Things to do in Brisbane

More about Brisbane

Welcome to Brisbane; there’s sun on the river, bars on the rooftops, and gardens thick with frangipani and fig. Climb the Story Bridge at first light, kayak past office towers at dusk, or chase glow worms in the hinterland after dark. South Bank’s where beach meets city; Mount Coot-tha’s all green trails and wide-open views. Whether you’re weekend-tripping or kicking back longer, Brisbane brings the goods.

Unique Brisbane things you can’t do anywhere else

• Scale the Story Bridge: One of only a handful of bridge climbs in the world. From 80 metres up, it’s urban sprawl, bay sparkle and mountains in the distance. Add in climb crew banter and local lore. It’s a classic for a reason.
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Australia’s oldest koala hangout. Cuddle the sleepy ones, feed kangaroos, and stare down a saltie in the 360° croc dome. It's wildlife, with a Brissie accent.
• Twilight kayak on the Brisbane River: Trade the pavement for paddles. Glide under bridges and past lit-up skyscrapers while the sun clocks off. No experience? No drama - the guides have your back.
• Glow Worm Tour in Tamborine Mountain: It’s rainforest by torchlight, with glow worms doing their bioluminescent thing in caves and by waterfalls. Kind of like fairy lights, but way cooler (and alive).
• Queensland Art Gallery and GOMA: Back-to-back galleries on the river, free to roam. From big-name blockbusters to interactive weirdness, it’s culture with air-con and a view.

Best Brisbane attractions to see

• Brisbane River Cruise: No traffic, no fuss, with a breezy deck, and the city sliding by. Glide past botanic gardens, bridges and riverfront icons with commentary that actually keeps things interesting.
• CityCat ferry ride: Part public transport, part top-tier sightseeing. Hop a CityCat or free CityHopper and cruise from South Bank to New Farm. It’s secret jetties and waterfront chill, without spending a cent.
• XXXX Brewery Tour and Tasting: Queensland beer culture, straight from the source. This tour pours out behind-the-scenes stories, heritage brews, and a fresh-poured tasting flight in the Alehouse.
• Wheel of Brisbane: Hop in a glass pod and rise above South Bank. The city curves out below as the river glints and the skyline shines. It’s 10 minutes of quiet magic, 60 metres up.

Best Brisbane day trips and tours

• Moreton Island Snorkel and Sandboard Day Trip: Jump on a boat and land straight into island life. Snorkel shipwrecks, slide down sand dunes and float in turquoise lagoons. Big day, bigger memories.
• Australia Zoo Transfer (Croc Express): Hit the road to Steve Irwin’s legacy. This easy coach tour bundles return transfers and entry, so all you need to worry about is catching the croc show.
• Springbrook and Tamborine Rainforest Tour: Waterfalls, glow worms, treetop trails. This hinterland escape serves up nature’s best with rainforest air and scenic lookouts to spare.
• Stradbroke Island Day Tour:  Swap city streets for Straddie’s island breeze. Think wild koalas, sea eagles, surf beaches and blowholes, all just a ferry ride away from Brisbane.

Free things to do in Brisbane

• Mount Coot-tha Lookout and Botanic Gardens: Take the scenic route to one of Brisbane’s best lookouts. Explore rainforest boardwalks, chase butterflies in the Japanese Garden, then soak up skyline views.
• South Bank Parklands: Swim at Streets Beach, stretch out on the lawns, or stroll the arbour’s purple blooms. This riverfront strip is peak Brisbane: laid-back and lush.
• Tour the Queensland Museum: Walk with dinosaurs, dive into deep-sea mysteries, and explore Queensland’s quirks. Free entry, big curiosities, and enough to keep all ages entertained for hours.
• Stroll the West End Markets: Here, every Saturday’s a vibe: buskers playing, mangoes piling high, and locals lingering over pastries. It’s free to check it out, but not to leave with a ton of goodies.
• South Bank Cultural Precinct: Art, architecture and a riverside breeze. Hit QAGOMA, catch an outdoor show, or just roam the galleries. It’s culture without the price tag (or the pretence).

Budgeting for things to do in Brisbane

You can do Brissie on a budget, or splash out where it counts. Freebies include museum time, gallery wanders, and riverside swims at South Bank. Got a little to spend? CityCat rides start at just a few dollars, brewery tours from around AU$37, and Wheel of Brisbane spins for AU$19. Want big memories? Shell out AU$100–140 for day trips to Moreton Island or Stradbroke. For a splurge, the Story Bridge Climb (from AU$130) or a helicopter ride (from AU$400 for two) dials up the wow.