Brisbane

Experience what to do in Brisbane with this range of great activities and attractions! Make the most of the great weather in Brisbane city and escape your hotel or your Gold Coast accommodation to experience all the great offerings Brisbane, Australia provides. Located in sunny Queensland, the Brisbane CBD hosts a fantastic shopping destination and great restaurants, or make your way to the Brisbane markets for farmers produce and handicrafts. A day tour to Tangalooma is also a must in Brisbane.

Across the Brisbane River you will find South Bank buzzing with more markets, restaurants, a man-made beach, festivals and events. If you have the time, get a car rental from Brisbane or book a bus transfer and make your way down south to the Gold Coast theme parks. There are just so many answers to what to do in Brisbane so before you head back to the airport, have a look through our Brisbane guide of things to do and start planning today. In addition, for more information on what to do in Queensland as a whole, check out our state page!

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Things to do in Brisbane

The Top 10 Things To Do In Brisbane

Top Things to do in Brisbane
This diverse city offers an endless list of things to do. Browse through the following list, which highlights some of the most popular activities in Brisbane.

1. Climb the Brisbane Story Bridge

Climb the Story Bridge, which spans the Brisbane River. This one of the three bridges in the world that can be climbed and the view are spectacular. The climb is suitable for all fitness level and ages.

2. Discover Brisbane City

Join a City Tour and pass the Botanic Gardens, visit Cathedral Square, Parliament House, Conrad Treasury Casino, Queens Street Mall, Anzac Square, City Hall, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, cross Captain Cook Bridge, see Fortitude Valley, Chinatown and more.

3. Cuddle a Koala at Lone Pine Sanctuary

Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The world’s first and largest Koala sanctuary has more than 130 koalas and is located a mere 15-minute drive from the city. Cuddle a koala, hand feed kangaroos and view a variety of native birds and animals in scenic natural settings

4. Discover Moreton Island with a Tangalooma adventure

  • Visit Tangalooma Island for a day. Snorkel the reefs of relic ship wrecks. Swim in sparkling blue water lagoons. Explore the pristine surroundings in search for native wildlife. Ride the desert slopes or the calm, clear waters of the Bay. With so much on offer you'll never want to leave!
  • Upgrade to the Dolphin Adventure Tour and hand feed one of the playful dolphins.
  • Join a Moreton Island Eco Tour and snorkel around the wrecks, cruise across seagrass on lookout for dolphins, dugongs and turtles, understand the history of the island, go boom netting, swim in the clear sparkling water and more. A great day out for the whole family!

5. Visit the famous XXXX Brewery

Join a classic XXXX brewery tour and you will be taken 'backstage' to see where the brew masters produce XXXX Beer. Learn about the ingredients and work that goes into making every batch, and enjoy some tasting as well. Boasting the the largest single packing line in the southern hemisphere is the Packing Hall. You will be sure to be close to all the action in this guided tour.

6. Go Whale Watching from Brisbane

Discover the mighty humpback whale from Brisbane's Moreton Bay with a Whale Watching Cruise. Encounter the most surface active of all whales, displaying playful behaviour that will not only inspire you, but leave you in awe.

7. Experience Tandem Skydiving

A tandem skydive is the perfect introduction to the extreme sport of skydiving. Jump from 14,000ft for the greatest adrenalin rush that you have only ever heard stories about.

8. Drive or Ride a V8 Race Car!

Have you got what it takes to ride or even drive a V8 Race Car? Test out your skills as a driver as you roar around the race track in a V8 powered Holden or Ford race car, equipped with roll cage, racing seats, harnesses, slick racing tyres and super-car like suspension. Or, test out your nerves as a passenger - trust us, it sounds easier than it is!

9. Full Steam Ahead at the Workshops Rail Museum

Visit the Workshops Rail Museum, which is steeped in history. Learn about Queensland’s rich rail heritage and a sneak peak into the past. The interactive tour is definitely worth the trip and will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Free things to do in Brisbane

It is also very possible to enjoy Brisbane on a budget. Embrace the arts in this cultural city or walk some of its large, beautiful parks. Check out some of the following free things to do:

Enjoy the City Botanic Gardens.

You can enjoy a free, guided tour to learn more about the history of the Gardens and the variety of plants that are there. The Botanic Gardens also has beautiful walking and cycling tracks.

Explore the arts.

Ok, this one's not all free, but still cheap entertainment that will leave you culturally rich! Visit the Queensland Cultural Centre and immerse yourself in a world of creativity. On site is the Queensland Performing Centre, the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Art Gallery.

Stroll down South Bank

Lined with trendy cafes, restaurants, surrounding parks and an artificial beach, this is a great place to unwind and relax and maybe even swim for free. The Suncorp Piazza is also famous for its live entertainment and movies.

Discover Roma Street Parklands

Explore the worlds largest subtropical garden that exists in a city centre and enjoy the various themed gardens such as the forest walk, amphitheatre and topiary maze.

Experience Brisbane Museum's exhibitions

For a splash of culture visit the Brisbane Museum. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the history of Brisbane through the various exhibits on display.

Things to do in Brisbane