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The river city of Brisbane is the chic capital of sunny Queensland and one of Australia’s top tourist destinations. This laidback urban gem is packed with interesting attractions and fun things to do, and it offers convenient access to gorgeous mountainous scenery inland and stunning islands out at sea.
If you’re planning to visit Brisbane and wondering what to get up to during your time here, read on to discover 20 of the best things to do in this buzzing city.
1. Explore Brisbane on Foot with a Free Walking Tour
Brisbane city center is a highly walkable area so it’s easy to explore on foot. You can head out on your own DIY walking tour or join a guided tour with a local. Brisbane Greeters is an organization of local volunteers who love showing first-time visitors the sights of their home city.
If you’re looking for fun, free things to do, a Greeters tour is a great choice. However, do keep in mind that there could be costs involved for public transport, admission to attractions, and food and drink if these things form part of your chosen tour.
2. Discover Aboriginal Culture at Queensland Museum
The Queensland Museum has exhibitions that cover all facets of Australian history, but it’s especially dedicated to highlighting the culture of the original owners of Australia. Here, you can discover the histories and traditions of the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples via fascinating historical artifacts and artworks.
The museum also has collections focused on Queensland’s wildlife, environment, and ancient history.
3. Climb Mount Coot-tha to Watch the Sunrise
Mount Coot-tha Reserve lies just 15 minutes away from Brisbane Central Business District, and it covers 1600 hectares (3950 acres) of rainforest, eucalypt forest, waterfalls, and creeks. One of the best things to do here is to hike up Mount Coot-tha’s summit in time to watch the sunrise.
You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with awesome views of the city 951 feet above sea level. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.
4. Dine and Drink in Howard Smith Wharves
The heritage-listed Howard Smith Wharves were originally built in the 1930s and have since been revitalized to become one of Brisbane’s best entertainment hubs. There’s an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and event spaces here where you can enjoy delicious food and drink with gorgeous riverside views.
The site lies close to Fortitude Valley’s bustling James Street and right at the edge of Brisbane CBD, so it’s easily accessible on foot and via public transport.
5. Visit Brisbane’s Beautiful Islands
Several islands lie along Brisbane’s coastline and visiting them is a wonderful way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The two biggest and most popular islands are North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and Moreton Island (Mulgumpin).
Both offer fantastic opportunities to go bushwalking, whale watching, kayaking, and snorkeling. Day trips are made easy thanks to Brisbane’s ferry network, but if you want to stay longer on Moreton Island, you’ll find accommodation at the beautiful Tangalooma Island Resort.
6. Listen to Live Music in Fortitude Valley
Fortitude Valley is renowned for its nightlife since it’s home to some of Brisbane’s biggest and best clubs. If you love live music, you’ll find it here at the likes of the Fortitude Music Hall, The Tivoli, Ric’s, The Triffid, Black Bear Lodge, Greaser, and The Zoo. Be sure to check out some of Fortitude Valley’s many rooftop bars along the way.
7. Rent an E-Bike to Tour Brisbane on Two Wheels
More than 3,000 shared e-bikes and e-scooters are available in Brisbane, and you can take advantage of them as a cheap and easy way to tour the city. Simply head out on two wheels and see where the day takes you, or follow one of the city council’s recommended routes.
The Brisbane River Loop is a popular option for enthusiastic cyclists. It winds through 24 miles of Brisbane’s most popular neighborhoods, including South Bank, Milton, Toowong, St Lucia, and the West End.
8. Climb Story Bridge for Panoramic Views
Story Bridge has been an iconic landmark since its opening in 1940. For the ultimate panoramic views, take the Story Bridge Adventure Climb and scale the very highest point of the bridge. You’ll be securely strapped to the structure the whole time so that you can relax and admire the view.
On clear days, you can see The Glass House Mountains towards the north, Moreton Bay towards the east, and the Scenic Rim Mountains towards the south.
9. Cruise on the Brisbane River
The Brisbane River cuts right through the heart of the city, and the inner-city ferry system is one of the easiest, most affordable, and most relaxing ways to get around. It’s run by Brisbane City Council, which has a fleet of 25 CityCats and 5 KittyCats that operate across 21 terminals.
The CityHopper service is likely to be the one you’ll use the most — it covers North Quay, South Bank, Maritime, Riverside, Holman Street, Howard Smith Wharves, and Sydney Street. To spend more time on the water, take a sightseeing river cruise, which includes a 90-minute guided tour to help you learn about the many landmarks you pass along the way.
10. Roam the Pretty Trails of Roma Street Parkland
You can reach the Roma Street Parklands in just 10 minutes on foot from Brisbane CBD. It’s a fantastic spot to take a break from the city, filled with huge palm trees and beautifully landscaped gardens. There are public barbecue facilities available and plenty of sprawling lawns to lounge on. Look out for the Moonlight Cinema that takes place here between December and March.
11. Get Cultural at the Gallery of Modern Art
The QAGOMA (Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art) is part of South Brisbane’s Cultural Centre. You’ll find a huge array of classic and contemporary art here, with local, national, and international artists represented. Some collections are permanent, but temporary exhibitions take place regularly, so there’s always something new for return visitors to see.
12. Abseil Down Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Kangaroo Point Cliffs lie on the eastern bank of the Brisbane River, and they’re a popular spot for climbing and abseiling. They make for a relatively easy climb, which means novices and experts alike can scale the cliffs and enjoy fantastic views over the Central Business District and City Botanic Gardens once they reach the top.
If rock climbing isn’t your thing, you can get your adrenaline fix by starting at the top and abseiling down the cliffs instead.
13. Sample Tasty World Cuisine at Eat Street Northshore
Eat Street Northshore is a complex of 180 entertainment and food venues housed in repurposed shipping containers. There’s a huge variety of world foods on offer here, including Japanese, Vietnamese, Filipino, African, Brazilian, Turkish, and Italian. You can also sample plenty of classic Aussie dishes such as biltong and fish and chips.
14. Soak Up a Gameday Atmosphere at Suncorp Stadium
Suncorp Stadium has hosted an array of sporting events since 1914, when it was first established, but it’s best known today for its rugby games. The Rugby League team, the Brisbane Broncos, and the Rugby Union team, the Queensland Reds, both play their home games at Suncorp.
Soccer, cycling, and extreme sports events like Nitro Circus also take place here, as well as live music performances. When full to its 52,500-seat capacity, the stadium has an incredible atmosphere, so try to catch a game when you visit Brisbane.
15. Experience the West End’s Eclectic Character
The West End is a residential area that lies west of South Bank, and it’s renowned for its quirky shopping and cafe scenes. It’s home to the West End Markets, which take place every Saturday morning for vendors to sell their fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artworks.
The neighborhood has lots of cool cafes serving delicious coffee and laid-back vibes. Plus, there’s a thriving Greek community in the West End, making it the best place in the city to find delicious Greek cuisine.
16. Catch Comedy at The Powerhouse in New Farm Park
Brisbane Powerhouse is a refurbished 1920s power station that hosts more than 1,000 cultural events and performances each year. You’ll find everything from comedy shows and plays to dance performances and art installations.
When you visit, be sure to take a stroll around New Farm Park, where the Powerhouse sits. This leafy, peaceful park boasts gorgeous palm trees and landscaped gardens, and it hosts a weekly farmers market on Saturday mornings.
17. Get the Lay of the Landmarks with a Segway Tour
A segway tour is a fun way to see Brisbane’s key landmarks and most scenic areas. A typical tour incorporates Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Story Bridge, Southbank Parklands, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Wheel of Brisbane. Consider a nighttime segway tour to enjoy fabulous views of the glittering skyscrapers that line the banks of the river.
18. Explore The Gold Coast’s History at the Museum of Brisbane
The Museum of Brisbane sits within Brisbane City Hall near the bustling shopping hub of Queen Street Mall. It’s a free attraction that offers a fantastic overview of Queensland’s history. More than 5,000 artifacts, including art, ceramics, and sculptures, have been collected here since the 1850s.
Not all of them are on display at once, but exhibits change regularly to share new insights into Brisbane’s history. Visit on Friday evenings when there’s an opportunity to join a tour of the building’s impressive clock tower.
19. Meet Koalas and Kangaroos at Lone Pine Sanctuary
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the world, having been founded in 1928.
This family-friendly attraction lets you meet some of the koalas, and there are various shows and tours about other species that take place each day. The sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of many native Australian species including wombats, kangaroos, and Tasmanian devils in addition to koalas.
20. Escape in the Urban Oasis of Streets Beach
Streets Beach is a man-made urban beach that features white sand, sub-tropical plants, and refreshing outdoor swimming pools. The largest pool is a huge lagoon surrounded by sand, but there’s also the Boat Pool and Aquativity nearby, which are fun water play-parks for kids.
Food and drinks are available on-site, and lifeguards are on duty to keep everyone safe. Brisbane has certainly recreated the vibe of the Sunshine Coast’s beautiful beaches right at the heart of the city.
Plan Your Adventure in Brisbane City
Now you’re up to speed with Brisbane’s best activities, you can get started planning your visit to this Australian gem. What will your Brisbane vacation look like?
