Ten things you absolutely want to do in Brisbane
Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, shop or go out!
It is Australia's third-largest city and the capital of the state of Queensland. Brisbane is buzzing. From cosy bars to delicious restaurants and from a super chill city beach to active water sports, you'll never be bored in Brisbane! Whether you're there for a weekend as a stopover or studying for a year: these ten things you really want to see and do in Brisbane!
When indulging in the vibrant and captivating experiences that Brisbane has to offer, why not complement your journey with the lavish comfort of a 5-star hotel? Queensland boasts a selection of exquisite 5-star accommodations that elevate your stay to a realm of luxury and opulence. Whether it's unwinding by a rooftop pool with panoramic city views, savoring world-class cuisine, or relishing in rejuvenating spa treatments, 5 star hotels in Queensland ensure that every moment of your trip is imbued with a sense of grandeur and sophistication.
If you are seeking a more homely ambiance but with all the amenities of a luxury hotel, you may want to consider the vacation homes in Brisbane. These homes offer an immersive experience of the city's living lifestyle while ensuring your comfort is catered for as well.
1. South Bank
Brisbane consists of many fun and cosy neighbourhoods but South Bank is without a doubt the most fun place to spend your weekend or day off. Located opposite the city centre on the Brisbane River, South Bank has a perfect location with great views over the river and the city. South Bank is home to many delicious restaurants, such as the Spanish restaurant Olé, but the lawn next to the river is also ideal for a picnic or a typical Australian barbecue at one of the many bbqs you can use for free.
For dessert, head to Max Brenner or San Churros and for drinks, The Plough Inn is a must with live music every Friday night. There is also a market every weekend and, of course, you can take a dip at the famous beach The Lagoon located by the river.
2. Get active in Brisbane's river
The Brisbane River that winds straight through the city is one of its most famous features. The river not only makes for very pretty pictures, but is also the place to be if you want to get active in Brisbane. You can, for instance, kayak there or try your skills with an hour of stand-up paddling. It's a great way to see the city from a whole new perspective!
3. Take the ferry - for free!
If water sports aren't your thing but you do want to admire Brisbane from the water, you can take one of the ferries. This is also one of the things you can do for free in Brisbane! The red ferries are used by many locals to get from A to B, for example from South Bank to the CBD. You can get on at several places and if you're in Brisbane for the first time, it's fun to sit out the whole ride to enjoy a free boat ride for about an hour. Especially recommended around sunset so you can see the impressive skyline at its best.
4. Comedy at the Power House
Australia is a beautiful country, but unfortunately life 'Down Under' is also pretty pricey. Luckily, besides the ferry, there are other things you can do for free in Brisbane. At the Power House in the West Farm area - near the city centre - there is free stand-up comedy every Friday night from six to seven. Different comedians perform every week but it's always fun. After the show, you can also check out one of the changing exhibitions in the building or have a drink on the rooftop terrace. If you still feel like having a bite to eat somewhere afterwards, there are plenty of cosy, small restaurants to choose from in the neighbourhood.
5. Climb the Story Bridge
The Story Bridge is the most famous bridge spanning the Brisbane River and a must-see when in the city. You can of course just drive across the bridge but for the adventurous traveller, there is a more exciting way to see the bridge and the city. Namely, you can climb the bridge with a guide and see the city from a height of eighty metres while standing on the highest point of the bridge!
Overnight stay tip
For a truly memorable and comfortable stay while exploring the top ten must-do activities in Brisbane, consider the inviting retreat of Mount Gravatt Guesthouse. Nestled in the heart of Brisbane, this charming guesthouse offers a peaceful haven where you can recharge after a day of exciting adventures. With its cozy rooms, warm hospitality, and convenient location, Mount Gravatt Guesthouse Brisbane provides a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. Whether you're embarking on a cultural journey through the city's iconic landmarks or indulging in its vibrant culinary scene, returning to the tranquility of this guesthouse is a delightful way to round off your Brisbane experience.
6. Boundary Markets in the West End
Culinary delights in Brisbane? Check! One of the best places to grab a bite to eat on weekends is the market in the West End district, about a ten-minute walk from the centrally located Cultural Centre. Every Friday and Saturday night, a market is held here, offering plenty of world cuisines. Whether you fancy Spanish paella, Indian curry, Mexican burritos or traditional Dutch poffertjes; you'll find it all here. Inside the hall, there are often live performances and you will also find many cosy cafés in the surrounding area for another drink.
7. View from Mount Coo-tha
For the best view of the city, you need to be on Mount Coo-tha. This mountain is the highest in the area and very easily accessible by car or bus. If you have a (rental) car, you can drive up to the top and park there. If you don't have access to your own car, the bus is a great alternative. Just note that the bus only runs once every hour and not after five in the afternoon. On Mount Coo-tha, you will find a café and restaurant where you can enjoy a snack and a drink with spectacular views of the city and its surroundings. Besides the view of the Brisbane skyline, you can also see the coast and the islands of Stradbroke and Moreton from the vantage point. Just as fun - but a bit cheaper - as dining at the restaurant is to bring your own lunch or picnic and enjoy a lazy afternoon on the lawn in the sun.
8. Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens can be found next to the Central Business District (CBD), making it the ideal place to rest after an afternoon of shopping in the city. The park is quite large, making it very suitable for runners, cyclists or other athletes. Through the CityCycle system, you can rent bikes throughout the city very easily and cheaply. CityCycle has 150 stations across the city so there is always one nearby to rent or return a bike. A perfect way to do a lot of sightseeing in Brisbane in a short time!
9. Nightlife in Brisbane
There is something for everyone to do in Brisbane until the early hours. If you fancy a quiet evening and just want to have a few beers somewhere, the West End and South Bank areas are recommended. For a night of dancing, head to Fortitude Valley, often called The Valley for short. The Valley is the nightlife district with lots of clubs. The best bars and clubs can be found if you walk a bit further from the strip, where it is busiest. A few blocks away, Alfred and Constance, a cosy bar with several floors, hosts theme parties every weekend. Planning your trip requires choosing the right place to stay to maximize your enjoyment. Check out the Top Hotels in Brisbane at tophotels.com to find the luxury accommodation that suits you best and keeps you close to all the nightlife fun.
10. Rooftop Cinema
Watching a movie in a regular cinema is fun, but the best place to do it in Brisbane is on the rooftop terrace of the Lime Bar in Fortitude Valley. Every Wednesday and Thursday night, the rooftop cinema is open and shows a different film - sometimes fairly new movies, sometimes classics. Order a drink and pizza, and if you want, you can even enjoy the film from a hot tub!
