The best things to do in Brisbane span adventure and unwinding

Brimming with vibrant cultural initiatives and world-class entertainment, there’s no shortage of memorable things to do in Brisbane.

Australia’s next Olympic city is ready for its moment. So far evolved from the Brisbane I recall even just five years ago, it’s filled with some of the country’s most daring culinary and creative talents who converge to soak up all-year-round warm weather and open-air expanses. From an inspiring museum and gallery scene to deeply engaging cultural initiatives, incredible things to do in Brisbane lie around most corners. Here are my picks for every holidaying style.

In short

If you only do one thing in Brisbane, make it a visit to the dual-pronged QAGOMA. You’ll marvel in hypnotic contemporary works at the Gallery of Modern Art before hopping over to the world’s most acclaimed masterpieces at the Queensland Art Gallery.

Iconic Landmarks and Attractions

Tackle the Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Story Bridge Adventure Climb, Brisbane — The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is the best way to see Brisbane. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Finally, Brisbane gets its own bridge climb to rival Sydney (I’m competitive, I won’t lie). The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is particularly impressive, however, as it offers a world-first wheelchair accessible path across the Brisbane River via a motorised stair climber. How excellent is that? Choose from a dawn, day, twilight or night climb for entirely breathtaking perspectives spanning all the way from the Glass House Mountains to the Scenic Rim.

Wander aimlessly through South Bank

Streets Beach from above — The man-made Streets Beach is just one of the many highlights of the park. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The ever-impressive South Bank is a must-do destination due to its proximity to, well, everything. I also love it for just great people watching and riverside strolling, as do the steady stream of joggers who whip around me. My kids are past the toddler phase and still love dipping into the man-made Streets Beach (the Sunshine State’s only inner-city beach), before they run amok in parts of South Bank’s 17 hectares of parklands. My favourite activity? Feasting in style at one of the exceptional eateries. Bustling bars and easy access to the city’s best museums are also part of this entertainment precinct’s unwavering appeal.

Take a spin on board the Wheel of Brisbane

a woman walking along the Wheel of Brisbane — The Wheel of Brisbane offers 360-degree city views. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Every major city demands its own Ferris wheel in the middle of town and Brisbane’s answer is the Wheel of Brisbane: a landmark attraction at South Bank that sends passengers 60 metres above ground level. I can attest that the carriages are air-conditioned (thank goodness), while also spacious and prone to throwing views across the full length of the Brisbane River. It’s one of my favourite things to do in any major city, really.

Flex your plastics at Queen Street Mall

When I need an easy retail fix, Queen Street Mall offers more than 700 shops to help scratch the itch. Once you’ve checked out its high-end designer stores, duck into big-name retailers like Zara and Mecca Cosmetica for far more affordable browsing. Don’t miss the historic Brisbane Arcade for a culture dose, too, and Adelaide Street for smaller boutiques and vintage stores.

Get about town with Urban Tours Brisbane

Keen to see it all but not so inclined to notch up steps? Urban Tours Brisbane launched a Brisbane Sightseeing Tour in 2025 aboard a mini bus, and it’s a fabulous four-hour zip around all the best bits of the city. Picking you up from your hotel, a local guide unearths all the best selfie spots including Mount Coot-tha’s panoramic vantage point and Kangaroo Point’s cliffs overlooking the skyline. They even throw in morning tea and a small souvenir.

Museums and Art Galleries

Get lost exploring Queensland Museum Kurilpa

I love Queensland Museum Kurilpa as much as my kids do. Home to a revolving door of exhibitions and events that strive to educate visitors about this glorious sun-drenched state, this unmissable thing to do in Brisbane shines a light on a diverse history and First Nations origins. Plus, there’s a focus on the city’s natural and not-so-natural surroundings, immersively illustrating how daily life has evolved over the centuries. Don’t miss the dinosaur fossils – they bring out the awe-struck kid in everyone.

Get your creative juices flowing at QAGOMA

art installations in QAGOMA, Brisbane — Explore diverse art installations in QAGOMA. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Elegantly designed with utterly absorbing collections and exhibitions, the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) are my forever go-tos if I’m on my own. Split into two separate buildings, the former is Brutalist from the outside but entirely grand (particularly the main foyer) inside as global names and First Nations artists showcase true treasures. Just a few steps away, the latter reminds me of New York City’s MONA, layered in thought-provoking exhibitions and envelope pushing installations. I also love the Gallery of Modern Art’s gift shop located just out the front of the building for lavish coffee table books and kids’ spoils.

Uncover a hidden gem at Woolloongabba Art Gallery

artworks on display at Woolloongabba Art Gallery, Brisbane — This independent creative hub showcases contemporary art. (Image: Woolloongabba Art Gallery)

Venture beyond the inner-city’s cultural heartland to explore the Woolloongabba Art Gallery. An independent art space dedicated to showcasing local contemporary art and pieces from its surrounds, there are three exhibition halls to stickybeak. The exhibitions themselves rotate but there’s always a dedicated focus on the work of First Nations people, tracing Brisbane’s fascinating Indigenous roots.

Outdoor activities and parks

Jump on board the CityCat

a woman cruising the Brisbane River aboard a CityCat — Cruise the Brisbane River aboard a CityCat. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Can’t get enough of that fuss-free tour guide life? I feel you, particularly on a humid day. I recommend cruising the long brown snake (otherwise known as the Brisbane River) aboard a CityCat (or KittyCat, the smaller variety). The ferry service drops regularly into key city locations daily so you can stay for the scenery or jump off at the likes of South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves and Kangaroo Point all in one day.

Chill out at Sunday Social on the Green

Head to South Bank’s River Quay Green, at Clem Jones Promenade, every Sunday afternoon to soak up relaxed vibes with water views at Sunday Social on the Green. Lawn games and music performances set a dreamy scene so pack a picnic blanket and bring your own eats to make the most of it. The best news? Entry is free.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Discover soaring views with Riverlife Brisbane’s rock climbing

Riverlife instructor helping a lady to abseil down the Kangaroo Point Cliffs — Abseil down the Kangaroo Point Cliffs with Riverlife Brisbane. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Fancy a challenge? Sign up for Riverlife Brisbane’s Day Rock Climb Adventure to score spectacular views of the city. You’ll spend two hours climbing the Kangaroo Point Cliffs before safely abseiling back down again. Climbs are conducted by qualified and experienced instructors so there’s no need for climbing experience to get amongst one of the best things to do in Brisbane.

Drift along with Riverlife Brisbane’s twilight kayaking

a woman kayaking on the Brisbane River — Paddle down the picturesque Brisbane River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

While we’re singing the praises of Riverlife, book your next date night on board one of their Twilight Kayak Tours. Cutting through the luminous reflections of the city while gliding over calm waters, the 90-minute kayak cruise explores the Brisbane River and its looming bridges.

Nail leg day at Mt Coot-tha Reserve’s Summit Track

One of Brisbane’s best hiking trails is Mt Coot-tha Reserve’s Summit Track, known for its beautiful bush scenery and epic lookout. Providing an approximate 5-kilometre walking route from JC Slaughter Falls to Mt Coot-tha Lookout, the trail offers spectacular views of the city as well as The Summit Restaurant, relaunched in May 2025, for delicious post-hike rewards.

Shopping and markets

Pick up treats at Jan Powers Farmers Markets

Pick fresh flowers at Jan Powers Farmers Markets. (Image: Rick Gates)

Craving fresh food? Head to the Brisbane Powerhouse every Saturday morning between 6am and noon for the ever-popular Jan Powers Farmers Markets. Featuring over 120 food stalls with everything from fresh juices and seafood to flowers and pastries, there’s something for every taste bud (and budget). If you’re journeying through Brisbane’s Manly or Mitchelton, the team organise markets there, too. Check out the website for up-to-date scheduling.

Style up along Fortitude Valley’s James Street

Showcasing some of the trendiest Australian-bred fashion, homewares and accessories labels, this portion of business-like Fortitude Valley is a shopaholic’s dream. Even without a debt-free credit card, I love wandering James Street’s leafy, beautifully manicured streetscape to comb the racks at Zimmermann, Aje, Camilla & Marc and more nestled between sophisticated eateries and cafes.

Fall in love with Japandi at the Brisbane Genki Market

people going inside Brisbane Genki Market — Find all things Japanese at the Brisbane Genki Market.

If you’re a sucker for zen-inducing Japandi like me, make tracks to the Brisbane Genki Market, which wholly embraces the art of fusing minimalistic Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics into pure contemporary cool. Selling homewares to help you incorporate the movement into your own digs, the Brisbane market also features mouth-watering Japanese-inspired bites to help fuel your exploration.

Dining and nightlife

Devour international delicacies at Eat Street Northshore

a family heading to Eat Street Northshore — Treat your family at Eat Street Northshore. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

My family and I satisfy every taste bud with a side of loud and local entertainment at Eat Street Northshore, one of my favourite please-everyone meals out in Brisbane. Featuring more than 70 vendors, five unique bars and even more pop-up restaurants, it transports me to every delicious corner of the globe. The vibe is always kicking and there’s ample parking right outside.

Savour a liquid lunch with Hop On Brewery Tours

friends enjoying a Hop On Brewery Tour Brisbane — Be chauffeured between the best Brisbane breweries on a Hop On Brewery Tour. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

There’s no denying that Brisbane and beer go hand-in-hand –  just check out my round-up of the best Brisbane breweries which includes household heroes like Newstead, Felons, Stone & Wood and more. Signing up for a Hop On Brewery Tour ensures you make the most out of every top-shelf operation, putting the logistics of getting around into somebody else’s hands. The team also tick off quality distilleries so spirit animals should also enquire within.

Enjoy chauffeur-driven decadence with Reveling

a food and drink experience with Kiff & Culture at Granddad Jack's and Stone & Wood — Kiff & Culture blends stories and spirits for a guaranteed good time. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Launched in 2025 by the legends behind acclaimed tour company Kiff & Culture, Reveling shows visitors the most lavish of good times on board its Brisbane Gourmet Evening experience. Uncovering secret spots only privy to local gourmands, the tour includes a Chinese banquet on the Brisbane River and whiskey swilling, all while a chauffeured car whisks you from A to B. A private sommelier or mixologist can also join you for an additional fee but at a very base level, you’ll be sharing the experience with likeminded foodies, so the conversation is bound to fascinate.

Discover world-class dining at Fish Lane

diners at Fish Lane, Brisbane — Treat your family to excellent dining at Fish Lane. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Hip laneways aren’t iconically Brisbane but prepare to have your eyes widened. The inner-city mecca of Fish Lane, my favourite after-dark laneway, delivers the goods, popping up near the arts and culture portion of South Bank. Weaving an intoxicating thread of thought-provoking public artworks, European-cool wine bars, and excellent fine dining, it’s the place to hang for a taste of the Brisbane of tomorrow.

Family-friendly activities

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Breathe deeply at the City Botanic Gardens

Brisbane City Botanic Gardens from above — The idyllic sanctuary is tucked between city skyscrapers. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Keen to stretch your kids’ legs? 17 hectares of beautiful, thriving gardens and parklands always gets mine excited. The City Botanic Gardens is a natural wonder, conveniently located in town and bounded by the Brisbane River. Let them run wild as ornamental ponds, weeping figs and more of Mother Nature’s brilliance paint an idyllic scene (and an impromptu family photo shoot).

Meet our cuddliest critters at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

koalas hugging at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary — See koalas up close. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

I gaze adoringly at my favourite native animal inside the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the largest of its kind in the country. While the cute companions are endlessly enthralling to look at (just me?), a visit to this spot is also doing them serious good as entry goes to helping the research and conservation of koalas –  a mighty effort to ensure our furry pals keep thriving amid countless dangers.

Cultural experiences

Be blown away at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre

people inside the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane — The Queensland Performing Arts Centre is the city’s premier venue for concerts and live performances. (Image: Garry Schlatter)

Home to musicals and comedies, dance and theatre, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is this city’s go-to for heart-stopping performances. One of the grandest in the country, in fact, its South Bank location is so easy to find (there’s parking right underground), so grab your people and all the snacks, to catch something spectacular.

Get schooled in Brisbane’s origins with BlackCard Cultural Tours

an Indigeous walking tour in Brisbane with BlackCard Cultural Tours — Explore various cultural landmarks around Brisbane. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The brainchild of two Aboriginal elders and educators, Mary Graham and Lilla Watson, BlackCard Cultural Tours offers some of Brisbane’s most authentic cultural awakenings. Take a walking tour with expert guides to help discover significant public artworks and sacred landmarks. You won’t leave unchanged.

Day trips and nearby excursions

Soak up the beauty of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

South Gorge Beach, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) — South Gorge Beach on North Stradbroke Island has calm waters perfect for swimming. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Do Brisbanites understand how lucky they are to have the world’s second-largest sand island on their doorstep? North Stradbroke Island, known by its Indigenous name Minjerribah, is a sub-tropical haven of incredibly clear waters and bewitching scenery I drive to via a super organised vehicle ferry. I love Minjerribah for its sleepy beaches, whale spotting, and the standout Point Lookout Markets every Sunday.

Laze about paradise at Suttons Beach

the Suttons Beach, Brisbane — Soak up sweeping views at Suttons Beach. (Image: Getty/mvaligursky)

Less than an hour’s car ride from Brisbane’s CBD, the city’s famed swimming spot is one for the entire family. Redcliffe’s Suttons Beach, one of Brisbane’s best beaches, offers small waves to cater for gentle swims, plus a beach playground and community barbecue areas. In other words, it’s got everything you need for a picture-perfect beach escape just outside the city.

Make friends at Ipswich Nature Centre

Queens Park in Ipswich, less than an hour’s drive from Brisbane and one of the best Brisbane day trips, is home to one of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets – the Ipswich Nature Centre. Picture a mini zoo where you can get up close and personal with your favourite native animals including kookaburras, wombats, and wallabies as well as some of the more elusive critters like dingoes and bilbies.

Experience the magic of Tamborine Mountain

TreeTop Challenge, Tamborine Mountain — The TreeTop Challenge at Tamborine Mountain. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Whenever I need a solid breather from the hustle and bustle, I head for the hills. Tamborine Mountain is a hinterland haven of charming galleries, sweet stores, distilleries and wineries, but I’m especially in love with the Brisbane day trip for introducing SOL Elements into the world. A Japanese-inspired bathhouse set against an idyllic pond, the experience is instantly soothing and just a stone’s throw from wider Tamborine Mountain Glades attractions including the family friendly Thunderbird Park where a construction-themed park, Dig It, sends my little boy to cloud nine.

Historical sites and heritage

Reconnect to nature in Roma Street Parkland

Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane — Roma Street Parkland is a soothing oasis in the heart of the city. (Image: Brisbane Marketing)

Did you know Brisbane is home to the largest urban subtropical garden in the world? True story. Located in the heart of the CBD, Roma Street Parkland stretches across 11 hectares and features a string of picturesque zones, with many free guided tours available. It’s a lush, immersive and totally tranquil example of everything that naturally thrives in this balmy subtropical climate.

Explore Brisbane’s ancient wharfage at Howard Smith Wharves

a family dining at Felons Brewing Co, Howard Smith Wharves with Story Bridge in the background — Felons Brewing Co. is a riverfront gem in Howard Smith Wharves. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

One of the city’s most stunning cultural and dining precincts, Howard Smith Wharves oozes contemporary charm while nodding to its enthralling history. The last surviving wharfage in Brisbane has undergone a complete transformation to attract all-new crowds to its ancient bones, which date back to the Depression era. Grab a cocktail, enjoy a feast or just sit back and admire the water. It’s always a great vibe.

From poolside bites and tasting flights to seafood plates and dry-aged steaks, a foodie adventure on Hamilton Island is worth every bite.

Hamilton Island’s sun-lacquered shores have long magnetised travellers craving an escape from reality. But what’s less expected – and more interesting – is just how assuredly this Whitsundays idyll delivers on the culinary front. Dialling up the flavour as much as the barefoot allure, the Hamilton Island food scene offers world-class dining and drinking options, spanning slick fine-dining moments to just-caught seafood served within sight of the sea. Let’s dig in.

Catseye Pool Club

Framing the electric blues of Catseye Beach from The Sundays hotel, Catseye Pool Club is Hamilton Island’s latest culinary prodigy. Shown to our table, we thread through rattan chairs, Zellige tiles and tumbling greenery that opens up to Coral Sea shimmer.

The poolside restaurant is the brainchild of Sydney-based chef duo Josh and Julie Niland, who have brought their relaxed yet elevated dining ethos north. The menu – designed to bring people together – is made for sharing, each hero ingredient orbited by a palette of sides to mix, match and layer as you please.

My thyme cocktail – woody with scotch, lifted by lime leaf – pairs perfectly with the charcoal grilled prawns entree, which is served with tumeric and lemongrass marinade, macadamia satay sauce and a thai-leaning sour green mango salad. Each forkful lands differently, but all are a delight. Then comes the coral trout. True to Josh Niland’s ‘scale-to-tail’ philosophy, the fish is presented whole in a theatrical crescent, a tiny fork stuck into its cheek in a nod to Niland’s declared prize cut. Ribbons of zucchini resembling gauzy curtains bring brightness and snap, while kasundi lends depth and warmth. It’s tongue-tantalising, special occasion dining with humanity.

Sails Restaurant

A more casual poolside dining scene awaits at nearby Sails Restaurant, where Eastern Mediterranean flavours are dished up with an island twist. Chermoula chicken skewers and barramundi souvlaki lie on the more filling side of the menu, while the sumac squid and stone-bread flatbread with za’atar – arriving alongside pomegranate molasses, beetroot hummus and crushed macadamias – are perfect light bites after a dip in the pool. And don’t miss the garlic lemon scallops.

The setting is equally part of the draw. Sunlight floods the high-ceilinged dining room, while outdoor tables look out across the glittering expanse of Catseye Beach. Holidaymakers in oversized sunglasses sip spritzes beneath umbrellas, the gentle clink of plates mixing with splashes from the adjacent pool. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger long after lunch.

Bommie

Tucked into a sleek curved wing of the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Bommie delivers experiential fine dining with a sense of occasion. Led by award-winning Executive Chef Ryan Locke, the seasonal menu champions local and native Australian ingredients whipped up into a modern display of creative precision.

Inside the dim-lit dining room, guests can choose between the Tasting Menu or Chef’s Signature Degustation. Sourdough with pine oil sets the tone for the six-course tasting menu, beautifully presented in a bed of pine needles alongside smoked paperbark butter. I love how the squid ink choux pastry is served with flavour-popping native finger lime, which our waiter encourages us to eat caviar-style. Standout moments continue with the wattle-seed-crusted venison elevated by red fruit and pickled beetroot swirls; the meat is perfectly pink in the middle and an homage to the island’s history as a deer farm.

Pebble Beach

Exclusive to qualia Resort guests for lunch and dinner, Pebble Beach is Hamilton Island’s most serene expression of seasonal island dining. Ocean-facing chairs dot a timber deck that spills straight onto the resort’s private beach, while crystalline turquoise waters stretch to meet distant islands – a scene far prettier than any postcard could capture.

The recently refreshed menu doubles down on seasonality and bright, layered flavours. While the more substantial T-bone steak with hazelnut honey carrots tempts, we go lighter: Coffin Bay oysters with Champagne foam and keffir lime dust kick us off splendidly, followed by Byron Bay burrata served with balsamic and caramelised figs. The fennel and orange salad topped with succulent grilled chicken is utterly delectable, but it’s the zingy, oh-so-fresh soft shell fish tacos that I can’t stop thinking about. It all goes down a treat with a glass of delicate Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne.

Beach Club Restaurant

A lunch or dinner table at Beach Club Restaurant is best booked in advance – and it’s easy to see why. Looking out over the hotel’s palm-fringed infinity pool, the restaurant spotlights elegant contemporary Australian cuisine with a stellar (also Aussie-leaning) wine list to match.

I am completely enamoured by the grilled Queensland prawns, which are brought to life with a smoked compound, local fried curry leaves and lime. Digging into the butter-soft lamb rump served atop pea ragout and parsley Paris mash feels like a warm, nostalgic hug. And dessert – vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with hot salted honey and apple gel – ends the night on a high note.

Expect warm and discreet service; our waiter Marco tells us that the tiny decorative starfish on our table are there to help the staff remember whether we prefer sparkling or still water, so they don’t need to bother us by asking multiple times.

Talk & Taste with Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher

There’s more to Hamilton Island’s foodie scene than restaurant reservations alone. For wine-curious travellers seeking something a little more immersive, Beach Club has recently introduced Talk & Taste – a tutored tasting hosted by Bommie Assistant Manager and wine enthusiast Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher. Held twice weekly for a maximum of eight guests, the experience explores Australian wine culture through four thoughtfully selected drops paired with native-inspired bites.

We opt for the white wine and seafood option. Alongside pours from Eden Valley and Launceston, a nibbling platter arrives featuring sashimi, salmon roe, Mooloolaba prawn ceviche and palate-cleansing ginger. The seafood is pristine and pared back, allowing the wines to take centre stage.

The real highlight, however, is discovering just how nuanced winemaking can be. Courtenay speaks of viticulture as both art and science: harvest grapes a week too late and ripeness tips into ruin; plant the same varietal on different elevations and the sun, slope and water flow will shape entirely different expressions. Pinot noir, she explains, with its delicate skin and high water content, yields lighter fruit-forward wines, while thicker-skinned shiraz delivers depth and structure. I leave feeling fascinated and inspired by Courtenay’s evident passion.

coca chu

Sweet and hot. Sour and salty. Dining at ever-popular coca chu is a sensation-swirling experience that’s not to be missed if you’re a sucker for punchy Southeast Asian flavours. Located at the Main Pool end of Catseye Beach, this lively hangout is all swaying lanterns, driftwood, high beamed ceilings and giant open windows that let in the balmy ocean breeze.

Drawing from hawker traditions, the grilled betel leaf is a neat, vibrant mouthful of chilli fried cashews and spiced beef. The tofu surprises – soft beneath a tumble of dill, mint and coriander, and glossed in moreish peanut sauce. The massaman curry is pure comfort: creamy, fragrant, fall-apart meat. It’s generous and expressive cooking that I, for one, cannot get enough of.

Marina Cafe

Sometimes, all you crave on holidays is a bacon and egg roll done properly and a creamy fruit smoothie. Boasting harbour views, an easygoing atmosphere and clean modern interiors, Marina Cafe is a popular local haunt for a reason. The casual menu lures families and couples alike with its all-day brekky, seasonal salads and sandwiches – from a roasted pumpkin bowl to prosciutto and rocket on herby focaccia.

The acai bowl, topped with toasted nuts and berries, is a refreshing start to my day. Whether you sit in or takeaway, it’s a good-vibes-guaranteed place to refuel before or after your Whitsundays adventures.

Discover your foodie getaway now at hamiltonisland.com.au.