We've all had a ‘what are the best things to do in Brisbane/Meanjin?’ request from a visiting friend or family member and come up with an absolute blank when put on the spot. Or maybe you’re always just feeling like your weekends are incredibly empty, and you need a lengthy list of things to fill them with, free, paid or otherwise.
Well, bookmark this site and prepare to start ticking things off (or tell all your friends and take credit for Urban List's ideas—we won’t tell), because here are 50 of the absolute best things to do in Brisbane, whether you’re a local or not.
Things To Do In Brisbane
Wine And Dine At Howard Smith Wharves
Ask anyone where to take someone who’s new to Brisbane and they’ll tell you: Howard Smith Wharves. This riverside drinking and dining precinct has become a firm favourite spot for lovers of great food, vibrant cocktails, and sunset views of the city from under the Story Bridge.
Dine In The Sky At Vertigo
Definitely Brisbane’s most unique dining experience, Vertigo is perched on the edge of the rooftop at Brisbane Powerhouse, where you’ll enjoy a three-course meal from Bar Alto with your feet dangling 17 metres above the ground. This one is not for the faint of heart.
Sip Cocktails At A Swim-Up Pool Bar
The Westin holds the title of Brisbane’s coolest hotel pool, which has its very own swim-up bar—the only one you’ll find in Brisbane. Best of all, they open it to the public every summer, when you can nab a ticket to enjoy sinking cocktails overlooking the city each weekend without being a guest. This summer they’re also doing floating breakfasts—count us in.
Catch A Movie Under The Stars
Brisbane has finally scored a permanent outdoor cinema, and it’s about damn time. At Dendy Powerhouse you can catch blockbusters, old school faves and arthouse flicks on a massive projector screen, with wireless headphones for optimum sound and a bar onsite.
Take A Tour Of Brisbane's Food And Drink Scene
If you don't know where to start exploring Brisbane's ever-growing food and drink scene, Kiff & Culture have you covered with their Artisan Food & Drink Tour, which stops at the likes of Southside, City Winery and Stone & Wood—they'll even drive you around the river city in a funky mini bus with your favourite tunes on full blast. While you’re scoping them out, check out everything else they offer, from private Fire To Fork experiences at incredible venues to multi-day food trails.
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Tackle An Escape Room
Escape rooms are the ultimate bonding experience for the Pink Panthers among us. Look for clues, solve puzzles and enjoy a healthy dose of adrenaline—there’s plenty to choose from, and you’ll find Brisbane’s best escape rooms here (there’s even one with its own bar).
Tick Off Brisbane’s Best Restaurants
Whether you’re craving Japanese, Greek, Italian or a mix of cuisines, Brisbane has a golden cohort of dreamy restaurants for you to dine in. From Same Same to Agnes, say hello to feeds like no other at the best restaurants in Brisbane.
Treat Yourself To A Bottomless Brunch
Introduce yourselves to the best meal of the day and before-noon drinking with a decadent bottomless brunch. Line your stomach's and catch up on the week's goss, all with a mimosa in hand. All of the best brunches are bottomless we say.
Get Competitive At Putt Putt
Image credit: Victoria Park | Facebook
Whether you want to putt your way through a crazy, indoor course with a sugar-laden cocktail in hand or catch the breeze at a chill (but still licensed) outdoor mini golf arena, Brisbane has it all. Find the best putt putt courses in Brisbane here.
Grab A Pint At A Local Brewery
Breweries are plentiful in Brisbane so you’ll have a great selection of venues to work your way through—preferably not all on the same day. With options for personal tours, or self guided experiences across the city, there's something for every type of beer lover. Quench your thirst at Brisbane's bess breweries here.
Start Your Day At A Suburban Cafe
If there’s one thing Brisbane has a lot of, it’s amazing suburban cafes, dishing up seriously good breakfasts. In fact, there’s so many of them, that we rounded up 50 to eat your way through with ease. Find Brisbane's best cafes here.
Get Cultured At QAGOMA
Soak up the iconic permanent curation of art in the Queensland Art Gallery or the vibrant, thought-provoking exhibitions at the Gallery of Modern Art, situated next to the State Library and Queensland Museum in South Bank. One of the best things to do in Brisbane, there’s always something on for everyone—right now it's the unmissable 'Fairy Tales' exhibition you've probably seen on Instagram.
Blend Your Own Wine At An Urban Winery
If you’re keen on blending your own wines, head for Brisbane's one and only urban winery, City Winery. During one of their wine-blending workshops they'll guide you through the entire experience, as you become a wine maker and connoisseur all at once. You’ll even be able to take home your personal blend—it’s a vino dream come true.
Sample Locally Made Gins
Brisbane is home to a number of distilleries, all of them crafting smooth gins with a multitude of options where you can xplore the subtle flavours and perfect pairings that all gin lovers should be well aquainted with. Check out Brisbane's best gin distilleries here.
Catch A Theatre Show
There's always something hitting the stage in Brisbane, whether it's a smash hit Broadway musical at QPAC, a comedy or LGBTQ arts festival at Brisbane Powerhouse, a boundary-pushing play at La Boite or a brand new theatre show at the Queensland Theatre. Head to the individual venues to see what's on the calendars, or you can see the upcoming Brisbane theatre shows we're excited about here.
Enjoy The View From A Rooftop Bar
Image credit: Cielo Rooftop | Facebook
One good thing about Brisbane’s endless summer is that it always accommodates rooftop bar drinking. Get ready to feel like royalty gazing over the city centre with a cocktail in hand. Find our faves here.
Feast On A Nine-Course Degustation
Deer Duck Bistro in Milton is famed for their incredible degustations, so if you’re looking for one of the best foodie experiences in town, this is it. Nibble your way through nine delectable courses in their old world surroundings, and always get the matched wines. Book in here.
Eat Your Way Through Eat Street
This riverside containership market is full of all the street food delights you can think of, so wear loose clothing and prepare to feast. We recommend sharing plenty of smaller dishes, so you can eat more—and trust us, you will overindulge no matter what.
Take In The City Lights On A Night Climb
Enjoy Brisbane’s night life with a twist on this three hour night climb of Kangaroo Point Cliffs overlooking the sparkling city skyline. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to experienced climbers and equipment is provided so just show up and start climbing.
Enjoy A Game Of Barefoot Lawn Bowls
Young or old, a classic game of barefoot lawn bowls is a time honoured Brisbane pastime, and there's plenty of places to do it. Take your shoes off, put your best linen outfit on, and book yourself a session at one of the best bowls clubs in Brisbane.
Go Wild At A Grown Up Arcade Bar
B Lucky & Sons is an adult playground, filled with classic arcade games that you can play with a cocktail in hand. Let your inner kid run free as you play everything from Mario Kart to Hoops. If you're after things to do in Brisbane, it doesn't get more fun than this.
Try Your Hand At Axe Throwing
If you want to take a walk on the wild side why not try axe throwing at MANIAX. It's a great place for large groups or office parties. Let off some steam and enjoy a beer while you do it—just watch where you’re throwing.
Soak In Luxury At A Rooftop Bathhouse
Image credit: Soak Bathhouse | Facebook
If you’re looking to relax, Soak Bathhouse in West End is the place to do it. This hidden rooftop oasis has multiple spas, a sauna, steam room and cold plunge pools. Casual sessions or multipacks are available with something to suit everyone.
Shop Designer Labels On James Street
Forget the Queen Street Mall, if you’ve got cash to splash, James Street is the best spot for some lavish retail therapy. Shop your way through Sass & Bide, Zimmerman, Witchery and more, then stop for a bite at one of the many James Street restaurants or head for a Fortitude Valley bar.
Picnic By The River At New Farm Park
Grab a blanket, some snacks and a cheese board and bask in the sunshine on a picnic at New Farm Park—you can even order one from Mary Mae's right next door if you're feeling lazy. Hot tip: this is one of the few public places you can crack open a drink (Roma Street Parkland is another if you're curious), so pack a six pack too.
Discover Some Street Art
Hidden down laneways, emblazoned on bridges and brightening up plain walls, Brisbane’s street art will dazzle you, and have you exploring some hidden corners of the city. Have a stroll and go exploring—you can find some epic murals here.
Explore Brisbane’s Hidden Laneways
Have a little sticky beak in all of these laneways and discover the hidden gems of Brisbane. Trust us, you’ll feel like a tourist in your own city with all these tucked away spots, which are filled with boutique shops, bars, cafes and more.
Find A Sea Of Purple On A Jacaranda Walk
Around September or October every year, Brisbane is carpeted in purple, thanks to the jacaranda trees dotting the city. Enjoy a picnic on a purple blanket of flowers or take a walk through Brisbane's most iconic parks. You’ll find the best places to see them here.
Walk The Brisbane City River Loop
Get your sporty spice on while soaking in city and river views on the lengthy river loop which includes a stroll through the City Botanic Gardens. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of places to get sustenance on the way, or you might even prefer to do it on a scooter.
Brush Up Your History At A Museum
Brisbane has a whole lot of fascinating museums waiting to be discovered by the budding historians inside us all. Who said education can't be fun? Save them for the next rainy day. If you have to pick just one, make it the Queensland Museum, where you'll currently find a massive Jurassic World LEGO exhibition to explore.
Cruise The River In A Picnic Boat
Image credit: Go Boat | Facebook
Courtesy of GoBoat, you can cruise along the river in one of their electric picnic boats. Explore the Brissie river in style, perfect for the sunny summer months. Bonus, they’re dog-friendly, and you can BYO food and drinks (yes, even booze).
Hit The Dancefloor At A Live Music Venue
Nothing makes you forget your troubles like a couple of drinks at a good gig, and Brisbane has plenty of epic live music venues offering up local talent and massive acts who deserve to be heard and appreciated.
Shop Up A Storm At Brisbane's Best Markets
Looking for fresh produce, artisan wares or tasty street food? You’ll find all of the above at Brisbane’s plethora of markets. Grab your favourite green bag (and pack your appetite) and find Brisbane's best markets here.
Cuddle A Koala And Feed Some Roos
Nestled in Brisbane’s west side is Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can get up close and personal with a koala and meet a few other Aussie animals. Feed a kangaroo, pet a snake and enjoy our beautiful wildlife for a day. Their new nocturnal night tours are also worth checking out.
Hit The Bullseye At A High-Tech Darts Bar
Fortitude Valley's Oche features a modern twist on a classic game where you’ll bid farewell to the chalk scoring board and say hello to a high-tech automatic scoring system. Be on you’re A-game—there’ll be no room for fudged results in these dart games, no matter how many times you hit the bar.
Play Pinball At A Vintage Arcade Bar
Take your pick from 15 vintage pinball machines, 25 arcade games and classic board games from the 70s at Netherworld Arcade Bar. The venue doubles as a diner, serving food and drink until late, and they've even got a new purgatory-themed karaoke bar for when you get bored of arcade games.
See Stars And Bonsai Trees At Mt Coot-tha
Sure everyone has been up to the top of Mt Coot-tha to see the views, but have you checked out the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha at the base of the mountain? Here you'll find star-watching opportunites galore at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, tiny trees inside the bonsai house and unique plants galore.
See The City By Jetski
You could hop on a ferry to ride up and down the Brisbane River—or you could turn up the thrill level and hit the water on a jetski. With Jet Ski Tours Brisbane you can ride solo or tandem with a guide to take you up and down the river to seek out the best views, no license necessary.
Get Some Fresh Air At A Flourishing Garden
Image credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Inhale that fresh air and admire the botanical delights of the best gardens in Brisbane. Put on your Sunday best and be prepared for the endless photo opportunities. The Roma Street Parklands are one of our favourites, with endless areas to explore, from carefully designed gardens to bamboo groves and rainforest corners.
Watch A Movie In Style At Blue Room Cinebar
This is a movie night with a difference—this tiny boutique cinema features comfy plush armchairs and lets you order dinner and drinks right to your seat, all for the standard ticket price of $18.50. Yes, you read that right—less than $20.
Puzzle Your Way Through A Challenge Hotel
Hijinx Hotel may look like a New York-style hotel bar, but inside are 10 challenge rooms to puzzle your way through, before you reward yourself with a drink at the bar. Make sure you give it your all, because you'll find out your position on the leaderboard at the end...
Get Spooked On A Ghost Tour
Soak in a bit of Brisbane’s haunted history on a ghost tour of Toowong Cemetary, Queensland's largest burial ground and undoubtedly the city's spookiest spot. Bring a friend, it might get pretty chilling.
Things To Do Near Brisbane
Go Chasing Waterfalls
Image credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Discover the best waterfalls in Brisbane all while getting your daily steps in at these epic locations. Some of them you can even swim under, so check to see if you should don swimmers as well as hiking boots before you go.
Lace Up Your Boots For A Nature Hike
If you’re looking to shake up your usual exercise routine, go for a hike and explore all the beautiful views, peaks and scenery around Brisbane. Who said you need to spend money to have a good time? Find our favourites hikes in Brisbane here.
Venture Up The Mountain For A Wine Tasting
Witches Falls Winery is tucked away in Tamborine Mountain, but they’re worth the drive for their amazing wines. You don’t need even to break the bank—book in a tasting for $10 and pair it with an epic cheese board.
Picnic With An Alpaca
Sip wine and picnic in good company with an adorable alpaca (yes, you read correctly) thanks to Mountview Alpaca Farm in Canungra. You’ll leave with a new bestie—and plenty of selfies on your camera roll.
Pretend You’re At Hogwarts At A Harry Potter Store
Whether you need a new wand or you’re after a sorting hat, The Store of Requirement in Samford has it all. This magical experience will make you feel like you've stepped straight onto the pages of a Harry Potter novel. Jump on your broomstick and go.
Island Hop Over To Tangalooma
It’s paradise on our doorstep—Tangalooma Island Resort is home to breathtaking crystal clear waters, impressive sand dunes and friendly dolphins. Relax on the beach or join the activities on the island which is just over an hour’s ferry ride from Brisbane.
Take A Dip In A Stunning Natural Pool
Grab your togs and be swept away by the beauty of the hidden creeks, waterholes, lakes, waterfalls and beaches in and around Brisbane. Nothing beats the serenity of these pockets of natural paradise—find our favourite natural pools here.
Whale Watch Like A Pro
Channel your inner David Attenborough and go whale watching at one of the many sites near Brisbane during the season. If you’re looking for a little magic in your lives, spotting one of these gentle giants will seriously make your week.
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