What are the Best Activities in Brisbane?

When visitors come to Brisbane, there’s no shortage of activities and places to explore. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer or prefer the urban life, Brisbane boasts a myriad of attractions to keep you entertained and fulfilled. Even better, these attractions don’t have to break the bank. Here’s our selection of the best activities in Brisbane that won’t leave you out of pocket.

Explore the City’s Beaches

Brisbane is one of Australia’s great cities blessed with beaches that offer more than just white sandy shores. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the beachside and follow the arc of the seaboard into the city. Alternatively, for those who wish to soak up some sun, head to one of the city’s many beaches for a refreshing dip or a postcard-perfect view. Famous beaches include Stretton’s Beach with its range of cafes and eateries and the vibrant neighbourhood beach at West End.

Trek Through City’s Tropical Rainforests

If you’re looking for a day of Jurassic-like fun, head to the D’Aguilar National Park. Within this vast, untamed wilderness spreads a sweeping array of dramatic scenery, with natural panoramas that are every bit as engaging as the city’s man-made attractions. The trek is easy enough for everyone to enjoy and comprises some 140-plus metres of interpretative rainforest trails. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the majestic view from the mountaintop.

Kayak Downriver

The picturesque riverside area around Brisbane is an exciting paddling destination for kayakers who want to experience nature up close. Floating downriver in a kayak is a great way to break free from the city’s hustle and bustle while you enjoy an adventure with friends and family. Kayak Brisbane offers a range of kayaking tours and kayaking hire services through which you can discover hidden gems and gain access to god-forbidden islands, crystal-clear creeks, and rugged scenery.

Explore the Southbank Parkland

Southbank is one of Brisbane’s top attractions for those seeking activities and leisurely pursuits during their stay in the city. Here visitors can take their exploration beyond the city limits, whether it be discovering the secrets of the rainforest or sampling local produce at the weekend markets. Kids will love discovering the children’s activities like swimming in the Streets Beach and exploring dinosaur history at the Geology Museum. Here you’ll also find Australia’s only inner city beach, Streets Beach, as well as kilometres of promenades, gardens, and plenty of other attractions.

Head to some Unique Cultural & Historical Attractions

Brisbane is full of unique cultural and historical attractions that are sure to impress even most resolute connoisseur of culture. Queen Street Mall is one of Brisbane’s main shopping districts and features historical structures, markets, and more than 700 retailers—including many designer outlets—to explore. The Queensland Museum is also a must-see for inquisitive minds, with its diverse array of displays dedicated to science, technology, history and culture. Those wanting to find out more about Australia’s Indigenous past can enjoy interactive interpretative displays at the nearby Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art Indigenous Australian Culture Museum Display.

Dine Out in Local Eating Hotspots

Brisbane has no shortage of quality restaurants where visitors can enjoy a wide variety of different cuisines and foods. For seafood lovers, there’s Myffryn Restaurant, offering fresh seafood dishes made with ingredients that are locally sourced and often caught on the same day. For wine connoisseurs, there is 3Wine Rooms—a restaurant offering more than 120 different wines in addition to locally-inspired dishes such as kangaroo tartare, macadamia chicken livers, and braised pork collar. And let’s not forget Char Char Char – Brisbane’s boutique steakhouse which serves succulent lip-smacking meats cooked to order over an open flame charcoal header.

Tap Into a Mix of Shopping Hotspots

If shopping is your thing then Brisbane is likely to have something that appeals to you. For high-end fashion lovers and designers, look no further than Fortitude Valley – Brisbane’s fashion hub – with its mix of leading international brands and cool independent boutiques (think Martin Margiela, Topshop, etc.). Designer outlets like Edward Street are next door should you want to browse designer labels for a fraction of the cost. Meanwhile for all your city needs take a look at GPO Shopping Centre and/or Wintergarden which offers a mix of fashion retailers from mid-range to high-end, plus food courts and eateries.

Wind Down at Nighttime Spots

Brisbane’s nightlife scene continues to evolve with each passing year, offering visitors everything from a vibrant club scene in Fortitude Valley to haute cuisine strips in Fortitude Valley and Ascot — both accessible via convenient public transport options. If drinks are on the agenda then there are plenty of places that offer handcrafted beer, local spirits and boutique wines—not to mention iconic rooftop bars with unbeatable views over the city skyline. Affordable craft breweries are also found in abundance across the city too with many offering country-style beer gardens filled with picnic tables — perfect for sunny afternoons!

Brisbane Guided Cocktail Bar Hopping Cruise with 2 Drinks

A unique way to experience Brisbane nightlife is through a guided cocktail bar hopping cruise with 2 drinks. This guided tour takes guests aboard an iconic golden paddlewheeler as they drift downriver cruising past iconic riverfront landmarks such as Story Bridge Hotel, South Bank and Kangaroo Point Cliffs while mingling around bustling bars frequented by locals — all while taking in up close views of city life at nightfall in all its entirety. Guests are treated to two complimentary drinks while they observe a unique blend of culture from around the world through live music entertainment or simply enjoy recreations such as trivia or karaoke at night. And let’s not forget about drinks — visitors can enjoy tasty cocktails made up of fresh local ingredients or join friends for karaoke after dark!
Booking can be made from GetYourGuide here.

Brisbane is home to a wealth of attractions and activities that have something to offer everyone regardless of budget or interests. From kayaking downriver to exploring cultural hot spots or winding down at rooftop bars—there’s no shortage of options when it comes getting out and exploring this vibrant city in all its grandeur—so don’t miss out on unique experience like the Brisbane guided cocktail bar hopping cruise with 2 drinks!