Looking for something new to do with friends, family or as a couple in Brisbane? The City has plenty of entertaining activities with something for everyone. Once you’ve explored the most scenic spots and green spaces, head indoors for some recreational fun at our favourite entertainment hotspots.
Fancy yourself as a master escape artist? Fox in the Box and Escape Manor test your wits with six themed interactive escape rooms at each location. Ideal for two to six people, grab your family or friends to channel your inner Houdini with a one-hour private escape room session, both located on Edward Street.
Located upstairs at the Wintergarden complex, Strike is a one-stop entertainment hub with 12 bowling lanes, laser tag arena, pool tables, private karaoke rooms and three escape rooms. It’s the perfect spot to strike out whether you’re into singing, bowling or more complex interactive games. But wait there is more, Strike also has a mini-golf course! Grab your putt-putt partners and head to Holey Moley to sink some shots in a cool themed course that’s open late. With cocktails and eats available at The Caddyshack, we promise it’s a hole lotta fun.
If you enjoy getting competitive over a board game, you’ll love Vault Games. Pop into the Queen St store and find an extensive range of board games, trading cards and hobby crafts. Better yet, book a table and try a tabletop game before you buy.
Get a new perspective of The City with a Clock Tower Tour. Take a trip up City Hall’s Clock Tower and take in 90 years of history, complete with a ride in one of Brisbane’s oldest working cage lifts and a peek at the inner workings of Australia’s largest clock faces. Best of all? It’s free.
City Winery, Edward Street
Take your wine appreciation to the next level at City Winery’s cellar door and wine experience centre. We love the Wine Blending Workshop to learn top vintner techniques with a custom bottle to take home. Or book a Wine and Cheese Pairing experience to sample three Brisbane Gerler wines complemented by cheese selected by the experts.
Located within the historic City Hall building, Museum of Brisbane (MoB) is one of The City’s best-kept secrets. With year-round rotating exhibitions and workshops that traverse Brisbane’s fashion, music, art, cultural and design scenes, it’s an interactive way to immerse yourself in our city. Plus, most exhibitions are free!
For those who want to dive into a bit of Brisbane history, discover the role that Brisbane played in the Second World War at the MacArthur Museum Brisbane. Located in heritage listed MacArthur Chambers, you and the kids will get to look behind the front lines and learn stories of the war.
If art is more your thing, then pop into the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Art Museum. There are more than 3000 pieces of art in this gallery, making it one of the largest collections in Queensland. Expect a dynamic program of exhibitions from the QUT Art Collection, touring exhibitions, and new works by QUT staff and students.
Set the mood for a fun time in The City with a karaoke session. Brisbane City has a number of karaoke venues where you can belt out your favourite ballads in a private room. As well as the karaoke rooms at Strike Wintergarden, visit Music City on Adelaide St, which has more than 10 private rooms and new songs added monthly plus the option to BYO drinks. Fat Louie’s on Albert St is another karaoke favourite with mirror balls and banging sound systems to soundtrack your songs. With pool and snooker tables, a dancefloor plus weekend DJs, it’s the perfect spot to cut footloose.
Not strictly indoors, but too good not to include. This farmers market pops up in Reddacliff Place from 8am-6pm on Wednesdays and is a great activity for everyone who wants to fill their bellies on local produce. Make sure to bring some bags as you’ll want to shop up a storm.
Catching a flick on the big screen is a no brainer for this list. Watch the latest films at Event Cinemas in The Myer Centre or the independent Elizabeth Picture Theatre. Both cinemas have a variety of options on how you want to enjoy your movie, whether you want the classic experience or something a little fancier, you get to choose your comfort level while enjoying the best new movies.
The City has a smorgasbord of high teas on offer that will make you feel just a little or a lot fancy. Use the opportunity to get dressed up and indulge your taste buds in all things sweet and savoury. Check out our list of the best places to have high tea in The City.
Brisbane Square Library, CBD
Escape the outdoors and transport yourself to another world with a great book and river views. This multi-storey library is a book lovers oasis, where you can easily spend a few hours catching up on your book in the peace and quiet… and did we mention it has air-conditioning.
Shop ‘til you drop may just be an actual thing in The City. As a shoppers haven The City has a lot on offer for your next shopping spree. Check out our guide to shopping in the Queen Street Mall here.
For some family fun or a cute date idea head to FunHouse in The Myer Centre. This arcade will bring you a whole word of gaming fun. Buy tokens, play games to your heart's content, count your tickets and redeem awesome prizes.
Commissariat Store
Built by convicts between 1828 and 1829, the Commissariat Store is Queensland’s most significant and oldest habitable building. Step inside the museum to discover Queensland’s history. There are rotating exhibitions through to more permanent rooms that explore the colonial period of our history.
Looking to uncover more of The City? MOB and Brisbane Greeters will take you on foot to show you the ins and outs of Brisbane. From learning about the history to discovering places you never knew existed, these tours have it all. So, whether you're curious to know more about your city, new to calling Brisbane your home, or looking to do something fun with friends, these tours are a great way to explore.
If you love activities that involve a bit of thrill, Maniax is an axe throwing establishment where you can throw, eat, and drink the day or night away. So, whether you think you will hit the bullseye or not, by the end of the one to two hours, you’ll be a pro. But if you are now a hungry pro, don’t worry because there are plenty of food and drink options to refuel those upper body muscles.
Only in Brisbane City for a limited time, Dopamine Land is a unique multisensory experience for both kids and adults alike. From optical illusions to interactive fun, there are 10 rooms to explore and get lost in, like the galaxy of lights, woodland wonderland, and sunset beach, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures!