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Boasting an abundance of outdoor activities and intriguing attractions, Brisbane, Australia is certainly a fun city to visit! On our most recent trip, we discovered top attractions in the Central Business District along with a few hidden gems. To help fellow travelers plan an entertaining itinerary, we are showcasing the Best Things To Do in Brisbane!
Nestled along the banks of the Brisbane River, Brissy ranks as one of the top destinations in Australia. Located in Queensland between the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, Brisbane sits slightly inland from the shoreline. Our list of Brisbane things to do dot the landscape – from the heart of the city, into the mountains and to the sandy shores!
Top Things To Do in Brisbane, Australia
The best Brisbane activities appeal to a range of interests – from nature to culture to social events. We tend to seek out diverse experiences that aim to enhance our visit, and we believe the best Brisbane things to do tick all the right boxes!
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Brisbane Travel Guide for your trip to Australia!
#1 Visit South Bank Brisbane
Visiting Brissy’s South Bank is a must-do Brisbane activity. The parkland was established in 1992 on the previous site of the Brisbane World Expo ‘88. It serves as a cultural hub and entertainment district. Located across the river from the Central Business District (CBD), the South Bank district is chock-full of trendy restaurants, hip bars and top Brisbane attractions.
Things To Do in South Bank, Brisbane
There are a seemingly endless number of ways to spend an afternoon or evening in South Bank. The top attraction in South Bank is the Streets Beach, a man-made lagoon, complete with imported sand and a refreshing pool. The artificial beach is open year-round, so go ahead and dip your toes in the water!
The district’s two pedestrian walkways – the picturesque Riverfront Promenade and the bougainvillea-lined Arbour – are fabulous places to stroll. For the most dazzling view of the city, visitors can hop on the 200-foot-tall Wheel of Brisbane for panoramic views. The district also hosts fun Brisbane events at the South Bank Piazza and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Top Travel Tip: Located a short walk from downtown, visitors can easily reach South Bank on foot – which makes it one of the fun things to do in Brisbane without a car.
#2 Explore Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
The lush City Botanic Gardens burst with color – and because there is no admission fee, the gardens rank as one of the top things to do in Brisbane for free!
Established in 1828 to grow food for the growing colony, the gardens evolved into a place for plant research. Today, the nature park is one of the top places to go in Brisbane for a reprieve from the busy city center.
The riverside City Botanic Gardens features a waterfront path, bamboo forest, art sculptures and poignant memorials. Additionally, the park is home to a recreation playground that is a big hit for families traveling with kids. Riverstage – an outdoor entertainment venue – sits at the south end of the park and hosts some of the best events in Brisbane.
The City Botanic Gardens can be explored leisurely – but for a more informative experience, follow this Self-Guided Walking Tour or join a volunteer guide for an hour-long introduction to the park.
Top Tip for Travelers: The Brisbane City Botanic Gardens are not to be confused with the Brisbane Botanic Gardens (although, pretty easy to do, considering their names!). The Brisbane Botanic Gardens are located at the foot of Mount Coot-tha, which we feature later on our Must Do Brisbane List.
#3 Cruise Brisbane River
The curving Brisbane River cuts through the urban landscape – and a fleet ferry boats and sightseeing cruises shuttle passengers up, down and across the water. Setting sail on the waterway offers visitors a unique perspective of the city – in fact, we think it’s a must do in Brisbane!
One of our favorite free things to do in Brisbane is to get a seat on the open-air deck of a CityHopper boat and cruise the river. The free river ferry runs every half hour from early in the morning until late at night. Check the current schedule prior to your visit.
The speedy CityCat Ferry is another public transport option on the Brisbane River. The route makes stops at most of the Brisbane piers and offers affordable rides during off-peak hours.
Cruising down the Brisbane River on a commuter ferry is fun, but there are other entertaining ways to get out on the water! Sightseeing boat trips and sunset cruises are exceptional activities to include in a Brisbane vacation itinerary. The most popular cruise is a relaxing 90 minute boat trip, but travelers can find other sightseeing tour routes, as well.
Active Travel Tip: Feeling adventurous? Skip the cruise and join a tour where you explore the Brisbane River by kayak.
#4 Walk Story Bridge
In the city of Brisbane, the river is spanned by 15 major bridges. Of all the bridges in Brisbane, however, Story Bridge is absolutely iconic. Connecting Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point, the Story Bridge is a key element in the Brisbane city skyline. It’s also the centerpiece at the annual Brisbane Riverfire Festival Fireworks, which is held in late August or early September.
Built between 1935 and 1940, Story Bridge once required a toll of 5 cents. Today, the bridge is crossed daily by an average of 100,000 vehicles – plus countless cyclists and pedestrians. In our opinion, crossing the bridge on foot is one of the top things to do in Brisbane City Center. For the most stunning Brisbane views, walk across Story Bridge on the west side.
Brisbane Activity Tip: Instead of walking across the bridge, visitors can opt to walk on top of the bridge. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is rated as one of the most popular activities in Brisbane, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Participants are harnessed in for a climb to the top of the 22-story-tall bridge!
#5 Picnic at Kangaroo Point
Looking for fun things to do in Brisbane on a budget? Have a picnic! There are free-to-use barbeque grills in over 420 parks in Brisbane. Gather supplies from a local market, pack up some lawn games or grab a good book and dine outdoors at a Brisbane park.
One of the best places in Brisbane for a picnic is Kangaroo Point Peninsula. The northern tip of Kangaroo Point, which sits in the shadows of Story Bridge, is occupied by Captain Burke Park. The peaceful green space has free grills and shaded tables.
However, our preferred spot for a picnic is at Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park where, in addition to grills, there are incredible views of the river and Brissy skyline. Plus, it’s the perfect perch for watching a splendid Brisbane sunset!
Top Tip for Travelers: Looking for a thrilling experience? The Kangaroo Point Cliffs are a popular spot for a challenging Rock Climb.
#6 Brisbane Hiking at Mt. Coot-tha
Mount Coot-tha marks the highest peak in the area and is one of the best places to visit in Brisbane. The Summit Lookout, which can be reached by car, bus or trail, provides phenomenal views of the city and beyond.
That said, the Brisbane viewpoint is not the sole reason for heading to Mt. Coot-tha. In addition to the scenic vantage point, the Mt. Coot-tha reserve features hiking paths and mountain bike trails that wind through the natural bushland.
Two waterfalls – JC Slaughter Falls and Simpson Falls – are located within the forested park and can be reached via Mt Coot-tha treks. With the intertwining trails, visitors could easily spend the better part of a day exploring the park.
Travel Itinerary Tip: To make an entire day out of the trip, visit two Brisbane tourist attractions at the base of Mt. Coot-tha: the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. The formal gardens, established in 1976, feature an astounding number of native plants and floral species. The Planetarium is one of the Brisbane Places of Interest, offering a fun educational experience. It’s free to visit both attractions, but some exhibits require a ticket.
#7 Shop on Queen Street Mall Brisbane
The Queen Street Mall, which boasts more than 500 retailers, is at the heart of Brisbane QLD. The pedestrian-only thoroughfare is the city’s top shopping and entertainment destination.
The outdoor mall is a top Brisbane point of interest – and is visited by 26 million people every year. Visitors can shop at high end fashion stores and browse local boutiques. Not to be missed are Dymocks Bookshop and the gorgeous Brisbane Arcade.
In addition to the shopping, visitors are likely to find buskers (street performers), weekend entertainment programs and no matter the day, amazing people watching opportunities!
Traveler Tip: Pick up maps and Brisbane tourist information at the Visitors’ Office at 167 Queen Street Mall.
#8 See Brissy on Two Wheels
One of the cool things to do in Brisbane is to get on a bike and see top sights on two wheels. Cycling is encouraged in the city (as long as you wear the required helmet), so there are many fun places to go in Brisbane by bike.
Our top recommendation is to pedal along the riverside on the Brisbane Riverwalk path. Visitors can rent a bike – 99 Bikes in the CBD offers fair rates – or reserve your bike (or rollerblades) online in advance.
Brisbane Segway Tour: Want to explore on a different set of wheels? Travelers can join up with a guide to discover the city on a Brisbane sightseeing Segway Tour!
#9 Discover New Farm Park and Brisbane Powerhouse
Claiming to be the area’s biggest, oldest and grandest green space, New Farm Park is situated right on the riverside to the east of the city center. The expansive park features formal rose gardens and plenty of space for kids to play. The park is especially fun on Saturday mornings when the farmers’ market is open.
Sitting adjacent to the park is a renovated power station – Brisbane Powerhouse – that now houses a theater and a wide variety of performances.
Pro Tip: The best way to get to New Farm Park is via CityCat Ferry. Alternatively, use the Riverwalk path and either walk or bike to the park!
#10 Enjoy Brisbane Culture
The Queensland Culture Centre in South Brisbane hosts the city’s best museums and cultural events. Top places to visit at the center are the Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Art Gallery, QLD Kurilpa Museum and Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The area also features the famous Brisbane sign (which is for fun photo ops) and the State Library of Queensland.
Top Tip: There is no admission to the museums or library; they’re some of the great things to do in Brisbane for free!
#11 Attend a Brisbane Festival
Due to the pleasant climate, outdoor festivals in Brisbane take place year-round – and they happen all over the city. Events in Brisbane range from music festivals to heritage celebrations to family-focused affairs.
The Brisbane Festival is the city’s art extravaganza that culminates with the Riverfire Festival. It takes place over consecutive weeks each August/September. Most of the events are family-friendly (but always check before heading out) and are usually accompanied by food and drink booths.
Top Tip: When making your plans for what to see and do in Brisbane, check the city’s official events page for what’s on.
#12 Peruse Brisbane Farmers’ Markets
Brisbane fresh produce markets are a big hit with both locals and visitors – and there are a copious number of markets in the city.
The Jan Powers Market at New Farm Park is highly rated as one of the best farm fresh produce markets in Brisbane. In addition to the vendors selling in-season fruits and vegetables, market-goers will find homemade handicrafts and scrumptious prepared meals.
That said, one of our favorite markets is the Riverside Sunday Market, which is held in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. Not only is there delicious prepared food, but also live music.
Other top Farmers’ Markets in Brisbane are the West End Markets and the Harris Farm Markets.
Market Tip: Shopping at the Collective Markets at South Bank is one of the fun things to do in Brisbane on the weekend. The Friday-through-Sunday market features vendors who sell handmade goods, jewelry and crafts.
#13 Show your Support at a Brisbane Sporting Event
Sports enthusiasts will have no problem finding fun things to do around Brisbane, as the city is home to numerous professional Australian sports teams. Rugby League, Rugby Union, AFL Aussie Rules Football, Cricket, Football (soccer) and Baseball teams all compete in open-air stadiums in Brisbane.
Even those unfamiliar with Brisbane sports can get caught up in the excitement of a thrilling match – so check the sports schedules to see what’s on in Brisbane!
Trip Itinerary Tip: No sporting events scheduled? No problem. The Brisbane Cricket Ground – called The Gabba – can be visited on a pre-arranged tour. The Suncorp Stadium, which is home to numerous Brisbane sporting clubs and concerts, can also be toured.
#14 Visit the Brisbane Clock Tower
The striking Clock Tower at Brisbane City Hall stands resiliently on the spacious King George Square. Built in 1930, it once ranked as the tallest building in the city.
While the soaring tower, itself, is an impressive sight, it’s the views from the 250-foot-high observation platform that make it a Brisbane must do. Guests can claim complimentary tickets for a ride up the hand-operated elevator to the stunning viewpoint.
Top Tip: Taking in views from the top of the clocktower is one of the best free Brisbane activities, but City Hall offers quite a few other free events and tours.
#15 Take a Day Trip from Brisbane
While there are many things to do in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, there are also things to do near Brisbane that are just an easy day trip away. Whether you want to head to the coast, immerse yourself in nature or set your sights on a Australian winery adventure, the options for a quick getaway are plentiful.
Spending a day on Stradbroke Island is one of the best day trips from Brisbane. Beaches, wildlife spotting (look for koalas and kangaroos) and coastal views are highlights of the trip. Check prices for the trip!
Trips to Coolangatta and Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast are fun for a day away from the city. One of the top things to do in Brisbane and the Gold Coast is visiting Springbrook National Park for lovely nature walks.
Wine lovers, however, will want to set off on a Brisbane day trip to Mt. Tamborine for wine tastings and gourmet food. Get the details!
Eating and Drinking in Brisbane, Australia
We have shared our top tips for what to do in Brisbane, Australia – but we have a few suggestions for what and where to eat and drink in the city, too!
Local Food
Brisbane isn’t known for just one type of food. The local cuisine has been influenced by cultures from around the world. One of the best places to get a taste of the various flavors is at Eat Street Northshore. The lively foodie market is only open on weekend evenings and is, without a doubt, one of the most fun places to eat in Brisbane!
Visitors can also join a guided tour of local cuisine on a luxury food tour – or join a regional wine and food pairing event.
Brisbane Craft Beer
One of the things we savor about traveling to new places is sampling the local craft beer – and there are several places in Brisbane to do just that! The Brisbane city center and surrounding suburbs are flush with bars, ‘hotels’, and pubs – many of which occupy rooftops, feature private beer gardens or provide sidewalk seating to truly enjoy that stunning Brisbane sunshine.
Revelers can tie one on at a Brisbane Sunday Session, but beer aficionados will find that getting a taste of the craft beer scene is a must-do in Brisbane.
Dedicated craft beer bars and breweries can be found throughout the city. We are highlighting a few of our top suggestions for where to go in Brisbane for craft beer.
- Archive Beer Boutique in West End
- Brewski on Caxton Street
- Tippler’s Tap in South Bank
- Brew Café in the Brisbane CBD
- Brisbane Brewing Co. West End
- Sea Legs Brewing Co Kangaroo Point
Top Tip: Craft Beer Tours are also fun activities in Brisbane – for groups and those traveling solo, too!
Brisbane Sightseeing Tours
We have highlighted the prime Brisbane things to do, but travelers can get a proper introduction to the city on a guided tour. Sightseeing Brisbane with a knowledgeable guide can be exponentially better than trying to navigate the city on your own.
Tour participants can learn the history and stories of Brisbane city attractions. Plus, visitors get local advice about some of the unique things to do direct from a local.
While there are many Brisbane tours designed to entertain guests, a guided walking tour is a great place to start. This tour features top sightseeing in Brisbane CBD and is peppered with interesting facts. Get the price and details of the Brisbane Walking Tour!
Our Top Tips for Visiting Brisbane, Australia
Form our experience visiting the city several times, we have some honest advice to make it even easier for you to plan your trip to Brisbane, Australia!
When To Go To Brisbane
The capital of Queensland, Australia boasts more than 260 days of sunshine per year – so there is a fairly good chance it will be sunny when you visit Brisbane! The temperate, subtropical climate gives both residents and tourist ample opportunity to enjoy Brisbane attractions year round.
That said, summer months (December, January and February) can be brutally hot and humid. Personally, we think the wintertime (June, July August) has the best Brisbane weather, when the pleasant temperatures hover in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. To avoid peak crowds, however, travelers should plan a Brisbane trip in the shoulder seasons and away from school holidays.
Tips for Outdoor Activities in Brisbane
The Australian sun is strong! Regardless of when you travel to Brisbane, remember to use sunscreen. A wide-brimmed hat or even a travel umbrella can be useful to shield yourself from the sun’s rays. It’s also important to stay hydrated. We recommend carrying a reusable water bottle, as there are several water fountains around the city to refill!
Where To Stay in Brisbane
The best place to stay in Brisbane is in or near the heart of the city, where you’ll be just steps from the top sights and attractions. Lodging is fairly expensive (but typically far less than Sydney and Melbourne) – which can make finding affordable hotels a bit of a challenge. Before you start your search, use our Tips for Finding the Best Hotels for Cheap.
Royal Albert Hotel
A historic hotel offering rooms with modern conveniences right in the heart of the CBD, the Royal Albert Hotel in Brisbane is fairly priced. Check rates and availability!
Ibis Styles
Bright and colorful, the modern Ibis Hotel in the CBD offers stylish rooms at affordable prices. Plus, the hotel gets top rating for cleanliness and comfort. Check rates!
Hostel Brisbane Quarters
A top-rated hostel that features both dormitory and private rooms at bargain prices. It’s a great option for budget travelers and backpackers. See what’s available!
Getting to Brisbane, Australia
Brisbane can be reached by plane, train, bus or car. Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying (we are JetSettingFools, after all!) and when we purchase plane tickets, we start our search for the best deals on Skyscanner. Read our article on Ways To Save Money on Flights.
The Brisbane International Airport (BNE) is located about 10 miles from the CBD. Direct flights to Brisbane from the US are available from San Francisco, LA and Dallas.
The most economical way to get from the Brisbane Airport to the CBD is via the Airtrain. However, after that really long flight, travelers may prefer to pre-book airport shuttles or private transfers direct to their accommodations.
Packing Tips for Brisbane, Australia
Our final travel tips are all about what to pack for your trip. Grab your FREE Travel Packing Checklist and let’s get started!
Durable Shoes
The most amazing shoes for travel are ones that are comfortable on your feet! We prefer trainers by New Balance and trail shoes by Merrell. Looking for something else? Read our reviews and top picks for Amazing Travel Shoes.
Travel Camera
If you are thinking about buying a real travel camera for your Brisbane, Australia trip, see our guide to the Best Cameras on a Budget.
Versatile Day Pack
For long days of sightseeing, you will need to keep your personal items secure. We feature the Top Travel Day Bags to help you find the one that’s perfect for you!
Packing Essentials
For your vacation to Australia, determine whether a suitcase or backpack is going to work better for you. Either way, definitely don’t forget these amazing packing cubes!
Australia Trip Insurance
If you haven’t already obtained insurance for your trip to Australia, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Brisbane Trip Info and Travel Planner
Make sure to have a good city map and/or guidebook for your journey Down Under. Lastly, keep the details of your vacation organized with our Travel Planner!
Australia Travel Guides
Over the years we’ve covered nearly every corner of the Land Down Under. Use our detailed guides and travel planning tips for Australia to prepare your perfect vacation!
- 3 Days in Sydney Itinerary
- Itinerary for Melbourne in 3 Days
- Best of Perth, Australia
- Cairns on the Cheap
- Hobart, Tasmania Things To Do
- Blue Mountains Day Trip
- Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Start planning your trip to Australia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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