What is there to Do in Brisbane?

Understanding what there is to do in a major city like Brisbane, Australia can often feel overwhelming. Brisbane is well-known for its vibrant cultural and entertainment scene, with attractions to suit any traveller’s needs. From nature walks and water sports to wildlife encounters and food-lovers’ dream destinations, you can easily fill your days in Brisbane with exciting activities. Whether you’re planning a trip to Brisbane for the first time, or are just looking for some new ideas for what to do in the Brisbane area, this guide will help you work out what there is to do in Brisbane so you can make the most of your stay.

Nature Activities

Brisbane is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Australia. From lush rainforests to expansive beaches, visitors to Brisbane can enjoy an amazing range of outdoor activities. Within the city, you can explore the beautiful botanic gardens, which showcase a range of plants and flowers from around the world. For those looking for more of an adventure, there are plenty of hiking opportunities in and around Brisbane. Popular nearby trails include the Great South Walk and Brisbane Valley Trails.

If you prefer more water-based activities, there are plenty of waterways surrounding the Brisbane area that are ideal for kayaking, fishing, swimming and other recreational activities. Exploring nearby islands is also a great choice, with Tangalooma Resort offering beachfront accommodation and a range of activities such as boat rides, guided tours, 4WD tours and self-guided cultural trails. For those wanting to get closer to nature without leaving the city, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is home to dozens of koalas and other native wildlife.

Cultural Experiences

From art galleries and museums to music festivals and theatre performances, Brisbane offers visitors a wide range of cultural experiences. The Queensland Art Gallery and Museum of Brisbane are two popular destinations for art lovers, while the State Library Queensland is a great place to discover more about the city’s history. For nightlife entertainment, George Street is known as Brisbane’s official entertainment precinct and offers a range of bars, clubs and restaurants.

Festivals are also popular in Brisbane with many taking place throughout the year. Highlights include the annual Jazz Festival, Brisbane Festival, Thai Festival, Greek Festival and the Australian International Music Festival. Theatre performances can also be found at venues such as La Boite Theatre Company, Queensland Ballet and Queensland Theatre Company. Music lovers should check out venues like The Triffid, Oh Hello! And The Zoo for live music performances.

Food and Dining

When it comes to food and dining, Brisbane’s food scene is constantly evolving. From farmers markets selling local produce to world-class restaurants serving up amazing dishes, there’s something for everyone in Brisbane’s restaurants, bars and cafes. Popular eateries include European-style fine-eating establishments such as Quay Restaurant, French bistro Arc Dining, Italian restaurants Grappa and Farro Ristorante Italiano as well as seafood hotspots like Blackbird Bar & Grill.

If you’re looking for something more casual, you can’t go wrong with the city’s amazing laneway eateries that offer up endless options for dining al fresco. This includes tacos at Wicked Grocer & Taco Bar as well as dumplings at Bun Boyz in Fortitude Valley. Or for some of Australia’s finest vegan-friendly cuisine head over to Suburban Social in West End or Earthbound Beer Hall in Newstead.

Shopping

From the Queen Street Mall to various arcades and high-end shopping centres, Brisbane offers plenty of opportunities for retail therapy. For those wanting to get their hands on some unique pieces, King George Square markets are a great place to find handmade jewellery and other small goods. Alternatively, if you’re looking for some vintage goods or antiques then Brunswick Street markets are worth a visit. For those wanting to do some serious shopping, Queen Street Mall has everything from mainstream stores to small boutique shops while Emporium offers high-end fashion pieces.

Experience Something Different

Experience something truly unique in Brisbane with a Helicopter Pub Crawl Half Day Pub Tour – a two hour experience that takes guests over some of the city’s most iconic landmarks including the Story Bridge, Southbank Parklands and Mt Cootha. Not only will riders get an incredible view from their bird’s eye vantage point, but they’ll also get to sample beers from some of Brisbane’s top craft brewers as they travel between two pubs – making this an experience you won’t get anywhere else! Why not book the Brisbane Helicopter Pub Crawl Half Day Pub Tour today?

Final Thoughts

There’s no shortage of things to do when it comes to exploring Brisbane! Whether you’re looking for nature activities or cultural experiences, shopping opportunities or something different – this guide has provided some suggestions for what you can do when visiting Brisbane so you can make the most of your stay.