Brisbane's Must-Do experiences
Unforgettable memories are made through experiences, and Brisbane is home to an abundance of adventures waiting to be discovered. From bridge climbs to island hopping, Brisbane has no shortage of unique experiences. These are the top Brisbane experiences to add to your list.
For City Adventurers
Riverlife Adventure Centre
Inner-city adventures await at Riverlife. Take a Segway for a spin along the Brisbane River, scale the Kangaroo Point Cliffs or glide down the river by kayak during the day or at twilight for an experience to remember.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
For two glorious hours you can take in the epic surrounds of Brisbane in one of only three bridge climbs in the world with Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Join the twilight climb to watch the sunset across the city and see the glistening city lights shimmering like a sea of stars or level up with the Toast at the Top experience where you can cheers with a glass of Felons beer at the top of the bridge.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Savour unforgettable memories as you snap a selfie with your new furry best friend at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Home to some of Australia’s most iconic animals, the sanctuary in leafy Fig Tree Pocket lets you meet koalas and see wildlife from kangaroos to cassowaries and playful platypus. Cruise along the Brisbane River on board a Koala and River Cruise with Mirimar Cruises, taking in the city views on your way to and from the sanctuary. Visit after dark to experience the exclusive Nocturnal Night Tour.
Vertigo
Vertigo is Australia’s first vertical restaurant, an exclusive gastronomic dining experience four storeys above the ground overhanging the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse. Vertigo thrill-seekers will don safety harnesses and climb out to their seats to experience sky-high city views and a 17-metre drop beneath their feet. Adventurers are then served a delicious meal crafted by talented Bar Alto chefs using local ingredients and matched with Queensland wine. After enjoying a delicious meal, you can then choose the option to leave via the stairs, or by taking the dropline for one last adrenaline rush.
Kiff & Culture
Kick back and relax with a Kiff & Culture tour. A perfect merge of Brisbane’s best food and drinks, culture and scenery all wrapped into one adventure led by an epic team. From distilleries to restaurants and so much more, they’ve handpicked all of Brisbane’s best to curate day tours you’ll be dreaming of once they’re over.
For Water Lovers
GoBoat
If leisurely exploring the Brisbane River is your idea of fun, GoBoat is the ideal experience for you. Enjoy the freedom of being your own captain on board Brisbane’s fleet of charming picnic boats. No boating license is required for a day out on these environmentally friendly, electric boats. Whether it’s a romantic date for two, or up to eight of your closest friends, you’ll have the perfect space to relax and enjoy the serene waters of the Brisbane River. Bring your own picnic, drinks, and captain hats for a leisurely day out on the water.
YOT Club
Get ready to elevate your next celebration aboard the iconic YOT Club, Brisbane’s ultimate venue for turning the river into a playground of unforgettable parties and events. Step aboard this luxurious superyacht and immerse yourself in a world of style and music as you raise your glass to the sights of Brisbane. Whether you’re planning a legendary party, private event or special occasion, the YOT Club offers vibrant entertainment and world-class service as you cruise past Brisbane’s shimmering skyline.
Jet Ski Tours Brisbane
Get the adrenaline pumping onboard Jet Ski Tours Brisbane. Ride along the Brisbane River at speed while taking in the iconic sights like the Brisbane City Skyline, the Story Bridge and the City Botanical Gardens. Feel the wind in your hair with this unforgettable experience on the water.
OASIS Cruising
Cruise the Brisbane River while exploring three storeys of decked-out luxury on the OASIS entertainment vessel. The OASIS is a mecca for glamour and fun for private charters and nights out. Enjoy cocktails and take in the view as the sunset ripples across the Brisbane River, while live DJs create a vibrant atmosphere that’ll have you dancing long into the night.
For Regional Explorers
Brisbane Oyster Farm Tours
Take a scenic boat ride from Manly out to Moreton Island/Mulgumpin for a Brisbane experience like no other. Learn about the history of oyster farming as you sail out to sea before dressing up in overalls and gumboots to trek towards clothed tables in the middle of the bay (hats are recommended). Secure and shuck your oysters before you sip on champagne and enjoy the freshest seafood available.
Brisbane Whale Watching
From June to November, hundreds of majestic humpback whales pass Brisbane on their journey to warmer waters. Join Brisbane Whale Watching to experience one of the world’s best whale-watching locations in Moreton Bay. With over 25 years of experience, their expert team will guide you from the heart of Brisbane to these magnificent creatures. Captained by Kerry Lopez, the only woman in the South Pacific Rim to own and skipper a whale watching venture, the tour also highlights the importance of protecting our precious wildlife.
Spicers Scenic Rim Trail
Discover the beauty of the Scenic Rim with Spicers Scenic Rim Trail. Join a two to six day walk led by experienced guides through the best of the region. Explore by day and return to the comfort of Spicers Canopy Luxury Tents by night.
Tangalooma Island Resort
Tangalooma Island Resort is the ultimate island escape, combining relaxation with thrilling adventure experiences in a tropical island paradise just a short ferry ride from Brisbane. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed day trip, the resort has it all. Embark on an unforgettable dolphin or whale watching cruise, snorkel the famous Tangalooma shipwrecks and discover the vibrant marine life below. For land-based adventures, join an ATV quad bike tour to discover the island’s rugged natural beauty, or join a 4WD desert safari tour where you get to discover the thrill of sand tobogganing. With a wide range of activities on offer, breathtaking views and pristine beaches, Moreton Island/Mulgumpin is the perfect destination to create lasting memories.
Elite Helicopters
Experience sky-high excitement over Brisbane and surrounds with Elite Helicopters. Take to the sky with one of Queensland’s premier helicopter operators and savour a bird’s-eye view of all that Brisbane has to offer. Embark on a scenic flight or take part in an exclusive tour including lunch flights, winery tours and island picnics. Our top pick is the 30-minute scenic flight over Moreton Island/Mulgumpin - the best way to see the entirety of the Tangalooma Wrecks.
Floating Images Hot Air Ballooning
Ipswich is expansive and full of unique wonders, and Floating Images Hot Air Ballooning can fly you to new heights as you soar above the sights. Take in unparalleled views of the magnificent mountain ranges and rolling hills as you capture the most perfect sunrise shot.
Sanctuary by Sirromet
Just a short drive from Brisbane, indulge your senses and reconnect with nature during a tranquil escape at Sanctuary by Sirromet. Treat yourself to a luxurious tented suite or pavilion, nestled amongst native wildlife and tranquil bushland on the grounds of gorgeous Sirromet Winery. Indulge your senses and dine on fresh, local produce paired with wine made on-site at one of the two restaurants that will take your tastebuds on a culinary journey. Follow this with a tasting of Sirromet’s Granite Belt wines during a Sirromet Winery Tour and Tasting.
Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm
Fancy a boutique wine overlooking stunning lavender fields? Nestled in the Scenic Rim, just an hour-and-a-half drive from Brisbane City, Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm is the perfect lunch stopover boasting a cellar door, restaurant, lavender gift shop and stunning mountain views. Take in the magical purple haze, dreamy lavender scent and don’t leave without sampling the delicious lavender infused scones, gelato, or better yet, lavender cocktails!
For History & Cultural Seekers
Djawun (Home Country) Tours
Take part in an interactive cultural learning experience, with Djawun Tours. Join artist and traditional Custodian of Jinibara Country, Jason Murphy, to discover the First Nations people's traditional methods of hunting and gathering food in the landscape, before sharing an indulgent meal made with native ingredients while overlooking the vineyards of Ocean View Estates. An unforgettable experience awaits.
Nyanda Cultural Tours
Take part in an interactive cultural learning experience, with Nyanda Cultural Tours. You’ll be led through a ‘rite of passage journey’ in discovering how First Nations people used the natural environment to create tools and items for everyday use. Within the tour, you will participate in a ‘Welcome to Country’ smoking ceremony, fire making, taste and learn about bush foods and the role plant species play in daily life. You’ll also learn Ygara language, listen to a bull-roarer at the sacred bora-ring, do boomerang and spear throwing, and more. An unforgettable experience awaits.
Yura Tours
Join Quandamooka woman, Elisha Kessick, as she guides a small-group tour through significant cultural sites of North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah. For families, Yura Tours Whale Watching - Land-Based Cultural Walking Tour, is a must-do First Nations activity. Elisha escorts visitors around the famed North Gorge Walk at Mulumba (Point Lookout), to learn about Minjerribah creation stories, Aboriginal uses for the island’s flora, and watch the magnificent Yallingbilla (whales) performances as they migrate between June and November. And keep an eye out as you’re also likely to see dolphins, kangaroos, and turtles along the coast.
