Brisbane boasts a booming cultural scene, offering world-renowned art and science exhibitions, an established underground music scene and a booming cafe culture the locals are proud to share.
Natural wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes are just a stone's throw away and attractions that reconnect you with nature can be found at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Stradbroke Island.
This guide will provide you with the top things to do in Brisbane based on season, annual events and local favourites.
Top attractions in Brisbane
1. Visit the wildlife
Animal lovers will be happy to know that Brisbane is filled with a wide range of animals and there are plenty of place where you can go to visit them up close. During your visit to the Sunshine State, learn about Australian species and hold a koala, right in the heart of the city.
Pocket-friendly option:
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Entry from RedBalloon
Enjoy entry to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary with the option to feed kangaroos and wild lorikeets.
Get a spectacular birds eye view of Brisbane's skyline with the Story Bridge Climb. Climbers will be led up an 80-metre ascend and have full access to 360-degree views of iconic Brisbane attractions including the Glass House Mountains, world-heritage listed Lamington National Park and Moreton Bay Islands.
Pocket-friendly option:
Story Bridge Climb from finder.com.au
See 360-degree panoramic views of Brisbane city with the Story Bridge Climb. You'll receive a group photograph to remember the experience.
For the perfect combination of seeing the sun set and watching the city come to life with lights, the Twilight Climb offers spectacular views from above. You'll also get a group photograph that can be picked up before you leave.
View Brisbane from new heights with a rock climbing adventure. If you're looking for a way to get outdoors and stay active, Rock climbing is the perfect way to test yourself mentally and physically, but there's no doubt you'll feel accomplished when you reach the ground. Rest assured that an experienced instructor will guide you from start to finish.
Jump on board and cruise down Brisbane River while taking in views of the Southbank precinct, City Botanic Gardens, Story Bridge and Queensland Maritime Museum.
Pocket-friendly option:
City Lights Dinner Cruise from finder.com.au
Spend a night on board a Brisbane River dinner cruise that includes a seasonal contemporary buffet, a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and a dance floor.
Brisbane River Dinner Cruise with VIP Romance Package from RedBalloon
This Brisbane River dinner cruise for two will put you in the good books with your other half. Expect nothing less than the best with a seafood platter on arrival, a bottle of Moet and Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne, unlimited beverages and a buffet dinner with window seating.
Stroll the streets of Brisbane while you listen to your guide tell haunted tales about former Brisbane residents, arcade ghosts and a haunted church.
Pocket-friendly option:
Haunted Brisbane Ghost Walking Tour from RedBalloon
Discover the city in a new way with a ghost tour through the heart of Brisbane. You will hear ghost stories and visit haunted buildings during this 90-minute walking tour.
6. Let out your creativity with a night photography class
Take eye-catching images at night by learning the basics of composing night portraits, exposing for mood, capturing moving light with shutter and taking photos in low light.
Pocket-friendly option:
Night Photography Workshop from RedBalloon
Join this two-hour photography workshop and learn techniques for shooting after dark, including how to capture moving lights and how to take pictures in low-light settings.
Nightscapes Masterclass with Luke! Photography from finder.com.au
This workshop is suited for those who have confidence in shooting at night but want to advance their technique and skills. During the three-hour session, you will gain a better understanding for balancing your image, how to compose and frame your image, identifying the key focus in your landscape and perfecting low-light shots.
7. Breathe in the fresh air with outdoor adventures
You won't be short on choice for adventure parks and and outdoor obstacle courses in Brisbane. Undertake courses which include aerial challenges with ziplines that suspend above animal encounters or sightsee your way around the city on a segway.
Pocket-friendly option:
Flying Fox High Ropes Adventure Park from Adrenaline
Get ready for the ultimate aerial adventure with more than 80 aerial challenges across five courses.
Although Brisbane is notorious for its great weather and outdoor activities, if you're looking for something different to do, there's a long list of indoor activities that can occupy your time. Whether it's a solo indoor skydiving experience where you'll learn to do perfect twists and intricate moves, or a high intensity group escape room experience with challenges to solve, going indoors does not limit the fun.
Pocket-friendly option:
Escape Room Experience For Groups of 2 from Adrenaline
Compete with your friends and family to solve crimes in sixth themed escape rooms in the heart of Brisbane.
Head out to the sea to explore a different side of Brisbane. Spend a day off shore discovering the scenery and wildlife from the ocean. Spot dolphins and whales amongst other marine species, and if you're really game, you can even swim with humpback whales.
Pocket-friendly option:
Swim with Whales from Adrenaline
This whale watching and swimming trip is something that you don't want to miss while in the Sunshine State. This four-hour trip provides guests with a wet suit and snorkeling equipment before heading out on the water. Spot whales along the way before stopping to swim with the friendly mammals.
Join this four-hour whale watching adventure with return transfers to Brisbane CBD. You will receive priority boarding, a complimentary beverage and priority serving at a gourmet buffet lunch onboard with the VIP package.
Whether a scenic helicopter ride or an unforgettable skydiving experience is more your style, you'll be happy to know there are a copious amount of options available to you in Brisbane.
Budget-friendly option:
Helicopter Scenic Flight from Adrenaline
Get a birds eye view of Brisbane from the window seat of this thrilling scenic helicopter flight.
11. Experience the unknown with a driving experience with a twist
Head off on an adventure with an unique driving experience around the city while seeing the most popular attractions along the way. If driving a Harley Davidson around the city doesn't scream adventure to you, turn it up a notch by driving around a circuit in a Ferrari before taking a helicopter flight overlooking Brisbane.
Pocket-friendly option:
Rally Driving Brisbane from Adrenaline
Take 16 laps in two different cars around a rally driving dirt circuit, with a professional rally driver by your side throughout the experience.
Ferrari Drive and Helicopter Lesson Thrill Combo from RedBalloon
If you like speed and heights, this one is for you. Take a Ferrari F430 Spider out for a spin and fly high with a flying lesson in a helicopter over Brisbane.
12. Build your skills with a kayaking and paddle boarding session
If you don't mind taking a dip in the ocean, look no further than a fun day out in Brisbane's waters. Test your balancing skills and get a fun workout in with a paddle boarding sessions or stroll up Brisbane River in an illuminated kayak, before returning back to shore and enjoying dinner with a deck setting by the river.
Pocket-friendly option:
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Rental from RedBalloon
Test your balancing skills with an hour of stand-up paddle boarding in Moreton Bay.
Saturday Night Kayak Tour and BBQ Dinner from RedBalloon
See Brisbane from a new perspective with an illuminated kayak tour on Brisbane River. You will be accompanied by a qualified instructor, and when you return to shore, you will be met with a barbecue dinner with chilled beers on a deck setting with views of the river.
Feeling inspired? Book your flights to Brisbane here:
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Courtney Edwards was associate travel publisher at Finder. She has a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Journalism and sub-majoring in English from Western Sydney University and a Certificate II in Tourism. She discovered her love for travel while completing a semester abroad in England and travelling around Europe. Outside of work, you’ll find Courtney visiting new brunch spots and planning her next adventure.
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