Cruise the Brisbane River

The iconic Brisbane River is the perfect backdrop to this city of lifestyle and leisure. Being on the water is one of the best and most adventurous ways to see a multitude of Brisbane’s monuments. One of the easiest ways to cruise along the river is on a CityCat, KittyCat or CityHopper service. There is a convenient network of ferry terminals stretching from The University of Queensland in St. Lucia to Northshore Hamilton.

If you are looking for an interactive tour of Brisbane, you can cruise along the river with informative commentary with Mirimar Cruises, which will take you along the river and dock at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Seize the opportunity to spend the day here and experience Australian wildlife up close before jumping back on the boat.

Breathtaking views

Experience the Brisbane River and so much more from new heights. It’s hard to beat the bird’s eye view you get with an Elite Helicopters or V2 Helicopter tour of Brisbane City, Moreton Island/Mulgumpin or North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah. For another adrenaline filled adventure to experience Brisbane’s views, climb up the Story Bridge with Story Bridge Adventure Climb,

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, you can still enjoy the stunning city views as you lookout from the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Another option is to take a quick drive up to Mt Coot-Tha, which offers more wonderful sunrise and sunset views. Stay after the sun goes down and watch the city lights and star-lit skies sparkle to life.

For truly spectacular views you can venture straight into the sky with one of Brisbane's hot air ballooning companies. Hot Air Balloon Brisbane collects you from the city before dawn and takes you to Canungra in the Scenic Rim for an extraordinary sunrise over the vineyard and coastal landscape. Thirty minutes west of Brisbane City in Ipswich, Floating Images Hot Air Ballon Flights promise the most beautiful countryside and cityside views across the Scenic Rim and the City of Ipswich.

Howard Smith Wharves

At the heart of Brisbane’s dining and entertainment hub is Howard Smith Wharves. Enjoy the best seat in the house right under the Story Bridge, on the edge of the sparkling Brisbane River. It’s a place where you’re spoilt for choice with some of Brisbane’s best restaurants and bars.

If you’re looking to enjoy a refreshing drink, you can enjoy a craft beer and lively atmosphere at Felon’s Brewing Co. or enjoy cocktails and a live DJ at the neighbouring Mr Percival’s. For unmatched views of The Wharves, Fiume Rooftop Bar is the perfect spot, or for a moody and intimate ambience, Stan’s and B-Side are serving unique cocktails and bites tailor-made to this environment.

After enjoying a few drinks, pick one of the many restaurants available to indulge in a delicious meal. From authentic Greek at Greca, tasty Japanese bites at Yoko Dining, fresh Italian from Ciao Papi, or Cantonese fine dining at Stanley, you are not short on choice.

Queen's Wharf

From incredible five-star accommodation, skyline views of Brisbane, endless dining options, luxury retail and first-class entertainment, the Queens Wharf precinct is a must visit. The riverfront location has created a buzzing atmosphere within The City as its impressive architecture is large and luxurious and open to everyone.

Enjoy a drink and dine with a view on the Sky Deck at Babblers, Aloria and Cicada Blu, where you can also experience the thrill of an invisible floor above the rushing of traffic below. On the Terrace found on level four is a wide range of cuisines, such as traditional Japanese at Sokyo, French dining at Pompette, South East Asian at Luc Lac along with a wide range of other eateries ready to take you on a culinary journey.

After enjoying your meal and spectacular views, head into The Star Casino area to find The Sports Bar, Cherry Bar and Live Wire for some world-class entertainment. Or make your way down to ground level where you can walk along and enjoy the green oasis that is The Landing.

There is always something to see, eat, or do at The Star’s Queens Wharf.

South Bank

South Bank is home to a whole precinct of activities and attractions perfect for you, your family or a date night out. Located on the southern banks of the Brisbane River, the area is made up of 17 hectares of lush parklands and Australia's only inner-city, man-made beach. This makes South Bank Parklands the perfect place for a dip in the pool, stroll in the park or a barbecue with friends. Streets Beach is monitored all day by lifeguards and feels like the real thing – just without the waves.

For breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views at 60 metres high, the Wheel of Brisbane is an unique way to take in the city. Perfect for snapshots and a change of pace, you can experience the city sights from a comfortable air-conditioned gondola or book a VIP gondola for special occasions.

For a romantic night out, head straight for River Quay at the southern end of South Bank. Beautiful dining and drinks venues, plus a lush riverside lawn make for a perfect date night picnic. For more dining choices, a parade of restaurants and bars line Little Stanley Street and Grey Street.

Dine

Brisbane’s dining scene is booming, and you’ll soon find out why. With flavours to satisfy every set of taste buds, you’re spoilt for choice. Whether you’re ready for some bar hopping, some cheap and tasty eats or the perfect caffeine hit - Brisbane has it all. With the Brisbane classics constantly finding innovative ways to improve, alongside an abundance of new openings, you’ll want to wine and dine every night of the week. Treat yourself to a meal with a spectacular view, hit up one of the many rooftop bars overlooking the city, or spend a  Sunday afternoon checking it all out.

Experience Brisbane’s dining scene in a unique and exciting way by joining a Kiff & Culture tour or Bos Tour, book in a gin making class or taste your way across the globe at Eat Street Northshore.

Cultural Centre

Make your way to South Brisbane to find yourself in Brisbane’s Cultural Centre, home to Queensland’s largest galleries, library and Australia's most popular museum.

Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) houses traditional mediums and exhibitions in addition to abstract and modernism art pieces. Enjoy a day of unique art and thought-provoking creations in the air-conditioned building.

Queensland Museum is a museum of natural history, cultural heritage, science and human achievement that also tells the changing story of Queensland. Permanent and rotating exhibitions provide refreshing education experiences for kids and grown-ups while the Sciencentre on Level One gets you up close and personal with the latest in research and discovery.

The State Library of Queensland is a knowledge bank in the heart of the Cultural Centre, positioning itself as a community hub for sharing, learning, collaborating and creating. Register as a member for free to get access to the impressive catalogue and to book meeting and study rooms.

If you a more inclined towards live performing arts, then you can walk across the road to find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). QPAC showcases over 1,200 performances per year, boasting a catalogue of emerging, local, new, and world-renowned productions.

Inner-city adventures 

For an inner-city adventure, look no further than Riverlife Adventure. Take a segway spin under the Story Bridge, rock climb the Kangaroo Point Cliffs or glide down the river in a night-time kayak, there are plenty of experiences to explore.

Brisbane boasts two Botanic Gardens in which to explore and unwind. Bring a picnic blanket and friends or family to the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens before a hike up the mountain for the breathtaking views of Brisbane City. Or relax in the City Botanic Gardens as you find a shady spot with views of the Brisbane River with your lunch or picnic at one of the many eateries in The City.

Island adventures

Brisbane’s coastline is home to a multitude of idyllic islands, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of city life and immersing in nature and adventure. You can jump on a ferry, charter a boat, join a tour, drive across or wade out at low tide and discover the sandy beaches of Brisbane.

On Moreton Island/Mulgumpin, Tangalooma Island Resort offers a wide range of both land and water activities fit for everybody. Think snorkelling to sand tobogganing to watching Humpback Whales migrating between June and November. Brisbane Whale Watching and Aria Cruises also provide whale watching and dolphin tours during the whale season. North Stradbroke island/Minjerribah is just a short drive and scenic boat trip from Brisbane City and is known for some of the most spectacular scenery found anywhere in Australia. Famous for its scenic headlands, abundance of wildlife, freshwater lakes, rolling surf and endless white sandy beaches, the island is quite literally an adventure-filled paradise.

Food, beer and wine tours

Brisbane is home to a craft beer aficionado’s dream. Hop On Brewery Tours and the classic XXXX Brewery Tours will get you around to the city’s best breweries, as you can imagine. Or check out all the breweries you can visit in and around Brisbane.

For wine tours, Brisbane Winery Tours, Vino Bus, Tash Maree and Kiff & Culture have you covered.

Explore the beauty of nature 

Lush greenery, waterfalls, walking trails and animal experiences the Scenic Rim and Moreton Bay Region offer endless adventure for nature lovers. Experience the Scenic Rim from new heights with adrenaline experiences such as Oz Paragliding and Hang Gliding or the Tree Tops Challenge in Tambourine Mountain. Or take in the extraordinary views from the top of Lake Maroon, Lamington National Park or embark on one of the many walks that you can discover around Brisbane. For something a little slower in pace, make your way to one of the beautiful wineries, breweries or distilleries found within the region. Canungra Valley Vineyard at O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat, gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the alpacas that roam the vineyard.

If you’re looking to explore the Moreton Bay Region, you can find plenty of scenic spots as you hike through Maiala in Mount Glorious and stop at the top for a picnic with an unbeatable view, or any of the mountains found around D’Aguilar National Park. If hiking is not your cup of tea, head into town where the town of Samford is filled with hidden gems to be discovered. Or you can drive you’re way out to Bribie Island where you are greeted with a relaxed, coastal bay atmosphere. Moreton Bay Region has a little slice of everything, from bush to beach.

Shopping in the city

If nothing else, a long wander through the concrete jungle is the perfect excuse to spend some of your hard-earned cash and glam up. Queen Street Mall found in the heart of The City is home to some of your favourite retailers and big international chains and luxury brands. While James Street in Fortitude Valley features Australian owned and small  boutique stores that complements the luxurious experience along the leafy strip.

History and culture

Brisbane has many historical stories waiting to be uncovered, make your way out to see these historical sights to learn the most interesting history that Brisbane has to tell. Discover the storied history of the Brisbane at Newstead House and the Old Windmill in Spring Hill. Flashback to the World Wars with Fort Lytton National Parkor wander into the political backdrop of the Parliament House, Old Government House and Customs House.

For a bit of culture, the Brisbane Powerhouse is a local favourite with Friday night comedy, regular exhibitions, stage shows plus there is a great bar and restaurant on site for a full night out. The Museum of Brisbane in The City focuses on the art and stories of local artists, the Queensland Maritime Museum at South Bank examines our connection to the river and the bay, while the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium urges us to look to the stars.

The Judith Wright Contemporary Art Centre, also known as ‘The Judy’, is home to a unique blend of cabaret, circus, dance, music and contemporary performance right in the heart of Fortitude Valley. The Institute of Modern Art inside 'The Judy’ is a free public art gallery and forum for art and its discourses.

There are also plenty of music hubs to check out, where you can listen to live music, as you let your hair down and get your groove on. The Fortitude Music Hall, The Princess Theatre, Riverstage and Sirromet Winery are some of the most popular places for big and small gigs.

If you’re looking for some fun and interactive entertainment, West End Electric brings an electric atmosphere as the live entertainment, captivating performances and unique theatrics keep you hooked for the entire show.

Sports

Brisbane is a great place to watch live sports. Suncorp Stadium is host for rugby and soccer games, while The Gabba love to host cricket and AFL. Get amongst the crowd and choose a team to support as you experience a feeling like no other at a Brisbane based game.