wandering artists. Make sure to stop for unique cocktails and gaze up at the millions of fairy lights before heading to “KombiAlley” for desserts like hyper Instagrammable soft serve ice cream Cronuts, Funnel Cakes, Bombe Alaska, and creations that have been replicated around the world like Doughnut Fries and Popcorn Doughnuts.
Brisbane Story Bridge Climb
Climbing the renowned Story Bridge is an unforgettable experience and a must-do in Brisbane! You’ll be able to securely climb the renowned bridge and get a unique view from above. Because the pathways are composed of steel mesh, the guided climb is suitable for children aged six and up.
The Story Bridge in Brisbane is held together by 1.25 million little metal bolts, and although being 50 meters shorter than the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is Australia’s longest cantilever bridge.
The 282-meter bridge is a replica of Montreal’s Jacques Cartier Bridge and one of Australia’s most famous monuments.
It was planned by Dr. John Bradfield, the same engineer who created Sydney Harbour, and opened to traffic on July 6, 1940.
Hot Air Baloon
While floating in a hot air balloon, take in breathtaking views of the Scenic Rim and Brisbane’s skyline.
The bird’s-eye perspective of Brisbane and its environs will be with you for the rest of your life.
Because Brisbane’s weather is so nice, there’s a strong possibility you’ll get some great shots.
Hot air balloon rides depart from Ipswich (31 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD) and last four hours, including breakfast.
Roma Street Parklands
Roma Street Parklands, he world’s biggest subtropical park in a city centre is on the outskirts of Brisbane’s CBD, is a green oasis away from the city’s heat and humidity. The parkland, which opened in 2001, features a combination of themed gardens and open recreational spaces, as well as a network of covered paths and boardwalks that bridge cascading creeks and are adorned with works by local artists – ideal for a relaxing stroll.
There are festivals here all year, so there’s always something to keep you entertained, but it’s the tranquil gardens, lush green lawns, and dramatic three-story waterfall feature that will have you packing a picnic basket faster than you can say party pie.
Even in specified locations, alcohol drinking is permitted with a hearty meal, so bring a picnic and make the most of your vacation. During the summer months, an open-air amphitheatre is utilized for various activities during the day and as an outdoor movie.
The Gabba
The Brisbane Cricket Ground (often referred to as the Gabba because of the nearby district of Woolloongabba) is a significant sports venue in Brisbane and a must-see destination for any sports lover.
The Gabba, which opened in 1895, has hosted a variety of important sporting events over the last century, including cricket, AFL, baseball, rugby league, rugby union, Olympic soccer, and large sell-out concerts. It now serves as the home of the Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat, and Queensland Cricket, with a seating capacity of 42,000. The Gabba, on the other hand, will almost certainly be completely rebuilt for its position as the key venue for the 2032 Summer Olympics, if Brisbane’s existing status as favoured bidder city is maintained.
Queen Street Mall
Each year, 25 million people visit Queen Street Mall’s 700 stores, so a trip to Brisbane isn’t complete without a stroll through Queen Street Mall.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare to work your credit card, as Queen Street Mall is a shopper’s paradise.
From high-end labels like Louis Vuitton, Paspaley Pearls, and Tiffany & Co to inexpensive fashion boutiques and malls like QueensPlaza, Wintergarden, and The Myer Centre, you’ll find it all here.
Other local retail malls include the Brisbane Arcade, Rowes Arcade, Tattersall’s Arcade, and Jamie Oliver’s Jamies Italian, which is not far from Queen Street Mall.
Paddington
When you ask locals about the best things to see in Brisbane, one of the first things they will recommend is visiting Paddington, a peaceful inner-city area. Paddington is a wealthy residential area famed for its vibrant shopping environment, with antique stores and flashy boutiques coexisting with vintage clothes and trendy homewares.
The panoramic views of Brisbane from the area’s various hills, as well as lively brunch places, gastropubs, and contemporary eateries, are all attractions. Begin with a cup of coffee at the lovely Lil Gypsy Caravan, then continue up Given Terrace to the massive Empire Revival antique shop. Allow at least six hours.
Sparklab Science Centre
The science centre in Brisbane is a must-see for Brisbane families. Explore the Discovery Centre’s interactive displays, learn about our natural world, and get hands-on. Even if your kids moan at the prospect of spending the day learning about science, this is always a wonderful day out.
City Bicycle Tour
Take a bike tour in Brisbane to get a new perspective on the city. With an experienced bike guide through Queensland’s capital city, discover the hidden beauties of Brisbane and learn intriguing things about its history, culture, and people. The trip aims to provide you with a local viewpoint of the city while also providing you with some exercise and fresh air!
Fort Lytton
From the colonial era until after WWII, Fort Lytton was Brisbane’s principal defence structure, and it served as Queensland’s main military centre long into the twentieth century.
The fort boasted cutting-edge defence equipment during its peak in the 1880s, including the capacity to electronically manage a minefield across the Brisbane River, an electrically driven searchlight, and an energy-producing station.
The fort housed soldiers, field artillery, a radar station, and high-tech garrison artillery, including disappearing guns capable of penetrating steel up to 30cm (12 inches).
Fort Lytton served as the home port for nearly 80 US submarines during WWII.
It was in charge of a defence system that could detect surface ships and submarines.
You may now explore colonial structures and tunnels.
Over 2000 objects, including actual weapons and cannons, are on display at the Fort Lytton Historical Museum.
Fort Lytton is located at Lytton, 14 kilometres south of Brisbane, on the river’s southern bank. On Sundays and holidays, admission and parking are free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Gold Coast Theme Parks
The Gold Coast is known not just for its tourist hotspot of Surfers Paradise, but also for being Australia’s theme park capital. Don’t miss out on a fun and exciting day just because you’re staying in Brisbane; you can easily travel down here for the day by renting a vehicle or taking a hotel shuttle.
At Movie World, you may zoom around on gravity-defying roller coasters, see aquatic life at Sea World, and get ready to be amazed on a range of thrilling rides at Wet’n’Wild. Dreamworld, is Australia’s largest theme park, with more than 40 rides and attractions.
If you’re planning a multi-day trip, this simple 3-day entrance pass to three of the Gold Coast’s most famous theme parks will save you time and money — it’ll usually cost the same as one-day admission at the gate.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Cuddle a koala, feed kangaroos, and get up and personal with a diverse selection of natural Australian animals at Lone Pine. The refuge is a short drive from Brisbane, or you may take the daily cruise from the CBD for a lovely boat journey both ways. We frequent this location since it is by far one of our favourite things to do in Brisbane with kids.
Fish Lane
If you’re searching for a place to eat beneath the stars on the south side, Fish Lane is the place to go. This lively alley is home to several local favourites, but folks don’t only come here for the food. Fish Lane, the pulsing core of South Brisbane, has become a refuge for international street artists to unleash their creative muscles. Stay for a bite to eat after exploring the ever-changing paintings and sculptures that decorate every surface along the laneway.
iFLY Brisbane Indoor Skydiving Centre
At iFLY Brisbane Indoor Skydiving Centre, get an adrenaline rush while soaring in a safe atmosphere.
You’ll experience what it’s like to skydive without having to leap out of an aeroplane.
In an indoor glass wind tunnel, don a flight suit, helmet, and goggles and fly alongside an iFLY jump instructor.
Gympie Rd and Hamilton Rd, Chermside, Brisbane, is home to iFly Indoor Sky Diving.
IMAX Cinema
Enjoy a movie on the enormous IMAX screen across from the Southbank Parklands. This movie theatre offers the newest blockbusters as well as frequent IMAX screenings, all at a moderate cost.
Stradbroke Island
As much as we enjoy Brisbane’s outdoor urban lifestyle, there are times when you simply want to get away from it all – and for that, we recommend a Stradbroke Island Day Tour. North Stradbroke Island, or Straddie as it is affectionately known by locals, is a parasitic island in Moreton Bay, about 30 kilometres southeast of Brisbane.
A day excursion will allow you to experience the beauty of this island for yourself, including its infinite beaches, indigenous fauna, and magnificent landscape, with the assistance of a local guide and all transportation arranged. A guided scenic stroll up North Gorge, lunch at a local bar overlooking Cylinder Beach, swimming in the crystal-clear waters (or sunning on the beach), and witnessing koalas and dolphins at Amity Point are just a few of the attractions of this 10-hour tour.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Abseiling down the Kangaroo Point cliffs, which are heritage listed although they were developed by convict mining activity and are not natural, will appeal to thrill-seekers.
The cliffs were formerly a quarry where volcanic rock and stone (known as Brisbane Tuff) were hauled along the river to be used in the construction of houses, sea walls, and road works in 1829.
The Old Windmill and Commissariat Store were constructed from Brisbane Tuff, a green and pink-tinged rock.
The view of Brisbane’s skyline and the bustle on the Brisbane River from Kangaroo Point is breathtaking.
Brisbane Whale Watching
Catch all the activities of the annual humpback whale migration with Brisbane Whale Watching Tours in Moreton Bay if you’re in Brisbane between June and November. You’ll never forget your first encounter with these spectacular creatures, which are frequently seen bursting out of the water just metres from the coast.
Moreton Island
Moreton Island, another island day trip option right in Brisbane’s backyard, is a nature lover heaven — an island built completely of sand with no cemented roads, and with the Moreton Island National Park protecting 98 per cent of the island’s size.
White sand beaches entice tourists to the island’s ocean side, providing ideal conditions for swimming, surfing, and fishing, while the island’s sheltered landward side is more muted, with crystal clear blue water gently lapping down its shore.
A guided trip is the ideal way to visit owing to the logistical challenges of getting there, with highlights including a snorkelling excursion on the surreal sunken wreckage of Tangalooma, a buffet lunch, and the chance to see bottlenose dolphins, enormous loggerhead turtles, and even dugongs.
Howard Smith Wharves
Enjoy dinner at one of the fashionable eateries at the Howard Smith Wharves, or take a stroll along the Brisbane River. Mr Percival’s overwater pub, the popular Felons Brewing Co and its Barrel Hall, and much more can be found beneath the Story Bridge.
Brisbane Ghost Tours
Take a haunted ghost walk for things to do in Brisbane at night; you’ll hear eerie stories from folks who have had paranormal experiences right on their doorsteps! Within Brisbane and the surrounding suburbs, there are various ghost tour possibilities, including the CBD, Toowong Cemetary, Boggo Road Gaol, and more scary options for your spookfest!
W Hotel Brisbane
High teas, a British ritual involving unlimited hot tea and a three-tiered stand laden with self-indulgent sweets and delicacies, appear to be a cult among Brisbanites. Although it originated in England, we believe it is a custom that goes well with travel and has been sought out all around the world, including a special guide to high tea alternatives in Kuala Lumpur.
Our favourite high tea choice in Brisbane is at the W Hotel Brisbane, where a superb line-up of childhood favourites has been reinterpreted, including the legendary ‘Meat Pie,’ ‘Lamington,’ and ‘Milo,’ converted into mouth-watering morsels with a definitive twist.
You’ll be submerged in an abundance of sweet and savoury goodies infused with homegrown products, like Toowoomba Free Range Eggs, Fraser Island Crab, Quandong, Native Finger Limes, and a wonderful ending of Australian cheese to cap High Tea on a high note, all presented on a handmade W stand.
There’s always time to participate in this charming custom, whether you’re celebrating a special event, catching up with an old friend, or simply wanting to unwind after a hectic day of touring.
City Cat Ferry
Grab a Go Card to make it easy to jump on and off the City Cat ferry, which will take you to many of Brisbane’s attractions.
Begin at North Quay, a city station within a short walk from Queen Street Mall, Brisbane’s shopping district.
The Sunday Craft Market on Eagle Street Pier is popular with locals, and the Sydney Street station is a short walk from New Farm’s eateries.
Other cruise alternatives include the Kookaburra Showboat Cruises (lunch, supper, and high tea) and the Mirimar Wildlife Cruise to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Sunnybank
Sunnybank has been a centre for Asian culture in recent years, making it the place to go for real Asian inexpensive foods, Yum Cha, and Asian goods.
Explore the Asian bakeries, herbalists, grocery stores, and tea businesses in Sunnybank.
In Fortitude Valley’s Chinatown, there are also Chinese supermarkets, Yum Cha brunches, and grocery stores.
For its bright atmosphere, dragon and lion dances, firecrackers, and other cultural acts, Chinese New Year is a terrific time to visit either Brisbane’s Chinatown or Sunnybank.
St. John’s Cathedral
While church visits are more common on itineraries that include European towns like Porto and Stockholm, Brisbane’s Saint John’s Cathedral begs must be visited, if only because it is the only structure in the southern hemisphere with a stone vaulted ceiling.
The cathedral was built in the Gothic revival style and was dedicated in 1901, according to the Queensland Heritage Register. The building design was developed in phases over 100 years, much like the Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages, and it was only ultimately finished in 2009. In and of themselves, the wood carvings, stained-glass windows, and 350 million-year-old limestone are all worth seeing.
Fortunately, admission is free, and there are a few knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers who will be delighted to take you around. Ask them to show you the pillars of old fossiliferous life and the last flag flown during the Anzac evacuation from Gallipoli.
Tangalooma Island
Tangalooma Island is a short boat journey from the mainland, where things are a little quieter and slower-paced. A day excursion to Moreton Island and Tangalooma is an excellent alternative for anyone seeking solitude, tranquillity, and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you may go snorkelling near the Tangalooma Wrecks while on a humpback whale or dolphin viewing cruise from Brisbane.
The University of Queensland Art Museum
You can never have too much art, and The University of Queensland Art Collection, one of Queensland’s major public art collections, is another location that solidifies Brisbane’s standing as an art and cultural centre.
It features more than 4,400 pieces of art by Australian artists from the colonial period to the present, spanning 70 years of curation. The Art Collection reflects the Art Museum’s prestigious position within the University, with a strong emphasis on research and learning in all of its manifestations. The museum’s status as a venue for a progressive and contemporary creative inquiry has grown dramatically, and it currently houses Queensland’s second-largest public art collection.
You may take a bus from the downtown city, which is typically faster but not nearly as picturesque or walk to the deepest extent of the City Cat river network.
Gardens Point & Captain Burke Park
Did you know Brisbane is home to a plethora of fairies? That is correct. Enchanting fairy lights may be seen throughout The City, from laneways to botanic gardens and everything in between.
Pockets of stunning fairy-lit fig trees can be seen throughout Brisbane’s inner-city districts, adding a touch of magic to every snap.
Fraser Island
Only a few hours away lies the world’s largest sand island. Fraser Island is home to over 100 freshwater lakes, crystal clear water, and white sand beaches. There are other methods to explore the island, but four-wheel-drive is the most enjoyable. Join a trip where you may drive your car and meet new people!
Australia Zoo
This 700-acre zoo was founded by Bob and Lyn Irwin in 1970 and made famous by their son Steve (aka “The Crocodile Hunter”). It is located an hour north of Brisbane on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
He helped his parents care for crocodiles and reptiles since boyhood and oversaw the zoo’s expansion and rising number of species until his sad death in 2006. Steve’s legacy continues today at the Australia Zoo, which employs over 500 people to carry out his vision of “Conservation Through Exciting Education.”
Terri Irwin, his widow, still owns it, and she and their two children are involved in its day-to-day operations. You may explore at your leisure and enjoy daily animal exhibitions, such as Showtime in the Crocoseum and hand-feeding the kangaroos at Roo Heaven, which is billed as the world’s most interactive zoo. You can also visit the Tiger Temple, which is home to their majestic Sumatran and Bengal tigers, and pet the Koalas at the Koala Tour. You can also go behind the scenes at the state-of-the-art Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.
Self-drive is an option for those who have rented a car in Brisbane; alternatively, guided day tours are available from Brisbane. Alternatively, the Queensland Rail Citytrain has a seven-day service between Brisbane and Beerwah Station, from which Australia Zoo provides a complimentary coach.
QUT Art Museum
The QUT Art Museum, nestled on the border of the City Botanical Garden and displaying alternating internally produced shows, commissioned projects, and travelling exhibitions of modern and contemporary works by Australian artists, is a hidden treasure of Brisbane that many residents don’t appear to know about.
Entry is usually free, and it only takes about an hour to visit. If you come here, you should combine it with a visit to their sister gallery nearby, which is dedicated to the works of William Robinson, Australia’s preeminent landscape artist.
Wheel of Brisbane
Take a spin on the Brisbane Wheel for breathtaking views of the city’s landmarks. By day or night, the renowned Ferris wheel is a terrific opportunity to experience panoramic views of Brisbane.
River Quay
Live music outside with friends and a view of the city perfectly portrays the laid-back lifestyle of Australians. The City Sounds program presents free live music performers seven days a week around the city and South Bank, but the Sunday event at River Quay near South Bank Ferry Terminal 3 is one to watch. Prepare takeout fish and chips and relax while watching the sunset over the Brisbane River.
Fortitude Valley
James Strip in Fortitude Valley is an exquisite, tree-lined commercial street with a plethora of laneways, tiny pubs, and boutique hotels where you can watch the day transform to night. James Street is home to a developing eating scene that takes full use of Brisbane’s sunny days; small kerbside cafés and gelaterias, huge beer gardens, and rooftop pool bars are all the rage here.
Pancake Manor
The Pancake Manor is a Brisbane institution, and it is the only location where you can satisfy your pancake cravings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 364 days a year (they close on Christmas day). The Pancake Manor, housed in a lovely ancient church, provides the ideal setting for enjoying pancakes at any time of day or night. They also provide gluten-free and vegan pancakes, which is a win-win situation.
Brisbane Markets
Brisbane’s bustling market culture has you covered for delectable foods, distinctive creations, and fantastic prices – each of which reflects the character, passions, and flair of the communities they are held in. The only issue may be deciding which to go to! The Jan Powers Farmer’s Markets, hosted at the Powerhouse every Saturday morning in an open park with dogs, live music, and spaces to relax and enjoy your purchased food, are our favourite markets for travellers in Brisbane.
The Riverside Gardens Markets, held every Sunday in the City Botanical Gardens, and the famed Suitcase Rummage flea market, held on the first and third Sundays of each month in Reddacliff Place, are two more exciting possibilities.
Mount Coot-tha
Mt Coot-tha, the highest peak in Brisbane, is an excellent spot for a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding Moreton Bay region. The Kuta café at the summit serves subpar coffee with breathtaking views to compensate, and the mountain’s thick vegetation provides lots of options to explore on foot or by bike.
In 2017, Australia’s longest zip-line from Mount Coot-tha to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens was proposed, however, it was cancelled owing to public outcry. You’ll have to settle with the more grounded Spotted Gum Trail, which runs for 2.4 kilometres through archetypal eucalyptus woodland from Brisbane Botanic Gardens to Mt Coot-tha Summit.
Just a quick expert guide. Take the free shuttle ride to the summit first, then walk back down the route — it will be much simpler. Just make sure you finish before mid-afternoon because you’ll be towards the back of the Botanic Gardens, where the gates are only open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
The Mount Coot-tha sunset, on the other hand, bathes the city in a golden glow before turning it into a paradise of glittering city lights and starry skies.
Brisbane Powerhouse
Brisbane Powerhouse, a magnificent 1920s power plant reimagined as an arts venue situated on the Brisbane River, is Queensland’s centre for modern culture. The Brisbane Powerhouse is one of the busiest performing arts centres in the Asia-Pacific area, hosting over 1,250 live acts each year.
Throughout the year, they host some of Brisbane’s top performing arts, visual arts, festivals, and free community activities. The structure itself is worth seeing. The refurbishment maintains essential features from the Powerhouse’s past, such as the gantry crane and switches from its days as a power station and graffiti from its days as a homeless refuge and a place for illicit parties.
The main 536-seat Powerhouse Theatre, the smaller 200-seat Visy Theatre, Turbine Hall, rooftop terrace, bar, and restaurant are all available for a range of events and functions on the inside. The CityCat ferry station is dedicated, making it easy to reach from the CBD.
MacArthur Museum
Visit the MacArthur Museum to get a glimpse behind the scenes of the Second World War and learn about Brisbane’s participation from 1939 to 1945. General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander in Chief of the Allied Forces in the South-West Pacific Area, has an office that you may visit.
Quick Guide: Getting Around Brisbane
While there is enough to see and do within walking distance of Brisbane’s central business district, there are also some fantastic sights and day excursions outside of the city.
If you don’t have your own transportation, the easiest way to get around is to take use of the public transportation system, which includes buses, trains, and ferries that will take you to most destinations in Brisbane and beyond.
Taxis and ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available.
The Airtrain or bus services are both accessible from Brisbane Airport to the CBD.