Brisbane Sets the Stage for Sting’s The Last Ship
Whether you’re a long-time Sting fan, a lover of theatre, or simply seeking an extraordinary cultural experience, Brisbane offers the perfect backdrop to your visit. From award-winning dining and stylish accommodation to riverside adventures and rooftop cocktails, Brisbane is buzzing with unforgettable experiences from the moment you step into the spotlight.
Sting in The Last Ship
Get ready for an extraordinary cultural moment as international music icon Sting takes to the stage in The Last Ship. Making its Southern Hemisphere debut, and Australian exclusive to Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC)’s magnificent Glasshouse Theatre from 9 April – 3 May 2026, this deeply moving musical will captivate and inspire with its powerful storytelling and unforgettable score.
Sting himself stars in this Australian-exclusive production, weaving folk roots, rousing choral numbers, and soul-stirring ballads. Inspired by Sting’s own childhood in the shipbuilding community of Wallsend, the story resonates with themes of resilience, pride, and connection. Featuring songs like Island of Souls, All This Time and When We Dance, The Last Ship is a rare opportunity to witness a music legend perform his most personal work live on stage.
Ready for action
Before curtain call, take time to settle into Brisbane’s welcoming atmosphere. The City is alive with riverfront walks, vibrant laneways, boutique shopping and a dining scene that rivals the world’s best.
By day, indulge in a little retail therapy along James Street, Fortitude Valley where Australian designers, high-end fashion houses, renowned restaurants and contemporary galleries line leafy boulevards. In The City, wander Queen Street Mall’s luxury precinct for global labels before pausing for champagne at an the elegant W Brisbane bar. Art lovers can continue their cultural journey at Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), discovering thought-provoking exhibitions, or step into the Queensland Museum for a deeper dive into history and science - all within South Bank's Cultural Precinct.
To embrace Brisbane’s outdoor lifestyle, take a riverside stroll or uncover hidden gems in The City’s secret laneways. For the adventurous, hire a bike to explore leafy green bridges, or paddle along the river with Riverlife Adventure Centre's kayaking or abseiling experiences, where sweeping city views provide the ultimate backdrop.
Pre-Show
As evening draws closer, let Brisbane’s dining scene take centre stage. Begin your evening with a taste of Brisbane’s celebrated dining scene in South Bank and South Brisbane. Choose from riverfront favourites like the iconic OTTO, savour Italian fare at Popolo, enjoy fresh seafood at The Jetty, or indulge in big flavours at Naga Thai. Graze on Spanish tapas at Ole, dive into bold dishes at Ahmets, or settle in with wholesome Italian comfort food at Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers or smoky favourites at The Smoke House. Just a short stroll away, Fish Lane is a thriving hub of creativity and flavour, from wood-fired Italian at Julius Pizzeria to modern Asian bites at Chu the Phat, the relaxed charm of Hello Please, or the refined plates at Southside or Como Restaurant.
For a pre-show aperitif, Brisbane’s alfresco bar scene sets the tone for the night ahead. Stay close to the theatre with Fish Lane favourites like Kiki Bar for a tropical escape, intimate wines at Bar Brutus or the hidden speakeasy vibes of Next Episode.
And after the final curtain falls, Brisbane nightlife keeps the city glowing. Head to Fish Lane for exceptional late-night dining, wander into Fortitude Valley’s lively pubs and cocktail lounges, or embrace the creative rhythms of West End with its eclectic jazz bars. Whether celebrating the moving finale or simply savouring the atmosphere, Brisbane offers the perfect encore to your theatre experience.
Recharge
After an evening of world-class theatre, trade the spotlight for sunlight and immerse yourself in nature. Hop on a ferry and escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day swimming in crystal clear waters and basking in the sun. Moreton Island/Mulgumpin is a pristine paradise where you can relax on sandy beaches, snorkel around shipwrecks, or see wild dolphins. Nearby, the Redlands Coast is home to the beautiful North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah, perfect for a serene getaway with stunning beaches and a range of cultural activities. Join Yura Tours to learn about ancient meeting places, cultural sights and the rich First Nations history, or wander the studio of Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins to marvel at Indigenous art and textiles. Both islands offer tranquil accommodation, making it easy to extend your stay and embrace island time. Explore our top picks for where to stay on Moreton Island/Mulgumpin and the best accommodation on North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah.
For those seeking to rejuvenate in style, Brisbane has a world-class offering of luxury spa experiences to choose from. Indulge in a massage or facial at Kailo in Fortitude Valley, Atama Head Spa in New Farm or The Healing Stone at the Emporium Hotel South Bank. For a slower pace, unwind in a sauna, spa and cold plunge at The Bathhouse Albion or Soak in West End.
To reconnect with nature closer to the city, meet Australia’s iconic wildlife at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, home to koalas, kangaroos, platypus and so much more. Or simply take a moment of calm in Brisbane’s lush greenspaces. Relax and reflect on your trip by heading to Roma Street Parkland or South Bank Parklands. These green spaces are the perfect place to unwind, with lush gardens, quiet nooks, and beautiful water features. Pack a picnic, sit back and enjoy the peaceful surroundings or take a dip in the man-made urban beach, Streets Beach at South Bank, and soak in the city views.
Renowned Restaurants
Whether it’s innovative tasting menus, refined luxury dining, or laid-back eateries with a local twist, Brisbane’s dining scene serves up unforgettable flavours for every palate.
The City dining offers a world of flavours, discover a line-up of acclaimed restaurants including Supernormal, Tillerman's Seafood Restaurant & Bar, Alchemy, Donna Chang, Rothwell’s, Walter’s Steakhouse, and Exhibition, offering everything from fine Asian dining to classic brasserie fare. At Queen’s Wharf precinct, standout names like Luc Lac, Dark Shepherd, Black Hide, Aloria, and Pompette cement Brisbane’s reputation as a true culinary capital.
Howard Smith Wharves is a must-visit for its riverside restaurants. Feast on Greek-inspired share plates at Greca, savour Cantonese flavours at Stanley, or relax with craft beers at Felons Brewing Co. Fortitude Valley continues to impress with Agnes, Bianca, Hellenika, Penelope Bistro & Bar, ESSA, and Gerard’s Bistro leading the way in innovative, chef-driven dining.
Savour a drink
Soak up Story Bridge views with a spritz at Fiume Rooftop Bar or the lively buzz of Mr Percival’s at Howard Smith Wharves. In The City, sip Euro-inspired wines at Bar Miette or savour award-winning gin and whisky creations at Death and Taxes. James Street offers its own mix of style and flavour, savour Thai-inspired cocktails at LOS Land of Smiles, or the sophisticated charm at Penelope Bistro or Gerrie’s Bar. Fortitude Valley’s moody speakeasies like Savile Row, The Nixon Room, or The Gatsby Lounge Bar offer a decadent start to the evening.
For a rooftop escape, Brisbane dazzles with Soko Rooftop Bar, Cielo Rooftop, The Terrace Rooftop Bar, Lina Rooftop or Cicada Blu at Sky Deck’s open air rooftop bar as part of Queen’s Wharf where skyline views meet delicious cocktails. Whether by the river, on a rooftop, or tucked in a hidden laneway, Brisbane’s best cocktail bars set the perfect scene before an evening at the theatre.
Stay
Whether it is important to stay close to the action at South Bank, enjoy lavish views of Brisbane or experience a touch of luxury, there is a place for everyone to rest their head. For those staying close to QPAC in South Bank, the Emporium Hotel or Novotel Brisbane South Bank are both perfect options, or The City offers luxe stays at The W Brisbane, The Star Grand and The Westin, while Howard Smith Wharves’ Crystalbrook Vincent pairs art and luxury with breath-taking Story Bridge views.
Curtain Call
From the world-exclusive staging of Sting’s The Last Ship at QPAC to rooftop cocktails, fine dining, and tranquil escapes, Brisbane is ready to host a theatre experience unlike any other. Start planning your Brisbane holiday and immerse yourself in a city that knows how to celebrate culture on a grand stage.
