29 Things to do in Brisbane:
During the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships
Championships mean early alarms, tight schedules, and hours revolving around pool sessions, but, while The Australian Youth Water Polo Championships are intense, they won't fill every hour of your Brisbane visit.
Thankfully, early morning sessions leave afternoons free, evening finals end with time to spare, and rest days offer up time for relaxation (or at least, activities that aren't competitive swimming). Whether you’re looking for entertainment to keep your mind off the competition pressures, seeking out an activity to keep your body moving (without going overboard!) or just want a quite space to spend some much needed down time, Brisbane has you covered.
Here’s 30 things that are worth your time in Brisbane, outside of the competition pool:
EVENTS TO CHECK OUT
Cheer on the mighty Brisbane Broncos
If you have some free time on Friday 10 April, head to Suncorp Stadium to cheer on the Brisbane Broncos as they take on Queensland rivals the North Queensland Cowboys in an action-packed NRL clash.
Celebrate a win with the Queensland Reds
The sporting excitement continues on Saturday 11 April, with the Queensland Reds facing international heavyweights the New Zealand Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium. Expect a thrilling night of Super Rugby.
Experience the Brisbane Roar
On Saturday 18 April, round out your sporting calendar by heading back to Suncorp Stadium to support Brisbane Roar as they go head-to-head with Melbourne City FC in what is shaping up to be one of the season’s biggest match-ups.
Cheer on riders at the Tour De Brisbane
Coinciding with the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, The Tour De Brisbane returns to the streets of the city this April. Watch thousands of cyclists take on closed road courses across Brisbane as they race for personal bests and podium finishes in one of the city’s most iconic participation events.
If you are keen to discover even more events happening across the city, explore the Visit Brisbane What’s On guide for the latest on major sporting fixtures, comedy shows, family friendly experiences and live music.
THINGS TO DO
Climb one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks
The Story Bridge Adventure Climb puts you atop Brisbane's most iconic bridge with 360-degree views spanning city to bay. Guided climbs operate from sunrise to sunset, offering an opportunity to see The City in not only a brand new light, but from a totally unique perspective.
Jetski along the Brisbane River
For an adrenaline-fuelled water sport that does not involve chlorine, Trident Jetski Tours offers a one-of-a-kind way to experience Brisbane from a unique perspective, cruising along the Brisbane River at speed.
Take a day trip to Moreton Island / Mulgumpin
Brisbane is lucky enough to have one of the world’s most beautiful beaches right at our doorstep. Just a short ferry ride from Brisbane, day trips on Moreton Island/Mulgumpin offer up endless swimming spots and marine life encounters, as well as snorkelling at the Tangalooma Wrecks, sand tobogganing and more. Passenger ferry services depart from Holt Street Wharf in Pinkenba and arrive at the Tangalooma Jetty on Moreton Island/Mulgumpin. The journey takes around 75 minutes each way, with early departures from 7.30am, giving you plenty of time for island exploration.
Climb the Kangaroo Point Cliffs
If you are planning to visit the Kangaroo Point Cliffs for the views, turn it into a full adventure. Riverlife Adventure Centre offers guided rock climbing and abseiling experiences on the natural cliff faces overlooking the Brisbane River. With expert instruction and all equipment provided, you can confidently take in the scenery as you scale one of Brisbane’s most iconic outdoor destinations.
Eat your way through the Eat Street Markets
Eat Street Northshore transforms shipping containers into food stalls every weekend, creating Brisbane's most diverse casual dining destination. Global cuisines and live entertainment come together at this riverside location, resulting in a truly incredible day out for the whole family.
Get your fill of modern art at GOMA
Positioned alongside the Brisbane River in South Brisbane, the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) houses both Australian and international art. Access to permanent art collections is free year round, however, for a small fee, you can also gain access to blockbuster exhibitions. Don’t miss your chance to check out the Brisbane-exclusive exhibition from acclaimed Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson while you're in town for the championships.
Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Did you know the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary is in Brisbane? Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary lets you get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most beautiful animals. From koalas and kangaroos to platypus, emus and dingos, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has something that will make you fall in love with Australian animals all over again.
Explore the Scenic Rim
Just a short drive from Brisbane sits one of Australia’s most beautiful locations. In the Scenic Rim, World Heritage rainforests meet mountain peaks, boutique wineries sit alongside vast mountain ranges and local farm gates selling fresh produce come together.
FREE THINGS TO DO
Visit the Museum of Brisbane
The Museum of Brisbane, inside City Hall, showcases The City's character, history, and creative output through interactive exhibitions that make local history engaging. Free entry, rotating displays, historical stories, and even a tour of the iconic clock tower can all be found at this must-do location in the heart of Brisbane.
See Brisbane from a new perspective at the Mount Coot-Tha lookout
Mount Coot-Tha lookout delivers panoramic views that span the city skyline. Just a short drive from The City, this free lookout is one of Brisbane’s most iconic locations, offering a unique perspective on Brisbane's geography, from the river bends and charming neighbourhoods, all the way to the heart of the city. Looking to extend your walk? Why not explore one of more than 70 different walking trails scattered across the Mount Coot-Tha area.
Find a quiet green space in the City Botanic Gardens
Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens provide riverside green space just metres from the City Centre, where large trees, manicured lawns, and quiet spaces create an escape from the hustle and bustle of The City. Whether you’re looking to stretch your legs along the riverfront, explore the many pathways that weave between the gardens, or just need a shady spot to read a book, the City Botanic Gardens are the perfect location to relax and reset.
Be amazed at the Queensland Museum
Queensland Museum delivers natural history, cultural exhibitions, and interactive displays, making science truly engaging rather than just educational. Located in South Bank’s Queensland Cultural Centre, the Queensland Museum offers varied exhibitions on everything from dinosaurs to contemporary issues. Its convenient location also positions you perfectly to access countless other free activities within the area.
Take a walk along the Riverwalk
The Brisbane Riverwalk follows the river’s edge, connecting Brisbane City to Howard Smith Wharves via a scenic floating boardwalk. Ideal for walking, running or cycling, the shared riverside path offers a fresh perspective of Brisbane, bringing you closer to the water while showcasing the beauty of the city skyline and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Explore the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse
Once home to one of the city’s largest power stations in the 1920s, Brisbane Powerhouse is now one of Brisbane’s most vibrant arts and entertainment venues. The iconic heritage building hosts a dynamic program of theatre, comedy, music and visual arts. With live events taking place almost daily, along with bars and restaurants throughout the precinct, it is an ideal spot to spend an afternoon that can easily roll into the evening.
Experience incredible art at the Queensland Art Gallery
Queensland Art Gallery houses Australian, Asian, and international collections in South Bank's Queensland Cultural Centre. Entry is free and provides access to incredible exhibitions spanning historical and contemporary works.
Wander through the Roma Street Parkland
Roma Street Parkland combines manicured gardens, subtropical plantings, and themed areas across this inner-city green space, which are perfect for quiet wandering, planning your game strategy and post-competition reflection.
Have a BBQ with a view
In addition to offering some of the most beautiful views of the city, walking trails and access to restaurants and bars, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs also house several free BBQ stations and seating areas, allowing for one of the most scenic spots to sizzle a snag or two.
Explore West End
West End delivers alternative Brisbane culture through vintage shops, independent cafés, multicultural dining, and an iconic Brisbane neighbourhood atmosphere and charm you could only find in this inner city oasis.
See Brisbane from high above
Located 100m above ground level, Sky Deck at Queen's Wharf delivers Brisbane's highest publicly accessible viewpoint. With 360-degree views, see-through glass flooring and free entry, this is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Brisbane River.
Explore one of Brisbane's countless cute suburbs
Brisbane is home to a collection of inner-city suburbs, each with its own unique charm and character. From riverside pockets like Newstead and Hawthorne, to the leafy hills of Red Hill and Paddington, and the vibrant energy of Fortitude Valley and South Brisbane, every neighbourhood offers something different to explore.
Head to one of Brisbane's best farmers markets
Brisbane's farmers markets, including Jan Powers, Northey Street, West End Markets and more, deliver fresh produce, artisan products, and a community atmosphere where purchasing food connects directly to producers.
Have a picnic in New Farm Park
New Farm Park sprawls along the Brisbane River with massive fig trees providing shade, grass begging for picnic blankets, and wide open spaces that are perfect for activities or people watching.
Spend a day on Queen Street
Queen Street Mall is Brisbane’s premier shopping hub. With easy access to hundreds of shopping spots, from major clothing retailers to independent record stores, as well as countless restaurants, bars and coffee shops, Queen Street Mall is ideal if you’re looking to snap up a bargain, grab a cup of joe, or sit down for a delicious meal.
Explore James Street
Highly regarded as Brisbane’s most beloved street, James Street is the perfect location for when you’re looking to combine incredible food, coffee, shopping and maybe a sneaky dessert or two. James Street is also home to one of Brisbane’s best cinemas, playing blockbuster movies year-round.
Follow the Brisbane City Centre Heritage Trail
Immerse yourself in Brisbane’s heritage and follow the Brisbane City Centre Heritage Trail. If you prefer a DIY tour, download the Brisbane City Centre Heritage Trail map. The self-guided walk takes in 26 points of interest from Brisbane’s convict sites through to Brisbane’s icons and landmarks of the 1970s. It starts at Queen St, taking in Jacob’s Ladder and Wickham Terrace, before finishing at Edward St. Perfect for keeping active and taking in some of Brisbane’s history.
