When it comes to finding the best things to do and see in Brisbane's CBD, be it sights, attractions, shops, history, dining and drinking, here's the bucket list of 25 Must Do's. Treasury Hotel. Not to mention, the opportunities for wining and dining are endless. 3. All made using natural ingredients, the flavours change seasonally but you can usually find favourites including pumpkin seed oil, strawberry balsamic, lavender honeycomb and salted caramel, bacon & pecan. This riverside precinct boasts an overwater bar (cocktails at sunset is the winner here), a huge brewery, an Art-Series Hotel, a number of delectable restaurants and a large green space where you can relax with an epic view of the Brisbane River and Brisbane CBD. Things to do Brisbane Friday Night - Go to a Brisbane Broncos Game. 24. Whether you live here, or you're just visiting, Brisbane has plenty of must-visit attractions - from relaxing on the South Bank and going for a dip on Streets Beach, to visiting shipping container markets, museums and galleries, and cuddling koalas. Australia Day fireworks in Brisbane. TrySake,Fatcow Steak & Lobster,Madame Wu,Naga Thai,Rico Bar and Diningand more. View the river and cityscape from Victoria Bridge. Its classic, its free and it only takes 10 minutes. An especially good time to visit is in September, when emerging talent takes over Fortitude Valley for the Bigsound festival, Australias biggest and most important showcase for new music. If you've always wanted to bend your back to Janelle Monae's aptly titled song, Stretch Yoga is the spot. Bars & Pubs With award-winning Broadway productions, show-stopping musicals and everything in between, QPACs events will deliver a lifetime of memories. State Library Of Queensland. 1. Did you know that Queensland is one of only a few States where you can actually hold a koala? At 7pm, there will be a . In Newstead tryGreen Beacon,Stone & Wood,Range BrewingorNewstead Brewing. Next, reward yourself with brunch at perennially cool cafeFelix for Goodness, tapas at Alba, or an impeccable cocktail at Death and Taxes. Best Local Things to Do NOLA For Nerds. Walk The Brisbane City River Loop: Get your sporty spice on while soaking in city and river views on the lengthy river loop. Get Spooked On A Ghost Tour:Soak in a bit of Brisbanes haunted history on aghost tourof Boggo Road Gaol, where youll hear ghost tales as told by former prisoners and officers dating back to the 1930s. Keep restless teenagers entertained these school holidays with this list of our favourite activities to get teens off the couch and off your back. Mix it up a little bit already. One of the most relaxing (and sustainable) ways to explore Brisbanes beautiful riverfront is on a bike. Or maybe youre always just feeling like your weekends are incredibly empty, and you need a lengthy list ofthings to fill them with, free, paid or otherwise. The street boasts boutiques from a number of high-end Australian designers, including celeb-approved Sass & Bide and Camilla. wants to go to Worth a visit for locals & tourists & Free Admission. 3. Here are our top 10 Daring Things to do in Brisbane with Adventurous Kids. You can explore Gastro Obscura, featuring the most unusual culinary fare from around the world, upcoming astonishing events, great feature stories on all of the most interesting oddities, and of course, the . Take a date, paddle out and watch The City skyscrapers spark from day to night. Drop into the market at the top end of Queen Street Mall every Wednesday! Now is your time to ride a broomstick, throw quaffles and find that sneaky golden snitch. Catch A Movie At Blue Room Cinebar:This is a movie night with a differencethis tiny boutique cinemafeatures comfy plush armchairs and lets you order dinner and drinks right to your seat, all for the standard ticket price of $16.50. Brisbane has so many awesome under-the-radar activities to get into it would be a shame to do the same old all the time. 23. Shop Designer Labels On James Street:If youve got cash to splash,James Streetis the best spot for some lavish retail therapy. Its collection highlights the monumental tasks undertaken to map Queensland. This is Brisbane's first grain-to-glass artisan distillery, where innovative gins, rums and botanical vodkas are constantly being crafted. Sit and enjoy a decent brew on the tiny 'caf' atop the Goodwill Bridge and watch the boats pass by underneath, with views to Mt Coot-tha, South Bank and North Quay. Then happy hour atBrew, cocktails at Burnett Lane barsDeath & TaxesorSuper Whatnot, hop to whisky houseThe Gresham, and finish with a boogie atBrooklyn Standard. Quench your thirsthere. Picnic With An Alpaca:Sip wine and picnic in good company with an adorable alpaca (yes, you read correctly) thanks toMountview Alpaca Farmin Canungra. One of the best things to do in Brisbane as a solo traveller is to explore a new city on foot. 10. As the name suggests, you dance in a dark room with friends, strangers and future friends to be, as you listen to sick tunes and let your inhibitions free. Check out Things to see and do in Brisbane. By InQueensland. Each September Brisbane is tickled pink for the Brisbane Festival. Brisbanes largest concentration of award-winning and hatted fine dining restaurants lie along the Eagle Street Pier riverfront. 1,926. In addition to Flamingos, you'll find seagulls, pelicans, ducks, swans, turtles, koi fish and other animals too! Connect with Aboriginal culture like never before. Dedicated craft beer bars (and breweries) can be found throughout the city. 10. Then here's a list of things to do that are quintessentially Brisbane, yet many of them are not on the mainstream radar for either locals or visitors. The wharves have become a quick favourite spot for lovers of great food, vibrant cocktails, and sunset views. Do you even know Queensland if you havent stepped foot on the home ground of the Milton Mango? A bamboo forest, cactus garden and fern house, a contrasting array of gardens yet the perfect spot to breathe in nature, and get some epic shots. Originally brought to Brisbane as the Kingdom of Nepal's contribution to World Expo 88, the three-story high Pagoda is. Art Museums. Annually Brisbane eats approximately 10 tonnes of strawberries, 1800 litres of cream and 18,000 litres of ice-cream at the Ekka. Mallrat, Ball Park Music, Hatchie, Jaguar Jonze: Queenslands capital claims some of Australias top indie music acts and catching a gig at notable venues like the Zoo, Tivoli, Triffid and Bearded Lady is as Brisbane as an afternoon summer storm. Brisbane Distillery. The West End Fire Festival has been setting up in Orleigh Park every full moon since 2006. A dive into the Great Barrier Reef at sunrise? James Street in Newfarm is a bustling food scene in Brisbane for great bars and cafes as well as some great shopping to be had with exclusive designers such as Camilla and even a David Jones boutique store. Navigate the labyrinth of laneways. Youll find all of the above at Brisbanes plethora of markets. Whether it be for date nights or friend dates, meet over a drink and casual meal atMary Mae's Bar & Kitchenbefore catching a show, or treat a date to an Italian feast atBar Altobefore a late night live act. From June to October, Humpback Highway cruises right by Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island. From ticking off the major city attractions, to catching a gig in a historic hangar or exploring Brisbane via your stomach, Here are the must-do experiences everyone needs to have in and around our stunning city. Keep restless teenagers entertained these school holidays with this list of our favourite activities to get teens off the couch and off your back. Riverfire is Brisbanes night of nights, second only to New Years Eve. Say that 10 times fast, after 10 beers. More than just a place to eat, this is a place to spend an afternoon or evening, with bars, musicians and a handful of shops adding to the all-ages carnival vibe. Want more? 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. Brisbane is home to the largest indoor ski and adventure park. We are assuming youre well acquainted with the Story Bridge Adventure Climb (one of only three bridge climbs in the world), but did you know it also offers abseil climbs? You just need to know the right. The community night welcomes all to come along, bring a mat and food and either sit back to enjoy or join in fire twirling and a drum circle. Its quiet and eerie until fish spot your bright lights and come leaping towards your kayak vessel. Join early birds at theJan Power Farmers Markets. Head along, order the red velvet French toast too and light up your Instagram feed. For the closest fireworks, head to Bribie Island. Built between 1871 and 1882, these large underground spaces held the citys main water supply until it was closed in 1962. Visit the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, recline your chair and watch the 40-foot widescreen in the Cosmic Skydome, before being guided through Brisbane's night sky and told which planets, stars and asteroids to look out for. 1. City Hopper. Youll be greeted with a full set-uplow set table, rugs, cushions, table setting and a picnic hamper. Free, 45-minute tours of Australias largest city hall reveal some fascinating anecdotes, including the buildings connection to both Michelangelo and the Rolling Stones. No! Set off in darkness and take flight before sunrise. Urban Extreme offers snowboarding and ski lessons all year round, as well as time on the dry training slopes for the more experienced. Some of our customer's favourite experiences in this part of the country include: Skydiving: See the sunshine state from a whole new perspective. This is basically a cheese lovers dream come true. 1 920. In Brisbane for the 2023 NRL Magic Round? By InQueensland. Its state against state, its mate against mate. Activities for teenagers in . 13. Sample The Best Of Brisbane's Food And Drink Scene On A Tour: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 & Woodthey'll even drive you around in a funky mini bus with your favourite tunes on full blast. Get ready to feel like royalty gazing over the city with a cocktail in hand. Stroll through the expansive Roma Street Parkland. Discover your island paradise and hang out with the local wildlife at the beloved Straddie. Tick off all 30 items on Brisbane's ultimate food bucket list We have sacrificed our waistlines to bring you a bucket list of Brisbane's must-try dishes. Have your La La Land moment hand-in-hand while looking at the stars from theSir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Fun and free things to do alone in Brisbane. The creative barista at Piggy Back Caf in Jindalee has some pretty mad skills when it comes to latte art. 30. Theres live music every night its open, free table pretzels and Brooklyn lager on tap. 2. Well, your chances of actually catching a cherry are slim but its worth a shot. Slap on some zinc, grab mates and head to The Gabba for a summer game of cricket. 48. By JeffM599. No! Hit A Bullseye At This High-Tech Darts Bar: 37. Head out to the sea to explore a different side of Brisbane. Youll even be able to take home your personal blendits a vino dream come true. Your friend who's always beating you in racing games might not bring the same skills to the track. Nerdvana. Day Trips from Brisbane. Check out featured and free events, festivals, art exhibitions, workshops, fitness and well-being classes, cultural events, local markets and more. Perhaps in Albert Lane with dumpling and sake shots atHarajuku Gyoza. Combine either tour with an hour or more exploring City Halls free, family-friendly Museum of Brisbane, where exhibitions explore the citys rich tapestry through themes as diverse as contemporary art, fashion and music. Go Chasing Waterfalls: Discover the best waterfalls in Brisbane all while getting your daily steps in with these epic hiking tracks. Feed dolphins at Tangalooma Island Resort. Discover the vibrant inner-city laneway filled with everything from bustling bars, restaurants, cafes, art, and music. An official map of the city's cycling trails is an essential resource. But arriving at pubs like youre the country version of James Bond to drink beer is, well, legendary. For more information see our privacy and information policy. If your child is the adventurous type, there is plenty for them to do in Brisbane. Theatre performance, sound, light and a projection transport you to another time. Ferries. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today, Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())Brisbane EDA, Explore epic Brisbane experiences these Easter school holidays, 9 Valentine's Day date ideas in Brisbane (loaded with romance and fun). Brisbane Powerhouse's first neon-lit food market is brightening up New Farm with culinary stalls and arts pop-ups all throughout March. The Dr Who Museum and shop in the East End is undoubtedly one of the best sci-fi things to do in London. For something completely different on a Friday evening, start with a picnic and wine overlooking the lake at the Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens and then catch some space films under the Cosmic Skydome at the Brisbane Planetariummore, Brisbane's only gnoccheria has a secret upstairs - a retro private 'dining room' that is modelled on a 1950s Nonna's kitchen, where groups of up to 10 can enjoy a feast of gnocchi and traditional desserts just like Nonna would have mademore, Take a trip back in time to the 1920s on a Friday night once a month, with a screening of classic silent movies accompanied by a live pianist preceded by newsreels and cartoons in vintage surrounds at retro cinema The Lumen Roommore, Since the day it launched as a night market, this enchanting riverfront eat and drink precinct built entirely from shipping containers has been a mega hit with visitors and locals and remains one of the city's most unique attractions, All of these drinking dens are out of the ordinary, from the war bunker style bar entered through a phone box or wine fridge to the steampunk styled bar with black cocktails and weekly passcode to the speakeasy bar accessed via a wardrobemore, The only place in Brisbane where you can actually walk on the river instead of along the shore, the 'floating' Brisbane Riverwalk from the Howard Street Wharves to New Farm, is a unique attraction for both residents and visitors alikemore, The trams may be long gone from Brisbane's streets but you can still take a Sunday afternoon ride on restored vintage trams from the 1800s to the 1960s in this fascinating open air museum in the leafy western hills of Brisbanemore, This would have to be a quintessential Brisbane experience, that few know about - go for a guided night kayak paddle taking in the city lights, followed by fresh prawns, beer and wine under the Kangaroo Point cliffs at Riverlifemore, A classical music concert for curious first-timers & devoted aficionados alike, Dont miss the Grammy Award-winning banjo virtuosos, Rewind to the 80s with Mixtape at Metro Arts, Take a nostalgic Friday night trip back to the 1980's. Upcycling gets an epicurean twist at riverfront Eat Street Northshore, a street-food village made up of 180 repurposed shipping containers. 45. One of the best things to do in Brisbane, theres always something on for everyone so enjoy the air-con and channel your inner art critic. If you have little culture vultures in tow, check whats on at GOMAs dedicated Childrens Art Centre. Laser Tag - Challenge family and friends to a game of indoor laser tag at Laserforce in Woolloongabba. Here's what you need to do. 19. 4. 3. Discover your next adventure. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. 35. With sky-high views of the river and The City, The Wheel of Brisbane has worked its way into the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Go for alaneway bar crawlthrough The City. If youre looking for a little magic in your lives, spotting one of these gentle giants will seriously make your week. The artificial lagoon at South Bank Parklands offers sandy shores, azure water and swaying palms, right in the heart of Brisbane Peter Adams / Getty Images. From massive cheese and medieval festivals, classic musicals and concerts to a pop up magic bar, the return of the Spiegeltent and gorgeous artisan markets, the best things to do around Brisbane in July: 14. Take A Dip In A Stunning Natural Pool: Want more things to do in Brisbane? It also claims some of the Valleys most lauded eating and drinking spots. 3. 10. The best time of day is early morning or late afternoon pre-sunsetmore. Feel Like Picasso At A Paint And Sip: Grab that bottle of wine sitting in your fridge and pop on an apron for a BYO paint and sip session. Laugh out loud at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Hop from country pub to country pub in your own private chopper withPterodactyl Helicopters. Pop Masters @ HOTA. Sunset at Mt Coot-tha. Save them for the next rainy day. All Rights Reserved. Have you seen the locals with the bright blue shirts and big friendly smiles? Do the North Gorge Walk or simply sit on the headland (a scoop of fresh Oceanic Gelato in hand) and watch the magical sea beasts swim by. Bring a friend, it might get pretty chilling. Your party tricks just got better. At the bottom end of Moreton Island is the areas most remote bar the Gutter Bar. 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. They also have a Laser Labyrinth Maze Challenge and arcade games. Embrace this opportunity to take your very own llama for a trek through the countryside using the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail withOttaba Llamas. Have a stroll and go exploringyou can find some epic murals here. Love Actually, The Holiday, Home Alone, The Grinch That Stole Christmas and Die Hard will play from December 13 to 22. 6. Climb inside with a Brisbane Greeter tour and learn about the history of the suspension bridge that was built in 1936. Think again. Eat Your Way Through Eat Street:Thisriverside containership marketis full of all the street food delights you can think of, so wear loose clothing and prepare to feast. Kids as young as 8 can go rock climbing and rock abseiling with Riverlife at Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Between neighbouringWinn Lane,California LaneandBakery Lanethere are a bunch of petite shopfronts peddling boutique wares. For a panoramic view of the city, drive up to Brisbane Lookout at the top of Mt Coot-tha, where you can not only see across the CBD to Moreton Bay, but eat and drink in style at Summit Restaurant & Bar. A small slice of sunshine found closest to Brisbane is near theUniversity of Queensland Gatton Campus. 37. Join a free tour with a volunteer Greeter and unearth knowledge for trivia night and beyond. Explore the latter mid-afternoon, just in time to score a coveted bar seat at pocket-sized Maker. Read our Privacy Policy. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today, Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())Brisbane EDA, Brisbane City/ Meeanjin to North Stradbroke Island/ Minjerribah Cultural Day Cruise, incredible cascades hidden within lush rainforests, vantage point for the big fireworks spectacular. Situated on the river bank and city centre is this vast garden. Visiting the Planetarium. Not to mention, once youve reached your waterfall destination, its the perfect spot to cool off. In excitingBrisbane,youll find Australias largest public gallery of contemporary art, some of its most inspired chefs and musicians, and spectacular cycling trails right in the heart of the city. Retro ice-creamery Ungermann Brothers is the mastermind of MasterChef runner-up Ben Ungermann. Our already excellent live music scene added another, rather large (probably peacock) feather to its hat when Powderfingers bassist John Collins opened The Triffid. In Brisbane for the 2023 NRL Magic Round? Built in 1930, the clock tour and elevator have been in operation since the beginning, taking you to an observation platform 76m high. You can choose to take a relaxed river cruise or take one of the fast boats for a more exhilarating trip and both will give you some more information about the attractions you pass on the way. 9. Youll leave with a new bestieand plenty of selfies on your camera roll. Were pretty confident that you havent done everything on this list, let alone heard of some of them. There are dire consequences for driving over the speed limit or over the blood alcohol limit in Brisbane, as in the rest of Australia. Ranked in the top 10 dive sites in Australia, Manta Lodge will take you out there where youll come face-to-face with the large creatures plus leopard sharks, guitar sharks, turtles, wobbegongs and bamboo sharks, octopus, pelagics, bull, eagle and other rays plus lionfish and much more. Urban List acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, live, and play. Work Your Way Through Brisbanes Best Restaurants: Whether youre craving Japanese, Greek, or a mix of cuisines, Brisbane has a golden cohort of dreamy restaurants for you to dine in. Catch an outdoor flick at Moonlight Cinema. Take a journey off the shore to whale watch. Shop local and score a unique find. The venue doubles as a diner, serving food and drink until latesounds pretty ideal if you ask us. Tour the 19th century fort as actors recount the story of decorated World War One hero and Brisbane local, Raymond Augustus Stanley. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to experienced climbers and equipment is provided so just show up and start climbing. While the former houses important works by both past and present Australian artists, the latter is the nations largest contemporary art gallery. A great way to combine sightseeing with learning about the fascinating history and stories of the island, including its Traditional Custodians, the Quandamooka People, this full-day tour is entertaining and educational in equal parts. Night kayaking the wreckson Moreton Island. Admire the Views from the Brisbane Lookout Mount Coot-tha. BONUS 1 - Free things to do in Brisbane. 11. Head to Mt Coot-tha Summit. For fun, there is sno-way this place can be beat. Find a list ofBrisbanes best rooftop barshere. Brisbane Tourism - Practical information about the city. Want more things to do in Brisbane? Alternatively, cross Story Bridge and head southeast along the river to reach the Brisbane Riverwalk, an 870m (2854ft) trailway built directly over the water. City Botanic Gardens. ". Get Competitive With A Game Of 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. Spend a day off shore discovering the scenery and wildlife from the ocean. 28. We've all had awhat are the best things to do in Brisbane? requestfrom a visitingfriendor family member and come up with an absolute blank when put on the spot. Our top recommendations for where to go in Brisbane for craft beer are: Archive Beer Boutique in West End, Brewski on Caxton Street, Tippler's Tap in South Bank and Brew Caf in the Brisbane CBD - all of which have outdoor space. Discover your next adventure. Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm. Things to do, Events, and What's on in Brisbane . Stop by the tea room for a ceremony, wander the art gallery, museum and prayer spaces, learn to speak Chinese at a class or enjoy a meal at the teahouse. The real question is, where to begin? Feel the rush of a free fall from up to 15,000 . BONUS 2 - Things to do in Brisbane at night. Crack Open A Cold One At A Local Brewery:Breweries are plentiful in Brisbane so youll have a great selection of venues to work your way throughpreferably not all on the same day. Find the best places to do it here. Wednesday, March 1 - Sunday, March 26, 2023. Image: @tobeornottobecafe. We use cookies (om nom nom nom) to provide a better online experience, including to serve targeted ads. 2. And when youve finished leading that llama, youll get morning tea as a reward. If possible, book the Twilight Climb to watch the city slip into its glittering evening cloak. Whether you're into video games, comic books, super heroes, or all things geeky, Dallas has something for you. Mt Coot-tha offers more than the lofty view from its summit lookout (one that extends as far as the Sunshine Coast hinterland on a clear day). Wander through the beautiful natural surrounds with a free guided walk with your own personal guide. Smash Stuff To Let Your Rage Out: Let out your pent-up anger, stress, or pain at Rage Cage, a room full of stuff for you to literally bash to hearts content with a baseball bat. Throw A Frisbee Around A Disc Golf Course: Ever played 18 baskets of disc golf? Browse the Brisbane City Markets . All rights reserved. If you're a visitor to New York City, there are literally hundreds of attractions you can see. Good things come in small packages, including vibrant alleyways Burnett Lane and Fish Lane. There are a few farms in the Caboolture area that offer "pick your own". Now you can catch live opera or theatrical performances down there. The ideal time to hit the pedal is in the morning before the heat and humidity really kick in. Get Romantic With A Pop-up Picnic: Picnic in style with a pop-up picnic set up for you in a location of your choice (wed highly recommend by the water in Kangaroo Point). 31. Ferries. Put on your Sunday best and be prepared for the endless photo opportunities. It also has the only bridge climb and abseiling experience in the world, so you can truly make the day an unforgettable one. Don't be fooled; there are more than just a few things to do in Brisbane that will give you a distinct impression of what the old brown snake, which will be the host city for the 2032 Olympics, is all about. Brisbane City Council helps deliver thousands of markets, festivals and events each year. South Bank has some of the very best things to do in Brisbane. In the Central Business District (CBD), Burnett Lane is Brisbanes oldest laneway and is packed with quirky details and exceptional eateries and bars.