25 Incredible Things To Do In Brisbane, Australia

Drive down to Queensland's oldest lighthouse, roll or toboggan down the sloping dunes, paddle a transparent kayak over the clear sapphire waters with nearby shipwrecks for snorkeling, or even scuba dive. This slice of paradise is only reachable by four-wheel drive, but once you're there, the options are endless.

Visitors like the creepy Tangalooma Shipwrecks, so be sure to scuba dive or snorkel and explore the purposefully submerged fleet, which is now home to coral and other marine life.

There are lots of land sports like volleyball and croquet if you want to keep your feet dry, as well as white sand beaches that are ideal for tanning.

Located in Brisbane's newest arts and entertainment district, North Shore Pavilion is a remarkable 4,000-square-meter structure that has a world-first exhibit honoring the cherished blue heeler.

The young and young-at-heart are invited to live and play like Bluey in this completely immersive experience. There are life-size characters from the Emmy Award-winning program, real-life sets, familiar settings, interactive activities, and the Heeler family's famous Queenslander house, where you'll need to watch out for those cheeky bin chickens.

With 1,600 hectares of lush rainforest gullies, eucalypt forests, rivers, and waterfalls, the Mt. Coot-tha Reserve is the largest natural area in Brisbane and is only 15 minutes from the city center.

The top is conveniently reachable by car or footpath and provides expansive city views. Before having breakfast at the cafe, bring your camera and make the early climb to Brisbane's highest point to witness the dawn. Evening and sunset views are equally stunning if you are unable to get up early.

Numerous hiking and mountain bike paths, picnic sites, waterfalls, Botanic Gardens, and even a planetarium can be found inside the reserve.

Some of the most beautiful islands in Australia are located around Brisbane, with most within driving distance. You'll find your slice of island heaven, from popular Stradbroke and Moreton to laid-back Bribie and Coochiemudlo.

One of the best seaside day trips from Brisbane has to be Minjerribah, less than an hour by boat. To really make your visit the ultimate weekend getaway, drive over on the barge or take the passenger ferry.

The island is beautiful year-round, but you can experience the best of it during whale-watching season. It's also the closest spot to Brisbane where you can see kangaroos on the beach.

You can check off several Brisbane activities at this theme park since it offers everything. Kid-friendly or family-friendly rides? Whitewater slides? Koalas and tigers at a wildlife park? Exciting rides? It has got all these things covered.

The Claw, a spine-tingling rollercoaster that sends you flying from side to side at up to 64 km/h, is a favorite among thrill-seeking tourists. Therefore, if you enjoy adventure, this is something you shouldn't miss when you're in Brisbane.

A short drive from Brisbane, the Gold Coast has lots of entertainment and golden beaches for a day trip or weekend getaway if you're feeling adventurous.

Travel to the seaside by bus, rail, or car so you can relax, party all night, visit theme parks, or go for some shopping therapy. Be sure to see some waves and a sunset.

DC Rivals is officially the highest, longest, and fastest HyperCoaster in the Southern Hemisphere, with a track that is over a mile long and peak speeds of over 470 mph. It is a ride that is guaranteed to exhilarate you to heavenly proportions.

Experience further extraterrestrial excitement in the Superman Escape and Green Lantern Coaster, or take in the Hollywood Stunt Driver performance while seated in the Batmobile. Here, all ages will find lots of thrill.

You may be in the Whitsundays if you squint hard enough. But you're at Streets Beach, right in the middle of Brisbane. This sizable man-made swimming lagoon features sand beaches, blue water, and palm trees that sway.

It is the focal point of the 42-acre South Bank Parklands, a magnificent riverfront park that is free and well-liked by kids. Major museums and galleries are easily accessible by foot.

Bring a change of clothes so you may continue exploring neighboring Little Stanley St, where the Collective Markets sell locally created apparel, art, and gifts on Friday nights and weekends. There are showers and changing facilities available on-site.

James Street in the Fortitude Valley is the ideal location, with a lush stretch of shops and swanky bars. High-end Australian designers, such as Sass and Bide and Camilla, who are endorsed by celebrities, have storefronts on the street. It also has some of the best restaurants and bars in the Valley.

Shop the strip in the afternoon if you can, followed by supper at Thai-Australian favorite Same Same and an aperitif at Gerard's Bar. At the latter, reservations should be made online in advance for the finest seats, which are at the counter.

Some of Australia's best indie musicians can be found in Queensland's capital, Mallrat, Ball Park Music, Hatchie, and Jaguar Jonze. Attending shows at iconic locations like the Zoo, Tivoli, Triffid, and Bearded Lady is as Brisbane as an afternoon summer storm.

When up-and-coming musicians take over Fortitude Valley for the Bigsound festival, Australia's largest and most significant showcase for new music, in September, it's a great time to attend.

Music fans should visit Jet Black Cat Music in the West End at any time of year. The staff will gladly point you in the direction of your new favorite "Brissie Muso" (musician), which is more of a local institution than a well-chosen record store.

One of the best things to do in Brisbane is to have a picnic at New Farm Park. A very large, old, and magnificent park, New Farm Park is great for setting up a picnic blanket and having some delicious food.

Just 3.5 kilometers from the central business district, this park is well known for its magnificent jacaranda trees, heritage rotunda, and glittering riverbank location. It is also a popular place for various festivities and a popular everyday park.

October through November is the ideal time of year to visit Brisbane and take in the splendor of the jacarandas. Any time of year, however, there is still a lot to do there.

A guided kayak tour of Brisbane is sure to leave your eyes wide and your arms a bit sore, regardless of your level of experience. The ideal way to start moving and enjoy the sun is with Riverlife's Brisbane Kayak trip, which is appropriate for large parties, families, and single people.

With sessions offered both during the day and at night, there's never a bad time to explore the city's waterways. During the day, practice your kayak basketball, and soccer skills, and at night, just take in Brisbane's River City sights and noises.

Eat Street Northshore has developed into a weekend destination for people craving international cuisines, carnival-style fun, and decadent sweets. It has over 60 food, drink, and retail exhibitors spread between shipping containers and food trucks, as well as live music and entertainment, themed events, and neon lighting.

You can truly eat your way across the world here, from pizza and spaghetti to dumplings and donuts, and everything in between. Even the pickiest eater will find something to like.

There are several bars for adults, and pets are welcome. Eat Street Northshore is conveniently accessible by boat and is 6km from the central business district.

The Queen Street Mall is within a ten-minute walk over Victoria Bridge from Brisbane's main cultural institutions. With the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art all located in one location, the Queensland Cultural Centre in South Brisbane is a powerful creative and historical force.

While QAGOMA produces a significant yearly exhibition including both Australian and international artists, as well as an innovative array of free permanent displays, the Museum and State Library have designated spaces and events to engage the littlies.

In addition, QPAC has a year-round schedule of events that includes theater and opera productions, popular musicals, classical concerts, and private gatherings with traveling stars.

The Museum of Brisbane is the unsung cultural gem found within the old Brisbane City Hall, speaking of tales and people who shaped Queensland's city.

The Museum of Brisbane is open daily and has a well-curated museum store with locally made souvenirs for a unique memento, along with changing exhibitions and artists in residence for displays, seminars, and events that are constantly creative and fascinating.

Open every day, the historic structure offers a free 15-minute Clock Tower Tour that gives visitors a panoramic perspective and a glimpse behind the enormous clock face. A guided walking tour of the recently commissioned public art at Brisbane's Queen's Wharf sector offers an opportunity to explore beyond the gallery walls.

Shorncliffe Pier is a nice spot for the family to spend the afternoon by the sea, especially if you are into fishing. You can throw a line here and chill by the water. You will be able to catch some fish to have for supper.

There is also a nearby Seafood shop where you can stock up if you are not lucky enough to catch a fish. With a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, cooking, and bench space, Mighty Campers has everything you'll need to knock together a basic but delicious dinner for the whole crew.

There's always something of interest at this open-air pedestrian mall with more than 700 retailers and more than 1000 events each year.

Apart from restaurants, bars, cafes, day spas, hotels, and Brisbane's casino, this is a bustling hub of activity where two heritage-listed arcades meet modern designer stores and entertainment spaces.

This is the place to be if you're looking to pick up a couple of items from Australian brands or if you've forgotten something back home.

Before being shown across Brisbane's night sky and given instructions on which planets, stars, and asteroids to watch for, visitors may relax in their chairs and enjoy the 40-foot widescreen in the Cosmic Skydome at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.

Take a photo with a statue of Mr. Brisbane himself after exploring the Display Zone, which has pieces of asteroids and a copy of Neil Armstrong's spacesuit.
The planetarium is free to attend, however, there is a cost to enjoy the Cosmic Skydome shows as it is not free.

The Eye is located in London, the Flyer is located in Singapore, and the Wheel of Brisbane is located in the capital of Queensland. The 60-meter-tall observation wheel at Brisbane's South Bank Parklands, next to QPAC, provides 360-degree views of the city, river, and various landmarks.

With 42 completely air-conditioned and enclosed gondolas that can accommodate up to eight people, The Wheel of Brisbane offers visitors panoramic views both during the day and at night, along with audio insights on well-known locations that are visible through the windows.

The Brisbane Riverwalk, a picturesque floating path that is divided to keep bikers and walkers apart, connects New Farm to the city.

The cycleway winds its way from Riverview Court, at the river end of Merthyr Street in New Farm, to Howard Smith Wharves, where the 870m Brisbane Riverwalk joins the riverside boardwalk and leads to the central business district and City Botanic Gardens. You can rent a bicycle or ride one of the city's Beam shared system e-bikes.

Brisbane offers a revolving lazy susan of farmers markets from midweek to the weekend, serving farm-fresh food in a friendly community setting in the central business district and inner-city suburbs, if you're searching for artisan supplies, fresh vegetables, and delectable delights while you're there.

On Wednesdays at the top of the Queen Street Mall at Reddacliff Place, workers and tourists flock to the Brisbane City Markets, bringing the nation to the central business district.

With a wide variety of booths and exhibitors, Jan Powers Farmers Markets Powerhouse at New Farm, Brisbane's first attempt at a farmers market, is a must-visit location on Saturday mornings.

To get to this park in the verdant Gondwana Rainforests, take the magnificent journey through Numinbah Valley. When you arrive, check out the stunning waterfalls and rainforests. More than 2000 species of plants and animals inhabit this place, and the jungle is alive.

Take a walk along the Curtis Falls trail, lined with gum trees and providing lookouts over Curtis Creek and cascades, and be sure to visit the Glow Worm caverns.

A visit to Brisbane would be incomplete without spending some time at Howard Smith Wharves, a city's entertainment hub. HSW aims to create a community feeling for all visitors—tourists included—and offer them something more than a great dining experience.

In addition to fine dining options and bars, hundreds of activities are planned for the next few months, including free concerts, outdoor yoga, trivia contests, and seasonal festivals.

Queensland is a popular destination for surfers from all across Australia. The waves at Woorim Beach, where lessons are offered by Bribie Island Surf School for beginners, don't rise much higher than three feet.

On North and South Stradbroke Island, you may go up a notch at Cylinder and Main Beach. If you're looking for a speedier fix, you can hang 10 at the well-known Main Beach on the Gold Coast.

Travelers enjoy riding around in the open-roof six-wheel Gamma Goat armored personnel carrier and the heavy-duty Centurion Gun Tank Ride, which dates back to the Vietnam War. Tank Ride is located in the picturesque Tamborine and offers a variety of adventures.

Get behind the wheel of the 52-ton Centurion or the zippier Supacat 6x6 for a little more. There are many excursions available, so be sure to look at them all and combine various experiences for the most fun.