Things to do this Autumn in Brisbane
Providing a little reprieve from the peak of summer’s sunshine, autumn is an ideal season to visit and explore Brisbane. We might not be sipping pumpkin lattes and rugging up in woollen scarves at this time of year, but the refreshing breezes and scattering of crunchy leaves tells us a cooler change is coming. We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in autumn, to make the most of your time spent in Brisbane.
Eat and drink
A little-known secret, is that autumn is the best time of the year to head to one of Brisbane’s many rooftop bars. Take us to the April sun in Brisbane: the weather is not too hot and not too cold, the sunsets over the city are glorious, and the beverages are always delicious. For a fresh brew with a view, Valley Hops Brewing sits above well-loved club Cloudland and offers an idyllic place to unwind with a beer and watch the skyline. By day, W Brisbane’s Wet Deck is a sun-drenched rooftop where seasonal cocktails, appetising bites and a rooftop pool await. Over in South Bank atop the Emporium Hotel sits the chic Terrace Rooftop Bar that overlooks the Brisbane River.
Keep taking in that soft autumnal warmth with the cool breezes as you dine riverside at one of Brisbane’s most iconic alfresco restaurants. From the iconic selection of restaurants at Howard Smith Wharves to the wide range of cuisine available in The City, and South Bank's picturesque views of Brisbane’s skyscrapers, there is no shortage of options available for your next meal or drink by the water.
For a slightly cosier, yet equally as lively option, Brisbane’s laneways hum with atmosphere during the autumn months, between Fortitude Valley and South Brisbane. From Bakery Lane to Winn Lane, and from California Lane to South Brisbane’s Fish Lane, there are narrow pockets filled with bars and restaurants across the city.
Not sure where to start? Hop on a tour that’ll take you to some of the city’s finest drinks and dining destinations. Be it a brewery tour, a foodie tour, or perhaps a wine bus tour, there are so many delicious things to try in autumn.
Adventure
Adventure is calling your name when the season changes and there are many escapades to be had in Brisbane and its regions. Whether you favour hiking, biking or sky-larking, there’s a Brisbane-based adventure with your name on it.
Within a short, 30-minute drive of Brisbane City you can find a large array of hiking trails and walking tracks to choose from. Or, activate peak autumnal activity mode and test yourself as you climb a nearby mountain.
Want to feel the wind in your hair and the adrenaline rush through you? Hit the road and make your way towards the Scenic Rim where you can discover the thrill of these epic motorbike rides. For those who prefer the cruising pace - specifically on water - you can hire your own electric boat to take on the Brisbane River, picnic in tow as you venture underneath the Story Bridge.
If you’d rather be on top of the bridge rather than under it, you can strap in for a quintessential Queensland experience and conquer the Story Bridge Adventure Climb and feel as though you’re on top of the world. Or, take it to the next level as your activities go sky high with a hot-air balloon ride, a helicopter tour or a hinterland zipline tour to gain a bird’s eye view of Brisbane and its regions during autumn.
If you’re looking for an adventure that’s a little bit more lowkey, but still brings the autumn energy, why not stroll around the Mount Coot-tha botanic Gardens, have a picnic on the lawns or explore the Japanese Garden while your at it?
Art and Culture
Seeking less adventurous things to do in autumn in Brisbane? Don your Sunday best and unleash your inner culture vulture at one of Brisbane’s best arts and cultural institutions.
If browsing farmers markets is your idea of outdoor exercise, we wouldn’t blame you. Discover the best markets around Brisbane to hit up on a slow weekend morning where you’ll be able to sample some of the freshest, local autumnal ingredients on offer. Grab them to go or sit and enjoy a quick breakfast and coffee as the buzz of the markets creates a vibrant atmosphere. If you prefer a picnic in the afternoon, South Bank’s weekly Sunday Social on the Green offers live music with a beautiful backdrop of the city on Sunday’s.
Step inside a creatively curated space to discover what makes Brisbane tick, and the interesting people who inhabit this city. Beside the river in New Farm sits Brisbane Powerhouse, a cultural hub that draws in arts lovers, where exhibitions, performances, markets and installations take place.
In South Bank, Brisbane’s two highly frequented museums neighbour one another. The Queensland Museum Kurilpa is home to a celebration of prehistoric giants, Queensland’s cultural history and so much more. Next door, you’ll find QAGOMA (the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art) where a diverse collection of rotating and world-class exhibitions await eager art viewers. In Brisbane City the Museum of Brisbane awaits within the Town Hall to showcase historic and contemporary artworks made for everyone to enjoy. By the riverside, Brisbane is also home to many First Nations art galleries with the likes of Birrunga Gallery and Aboriginal Art Co. that exhibit stories of Brisbane’s rich history.
While you’re in The City, why not take up the competitive ‘sport’ of night shopping on Queen Street Mall, or head over to James Street in Fortitude Valley or Paddington to shop, drink and dine all day long.
Regions
Want to take a day trip or spend a weekend away where the leaves are turning golden, there’s a satisfying crunch underfoot and there’s a slight chill in the air come autumn? Hit the road bound for Scenic Rim, where accommodation options include roaring fireplaces and warming spas, top-rated breweries and wineries abound, the mountainous views are breathtaking and waterfalls are abundant. Better yet, the fresh produce and delicious foods are plentiful in this region with hotspots such as Tamborine Mountain being home to several incredible wineries, distilleries and the Witches Chase Cheese Company.
Explore the seaside villages of Moreton Bay region, including Shorncliffe, Brighton and Sandgate. Head to one of the region’s many cafes or restaurants, stroll along Shorncliffe Pier, op-shop and vintage store hop, explore markets and museums, spot the heritage homes that dapple the region, and eat fish and chips by the sea. Book a stay and make a weekend of your trip to Moreton Bay.
Ipswich is the perfect spot to explore during autumn. Whether you start your day by hot-air ballooning in as the sunrises, or discovering antique shops and coffee stops, you’re bound to stumble across falling autumn leaves that are picture perfect. Spend your afternoon saying ‘hello’ to some beautiful farm life before enjoying a refreshing brew at the local pub.
