The best things to do in
Brisbane

Brisbane River Cruise

The Brisbane River cuts through the city like a knife, and there are some amazing places visitors can relax near the riverfront. The river makes for a great way to get around town as the CityCats take travelers from point to point along the River. There is nothing better on a gorgeous day than to glide across the waters soaking up the sun.

Riding the CityCats and ferries that travel the river gives tourists a unique look at Brisbane. Holidaymakers can see a variety of sites including mansions, parks and the different business hubs of the city. The river cruises and boats run seven days a week and travelers don’t need to pre-book. Just show up and hop on one of the boats for a delightful experience

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Australia has several animals only found on its shores. From fierce to cuddly, these animals are a must-see for anyone not from Down Under. The koala is one of the most identifiable animals in Australia, and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary gives visitors the chance to see them up close. Located on the Brisbane River, visitors will get the chance to cuddle koalas while visiting the sanctuary. The compact area also has kangaroos, wallabies, and crocodiles. The sanctuary is full of cool events each day. Visitors can experience talks from animal experts, flying demonstrations or animal feedings. There is even a River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary package to purchase.

Australia Zoo

The Australia Zoo is just a 60-minute drive from downtown Brisbane. Owned by the family of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, the zoo is home to a wide range of animals from all over the world. Visitors can get up close to many of Australia’s magnificent creatures and find out more about them.

The zoo has a variety of programs kids and parents can enjoy. Ever fancied being a zookeeper? The Australia Zoo offers the Zookeeper for a Day program, and kids can get a crash course in how to take care of the animals. It is a fun and educational adventure.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Story Bridge is one of Brisbane’s favorite landmarks. It is a must-see site that looks down over the Brisbane River. The steel bridge offers adventurers a three-hour hike across it. The climb will take tourists 80 meters over the Brisbane River and provides breathtaking views of the area. However, this is certainly not one for visitors who have acrophobia. If you prefer to have your feet firmly on the ground, feel free to admire the bridge from multiple locations across the city.

Roma Street Parkland

Stretching across 40 acres, less than two miles from Story Bridge, Roma Street Parkland is a wonderful way to get away from busy city life. The large park is divided into five parts named the Celebration Precinct, the Lake Precinct, Spectacle Garden, the Forest and Fern Gully, and the Upper Parkland. Guided tours of the gardens are available for visitors interested in getting the most out of their visit. However, there’s certainly nothing wrong with you wandering around and exploring the marvelous green space at your own pace.

You can also take advantage of the barbeque and picnic spots with incredible views of the calming plants around the park. If you’re traveling with children, the Upper Parkland is the best part to visit as it has an amphitheater and a playground. It is also the location of the Harry Oakman Pavilion, which has a wonderful combination of natural beauty and elegance. Its impressive views of the city’s skyline and the rest of the park have made it a popular event venue among the residents of Brisbane.

Spectacle Garden is also a great part of the park to explore, as it has colorful tropical foliage and beautiful flowers. Before you leave, be sure to catch a glimpse of the soothing fountain in the middle of the park.

South Bank

South Bank was the site of the 1988 World Expo. Visitors to the area will find one of the best green spaces in Brisbane here. The entire South Bank area contains parks, restaurants, and cafes that attract people throughout the day. There is also a lagoon built for visitors to swim in on hot days. Visitors can also take advantage of the walking and cycling trails to stay fit.

South Bank is home to the Wheel of Brisbane. The Ferris wheel takes visitors 60 meters into the sky treating them to splendid views of the city from the Wheel of Brisbane’s apex. The best time to ride is at night as lights illuminate the Australian city and reveal how delightful the aerial view can be.

Moreton Island

Spend the day away from the hustle and bustle of the city and head out to sea to Moreton Island. The picturesque isle off the coast of Brisbane is 95% national park with perfect beaches for surfing and snorkeling. Immerse yourself in the island's wildlife, including friendly dolphins and the marine life living in the deliberately-sunken Tangalooma shipwrecks.

Pterodactyl Helicopter Tours

Experience the Australian coast from the skies with a helicopter tour. Partnered with plenty of companies in the area, your pilot can give you some of the best recommendations in the region. However, if somewhere specific has caught your eye, you can do that too — simply ask! Combine your skyward travel with a wine tour for maximum jealousy-inducing social media photos.

Wineries in Scenic Rim

As the name implies, the rich countryside on the outskirts of Brisbane is home to some of the most famous wineries in the country. It isn't all about the wine either, as Scenic Rim is also home to several micro-breweries if beer or spirits are more your style. You won't miss out if you aren't drinking either, with the growing kombucha production in the region. Pick a favorite winery or do a tasting tour of several to maximize your day in south Brisbane.

Rally/V8 “supercar” Driving

Car enthusiasts needing a break from the cuddly animals and sightseeing will love the rally driving experiences offered by different vendors. Tourists can get behind the wheel of a rally car while a navigator sits next to them. Drivers will then take their rally car around a pro-grade circuit kicking up dust as they fly over the terrain.

For those who prefer a race track, there is a variety of V8 “supercar” driving experiences available. The V8 experience gives visitors a chance to suit up and drive one of the cars used in the V8 racing series that is very popular throughout Australia. These driving experiences are available from Adrenaline often at a discounted price when compared to direct purchase from the vendors. The company also offers a variety of other experiences including skydiving and jet boat adventures.