36 Of The Best Things To Do In Brisbane
Ranyhyn Laine
Former Contributor | Urban List Brisbane
Kayla Wratten
Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List Queensland
Katherine Davison
Contributor | Urban List Lifestyle
With 300+ days of sunshine each year, Brisbane/Meanjin is best known for its warm, inviting climate and laidback lifestyle. But there's so much more to discover beyond the surface. From stunning wineries and award-winning restaurants to epic hikes, year-round entertainment and unique local stores, the city is packed with experiences waiting to be uncovered.
Whether you’re filling a free weekend, exploring new corners of the city or simply chasing a little adventure close to home, the river city has plenty to keep you busy. From first-time visitors to lifelong Brisbanites, here are 36 of the best things to do in Brisbane.
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The Best Things To Do In Brisbane For Food Lovers
Visit 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 in the CBD has become a firm favourite spot for lovers of great food, vibrant cocktails, and sunset views of the city from under the Story Bridge. My perfect itinerary? Start with a spritz over the water at Mr Percival's, head to Greca for a Greek feast and finish off with a lychee martini at moody cocktail bar Stan's.
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 in New Farm, where you’ll enjoy a curated charcuterie experience with your feet dangling 17 metres above the ground. This one is not for the faint of heart—though jumping off the side of the building after dessert is entirely optional (if I can do it, you can do it).
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 and 13-course degustations at Exhibition (my personal favourite), say hello to feeds like no other at the best restaurants in Brisbane.
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—though 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—some are even close enough together to make a crawl of it. Quench your thirst at Brisbane's best breweries 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, and a spread of delicious snacks in front of you at one of Brisbane's best rooftop bars.
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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. I recommend sharing plenty of smaller dishes, so you can eat more—and trust us, you will overindulge no matter what. The souffle pancakes are a must for dessert, trust me.
Book A Wine Tasting
Brisbane is stacked with fantastic wine bars, most of which offer wine tastings. In the CBD, Wineology hosts themed wine tasting events, from Tuscan producers to picnic-friendly sips. At Wooloongabba’s Stickybeak, you can conduct your own tasting with their self-serve dispensers.
If you’re keen to make a day of it, book a behind-the-scenes tour at Sirromet Winery, and indulge yourself in a cellar door wine tasting topped off with a three course lunch with vino included. There's heaps more of best wineries within driving distance from the city to check out.
If you prefer a brew over a vino you're catered for too. This Half Day Brisbane Brewery Tour lets you cruise and sip your way around three craft Brisbane breweries, while learning how the tasty stuff is made.
The Best Things To Do In Brisbane For Date Night
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 worth catching here.
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. Prefer to soak indoors? Brisbane has plenty of other stunning bathhouses to check out—find our full list right here.
Hit A Bar With More Than Just Drinks
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is an adult playground filled with classic arcade games that you can play with a cocktail in hand, or you can take your pick from 15 vintage pinball machines, 25 arcade games and 70s board games at Netherworld Arcade Bar. Want to take a walk on the wild side? Try axe throwing at MANIAX and enjoy a beer while you do it. Then there's digital darts at Oche, virtual baseball batting cages at The Ballpark—you're spoilt for options in Brisbane.
See A Candlelight Concert
Is there anything more romantic than live music by candlelight? Fever's Candlelight Concerts series offer something for everyone, from the tunes of Taylor Swift to the iconic strings of Vivaldi. Set in some of Brisbane's most stunning locations, this is the perfect night of romance, atmosphere and world-class music.
The Best Things To Do In Brisbane With The Fam
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, from underground magical realms complete with their own bar to murder mysteries and even a Harry Potter-themed room. Find Brisbane’s best escape rooms here.
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, with a range of rotating exhibitions to explore.
Weather bright and breezy? Perhaps you'd like to see the sights while getting your history fix instead? You could sign up for Ultimate Brisbane Walking Tour with a local guide who'll talk you through the area's colourful past and give you dining and nightlife tips too.
Insta calling for some street art snaps rather than traditional museum-time? You can hit up some of Brissy's best small bars while wandering past murals painted by top Aussie artists by joining this three-hour tour (oh, and your first drink's on the house!)
Puzzle Your Way Through A Challenge Hotel
Image credit: Hijinx Hotel | Supplied
Hijinx Hotel may look like a New York-style hotel bar, but inside are 10 challenge rooms to puzzle your way through, from musical moments to colourful ball pits, 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...
Feed Some Roos At Lone Pine
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 if you're keen to stay after the sun sets.
Get Competitive At Putt Putt
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.
Go To A Theme Park
Just an hour’s drive from Brisbane, Australia’s theme park super hub is packed with rollercoasters, waterslides, animal encounters and non-stop family fun. With Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, Dreamworld and WhiteWater World all within reach, there’s a ride (or splash) for every thrill level. Our top tip? Don’t miss the twisty, spooky Scooby‑Doo ride at Movie World—it’s guaranteed to delight both kids and adults alike.
The Best Things To Do In Brisbane Outdoors
Climb The Story Bridge
Image credit: Story Bridge Adventure Climb | Supplied
One of the best views in town has got to be at the top of the Story Bridge, guided by the friendly folk at Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Meet at Howard Smith Wharves to don your gear and run through the safety protocols before making your way to the top where you can set your sights on 360-degree views from the Glass House Mountains to the Scenic Rim. The climbs happen daily and won't leave you huffing and puffing, with children over six welcome to join.
If you're keen to add an epic sunset experience to your Story Bridge Climb, and get some snaps to remember along the way, then opt for the Twilight Climb. There's a Night Climb too, where you'll see Brisbane's lights sparkle as you do your thing. You'll also learn plenty of fun facts about the Bridge and Brisbane, and if you're a little scared of heights just let the team now—they have plenty of experience helping climbers overcome their fear in a feel-good way.
For the thrill seekers, the Story Bridge Swing is a new and exhilirating way to view the city hanging 80 metres above the river. It's a leap of faith where you'll step off the bridge into the open air, earning ultimate bragging rights with an action shot to prove it.
Cruise The River
Image credit: Go Boat | Facebook
With a little help from GoBoat, you can cruise along the river in one of their electric picnic boats. Explore the Brissie river in style during your two-hour sesh, it's the perfect adventure for the sunny summer months. Bonus, they’re dog-friendly, and you can BYO food and drinks (yes, even booze).
If you want to get even more hands on with the wet stuff, then a Day Kayak Adventure could be more your thing. Depending on the tide, you either head towards the iconic Story Bridge or the bustling South Bank, and they do a Twilight Tour where you can peacefully paddle while watching the sun set.
Zooming your way up the river on an exhiliarating Brisbane River Jet Ski Tour is well worth considering too (the price is per jetski which fits two peeps so you can split the cost between the two of you).
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 get all your supplies, cheese board and all, at nearby Grape & Grazing 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.
Like to combine your picnicking with a little clue-solving? Book yourself and your fave one a Mystery Picnic and you'll solve riddles which lead you to local produce providers, who arm you with picnic eats to tuck into at your scenic final spot. (There's a premium option too, in case you fancy going a little more luxe). Delish.
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. If you only have time for one activity, make it a helicopter ride over the wrecks—one of the most iconic views in 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.
See Stars And Bonsai Trees At Mt Coot-tha
Image credit: Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens | Brisbane City Council
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.
Take In The City Lights On A Night Climb
Enjoy the Brisbane views 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.
Go Chasing Waterfalls
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.
Listen To Live Music Outdoors
Brisbane’s live music scene shines when the sun’s out, so make sure you catch an outdoor gig while you’re here. Riverstage at the City Botanic Gardens hosts big names and festivals year-round, while South Bank Parklands offers free live music every Sunday. Book a picnic hamper and bring a blanket, then sit back and enjoy the arvo with the river and city skyline as your backdrop.
The Best Things To Do In Brisbane For Shopaholics
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 Silk Laundry, Zimmerman, Mister Zimi, Bec and Bridge, Dissh and more, then stop for a bite at one of the many James Street restaurants or head for a Fortitude Valley bar.
Pretend You’re At Hogwarts At A Harry Potter Store
Image credit: The Store Of Requirement | Tash Sorrenson
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. Make sure you visit the Harry Potter-inspired cafe The Owlery next door for more magical theming.
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, from evening Asian street food hubs to Sunday morning craft strolls. Grab your favourite green bag (and pack your appetite) and find Brisbane's best markets here.
Take A Road Trip To Tamborine Mountain
Tamborine Mountain is only an hour away, making it the perfect destination for a weekend day trip. The Hop On Hop Off Beer Tour is a highlight here—you can spend a whole day sipping your way around breweries, wineries and distilleries, with no worries about having to drive home.
Boutique hot spots like Witches Falls Winery are worth a stop (they do an epic cheese board), plus check out Cauldron Distillery, Tamborine Cheese and so much more. Find more to see and do here, or plan where to eat here.
Prefer to get your heart pumping with an exhiliarating adventure instead? You can soar your way across 14 rainforest ziplines with the High Rope and Flying Fox Adventure. It's suitable for beginners aged eight and over, so no experience is necessary to get involved in all the fun.
Get Creative At Brisbane's Best Stationery Stores
Stationery lovers, Brisbane has you covered. The Paper Empire in Paddington and Newstead is stacked with beautifully designed notebooks, planners, wrapping paper and little extras like washi tape to fill up your pencil case. Over in Fortitude Valley, Stash World is perfect for quirky pens, unique desk accessories and all the bits and pieces you need for your best junk journal yet.
The Best Things To Do In Brisbane For Arts & Culture
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. Hit up a weekly fave for a regular roster of local artists, or scope out the what's on pages to see which bigger acts are heading our way.
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—with incredible installations across both galleries.
Learn A New Skill
There's just something so cathartic about a crafting sesh, and if you're levelling up your skills while enjoying a giggle with your loved ones then we call that a win! This Beginner Pottery Wheel Class will have you whipping up your next favourite noodle bowl in no time. It's a 90-minute session with an experienced instructor and you get to take your creations home. Another fun offering is a Resin Cheeseboard Workshop, where you can pick your own colours for a unique creation your dinner guests will marvel at back home. There's also an option to make your own mosaic lamp, while sipping on a Turkish tea during a two and a half hour class.
Prefer to bust out the pencils and paint for an art class instead? A Life Drawing Workshop makes for a great adults-only evening. Or, if you're looking for something a little unique, this Wine Glass Painting Workshop allows you to ink the art of your choice on two glasses you can enjoy a cheeky chardy in later.
Foodies take note. There's fun stuff for you too. Check out this Authentic Pizza Making Masterclass where you learn how to make stretchy pizza dough from scratch (and yes you do get to tuck into it later). You can also learn how to make delicious handmade pasta in a two-hour chef-led sesh, which gives you the secret to nailing ravioli, caramelle and cappelletti.
Catch A Comedy Session
Brisbane’s best-kept secret for laughs? The Brisbane Comedy Cellar, a tiny basement beneath The Raven Hotel that feels more like a secret NYC hideaway than a pub. With only 60 seats, you’re right up close to rising comedians, surprise guests and the occasional improv curveball. Grab a cocktail, order a few share plates and let an evening of live comedy take over.
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