09 January 2025
13 mins Read
Australia’s most underrated city is ready for its moment. Brisbane, a magnet for the country’s most daring culinary and creative talents, is bubbling away with unique experiences, making the most of its all-year-round warm weather and open-air expanses.
From spectacular outdoor attractions to some of the country’s most inspiring cultural initiatives, there are always incredible things to do in Brisbane.
The lagoon-style pool is just one of the many highlights of the park. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
The ever-impressive South Bank is a must-do destination due to its proximity to, well, everything. You can take a dip at the man-made Streets Beach (the Sunshine State’s only inner-city beach), cycle along the riverfront, stroll around the 17 hectares of parklands, or feast in style at one of the exceptional restaurants and eateries. Bustling bars and easy access to the city’s best museums are also part of this entertainment precinct’s world-renowned appeal.
Browse through the boutique shops in Queenstreet Mall. (Image: Markus Ravik)
With more than 700 shops to explore, Queen Street Mall requires serious commitment. Once you’ve checked out the high-end designer stores, ducking into big-name retailers like Zara, H&M and Mecca Maxima is a shopping day must. Don’t miss the historic Brisbane Arcade for a culture fix as well as Adelaide Street for smaller boutiques and vintage stores.
Ride the Wheel of Brisbane to admire 360-degree city views. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Every major city demands its own Ferris wheel in the middle of town. Brisbane’s iteration is the Wheel of Brisbane, a landmark attraction at South Bank that safely sends passengers 60 metres above ground level. Air-conditioned, spacious and throwing views across the full length of the Brisbane River, it’s one of our favourite things to do in Brisbane (and the world over, really).
Queensland Museum Kurilpa is home to a revolving door of fascinating exhibitions and events that strive to educate visitors about this glorious sun-drenched state. Learn about Queensland’s diverse history and Brisbane’s First Nations origins as well as the city’s natural and not-so-natural surroundings and how daily life has evolved over the centuries. Don’t miss the dinosaur fossils – they tend to bring out the awe-struck kid in everyone.
Explore diverse art installations in QAGOMA. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Elegantly designed with utterly absorbing collections and exhibitions, as well as programs for kids, the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is an accessible treasure. Perhaps lesser known is the purpose-built Australian Cinémathèque at GOMA, which screens films on Wednesday and Friday nights and Saturday and Sunday matinees. It’s an excellent way to escape the heat, and the best part is, the screenings are usually free.
This independent creative hub showcases contemporary art.
Venture beyond the inner-city’s cultural heartland to explore the Woolloongabba Art Gallery. An independent art space dedicated to showcasing contemporary art from Australia and its surrounds, there are three large exhibition halls to stickybeak. The exhibitions themselves rotate but you can expect a dedicated focus on the work of First Nations people, tracing Brisbane’s fascinating Indigenous roots.
Check out more Brisbane art galleries
Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Brisbane River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Cruise the long brown snake (otherwise known as the Brisbane River) while riding the CityHopper, a free ferry service that regularly drops into key city locations every day of the week. Stay for the scenery or jump off or on at South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves and Kangaroo Point all in one day – you can hop on and off as many times as you like.
River Quay Green makes a vibrant picnic spot. (Image: Tourism Australia)
Head to South Bank’s River Quay Green, at Clem Jones Promenade, from 2pm to 5pm every Sunday to soak up relaxed vibes with water views. Lawn games and music performances set a dreamy scene so pack a picnic blanket and bring your own eats to make the most of it.
Rappel down the dramatic cliffs. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Fancy a challenge? Sign up for Riverlife Brisbane’s Day Rock Climb Adventures to score spectacular views of the city. You’ll spend two hours climbing the Kangaroo Point Cliffs before safely abseiling back down again. Climbs are conducted by qualified and experienced instructors so there’s no need for climbing experience to get amongst one of the best things to do in Brisbane.
Paddle down the picturesque Brisbane River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
While we’re singing the praises of Riverlife, book your next date night on board one of their Twilight Kayak Tours. Cutting through the luminous reflections of the city while gliding over calm waters, the 90-minute kayak cruise explores the Brisbane River and its looming bridges.
The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is the best way to see Brisbane. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Set your pulse racing atop one of the city’s most iconic structures, the Story Bridge. A Story Bridge Adventure Climb takes two hours, including a safety demonstration and suiting up in a fetching non-negotiable onesie. It’s one of just three bridge climbs in the world and views stretch from the beautiful Glass House Mountains to Moreton Bay.
Welcome the sunrise at Mt Coot-tha Lookout.
One of Brisbane’s most popular hiking trails is Mt Coot-tha Reserve’s Summit Circuit, known for its beautiful bush scenery and epic lookout. Providing a 5km walking route from JC Slaughter Falls to Mt Coot-tha Lookout, the trail offers spectacular views of the city as well as a cafe and restaurant for those post-hike rewards.
Fill your basket with fresh produce at Jan Powers Farmers Markets. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)
Ready for some retail therapy? Head to the Brisbane Powerhouse, one of Brisbane’s best museums, every Saturday morning between 6am and noon for the ever-popular Jan Powers Farmers Markets. Featuring over 120 food stalls with everything from fresh juices and seafood to flowers and pastries, there’s something for every taste bud (and budget).
Discover Brisbane’s most stylish shopping destination. (Image: Martin K Jacobsen)
Showcasing some of the trendiest Australian-bred fashion, homewares and accessories labels, this portion of Fortitude Valley is a shopaholic’s dream. Undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Brisbane is wander its leafy, beautifully manicured James Street where you’ll find the likes of Zimmermann, Aje, Camilla & Marc and more nestled between sophisticated eateries and cafes.
Shop Japanese wares at the Brisbane Genki Market.
Japandi is one of the hottest interior trends of now, fusing minimalistic Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics into one uber-schmick blend of contemporary cool. Incorporate the movement into your own digs with a visit to the Brisbane Genki Market, home to Japanese-inspired wares of all varieties. As a bonus, mouth-watering Japanese bites are also up for grabs.
Treat your family at Eat Street Northshore on weekends. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Satisfy every taste bud alongside some of the best local live entertainment at Eat Street Northshore, one of the very best things to do in Brisbane. Featuring more than 70 vendors, you’ll be awed by five themed bars and even more pop-up restaurants to transport you to every delicious corner of the globe. The vibe is always kicking and there’s ample parking right nearby.
Each brewery visit is sure to delight. (Image: BEDA)
There’s no denying that Brisbane and beer go hand-in-hand. And, in case you missed it, epic breweries can be found right across Brisbane. Think household heroes like Newstead, Felons, Stone & Wood and more. Signing up for a Hop On Brewery Tour ensures you make the most out of every brewery hopping adventure. Taking the logistics out of the equation, and putting somebody else in the driver’s seat, the tours facilitate the sampling of a stream of top-notch blends.
Wine and dine alfresco. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Hip laneways aren’t iconically Brisbane but prepare to have your eyes widened. The inner-city mecca of Fish Lane delivers the goods, popping up near the arts and culture portion of South Bank. Weaving an intoxicating thread of thought-provoking public artworks, European-cool wine bars, and excellent fine dining, it’s the place to hang for a taste of the Brisbane of tomorrow.
Check out our guide to Brisbane’s best restaurants.
Embrace a lazy afternoon in the idyllic gardens. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Keen to get the kids out of the house? 17 hectares of beautiful, thriving gardens and parkland is bound to get them excited. The Brisbane City Botanic Gardens is a family-friendly must-experience, conveniently located in town and bounded by the Brisbane River. Let them run wild as ornamental ponds, weeping figs and more of Mother Nature’s brilliance paint an idyllic scene.
See koalas up close. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Gaze adoringly at everybody’s favourite native animal inside the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the largest of its kind in the country. While the cute companions are beautiful to look at, your visit to this spot is also helping in the research and conservation of koalas — a mighty effort to ensure our furry pals keep thriving amid countless dangers.
Check out our guide to things to do in Brisbane for families
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre is the city’s premier venue for concerts and live performances. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Spanning musicals and comedies, dance and theatre, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is this city’s go-to for heart-stopping performances. One of the grandest in the country, in fact, it’s easy to access in the middle of South Bank so grab your people, and all the snacks, to catch something spectacular.
Explore various cultural landmarks around Brisbane. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
The brainchild of two Aboriginal elders and educators, Mary Graham and Lilla Watson, BlackCard Cultural Tours offers some of Brisbane’s best and most authentic cultural experiences. Take a walking tour with expert guides to help you shine a light on the most significant public artworks and meaningful landmarks. Trust us, you won’t leave unchanged.
North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), offers an unforgettable coastal escape. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Do Brisbanites understand how lucky they are to have the world’s second-largest sand island right on their doorstep? North Stradbroke Island, also known by its Indigenous name Minjerribah, is a sub-tropical haven of incredibly clear waters and bewitching scenery you can drive to via a ferry. Explore epic beaches, spot whales, slip beneath the surface to acquaint yourself with sea life, or simply wander the Point Lookout Markets on Sunday.
Hit Suttons Beach for a swim. (Image: Getty/mvaligursky)
Less than one hour’s car ride from Brisbane’s CBD, the city’s famed swimming spot is one for the entire family. Redcliffe’s Suttons Beach, one of Brisbane’s best beaches, offers small waves to cater for gentle swims, plus a beach playground and community barbecue areas. In other words, it’s got everything you need for a picture-perfect beach escape just outside the city.
Queens Park in Ipswich, less than an hour’s drive from the thick of Brisbane, is home to one of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets – the Ipswich Nature Centre. Picture a mini zoo where you can get up close and personal with your favourite native animals including kookaburras, wombats, and wallabies as well as some of the more elusive, highly sought-after critters like quolls and bilbies.
Experience Brisbane on greater heights. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
If you need a breather from the Brisbane hustle and bustle, seek refuge in the foothills of Tamborine Mountain. Under the cool canopy of the rainforest, you’ll find a nature-filled sanctuary just over an hour’s drive from the CBD. Explore its charming galleries, sweet stores, distilleries and wineries, and if you’re feeling adventurous, give Australia’s largest zipline, the TreeTop Challenge, a whirl.
Check out our guide to incredible day trips from Brisbane.
Roma Street Parkland is a soothing oasis set in the heart of Brisbane. (Image: Kara Hamilton)
Did you know Brisbane is home to the largest urban subtropical garden in the world? True story. Located in the heart of the CBD, Roma Street Parkland stretches across 11 hectares and features a string of precincts, with many free guided tours available. It’s a lush, immersive and totally tranquil example of everything that naturally thrives in this balmy subtropical climate.
Felons Brewing Co. is a riverfront gem in Howard Smith Wharves. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
One of the city’s most stunning cultural and dining precincts, Howard Smith Wharves oozes contemporary charm while nodding to its enthralling history. The last surviving wharfage in Brisbane has undergone a complete transformation to attract all-new crowds to its ancient bones, which date back to the Depression era. Grab a cocktail, enjoy a feast or just sit back and admire the water. It’s always a great vibe.
Now read our 3-day Brisbane itinerary for a luxurious getaway.
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