Brisbane's best experiences
Unforgettable memories are made through experiences and Brisbane is home to an abundance of awesome adventures waiting to be discovered. From bridge climbing to island hopping, Brisbane has no shortage of unique experiences, and they just keep getting better. These are the top new Brisbane experiences to add to your list.
Adventure in the city
Lone Pine Sanctuary
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is home to some of Australia's most beloved and iconic wildlife. Nestled in the leafy, riverside suburb of Fig Tree Pocket, the sanctuary offers a unique experience with plenty to explore. From meeting koalas and visiting kangaroos to spotting cassowaries and pink cockatoos, and even catching a glimpse of the playful platypus, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Riverlife
For an inner-city adventure, look no further than Riverlife. Take a segway for a spin under the Story Bridge, rock climb the Kangaroo Point Cliffs or glide down the river in a night-time kayak with these inner-city adventure experts.
For a unique experience that mixes adventure and aperitifs, check out the Riverlife Twilight Kayak and Grazing session by the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Take a date, paddle out and watch the city skyscrapers sparkle. Afterwards, enjoy a grazing board with the group and enjoy a drink overlooking the river.
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. Accelerate your experience with a ‘Walk the Plank’ or the unique bridge 'lean out’ experience to make the day an unforgettable one. Join the twilight climb to watch the sun set across the city and see the glistening city lights shimmering like a sea of stars.
Spree with Me
If your idea of a city escape is shopping ‘til you drop, then we’ve got just the experience for you. Head out into one of the many fashion districts of Brisbane and have your own personal shopping tour guided by a friendly personal stylist with Spree with Me.
For the water lovers
River to Bay
Join River to Bay for an unforgettable adventure on the water with a guided day-trip experience. Offering a wide selection of excursion options, River to Bay provides tours to visit bucket-list worthy islands and beaches, snorkelling shipwrecks, exploring nature with guided walks to learn about heritage-listed history or specialised cruises along the river feasting on seafood, wine and craft beer. River to Bay is your passport to explore Brisbane and surrounding bays, and departs and returns to the heart of Brisbane.
GoBoat
If leisure is more your speed, GoBoat is the experience for you. See the sights of Brisbane from the river, with up to eight of your closest friends. Be your own captain onboard Brisbane’s fleet of private picnic boats, with no boat license is required for a day out on these environmentally friendly self-drive boats. Order a basket of goodies or bring your own food and drinks for a perfect boating day out.
YOT Club
Get ready to party up the Brisbane River on the iconic YOT Club, the super yacht that brings Brisbane’s best events to the water. The recently refurbished YOT Club 2.0 displays a stunning evolution of redesigned interiors, refreshed food and drinks menu, upgraded sound, lighting and entertainment system to elevate the onboard experience. Raise your glass as you take in the sights of Brisbane for an immersive and unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a corporate event, a special occasion or just because, YOT Club is the ideal venue for a day or night out like no other.
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 City skyline, the Story Bridge, Gateway Bridge and Botanical Gardens. If you’re after an unforgettable experience on the water, this is sure to be it.
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 in the river and live DJs take you into the night.
Regional experiences
Brisbane Whale Watching
From June through to November, hundreds of majestic humpback whales swing by Brisbane on their journey to the tropical water up north. Brisbane Whale Watching invites you to experience one of the world’s best humpback whale-watching spots, Moreton Bay. With over 25 years of experience, you can trust the experts to guide you from the heart of Brisbane straight to the magnificent creatures.
Captained by Kerry Lopez, the only woman captain owning and skippering a whale watching venture in the South Pacific Rim, Brisbane Whale Watching has a focus on the need to nurture and protect our precious wildlife. This is an experience you won’t forget - just make sure you bring the cameras!
Spicers Scenic Rim Trail
Discover the beauty of the Scenic Rim with Spicers Scenic Rim Trail; two or five day walks led by experienced guides, taking you through the best of the region. Explore by day and return to the comfort of Spicers Canopy Luxury Tents by night.
The five day option is the only Queensland inclusion in the Great Walks of Australia Collection. You’ll discover why the Scenic Rim has been voted one of the Top Regions in the World.
Tangalooma Island Resort
Tangalooma Island Resort is the ultimate island escape - from luxury stays, to action-packed day trips, the resort offers it all. Its experiences include cruise options for dolphin and whale watching, shipwreck snorkelling, and ATV quad bike tours. Or if your heart desires some rest and recovery, relax by the pool or sip a cocktail from the Beach Deck, Tangalooma Island Resort’s rooftop bar. Get your crew together and hop over to Moreton Island/ Mulgumpin to discover this slice of paradise for yourself.
Elite Helicopters
Experience sky-high excitement over Brisbane and surrounds with Elite Helicopters. Hop on board with one of Queensland’s premier helicopter operators and take in a bird’s eye view of our iconic sights.
Our top pick is the 30 minute scenic flight over Moreton Island/ Mulgumpin – a great way to see the entire Tangalooma Wrecks. Starting from Brisbane, fly over North Stradbroke Island/ Minjerribah and on a clear day you’ll see all the way to the Gold Coast.
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 to soar above the sights. Take in sweeping views of the magnificent mountain ranges and rolling hills which will give you an unparalleled perspective and the 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 and award-winning wine at one of the two onsite restaurants that will take your tastebuds on a culinary journey, followed by a tasting of Sirromet’s award-winning Granite Belt wines.
Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm
Fancy a boutique wine overlooking stunning lavender fields? Nestled in the Scenic Rim, just an hour from Brisbane, Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm is the perfect lunch stopover offering a cellar door, restaurant and lavender gift shop. Clear some storage on your phone, charge the battery and get amongst the magical purple haze and dreamy lavender scent. Don’t leave without sampling the delicious lavender infused scones or gelato, or better yet, lavender cocktails!
For the connoisseurs
Vertigo
Taking dining with a view to new heights, Vertigo is Brisbane’s newest vertical restaurant suspended 17 metres above the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse. Take in the sweeping city and river views as you dine on a sensational seasonal menu with paired Queensland wine crafted by the creative Bar Alto chefs.
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 distillery’s, to restaurants, to breweries and more, they’ve handpicked all of Brisbane’s best to curate day tours you’ll be dreaming of once they’re over.
For immersing in culture
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 Aboriginal people used the natural environment, tools and items created for everyday use. Within the tour, you will participate in a smoking ceremony, fire making, taste and learn about bush foods and plant species and the role they play, learn Ygara language words, listen to a bull-roarer at the sacred bora-ring, do boomerang and spear throwing and more. An unforgettable experience awaits.
Three Little Birds
Immerse yourself in the tastes of Australia, with a one of a kind experience by catering company, Three Little Birds. Using native ingredients, ancient knowledge of customs and techniques, they make food that doesn’t just taste good but also works to acknowledge, educate and celebrate the unique culture and natural resources Australia has to offer. Take part in a cooking class or organise your next event catering.
Djawun “Home Country” Tour
Join artist and traditional Custodian, Jason Murphy on an enriching guided tour of Jinibara Country. Explore the land’s cultural history as Jason shares his knowledge of the land, history and insights during this eight-hour tour. The adventure starts with a fresh coffee and sparkling iced tea before travelling to Mt Mee for breathtaking views of mountain ranges, followed by learning about the traditional hunting and gathering practices through D’Aguilar National Park. Finally, savour an incredible two-course culinary experience at the award-winning Ocean View Estate, showcasing native and local ingredients. Join Jason on an adventure of discovery, where this experience will deepen your connection to local First Nations culture and history.
Yura Tours
Join Quandamooka woman Elisha Kessick as she guides a small-group tour through significant cultural sites of Minjerribah / North Stradbroke Island. For families, Yura Tours’ Whale Watching – Land-Based Cultural Walking Tour is a must-experience First Nations activity. Elisha escorts visitors around the famed Gorge Walk at Mulumba (Point Lookout), where they learn about Minjerribah creation stories, Aboriginal uses for the island’s flora, and watch the magnificent Yallingbilla (whales) performances as they swim by. You’re also likely to see dolphins, kangaroos and turtles along the coast.
