Brisbane is a city that enjoys almost 300 days of sunshine per year and has long, warm summers that reach 24 degrees, even in winter. It is a perfect destination for those who want to relax, recharge and enjoy the great outdoors. The sub-tropical climate creates a city with lush green parks and gardens, miles of riverside walkways, and dozens of al fresco bars and restaurants. Here’s our picks of the best things to do in and around Brisbane:
1. Have a picnic under the Jacarandas at New Farm Park
Looking for the perfect spot for a picnic? Come to New Farm Park in Brisbane! This 15-hectare public park boasts 146 Jacaranda trees and 250 varieties of roses, providing a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing outdoor gathering. With amenities such as electric bbq facilities and shaded areas, it’s the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon with friends or family. Located next to the Powerhouse Museum, New Farm Park is a must-visit destination in Brisbane. Pro tip – Get here around October (sometimes earlier) to see the Jacarandas bloom! If you’d prefer to check out the park from the water (plus several other hotspots) we recommend jumping on this River Cruise with lunch instead.
2. Visit the Eat Street Northshore Market Precinct
Discover the vibrant Eat Street Northshore Market Precinct, showcasing over 180 permanent stalls built from shipping containers. Relax by the riverside while indulging in the latest food trends and mingling with the locals for an unforgettable day out.
3. Take a stroll along the Brisbane Riverwalk
Explore the stunning suburbs and city views by strolling along the Brisbane Riverwalk. Begin your journey at Teneriffe and follow the path leading towards the Botanic Gardens. Not feeling the walk? Kangaroo Segway Tours is a great option if you’d prefer to zoom around on electric wheels.
4. Kayak around the Brisbane River
Experience the beauty of Brisbane River with Riverlife’s kayaking adventure where you’ll get a chance to explore the city from a unique perspective. You’ll be accompanied by skilled instructors who can provide training for every experience-level.
5. Spend a morning at the farmers markets
Visit any of the Jan Powers Farmers Markets for a rainbow of fresh Queensland produce from local growers. Held every Saturday and Sunday at various locations across Brisbane.
6. Scale the iconic Story Bridge in a tour group
The Story Bridge Adventure Climb offers a bird’s eye view over the river out to Moreton Bay, down to the Gold Coast and out to the Scenic Rim. There’s a variety of times on offer, but we recommend the dawn and twilight climbs for ultimate vibes!
7. Spend an afternoon at Howard Smith Wharves
Howard Smith Wharves is a riverside hub with floating bars, Greek, Italian, and Japanese fine dining spots. BYO a picnic blanket and stretch out on the lawns overlooking the Story Bridge.
8. Cuddle one of the local koala’s at Lone Pine
Get to know Australia’s famous furry icon at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Cruise down the river with Mirimar Cruises to learn about Brisbane’s history before arriving at Lone Pine to learn about all things koala.
9. Spend the day at Australia Zoo
Experience an unforgettable day surrounded by some of the world’s most amazing wildlife at Australia Zoo! With a huge variety of animals to see, including crocodiles, tigers, koalas and kangaroos, there’s something for everyone. Plus, watch incredible wildlife shows featuring the Irwin family and their animal friends. If it’s a bit tricky for you to get to we recommend booking this Australia Zoo Ticket + Round-trip transfer from Brisbane.
10. Shop and dine at James Street
James Street in Fortitude Valley is an elegant, tree-lined shopping street with a multitude of laneways, small bars, and boutique hotels. If you’re feeling a little indulgent our tip is to pop in to Hellenika at The Calile for an afternoon of cocktails and great food!
11. Try your hand at indoor skydiving
Feel the adrenaline rush at iFly Indoor Skydiving, boasting a state-of-the-art 360-degree vertical wind tunnel. Experience what it’s like to freefall without the need to jump out of plane.
12. Explore the Tangalooma wrecks at Moreton Island
Tangalooma is an exceptional destination for both snorkelling and scuba diving, where you can discover a variety of tropical fish such as wobbegongs, trevally, kingfish yellowtail, and more. It is regarded as a world-class destination for diving enthusiasts, but why stop there! The island has so much to offer so we’ve hand picked some tours that you can jump on from Brisbane:
- From Brisbane: Moreton Island Return Ferry & Adventure Day Pass
- From Brisbane: Tangalooma Day Cruise with ATV Quad Bike Tour
- From Brisbane: Tangalooma Whale Watching & Dolphin Feeding
13. Spend the day exploring North Stradbroke Island
The island is home to some of the best surfing beaches in Australia, and is the perfect place to spot whales, dolphins and turtles. Take a scenic drive around the island, hike to the top of Point Lookout for stunning views, or simply relax on one of the many secluded beaches. Our tip – jump on a North Stadbroke Island Day Trip from Brisbane that covers all of the highlights!
14. Take a day trip down the road to the country town of Maleny
Maleny is home to an array of boutique shops, art galleries, and gourmet food producers. Sample locally-made cheeses, chocolates and wines, and take a walk through the lush rainforest at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. Our tip – if you’re based between Tewantin and Coolum beach jump on a 9 hour Maleny & Montville tour with Artisan Village, Chocolate and Wine Tasting to make a day of it! Joel’s tours do scheduled pick-ups and drop-off’s to that general area which you can find on the link above. If wine is your thing and you want to assess your options you can check out our picks for the 10 best wineries near Brisbane.
15. Abseil the Kangaroo Point cliffs
Abseiling Kangaroo Point Cliffs offers an exciting experience, stepping into a vertical world with stunning, uninterrupted views of Brisbane and river activities like ferries, boats, and kayakers. Participants control their descent speed using a side rope. Each session includes comprehensive instructions, a safety briefing, and equipment. A supportive instructor is present at the top of the cliffs, holding a safety line and providing guidance and encouragement throughout the descent. You can book your tour in advance here.
16. Spend a lazy afternoon at the South Bank Parklands
South Bank Parklands are a sprawling green space that’s home to a man-made beach, several swimming pools, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. Take a dip in the lagoon, jump on a segway tour, or simply relax with a cold drink and watch the world go by.
17. Take a scenic drive up to Mount Coot-tha Lookout
Mount Coot-tha Lookout offers breathtaking panoramic views over Brisbane and the surrounding areas. Stop for a coffee or a bite to eat at the Kuta Cafe, and take a walk through the nearby botanic gardens. If you’d rather check it off as part of a greater tour of Brisbane we recommend this 6 hour City Highlights tour.
18. Visit the Gallery of Modern Art in South Bank
Explore the ever-changing exhibitions and installations at The Gallery of Modern Art in South Bank. GOMA is home to one of the largest collections of contemporary art in Australia, and is a must-visit for art lovers.
19. Take a up the road to the charming town of Noosa
Noosa is known for its stunning beaches, great restaurants, and laid-back vibe. Spend the day exploring the town, hiking in the nearby national park, or simply relaxing on the beach. Noosa isn’t short of adventure tours to choose from, so we’ve put together a short list of our recommendations:
- Afternoon Cruise through Noosa Everglades
- Local Gin and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch
- Surf lesson with local instructor
- Ocean Rider Dolphin Safari
- Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa Small Group Tour
- Humpback Whale Watching Tour
- Ocean Adventure & Marine Life Boat Ride
- Tandem Skydive from 15,000 feet
20. Go for a hike and explore the breathtaking trails around Brisbane
Experience the natural beauty surrounding Brisbane by venturing out on one of the many picturesque hiking trails. Get started with a few of our favorites, such as the iconic Summit Track at Mt Coot-tha, the awe-inspiring Glasshouse Mountains, or the serene Kondalilla Falls National Park. These are just a taste of what the region has to offer. Discover more amazing locations in our comprehensive guide to the Top 10 Must-Visit Hiking Spots Near Brisbane, and start planning your next adventure.
Looking for more things to do in and around Brisbane? We recommend checking out GetYourGuide for a huge range of amazing options.
