18 memorable things to do for students in Brisbane

Reward yourself after your exams are done and dusted with some fun in the Queensland capital. There’s nothing quite like soaking up the excitement of the city in celebration of the end of study. Particularly in Brisbane, a place which offers equal parts outdoor pursuits and creativity. From affordable fun to bucket list experiences - here are 18 memorable things to do for students in Brisbane.

1. Whet your whistle at Howard Smith Wharves. The dining precinct under the Story Bridge is where you’ll find a gathering of eateries and bars - grab a cocktail at Mr Percival’s, or a locally made beer from Felons Brewing Co.

2. Toast to the view with a cocktail at one of Brisbane’s burgeoning population of rooftop bars. Fortitude Valley’s Elixir and Dandy’s Rooftop Bar at The Fox in South Brisbane are a duo of the most popular.

3. Jump aboard one of Brisbane’s high-speed fleet of ferries, the CityCat, and cruise your way by river through the city centre. It’s from here that you can make your way to the likes of New Farm, Bulimba, and even the CBD.

4. Among the things to do for students in Brisbane is a chance to check out the brunch scene. Brisbane is well-versed in breakfast, with cafes scattered from the city centre through to the outer suburbs. PawPaw Cafe in Woolloongabba, Morning After in West End and Florence in Camp Hill are stand-outs.

5. Seek new heights with the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. You’ll ascend one of Brisbane’s most famous landmarks, as a part of one of only three bridge climbs in the world, enjoying a bird’s eye view of Brisbane City, Kangaroo Point and beyond.

6. Cuddle one of Australia’s most iconic animals with a visit to the country’s first and largest koala-focused havens, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Built back in 1927, the venue remains a safe refuge for sick, injured and orphaned koalas.

7. Get your culture fix at the celebrated duo of galleries perched on the river in South Bank - the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and the Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). The free exhibitions and interactive displays here are among the best things for students to do in Brisbane.

8. Grab your walking shoes and wander the trails which weave their way around Mount Coot-tha. Among the bush walks that neighbour Brisbane this is one of the most popular, thanks in part to the Mount Coot-tha lookout which boasts views out over Moreton Bay.

9. Escape the city with a day spent exploring Moreton Island. One of the best things for students to do in Brisbane, this adventure playground sits less than an hour away and boasts snorkelling and sand dunes galore.

10. Immerse yourself among Brisbane’s famous live music scene. Gigs are plentiful and held throughout the inner-city at the likes of The Zoo (Fortitude Valley), The Triffid (Fortitude Valley), and Lefty’s (Petrie Terrace).

11. Cruise Bayside Brisbane as a part of Redlands Kayak Tours. You’ll paddle through creeks, past mangroves, and out into open water, keeping an eye out for marine life along the way.

12. Listen to musical talent from near and far with the annual BIGSOUND, an event that’s part festival, part music conference which seeks to celebrate the creativity of the Australian scene.

13. Experience one of Australia’s leading arts soirees with Brisbane Festival. Taking place annually throughout September, the event integrates song, dance, art, film, food and more in a series of pop-ups hosted across the city (and beyond).

14. Among the things do to in Brisbane for students is Eat Street on Brisbane’s North Shore. Picture 70 shipping containers playing host to a slew of international cuisines, from fish and chips to pork dumplings.

15. Head outside the city’s borders to Woodford Folk Festival. The annual alternative event hosts more than 120,000 colourful performers for the week across New Year’s Eve. Expect dancing, food, and plenty of live music.

16. Educate yourself on local Indigenous history as a part of the Black Card Cultural Tours. Follow local Aboriginal guides on an interactive tour through the heart of Meeanjin (Brisbane City) taking in local landmarks and public art among more.

17. Have a laugh at Stand Up Comedy Club Paddington, one of the most famously funny places in the Queensland capital, which presents live stand-out week-through.

18. Feast your way through the New Farm Markets, hosted weekly on Saturday mornings. The Brisbane Powerhouse event is a non-negotiable among the things to do for students in Brisbane, this place overflows with tasty treats and local produce.