51 Best Things to Do in Brisbane

TOP EXPERIENCES AND WHAT TO DO IN BRISBANE

We’ve pulled together 51 of the best things to do in Brisbane, complete with our personal recommendations. If you’re wondering what to do or where to go, check out our locals’ guide:

1. RIVERLIFE

Our city is built around a winding river, so it makes sense that our first shout out goes to Riverlife – a fun adventure business dedicated to showing off the best of Brisbane’s history and environment. Take in the iconic sights from the water, get your heart beating with a rock climb, or abseil down the Kangaroo Point cliffs. We wholeheartedly recommend the twilight kayak (capped off with a drink and grazing board). If you want to simply cruise around at your own pace, Riverlife also offers bike, rollerblade, kayak, and URB-E hire. Fun times!

2. HOWARD SMITH WHARVES

Opening in November 2018, Howard Smith Wharves has breathed new life into the historic waterfront space. Located beneath the Story Bridge, HSW is the “perfect setting to eat, drink, play, and stay”. Start with a relaxing Aperol Spritz on the deck at Mr Percivals, or experience a beer tasting at Felons Brewing Co. Share the oven-baked lamb shoulder at Greca, or kick back on the lawn with seafood from the Traditional Fish n’ Chipper. Finish with white peach champagne gelato from Goodtimes Gelateria, or a Wattle Toffee Espresso Martini at Fume Bar. With a dozen eateries and an onsite Art Series Hotel ‘The Fantauzzo’, Howard Smith Wharves is its own destination.

3. CAFFEINE

Need your coffee fix? In the CBD, check out Strauss, John Mills Himself, Coffee Anthology, Pablo & Rusty’s, Edward Specialty Coffee, and Coffee Iconic. Go to Wolf Coffee Roasters in Hendra; Salt Coffee Roasters in Newstead; Dovetail on Overend in Norman Park; Pourboy in South Bank; Coffee Supreme in Woolloongabba; or Josie North in Toowong.

4. QUEENSLAND MUSEUM

Our Head Chef Bruce still has childhood memories of walking underneath the life-sized humpback whales as their song echoed through the Queensland Museum. With exhibitions, workshops, a Discovery Centre, and the nostalgic ENERGEX Playasaurus Place (aka seriously cool dinosaurs), it’s a great day out!

5. BRUNCH

We Brisbanites love a lazy morning and full belly. Entering serious brunch territory, clockwise from the CBD, try Felix for Goodness in the heart of the city, King Arthur in Fortitude Valley, or Little Loco in New Farm. Cross the river to Fiddle Leaf in Bulimba, Rabbit Hole Café in Seven Hills, or Florence Café in Camp Hill. Head west and you’ll hit faves Lady Marmalade in Stones Corner, The Pearl in Woolloongabba, and Plenty in West End. Moving north, check out Anouk or Sassafras of Paddington.

6. NEW FARM PARK

New Farm Park claims to be one of Brisbane’s oldest, grandest, and largest parks… add funnest and we agree! Parents love it for the timber fort playground nestled amongst giant fig trees, conveniently located near accessible bathrooms and a drinks stand. Teens love it for basketball/netball facilities and plenty of open space for ultimate frisbee. Young adults love it as they sip on a bevvy overlooking the river. Grandies love it as they stroll through the historic rose garden and jacaranda trees. Get it? We heart NFP.

7. NATURE’S GYM

Leave behind the sweaty gym smell and embrace fresh air with a plethora of outdoor fitness classes. The Medibank Feel Good Program runs across South Bank Parklands and the City including Yoga, Barre, Bootcamp, Pilates, Tai Chi, and Zumba®. Brisbane City Council also offers free or low-cost classes throughout suburbia. And, if you want to combine a relaxing stretch with a cold one in hand at the end of the day, Felons Brewing Co. offers weekly Beer Yoga. Cheers to that!

8. MARKETS

What’s a weekend without a trip to the markets to grab fresh local produce or to browse artisanal wares? Check out the Collective Markets (currently located on Little Stanley Street, South Bank); Jan Powers Farmers Market at Powerhouse; Urban Produce Market in South Brisbane, Davies Park Market in West End; Valley Laneway Markets in Fortitude Valley; Riverside at the Gardens Market in the City Botanic Gardens; Milton Markets; or Nundah Farmers Markets.

9. JAMES STREET

When you think fashion, think James Street. This tree-lined city street is home to over 110 specialty stores, attracting those wanting a design-forward retail experience.

10. HIGH TEA

We’re calling it: the Champagne High Tea at Customs House is a quintessential classic Brisbane experience. Spoil yourself with a glass of Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne and handcrafted delicacies, whilst relaxing in heritage surrounds with stunning river views.

11. CLIMB THE BRIDGE

As one of only three bridge climbs in the world, Story Bridge Adventure Climb offers spectacular views across the Brisbane skyline and beyond, from the Glass House Mountains across to Moreton Bay and down to the Scenic Rim Mountains. Challenge your limits by adding on a new thrill through the ‘Cantilever Lean Out’, ‘Walk the Plank’, or ‘Climb and Abseil’. Are you game?

12. SPRING HILL BATHS

Built in 1866, you’ll find classic changing rooms and grandstand seating in the heritage-listed Spring Hill Baths. Enjoy a leisurely swim, take an Aqua aerobics class, or join a squad at this ridiculously cute public pool.

13. LANEWAYS

Feel like meandering through some hole-in-the-wall spaces of a laneway? Brisbane has got some seriously cool alley vibes here in our own backyard. For a diverse range of restaurants, bars, and cafes, hit up Fish Lane in South Brisbane. Head to Fortitude Valley for a trio of laneways: Winn Lane hosts an eclectic mix of independent artists, fashion designers, and foodies; Bakery Lane features boutique design incubator studios and retail businesses; and Retro California Lane brings West Coast vibes complete with pastel walls and alfresco dining.

14. FEELING ENERGETIC?

Get access to a ninja and parkour course, laser tag, trampolines, dodgeball, rock climbing, and indoor skiing/snowboarding at Urban Xtreme. Want to kick it old school? Hire some rollerskates or blades at Stafford Skate Centre (trust us, it’s cool again). Get sandy with beach volleyball or stick to traditional sports like netball, soccer, cricket, and basketball at Brisbane City Indoor Sports.

15. VICTORIA PARK

Affectionately known as Viccy Park to locals, this 18-hole public golf course has expanded over time to include a two level driving range, alfresco bistro, children’s playground, and naturally landscaped putt putt course (just as popular with adults as kids). It’s also home to several function spaces with panoramic city skyline views. As the golf course is transformed into Brisbane’s biggest public park over the coming years, we predict that Victoria Park will become a must-visit destination for all.

16. QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY AND GALLERY OF MODERN ART

New to the concept? Pair a group art class with a beverage (or three) and you’ve got a whole lotta creativity. Check out Frida’s Sip n’ Paint Studio, Paddington; Cork & Chroma, South Brisbane; Montana Art Project, West End; Brush & Barrel, Fortitude Valley. For our little ones – minus the drinks – sign up for Hands on Art’s ‘Kids Do Art’ and ‘Little Kids Do Art’ classes in Paddington.

17. SIP AND PAINT

New to the concept? Pair a group art class with a beverage (or three) and you’ve got a whole lotta creativity. Check out Frida’s Sip n’ Paint Studio, Paddington; Cork & Chroma, South Brisbane; Montana Art Project, West End; Brush & Barrel, Fortitude Valley. For our little ones – minus the drinks – sign up for Hands on Art’s ‘Kids Do Art’ and ‘Little Kids Do Art’ classes in Paddington.

18. BREWERIES

Our bartenders Josh and Brad know their IPAs from their XPAs, their pale to dark lagers. So we trust their recommendations for the best tipples in town: Felons Brewing Co in Brisbane City; Green Beacon in Teneriffe, Range Brewing and Newstead Brewing in Newstead, Aether Brewing in Northgate; Brisbane Brewing Co and Ballistic Beer Co in West End, and Revel Brewing Co in Bulimba.

19. SHOPAHOLICS

Boasting more than 700 stores, Queen St Mall is an open-air pedestrian mall in the heart of the city. There you’ll also find The Myer Centre’s nine-floor complex, flagship and specialty retailers at Wintergarden, and traditional heritage-listed Brisbane Arcade.

20. BLUEY ADVENTURES

If you’re a parent, you will likely know the phrases ‘dance mode’, ‘dollarbucks’, and ‘for real life’. Bluey has kids obsessed around the globe. The best bit? Its setting is inspired by Brisbane. You can score major points by taking the kids on a Bluey adventure, following the locations identified on Instagram page @bluey_locations.

21. LONE PINE KOALA SANCTUARY

We’ll squeeze this one into our 20-mins from the CBD catchment simply because of our cute little critters. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the largest koala sanctuary in the world, best known for cuddles with our furry natives. It’s also home to kangaroos, wombats, Tassie devils, platypus, crocs, dingos, and more. Enjoy an educational show or feeding time, get a selfie with a roo, and pet baby animals in the barn… but watch out for the cheeky emus!

22. PICNIC AND BBQ

Our Functions Manager, Ellie, recommends grabbing your partner or besties and hitting up Moonlight Cinemas at The Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parkland. Enjoy munchies and drinks from food trucks, and laze back under the stars for an entirely better cinematic experience. Keep an eye out for the reopening of Openair Cinemas and family movie nights at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary too.

24. SOUTH BANK

Truly, South Bank Parklands deserves its own blog post. Here’s a little taste of what you can experience at this iconic destination: take a walk through the infamous bougainvillea arbour, explore the Epicurious Garden, and visit the Nepalese Pagoda. Spread a towel on the sand at Streets Beach or cool off in the Boat Pool. Little ones will enjoy the interactive water-play delights of Aquativity. When your stomach starts growling, visit one of the many riverside restaurants or cafes. Be transported in the Rainforest Green or enjoy city views sky high in The Wheel of Brisbane. If the kids still have energy, let them burn it off at the Riverside Green or Picnic Island Playgrounds. Lastly, if you haven’t had a BBQ dinner at South Bank, are you even a Brisbanite?

25. MUSEUM OF BRISBANE

The Museum of Brisbane is located within Brisbane City Hall in King George Square. Book a free entry ticket and take a trip up the heritage Clock Tower to see glittering views from the top.

26. GO CRUISING

Enjoying the river city is best from… you guessed it, the river! Hop onboard a CityCat, City Ferries, or CityHopper and take a cruise down the Brisbane River. If you want to pair the sights with a lunch or dinner cruise, then make a booking with Kookaburra River Queens. Alternatively, Mirimar Cruises offer daily transfers to/from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, combining the beauty of the river with a quintessential Australian animal experience.

27. LIVE SPORT

It’s just better live. It just is. With our fantastic weather and sport-crazed fans, head along to The Gabba, Suncorp Stadium, or Queensland Tennis Centre to experience a game or match. It’s not summer without cricket or tennis; and winter wouldn’t be the same without football of all kinds.

28. ICE-CREAM

Ever since the pistachio gelato on the Spanish Steps in Italy, our Owner Beau has been on the hunt to find a comparable offering back home. His picks? Gelato Messina, South Brisbane; La Macelleria (Teneriffe, West End, and Coorparoo Square); and Nom Nom Natural Gelato, Bulimba. For another sweet fix, try Cowch at South Bank – they have a whole menu dedicated to Caramilk, need we say more?

29. CITY BOTANIC GARDENS

The original botanic gardens for Brisbane, City Botanic Gardens spans 18 hectares and 1.2km of river frontage. Check out the Bamboo Grove, Weeping Fig Avenue, and the ornamental ponds. It also has Baldwin Lawn Playground, suitable for all-abilities. Take along a picnic or visit The Gardens Club for something to eat or drink. Whilst there, see if you can spot the locations where Fool’s Gold was filmed!

30. SPARKLAB SCIENCE CENTRE

Queensland Museum’s new multi-million dollar science gallery SparkLab, brings together imagination and education aimed at children. Check out the live experiments at the Science Bar, design and create at the Maker Space, or interact with 40 exhibits across three zones. Screams school holiday fun!

31. MUSOS

Festivals may be on hold, but you can still go support local acts with Brisbane’s live music scene powering on despite capped numbers and restricted movement. Try out newcomers like The Sound Garden, or pay a visit to iconic spots like The Triffid,Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, The Tivoli, Brooklyn Standard, The Zoo, and Brisbane Jazz Club. Keep your ears open for the relocation of The Foundry in late 2020. City Sounds also run a long-standing program for artists to play on weekends in CBD streets and parks.

32. EAGLE STREET PIER

This waterfront dining precinct is located on a 19^th century wharf with epic views of the river and Story Bridge. Boasting over 15 restaurants, bars, and eateries, Eagle Street Pier has come far since the devastation of the 2011 floods. A go-to for after work drinks and many celebrations, Eagle Street Pier has recently lodged a $2.1 billion redevelopment application… so watch this space!

33. PLANT-LOVERS

We have it on good authority from our plant-based friends that Yvanna in Paddington truly is leading the vegan revolution. If you’re after party vibes, try the vegan degustation at Ling Lings in the Valley.

34. BRISBANE POWERHOUSE

The Brisbane Powerhouse is a cultural hub located within a seriously cool repurposed power station. It features performance venues, gallery spaces, an outdoor plaza, green spaces, two restaurants and bars. Powerhouse runs over 1250 performances and events each year, making it one of the busiest arts venues around. Catch a play, have a laugh, sip on bubbles riverside, enjoy the markets, or simply take a selfie in front of the giant graffiti wall.

35. 10, 9, 8… CELEBRATE

Give us a reason and we’ll light up the sky! The best times to visit would be in September to catch Riverfire (part of Brisbane Festival), or across the Christmas and New Year period. You’ll be rewarded with cracking fireworks and brilliant laser lights, reflecting off the river and making the city glow.

36. PORTSIDE WHARF

Follow the winding river east and you’ll come across Portside Wharf, an eclectic urban village home to 35 retailers. From boutique fashion to waterfront dining, cinema experiences to health services, there’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy. The best bit? Portside has all the bells and whistles of a riverside precinct, without the hustle and bustle of the CBD.

37. GREEN THUMBS

Who doesn’t love a pretty posy? Grab your girlfriends and try your hand at floral arranging, flower crowns, terrariums, kokedamas, and more through classes at Stalks & Stems in Woolloongabba; Francesca’s Flowers in Bardon; That Flower Shop in Stafford; Bouquet Boutique in New Farm; or Gwen Floral Co (who come to you!).

38. AUTHENTIC CUISINES

We all have our favourite go-to’s for an authentic feed, so here’s ours: head to Factory51 in Coorparoo for hand stretched wood-fired pizzas, handmade gnocchi, and lovingly stuffed cannelloni. If you want to see how much heat you can handle, visit Curryville in Morningside to test out their original Indian spice blends. Hellenika at The Calile makes any Greek proud, and will even serve you poolside.

39. QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

QPAC is one of Australia’s leading centres for live performance. Book ahead to see a musical, dance, ballet, drama, opera, theatre, comedy, or musician.

40. ROMA STREET PARKLANDS

From the minute you step into Roma Street Parklands, you can see she’s a landscaper’s dream. With a floral Spectacle Garden, sprawling Celebration Lawn, cascading water wall, rainforest gully, and lake precinct, Roma Street Parklands is a hidden oasis in Spring Hill. Hop onboard the Parkland Explorer – a trackless train that weaves around the park in 20 minutes. There are also free BBQs, two playgrounds, a café, and Amphitheatre.

41. HOLEY MOLEY

Combining putt-putt, karaoke, and cocktails, Holey Moley is “like golf but fun!” With two venues in the heart of Brisbane (Wintergarden and Fortitude Valley), you’ll be sure to have a great time as you putt your way through this mini-golf mecca.

42. CITY WINERY

This micro-winery is the first to hit the Brisbane scene in nearly 160 years. With a cellar door, wine bar, restaurant, and function space, City Winery is housed in a renovated warehouse in Fortitude Valley. Take a winery tour, participate in a wine blending workshop, or enjoy a private chef lead degustation dinner.

43. MOUNT COOT-THA & BEYOND

Looking for a daytrip without leaving Brisbane? Head west to Mount Coot-tha. Grab your bike, horse, or simply bushwalk your way along the multi-use trails. Climb to the summit for spectacular panoramic views across Brisbane (grab an ice-cream whilst you’re there). JC Slaughter Falls play the perfect backdrop for a picnic lunch. Head to the Brisbane Botanical Gardens to experience the bamboo forest, cactus garden, fern house, or Tropical Display Dome. Before you head home, check out the stars at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium… you won’t be disappointed.

44. BRISBANE DFO

Everyone loves a bargain, so head to DFO Brisbane to score some seriously good prices on over 147 of your favourite big brands.

45. ROOFTOP BARS

Brissie weather calls for rooftop celebrations, and we have a bunch to choose from. Grab a drink and enjoy killer views from Elixir Rooftop Bar above Ann St, Maya Mexican (the newly transformed Eleven Rooftop Bar), Sixteen Antlers at the top of the Pullman & Mercure Hotel, Dandy’s Rooftop at The Fox Hotel, The Pool Terrace and Bar at Next Hotel, and Eagles Nest in Kangaroo Point.

46. STATE LIBRARY OF QUEENSLAND

Not a book bug? Fear not. The State Library of Queensland has a lot more than book-lined shelves. There are exhibitions featuring music, culture, photography, sport, and history. The Corner hosts little ones for Story Time, Rhyme Time, and Baby Play. The Edge has tools for makers and creatives to bring their ideas to life.

47. AQUARIUS HEALTH MEDISPA

Down time need not be expensive. A casual day pass to Aquarius is affordable and gives you full access to their bathhouse and fitness centre. Sweat it up in the gym or steam room, before enjoying a dip in the 22m pool or hot/cold magnesium pools. Relax in the zen room and spa bar, or treat yourself with a massage or beauty service.

48. EAT STREET NORTHSHORE

Set in a colourful shipping container village, Eat Street hosts 65 eateries and stores market-style. Hugely popular pre-Covid, we’re crossing our fingers to see it reopen in the near future!

49. STRIKE BOWLING

How good is the sound of bowling ball connecting with the pins at the end of a lane? Strike Bowling isn’t just a bowling alley though. Add laser tag, escape rooms, pool tables, and karaoke, and you have one heck of an entertainment venue in the Wintergarden!

50. ROCKS RIVERSIDE PARK

A family favourite, Rocks Riverside Park is located in the south-west of Brisbane on the site of a former quarry. Surrounded by bushland next to the river, kids can splash about in the water play area, run amok on the Great Lawn, or clamber through the playgrounds.

51. STAYCATION

Coming in at #51 is a staycation. Pair the opening of gorgeous hotels such as The Fantauzzo, FV by Peppers, W Brisbane, and The Calile Hotel with nation-wide travel restrictions, and there’s never been a better time to stay in your own city. Grab your gal pals or mates for an overnight stay, or whisk your partner away for the weekend.

As you can tell, we’re big fans of our home city! We encourage you to get out and enjoy the best that Brisbane has to offer. Think we’ve missed something? Drop your faves in the comments below, and let us know how many of these experiences you’ve ticked off your bucket list.