One of the coolest cities in Australia, Brisbane is jam-packed with things to do. The Sunshine State has scenic parks, local farmers markets, and some of the best restaurants in the country as well as a vibrant live music, contemporary art and gallery scene.
In a nutshell, you’ll never be stuck for finding things to do in Brisbane. But hey, to make your life even easier, we’ve narrowed it down to the seven absolutely essential activities.
Tick these off your list – at least once.
Best things to do in Brisbane
How do these rankings work?
1. Climb the Story Bridge
For two glorious hours you can take in insanely great views of Brisbane in one of only three bridge climbs in the world with Story Bridge Adventure Climb. It also has the only bridge abseiling experience in the world, so it’s a really unique thing to do in Brisbane.
2. Go for a laneway bar crawl through the city
The only question is, where to begin? Kick things off in Albert Lane with dumpling and sake shots at Harajuku Gyoza or tequila and tacos at Latin American Comuna Cantina.
Then hit up the happy hour at Brew, cocktails at small bar Super Whatnot, hop to whisky house The Gresham, and end the night with a boogie at Brooklyn Standard.
3. Have a feast at local farmers markets
Arrive hungry and nibble your way around the best produce in Queensland, with artisan goods, fresh fruits and veg to snack on.
Our top picks are Saturday’s Davies Park Market, the Jan Powers Powerhouse Markets, and the Brisbane City Markets on Wednesdays in the CBD.
4. Kayak on the Brisbane River at nighttime
Every Friday night Riverlife has a special Paddle & Prawns event in the river water by the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Take a date, paddle out and watch the city skyscrapers sparkle from day to night.
5. Soak up some culture at QAGOMA
It’s the largest modern art gallery in Australia, so it’s pretty much an essential sight to see.
The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art are like yin and yang – two distinct galleries that make a perfect whole. Between them the city showcases world-class art exhibitions that are more often than not free to attend.
6. Whale watch at Moreton Bay
Each winter when 20,000 humpback whales migrate to the warmer waters in north Queensland, Brisbane’s Moreton Bay becomes a whale-watching paradise.
While whales can only be seen from June to November, dolphins, sharks and turtles can be spotted all year round.
7. Go swimming at Wynnum Wading Pool
Built during the 1930s depression period, the Wynnum Wading Pool is a tidal concrete pool that’s a popular spot for a picnic. The large pool fills with seawater at high tide and is an ideal spot for kids to splash around.
Bring along food to cook up on one of the barbecues and then finish the day with ice-cream and fish and chips on the jetty.
