Top Things to do in Brisbane

Brisbane, the sun-soaked and elegant riverside capital of Queensland offers a delightful mix of urban culture, art and adventure.

All set for an eventful holiday in Brisbane? Here’s a glimpse of the things you can’t give a miss while there.

1. Climb the Story Bridge

Brisbane's must do experience, Story Bridge Adventure Climb! - a truly unique and memorable adventure for all levels of fitness and age (minimum 10 years old).The Story Bridge Climb is a soft adventure experience with a difference and the most spectacular way to discover Brisbane. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll be exhilarated by a once in a lifetime experience that offers you the most breath-taking panorama of Brisbane and its surrounding natural beauty. The two-hour experience includes a unique journey up over the bridge's superstructure to the 80-metre summit which provides magnificent uninterrupted 360-degree views of Brisbane City, the river, mountain ranges and islands. One of only three such experiences in the world, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb also provides fascinating commentary from an experienced climb leader about the history and heritage of both the bridge and city surrounding them.

2. Visit South Bank

South Bank is Brisbane’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination. Located on the southern banks of the Brisbane River, its 17 hectares of lush parklands, world-class eateries, stunning river views and hundreds of delightful events all year round make it the perfect place to relax and unwind.

The precinct plays host to Brisbane's thriving cultural heart, which now has a solid reputation for securing large-scale musicals and international art exhibitions. It includes Australia's largest Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Theatre Company, Queensland Museum, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and State Library of Queensland, an impressive combination that connects us to our history and culture.

South Bank also has a more playful side and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike who come to the parklands to bask in the glorious Queensland sunshine, swim in the man-made Streets Beach or relax at the cafes, parks and boardwalks.

Spanning the length of the river are Little Stanley and Grey Streets, offering a myriad of restaurants, hotels and bars and the 60-metre-high Brisbane Wheel offering panoramic views of the Brisbane River, city and mountains. The precinct is also home to regular markets (The Collective Markets), a community garden (Epicurious Garden), a high-end riverside dining precinct (River Quay) plus a number of green spaces, picnic areas (with barbecue facilities) and children's playgrounds.

3. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first and largest koala sanctuary, with over 90 years of experience and 130 koalas. In both 2015 and 2018, Lone Pine was inducted into the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame, for consistent 'excellent' guest reviews. In 2018, the sanctuary opened the 'Brisbane Koala Science Institute'; a world-class koala research facility opened in partnership with the Brisbane City Council.

Interact with 100 species of Australian animals, with hands-on experiences and presentations. Hand-feed kangaroos and wild lorikeets, or hold a koala. Lone Pine is also home to two platypus, residing in an AUD1 million exhibit, who will entertain you with their playful antics.

Unwind with a coffee in the 'Koala Forest', surrounded by 30 koalas, or catch the action in the Free Flight Raptor Show. You can also enjoy an Australian outback farm experience at the daily Sheepdog Show, performed by experienced and award-winning sheepdog handlers and their loyal dogs.

4. Explore Brisbane’s Laneways

Over the past decade, the River City’s network of laneways has transformed from the pits of industrial hell to mini high streets, like the Eliza Doolittle’s of modern architecture. To discover what’s happening on the roads less travelled, pack your appetite and your walking shoes to discover our favourite Brisbane laneways.

Burnett Lane:

Brissie’s oldest and most well-known laneway, Burnett Lane, has you covered from your first espresso of the day to your last espresso martini. In fact, once you’re in Burnett Lane there’s really no need to leave when you’ve got Felix cooking up breakfast, Brew taking care of lunch and Survey Co. doing the rest. Of course, it’s more than just Brissie’s best bites that make Burnett Lane significant – the lane was the main player in Brisbane’s early history. A $2.5m makeover breathed new life (and street art) into the forgotten real-estate between George and Albert Streets – and Burnett Lane was reborn again.

Fish Lane:

It’s home to some of Brisbane’s best bites and all within stumbling distance of QPAC, making it the laneway of choice for pre-show antics. You’ll find favourites like Julius Pizzeria, Fish Lane Bistro, and Hello Please in the Fish Lane precinct. Discerning drinkers should make tracks to the watering-hole-in-the-wall, Maker. This cocktail bar knows its stuff. They are so good at their craft that they make ordering a classic margarita seem like a drink for the uninitiated.

Winn Lane:

There’s definitely a correlation between time spent in Winn Lane and improvements to your street credibility. We think its cool factor has got to do with the fact Winn Lane is a laneway off a laneway, which almost intensifies its appeal in the same way a double shot of coffee does to your morning heart-starter. Don’t expect to find mainstream stores here, it’s all about boutiques like Sunday Social and food dished up by Ben’s Burgers. These pocket-sized stores are often on rotation as savvy store owners host pop-ups in the laneway rather than take on a full lease. The best way to stay tuned with what’s on in the lane is via their Facebook.

5. Brisbane Greeters Tour

One of the best ways to get to know Brisbane is through the eyes of a local. Our friendly Greeters are proud and passionate volunteers who are keen to share Brisbane’s stories, show you some great spots and introduce you to our vibrant city. Whether you’re visiting or calling Brisbane your new home, we’re looking forward to meeting you. We have more than 100 Greeters who can help you find your way in more than 20 different languages. Brisbane Greeters is an ambassador service that is offered to you on a complimentary basis so that you are able to go behind the scenes of our city to really connect with Brisbane.

Book A Tour Here

6. Dining & Nightlife

Food Markets - Brisbane’s year-round outdoor climate and abundance of fresh produce mean you can often eat alfresco-style, with food that uses delicious locally sourced ingredients. Check out the Eat Street Northshore open from 4-10pm on Friday and Saturday nights and 12-8pm on Sundays, from American-style burgers to Vietnamese bao buns, every corner of the globe is covered transporting your taste buds from salty snack through to sugar-coma. Stroll through the elaborately decorated laneways to sample different cuisines from over 70 stalls, without leaving the banks of the Brisbane River. Check out the Main Deck which features bands from 5pm while fire twirlers and magicians bring a touch of magic to the 7 Open Sky Theatre.

There’s a reason that one of the world’s coolest hotel chains, the W Hotel, picked Brisbane to be it’s only Aussie home. Brisbane is the perfect backdrop to this larger than life rooftop-slash-pool-area that is surely home to the highest density of Instagram posts per meter in Brisbane. The wet deck itself actually wraps around to pretty much 360 views of Brisbane from the W’s prime position on the north quay. The cocktail list here also calls on plenty of inspiration from Brisbane, with pineapples, magpies and more iconic Brisbane moments getting a nod in the cocktail list. If a hefty dose of vitamin D, a cocktail in hand and 180-degree stellar views of the Brisbane skyline sound ideal right about now, you should probably hot foot it to Fortitude Valley hot spot, Eleven Rooftop Bar…like, now. Think decadent details like sandstone walls, Mediterranean cabanas, glossy wooden features and seamless glass details and you’re halfway there. Just don’t forget to add in the share plates boasting confit duck leg, Mooloolaba prawns and gin and tonic oysters. It feels fitting that Australia’s tropical capital is home to a swim-up bar in the heart of its CBD, really. The aptly named Nautilus is the crown in the 300-square-metre rooftop at the Westin Brisbane. While this spot isn’t open to the public, it’s well worth booking a stay-cay or using the swim up bar as the key decider in choosing your Brisbane accommodation. Either way, you can’t do Brisbane without ticking this one off your list. The Howard Smith Wharves are nestled between Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge and the New Farm cliffs, with a 180-degree vista of the city skyline and river. A steady stream of restaurants, bars and event spaces have opened over the past month in the lead-up to Christmas, making it one of the hottest places to be this summer. Several more eateries and Art Series Hotels’ flagship 164-room, five-star hotel – dedicated to four-time Archibald People’s Choice Award winner, Vincent Fantauzzo – will follow suit in the first quarter of 2019.

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