Brisbane (Meanjin) is the Sunshine State capital, a cosmopolitan and compact city with an enviable lifestyle that knows how to make the most of its natural attributes, from rooftop bars to alfresco riverside dining, urban green spaces to open-air shopping and cultural precincts and from wildlife reserves to manmade diversions and entertainment.
With the green-and-gold runway rolling out for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, now is the time to join the throngs of locals and visitors and check out what the Queensland capital has in store with must-do experiences galore. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, or looking for a new experience, here are the top things to do in Brisbane.
Top 10 things to do in Brisbane – Attractions
1. South Bank Parklands
South Bank Parklands, Brisbane’s beloved former Expo 88 site, is a sprawling 17ha lifestyle precinct near the CBD with dining options, including restaurants, bars and pubs; entertainment and cultural venues; riverside walkways; picnic areas; a playground; the Epicurious Garden of edible plants and Australia’s only inner-city manmade beach, Streets Beach.
Located a 10-minute walk from Brisbane City and easily accessible across multiple bridges, including the new Neville Bonner Bridge pedestrian walkway, there is always something going on at South Bank. From seasonal events and weekend craft markets to the many alfresco areas, amenities and attractions, such as The Wheel of Brisbane and Insta-worthy Brisbane sign by the riverside, this is a vibey spot enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
2. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
One of the top Brisbane attractions and often the first stop on any visiting celeb’s itinerary, Australia’s native fauna is the starring attraction at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Located just 7km from Brisbane City, Lone Pine is home to the eponymous koalas as well as a whopping range of Australian animals, such as wombats, dingoes, crocodiles, platypus, birds and reptiles and even Tasmanian devils.
The free-range kangaroo, wallaby and emu feeding reserve is a top drawcard along with a daily schedule of shows, encounters and tours for an up-close and personal audience with your fave local critter. The world’s first and largest koala sanctuary is located right on the river, making it a top spot for a full day out in Brisbane.
Book an experience at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary:
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary General Admission Tickets
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary with Return Scenic Cruise
3. Roma Street Parkland
Framed by a city skyline, Roma Street Parkland is open all day every day, bar the Spectacle Garden and Rainforest Walk, with a swag of alfresco amenities to enjoy when the weather in Brisbane is clear and sunny, including public barbecues, picnic spots, two playgrounds and The Garden Room café.
Situated between King George Square and Roma Street train station, the lush 16ha parklands feature a variety of subtropical plants, horticultural gardens, water features and verdant lawns to roam around. Roma Street Parkland also stages a year-round calendar of free and ticketed things to do, including guided tours, outdoor cinema, music concerts, seasonal and multicultural markets and annual festivals.
4. City Botanic Gardens
Another one of Brisbane City’s many green spaces, the City Botanic Gardens is an urban haven by the riverside with manicured gardens, hidden sculptures, ornamental ponds and cultivated areas, such as Bamboo Grove and Weeping Fig Avenue. It’s bordered by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and contains the Riverstage outdoor music and entertainment venue.
Brisbane’s original botanical garden dates back to 1855 and also contains a multisensory kid’s playground. It stages several festivals and events annually, including weekend markets, music performances at the Riverstage venue and art installations.
5. Howard Smith Wharves
Brisbane’s fave lifestyle precinct is conveniently located under the iconic Story Bridge on the CBD fringe between the City and Fortitude Valley. An 18-minute walk from the Queen Street Mall will find you at the curve of the riverside bend that’s home to a variety of fine dining restaurants, casual cafes and overwater bars as well as the 5-star Crystalbrook Vincent hotel, carved into the cliff-face.
Felons Brewing Co. is a buzzing family- and dog-friendly microbrewery with craft brews and cider on tap plus tasty bar meals. Grab takeaway from the fish n’ chipper window and find a spot on the Felons Lawn where parents can watch the kids play or take a seat on the outdoor deck for prime people spotting and sunset viewing.
6. New Farm Park
New Farm Park is one of Brisbane’s oldest and grandest parks and easily one of the most beloved, containing the historic Brisbane Powerhouse arts venue, a dragon-themed wooden playground, a rose garden, tennis courts, playing fields, picnic tables and a grab ‘n’ go café – all set against a cityscape backdrop.
Famous for its glorious jacaranda trees, heritage rotunda and sparkling riverfront setting just 3.5km from the CBD, it’s a favourite spot for all kinds of celebrations as well as a well-frequented everyday parkland. For the best time to visit Brisbane to see the beauty of the jacarandas, plan your visit from October to November. But there’s still plenty to do there any time of year. Every Saturday, New Farm Park is home to the popular Jan Powers Farmers Markets and regularly hosts live art performances, festivals and seasonal outdoor cinema.
7. Eat Street Northshore
With more than 60 food, drink and retail vendors housed in shipping containers and food trucks plus live music and entertainment, themed events and neon lights, Eat Street Northshore has become a weekend institution for those hungry for global cuisines, carnival-style fun and loaded desserts.
Bring your appetite as you really can eat your way around the world here, from dumplings and donuts to pizza and pasta and everything in between, with something to appeal to the most finicky eater. For the adults, there’s multiple bars plus it’s pet friendly. Located 6km from the CBD, Eat Street Northshore is easily accessible by ferry.
8. Queensland Cultural Centre
Brisbane’s major cultural institutions are just a short 10-minute stroll from the Queen Street Mall across Victoria Bridge. The Queensland Cultural Centre in South Brisbane packs a significant artistic and historic punch with Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and the State Library of Queensland all within the same site.
The Museum and State Library have dedicated areas and activities to occupy the littlies, while QAGOMA hosts an inspired range of free, permanent displays and major annual exhibitions that include international and Australian artists. QPAC also offers a year-round program of performances from popular musicals and classical concerts to intimate evenings with touring luminaries plus theatre and opera shows.
9. Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Expand your horizons with a celestial viewing of Brisbane’s night sky and constellations with astronomers at Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Located 5km from the CBD within the must-visit Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, entry is free, however, tickets for the show program within the 12.5m Cosmic Skydome vary in price.
Tour the Display Zone with interactive exhibitions and artefacts, including the 13m Earth: Our Blue Oasis and Skylore: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Astronomy gallery exhibits, visit the observatory and kick back in the Sundial Courtyard with a new sculpture of Brisbane-born NASA geologist and astrobiologist Dr Abigail Allwood.
10. Museum of Brisbane
A hidden cultural space within the historic Brisbane City Hall, the Museum of Brisbane highlights the people and stories shaping Queensland’s capital. Open daily, the Museum of Brisbane hosts rotating exhibitions and artists in residence for displays, workshops and events that are always innovative and interesting alongside a well-curated museum shop of locally crafted gifts for a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Open daily, take a free 15-minute Clock Tower Tour for a panoramic view and a peek behind the massive clock face from the heritage building – book the final 4:45pm slot to see the city at dusk. You can also go beyond the gallery walls on a guided walking tour of the newly commissioned public art at Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct.
Top 10 things to do in Brisbane – Activities
1. Kayak on the Brisbane River
With so many attractions and activities revolving around the Brisbane River, full immersion is the best way to experience the iconic local waterway. Riverlife in Kangaroo Point provides multiple kayaking options to view the cityscape and surrounds at different times of the day for a unique riverside vantage point.
Go on a guided kayak tour during the day or on a twilight kayak experience on an illuminated vessel to explore the ebb and flow of the river, paddling from Kangaroo Point past the Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank Parklands and Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Pair prawns and paddling for a Friday or Saturday date night or group experience while earlybirds can enjoy a coffee with a sunrise kayak session.
Book a Brisbane River kayaking experience
2. Watch the sunset from the Story Bridge
Connecting Brisbane’s north and south via Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo Point, the Story Bridge is an iconic site shaping the cityscape, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the sunset over the heritage cantilever bridge.
Active types can book a guided twilight kayak session or hop on a more sedate CityCat ferry to glide under the arches. Adrenaline junkies can level up with a Story Bridge Adventure Climb – one of only a few bridge climbs in the world – or abseil down the 20m Kangaroo Point cliffs at sunset.
If you’d prefer to kick back and relax while watching the sunset over the Story Bridge, hop on a more sedate CityCat ferry or sunset river cruise to glide under the arches or enjoy a sundowner with a front-seat view at Howard Smith Wharves.
Book a sunset experience
- Brisbane Story Bridge Twilight Climb
- Twilight Brisbane River Kayaking Tour
- Brisbane Sunset River Cruise - 2 Hours
- Brisbane Kangaroo Point Cliff Abseil Adventure
3. Go shopping on James Street
Brisbane’s popular boutique shopping precinct is situated along James Street in inner-city Fortitude Valley. With more than 110 lifestyle speciality shops, restaurants and cafes nestled among designer fashion, art galleries, cinemas and hotels, it’s the perfect avenue for a day of stylish retail therapy.
For gourmet foodie finds, visit The Standard Market Company Grocer, Jocelyn’s Provisions, James St Market and James St Bakery. Aesthetes will adore the independent fragrance havens and beauty boutiques as well as homewares and design showrooms.
For the fashionable shopper, there’s Brisbane’s own Aje, Gail Sorronda and Molten Store boutiques, while Calexico, Camargue, Maryon’s and Mitchell Oglivie Menswear will ensure the stylish set are kitted out in the latest local and international labels.
4. Abseil at Kangaroo Point cliffs
Gain a top-down view of the CBD by abseiling down the 20m-high Kangaroo Point cliffs. Step off the edge and feel the rush on a guided Kangaroo Point Cliff Abseil Adventure with expert Riverlife instructors on hand for intrepid adventurers aged 12 years and up.
The 90-minute experience includes safety briefings and all equipment, ensuring you’ll be abseiling in no time. Choose your own adventure with day or twilight sessions for uninterrupted views of the Brisbane River and CBD from your lofty vantage point.
If you’re still feeling energetic after your abseiling adventure, tackle the famous Kangaroo Point Stair Climb – a split-level flight up 107 steps up the cliffs to the Kangaroo Point Lookout Rotunda for a popular local fitness challenge.
Book an abseiling experience at Kangaroo Point
5. Ride the free CityHopper ferry
For a local experience that will cost you nix and is one of the most scenic ways of getting around Brisbane, take a complimentary punt up the Brisbane River on the free CityHopper ferry service. Operated on the mini yet mighty KittyCats – modern catamarans that can accommodate up to 60 passengers – the CityHopper route services eight stops between North Quay in the CBD to Sydney Street, New Farm.
With wide panoramic windows for exceptional river views, the KittyCat CityHopper is a cheap and cheerful way to get around town or simply enjoy a cross-river ride. Offering hop-on, hop-off travel at designated stops, the CityHopper has seating and standing areas, including wheelchair-accessible spaces and a small open-air deck.
The CityHopper ferries run every 36 minutes from 5:30am and midnight from Sunday to Thursday with later services on Friday and Saturday nights.
6. Head to a rooftop bar
Soak up Brisbane’s outstanding outdoor lifestyle with a libation or two at one of the many sun-drenched rooftop bars dotted around the river and inner-city areas. Enjoy a panoramic view and the alfresco ambience from rooftop bars and breweries in the City, Fortitude Valley, South Brisbane, Kangaroo Point and New Farm.
In the City, head to the Hibiscus Bar & Terrace or W Brisbane’s WET Deck for poolside sips, Sixteen Antlers for 16-storey views and the subtropical-styled Aviary Terrace Bar.
Toast to sweeping vistas of the South Bank Parklands by the pool at Lina Rooftop and the Terrace at Emporium Hotel South Bank or slink into the aptly named Sunsets Rooftop in Kangaroo Point for a sundowner within a sun-kissed desert oasis.
Enjoy happy hour with a view at secret hotel spots such as Spicers Balfour in New Farm and Fiume Rooftop Bar at Crystalbrook Vincent overlooking Howard Smith Wharves.
Fortitude Valley has plenty of options for sky-high imbibing with an international flavour, including Turkish-inspired Dirty Sultan, Maya Mexican, Mediterranean-themed Iris Rooftop and Soko with its Peruvian-Japanese menu. There’s even the rooftop Valley Hops Brewing above Cloudland.
Popular rooftop bars
Hibiscus Bar & Terrace – Google Maps
WET Deck – Google Maps
Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar – Google Maps
The Aviary Terrace Bar – Google Maps
Lina Rooftop – Google Maps
The Terrace – Google Maps
Sunsets Rooftop – Google Maps
Spicers Balfour Hotel – Google Maps
Fiume Rooftop Bar – Google Maps
Dirty Sultan – Google Maps
Maya Mexican – Google Maps
Iris Rooftop – Google Maps
Soko Rooftop Bar & Restaurant – Google Maps
Valley Hops Brewing – Google Maps
7. See the city from The Wheel of Brisbane
London has the Eye, Singapore has the Flyer and the Queensland capital has The Wheel of Brisbane. Located in South Bank Parklands near QPAC, Brisbane’s observation wheel offers 360-degree views of the cityscape, river and distinct attractions from 60m high.
Ensconced in 42 fully enclosed and air-conditioned gondolas that seat up to eight, The Wheel of Brisbane allows riders to enjoy panoramic views during the day and night with audio insights into popular landmarks that can be viewed through the windows.
Constructed to mark Expo 88’s 20th anniversary in 2008, the Wheel of Brisbane also offers VIP Experiences and Sunset Sessions with double rides in four special gondolas for up to four adults with drinks on board. There’s no need to reserve a regular gondola though, simply rock up to the observation wheel and ride.
8. Cycle along the Brisbane Riverwalk
The overwater Brisbane Riverwalk links New Farm to the City with a scenic floating pathway split to separate pedestrians and cyclists. Reconstructed in 2014 after the major floods in 2011, the Brisbane Riverwalk is a well-frequented thoroughfare with views of the City and across to Kangaroo Point.
Hire a bicycle or hop on the city’s Beam shared system e-bikes to explore the cycleway, zigzagging from Riverview Court (at the river end of Merthyr Street) in New Farm to Howard Smith Wharves where the 870m-long Brisbane Riverwalk connects with the riverside boardwalk and onto the CBD and City Botanic Gardens.
Hot tip: There’s no shade or covered areas along the Brisbane Riverwalk so plan your pedalling adventure for earlier or later in the day to avoid the sun’s rays.
9. Wander through the farmers markets
Looking for artisan provisions, fresh produce and tasty treats during your visit? Brisbane has a rotating lazy susan of farmers markets from mid-week to the weekend, dishing up farm-fresh fare in a convivial community atmosphere in the CBD and inner-city suburbs.
Workers and visitors throng to the Brisbane City Markets, bringing the country to the CBD on Wednesdays at the top of the Queen Street Mall at Reddacliff Place.
Brisbane’s first foray into farmers markets, Jan Powers Farmers Markets Powerhouse in New Farm, is still a must-do destination for Saturday mornings with a large array of stalls and vendors. The West End Markets and Kelvin Grove Markets are also popular Brisbane markets – with Saturday shoppers in the inner-city south and north respectively – open until 1pm.
On Sundays, visitors can browse the crafty stalls at Riverside at the Gardens Market in the City Botanic Gardens, including a curated and compact lineup of international food trucks and entertainment, or head to the Milton Markets in Brisbane’s inner-west. For organic produce in a community garden setting, visit the Northey Street Organic Farmers Markets near the Royal Brisbane Hospital.
Popular Brisbane markets
Brisbane City Markets – Google Maps
Jan Powers Farmers Markets Powerhouse – Google Maps
Kelvin Grove Village Markets – Google Maps
West End Markets – Google Maps
Riverside at the Gardens Market – Google Maps
Northey Street Organic Farmers Markets – Google Maps
Milton Markets – Google Maps
10. Take time out at Mt Coot-tha Summit Lookout
Head to Brisbane’s highest point for a sweeping panorama of the forested landscape below and across to the CBD and Moreton Bay – a popular attraction with locals and visitors that’s open 24/7 for clear vistas by day and twinkling city lights at night.
You can drive up to Mt Coot-tha Summit Lookout or take one of the many walking tracks and biking trails, including the Citriodora Trail down to the nearby Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha and Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.
At the lookout, there’s a heritage-listed rotunda and grassy knoll to loll about for picnics and relaxing outdoors or spy the local landmarks through telescopes and directional info. A must-have treat at the top, particularly if you’ve walked up the 30-minute path from JC Slaughter Falls, is enjoying an ice-cream from the onsite Summit Cafe.
18 more things to do in Brisbane
- Shop ‘til you drop on the open-air pedestrian Queen Street Mall
- Skipper your own GoBoat along the Brisbane River
- Swap the city for the rural idyll of Samford Village
- Hike, mountain bike or horse ride the 75km of trails at Mt Coot-tha Reserve
- Swirl and sip at City Winery’s pop-up CBD cellar door
- Eat your weight in dumplings in the Valley’s Chinatown
- Savour the food and waterfront views at riverside restaurants
- Go on a ghost tour of Brisbane’s haunted history
- Be immersed in Indigenous art and bush tucker at Birrunga Gallery & Café
- Tour the famous XXXX Brewery & Alehouse in Milton
- Check out the Tropical Display Dome at Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
- Hop on a hot-air balloon over Brisbane
- Snorkel the wrecks and feed the wild dolphins at Tangalooma Island
- Dive into a Moreton Bay Eco Marine Safari Cruise
- Taste-test local drops at Sirromet Winery on the Bayside
- Experience Quandamooka culture with Yura Tours in Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)
- Get among the one-stop nature play zone at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre
- See the gentle giants on a Brisbane whale-watching cruise
Best things to do in Brisbane for free
Make your holiday dollar go further with these free things to do in and around Brisbane City.
Top 5 activities for free
- Splash about at Streets Beach in South Bank Parklands
- See the stars at Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
- Go to a permanent exhibition at QAGOMA
- Ride the CityHopper ferry along the Brisbane River
- Have a picnic at the Kangaroo Point cliffs
Best things to do in Brisbane with family
From science and supernatural themes to outdoor adventures, there’s plenty of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy together in Brisbane.
Top 5 activities for families
- Go sand-boarding, feed wild dolphins and snorkel around shipwrecks: Tangalooma Island Resort has got the lot for a full day of active fun.
- Experience the immersive Harry Potter-themed Store of Requirement in Samford: For muggles and wizards alike – just 25 minutes from Brisbane City.
- Pick-your-own strawberries and picnic at Rolin Farms, around 40 minutes’ drive from Brisbane: It’s a berry-good day out.
- Get hands-on at the Queensland Museum Kurilpa and SparkLab in South Brisbane: Igniting imaginations and curiosity through STEM and play.
- Take a swing at the Victoria Park Putt Putt Mini Golf Course: 18 holes outdoors with city views and seasonal themes for extra points.
Fun things to do in Brisbane for adults
From sunup to sundown, there’s no shortage of surprising diversions and unique venues for adults to check out in Brisbane’s entertainment precincts.
Top 5 activities for adults
- Enjoy game day at The Gabba or Suncorp Stadium: See cricket and AFL live at The Gabba and soccer and NRL at Suncorp Stadium for the win.
- Check out a gig at The Tivoli: Fortitude Valley is filled with live music venues but this heritage hall with a storied history has all the aesthetics and acoustics.
- Go on a grownup playdate at Netherworld: A Valley vegan diner and dive bar with vintage arcade games, pinball machines and classic consoles.
- Dare to dine at Vertigo Brisbane: At 17m high, it’s Australia’s first vertical restaurant suspended above Brisbane Powerhouse.
- Embark on the DIY Hidden Lanes Small Bar Trail: Stumble upon speakeasies, cocktail lounges and secret bars in the Valley’s laneways.
FAQs about visiting Brisbane
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What is the most famous thing to do in Brisbane?
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is considered Brisbane’s most famous attraction, thanks to all the visiting celebrities cuddling up to our furry marsupials. While Lone Pine no longer offers hug-a-koala experiences, you can still get up close to the native critters without invading their personal space through encounters and guided behind-the-scenes tours.
The sprawling reserve and conservation sanctuary on the river is a must-visit on any Brisbane trip to see the huge variety of well-known and rare native animals, from reptiles and amphibians to birds and marsupials like the free-ranging kangaroos and emus in natural surroundings.
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How do you spend a day in Brisbane?
Brisbane really is a choose-your-own-adventure destination where you can make the most of a day out tailored to your interests. For foodies, enjoy breakfast on James Street and visit the alfresco bars and restaurants at Howard Smith Wharves, followed by fine dining and a night out in the Fortitude Valley entertainment precinct.
Immerse yourself in the arts at Queensland Cultural Centre with Indigenous and contemporary art galleries, museums and performance venues that will pique your curiosity with a full program of offerings from morning to night.
Outdoorsy types will relish the opportunity to start the day with a half-day Moreton Bay and Tangalooma Island tour and end with a wander around Brisbane City’s many green spaces. Families can easily fill a full day in Brisbane – rain or shine – with plenty of parklands, museums and playgrounds to enjoy in the CBD and South Bank Parklands.
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Is 2 days in Brisbane enough?
With so much to see and do in Brisbane, you can definitely plan a 48-hour itinerary or longer stay in the Queensland capital. If you only have two days in Brisbane, stick to the CBD, riverside and cultural highlights, such as South Bank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens, Roma Street Parkland, Queensland Cultural Centre, Howard Smith Wharves and Museum of Brisbane – all located within easy walking distance.
Across three days or a long weekend in Brisbane, you can strike out and explore more of the top suburban attractions, such as Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha and Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium on Brisbane’s westside.
Extending your stay in Brisbane will also allow you to spend a full day on Moreton Island (Mulgumpin ) and North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) to add some beach time and Indigenous cultural experiences to your Brisbane city break.
Flights to Brisbane
Virgin Australia offers direct flights to Brisbane from major Australian cities, including:
