30 of the best things to do in and around Brisbane

Food and drink

1. Eat Street Northshore –A theme park for your tastebuds. With more than 180 stalls stuffed into a colourful maze of shipping containers, it’s where dumplings meet doughnuts and tacos tag-team with churros. Round up your mates, wander under fairy lights, and let your appetite lead the way - just don’t forget stretchy pants.  

2. Howard Smith Wharves – Tucked under the Story Bridge, this riverside playground is packed with floating bars, craft breweries and top-tier restaurants. Ready to explore more? Try these best rooftop bars with city views.

3. James Street, Fortitude Valley – Designer boutiques, hidden bars and street-side cafes - this stylish strip does day-to-night better than anywhere else. Start with brunch and stay for cocktails. 

4. Fish Lane, South Brisbane – Art meets eats in this buzzing laneway. Murals and installations line the street, while the restaurants serve everything from ramen to fine dining. Come for the food, stay for the vibe. 

Things to do with the family

5. Brisbane Riverwalk – This breezy boardwalk floats beside the river, connecting New Farm to Howard Smith Wharves. Start at Teneriffe to stretch the legs and river views, leafy suburbs and city skylines along the way. 

6. New Farm Park Picnic – Big shady trees, river breezes and all the space you need to stretch out and relax. This is Brisbane picnic-ing at its best. Throw down a rug, people-watch like a pro, and when hunger hits (or the need to dance strikes), the Powerhouse is just next door dishing up top eats and live gigs. 

7. Brisbane’s Best Markets – From fresh fruit to flaky pastries, our weekend markets are worth the early wake-up. Load up your tote with farm-fresh goodies, grab a coffee and soak up the buzzing local scene. 

8. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Fig Tree Pocket – Meet Australia’s cutest icon up close. Hop on a river cruise to get there and make a day of it. Koalas, kangaroos and a breezy boat ride? Yes, please. 

9. Tropical Display Dome, Botanic Gardens, Brisbane City – A lush escape in the middle of the city. This giant greenhouse is filled with exotic plants, with the rest of the gardens sprawling around it. Nature lovers, rejoice. 

10. Wheel of Brisbane, South Bank – For sky-high views without the climb, jump aboard this giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank foreshore.  

11. Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane City – Inner-city oasis alert. This lush park is a favourite for taking a stroll, festivals, and you’ll be packing a picnic basket faster than you can say party pie. You’ll nearly forget you’re in the middle of the city, if you don’t look up that is.  

Adventure activities

12. Kayak or Abseil with Riverlife, Kangaroo Point – Grab a paddle, hit the river, and glide under Brisbane’s bridges. Twilight kayak? Yep, it’s golden hour vibes on the water, with the city lights as your backdrop. After more of an adrenaline rush? Abseil down the Kangaroo Point Cliffs for a unique view of the city. Riverlife’s got all the adventure, right in the heart of the city. 

13. Story Bridge Adventure Climb, Brisbane City – Clip in and climb one of Brisbane’s icons for 360-degree views across the city, bay and beyond. It’s a brag-worthy bucket list moment, with a side of fresh air. 

14. Lake Somerset day trip – Just under an hour from the city, Lake Somerset is perfect for wakeboarding, waterskiing or casting a line. Calm waters and open skies - this one’s a classic summer escape. 

15. iFly Indoor Skydiving, Chermside – Feel the rush without the freefall. This state-of-the-art wind tunnel lets you soar indoors like a superhero (or at least feel like one). 

16. Floating Images Hot Air Balloon, Ipswich – Rise and shine, literally. Just outside Brisbane, float above the Scenic Rim with cotton candy skies and Insta-worthy views. No better way to start the day.  

Sport, art and culture

17. Catch a Game at the Gabba – Cricket, footy, big crowds, and classic Aussie stadium energy. Grab a pie and a beer and cheer like a local - loud enough to shake the stadium, with the kind of enthusiasm that makes your voice feel like it’s in a rock concert encore!  

18. Brisbane by bicycle – Join a guided bike tour and cruise the city on two wheels. Want something wilder? Hit up Brisbane’s impressive mountain biking trails.  

19. Merthyr Bowls Club, New Farm – Lawn bowls, riverside views and ice-cold drinks - this old-school club is New Farm’s not-so-secret gem. Roll a bowl or just kick back under the jacarandas. 

20. Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm – Live music, comedy, art and Aperol? The Powerhouse brings the culture and the cocktails. Catch a show, then linger over drinks on the deck as the sun sets on the river.  

21. South Bank – Brisbane’s cultural playground. With world-class galleries like QAGOMA, top shows at QPAC, and riverside cafes, it’s the place to soak in art, food, and stunning views. Plus, there’s even a beach with a CBD backdrop - perfect for relaxing or exploring.  

Things to do near Brisbane

Outdoors

22. Tangalooma Island Resort – An island getaway just a short ferry from Brisbane. Yep, you read that right. Glide down sand dunes, relax poolside and experience wild bottlenose dolphins who visit each evening to be hand-fed by resort guests. 

23. Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks – Strap on the snorkel and get ready for a world-class experience, right on Brisbane’s doorstep. Snorkelling the shipwreck off Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) is a major flex, you’ll be glad we told you.  

24. Hike Mount Coot-tha – Ditch four wheels and stretch your legs on this hike which delivers city views, waterfall trails and picnic spots under the gums. It’s Brisbane’s backyard at its best. 

25. Coochiemudlo Island – Pack your bag full of adventure for this quick 10-minute ferry ride from Victoria Point to be paddleboarding, kayaking and tandem-biking in no time. This island sits just off the coast, in the southern part of Moreton Bay.  

26. Whale Watching in Moreton Bay – From June to November, humpback whales steal the show. See them leap, breach and splash just offshore. 

27. Hike Mount Glorious – Cool air, rainforest trails and a name that says it all. This is the perfect hike, waiting just for you. Sitting at 680 metres above sea level makes this an enjoyable hike all year round.  

Roadtrip

28. 4WD on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) – Sand dunes, surf beaches and campsites straight from the memory bank of your grandparents, (yep, they do exist). It’s that untouched, off-road adventure feeling that’s given this destination bragging rights to being one of Australia’s most famous camping destinations. 

29. Samford Valley – Country charm, cute cafes and wildlife encounters just 30 minutes from the Brisbane CBD. Slow down and enjoy the simple stuff. 

30. Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) – You’re only a 25-minute boat ride from island time. Put some sand on your wheels and 4WD ‘Straddie’, snorkel with manta rays and learn about the local Quandamooka people on a Yura Tour.