Spontaneous weekend away in Brisbane
Forget spreadsheets, list making and long-winded planning – leave your troubles behind and follow your bliss to Brisbane for a spontaneous weekend away. Who said last-minute trips couldn’t be done? Brisbane is filled with fun activities and things to do that require no bookings. So, here’s where to go and what to do if you’re in Brisbane for a spontaneous getaway with no plans to speak of.
Go with the flow: how to explore Brisbane without making plans
No ticket to ride? No problem. Go with the flow of the Brisbane River aboard a CityCat to explore the city by boat. You can hop on and off as you go to explore the different suburbs that touch the river finding activities, markets, and restaurants as you go. Or if you simply want to see the city from the river, you can get yourself on a GoBoat for a more private boat cruise or floating picnic vibe– without needing a boat license to get around.
Prefer to stay on solid ground? Explore Brisbane City by foot or become better acquainted with Queensland’s capital by visiting the Museum of Brisbane (MoB) to discover its people and stories. Or wander through the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens to discover the sub-tropical plant life that abounds in this part of the woerld. Then, stroll on down to the Riverwalk to take in the sunshine and river views at your leisure.
Take in the action of live sports – between The Gabba and Suncorp Stadium, there are always games to spectate. If tickets have sold out, you can always check out the games at one of the many pubs in and around the city. Or, if sports isn’t really your thing, you can check out what’s on in Brisbane while you’re in town and see what events take your fancy.
Early birds can capture stunning scenery. There are few better views of Brisbane than that from the summit of Mt Coot-tha – particularly at sunrise. Grab a blanket, a take-away brekkie and watch the city wake up with a coffee in hand from The Summit Cafe. While you are there, it is the perfect opportunity to check out the beautiful botanical gardens, explore a bushwalking trail, or look at the stars inside the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.
Found yourself at a loose end? Hop on a Kiff & Culture tour. Ideal for food lovers who want to explore the city, or nature lovers who want to follow their sense of adventure further afar, Kiff & Culture tours are tailored to suit your every whim – which is what a spontaneous weekend away is about, after all.
Spontaneous eats and drinks in Brisbane where bookings are optional
Year-round alfresco dining, riverside drinks and market-hopping is the game for food and drink aficionados in Brisbane. Those who like the idea of enjoying spontaneous brews by the river can pull up a pew at Felons Brewing Co on Howard Smith Wharves; or, make like the tide and lap the riverbanks at Rivermakers HQ, where you’ll find Revel Brewing Co set among the heritage precinct. Both breweries are perfect to spend the afternoon in the sun with friends with some good food and drinks, with no bookings needed. Not one for a beer? Swan into Bavay Distillery instead for a gin-making masterclass.
There’s no need to book a table or make solid plans when you can saunter about Brisbane’s farmers markets. From 6am to 12pm every Saturday, the Jan Powers Powerhouse Farmers Markets stalls set up beside the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse with breakfast, pastries, fruit and veg, and so much more, be prepared to do some shopping. In this idyllic spot, you can take your breakfast and picnic provisions to New Farm Park, which is just a small walk away. Hop on a CityCat ferry from New Farm Park and Brisbane is your oyster. When the sun sets, spontaneous eats are the order of the day at Eat Street Markets at Northshore. Here, food stalls representing global cuisines, delicious desserts and enticing drinks serve up fun-filled fare to the soundtrack of live music.
The sun rises early in Brisbane, and so do Brisbane coffee lovers. Grab your caffeine fix at one of the city’s popular roasters – just follow your nose to where the aroma of coffee beans is emerging.
If you’re ever in doubt about where the gourmands are hanging out in Brisbane, or looking for a last-minute meal, meander down Fortitude Valley’s James Street and pick up a plate of deliciousness from the likes of Sunshine Eatery or The Green. Ask for a seat at the bar at Bianca, sAmesAme, or Mosconi, a booth at Bar Tano by Gemelli, or a prime outdoor spot at at Sixes & Sevens. And, on a sunny day, a drink enjoyed poolside at Hellenika becomes the ultimate laidback Brisbane experience befitting a spontaneous weekend away.
Last-minute fun: spontaneous cultural adventures in Brisbane
Whether you’re in Brisbane for a long time or a good time, you can find a hub of culture and creativity in South Bank and South Brisbane.
Take in an exhibition at South Bank’s Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), score last-minute tickets to a performance at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and visit Aboriginal Art Co’s gallery and store in South Brisbane.
Time to refuel? Stroll down South Brisbane’s Fish Lane, where fine food and wine, craft brews, casual eats and highly sought-after baked treats abound. Then, if you dare, hop on the Channel 7 Wheel of Brisbane to see the city from new heights.
And, to end a spontaneous weekend away in Brisbane, head along to Sunday Social on the Green at South Bank, where you can unwind on a picnic blanket and listen to live music as the sun sets.
Beyond the city’s fringe: where to follow your bliss beyond Brisbane
Add an easy, breezy day trip into your spontaneous adventures and visit one of Brisbane’s regions.
There’s no need to prepare for an island getaway when you’ve based yourself in Brisbane. Take a ferry over to Moreton Island/Mulgumpin or North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah, or hop on a tour that’ll guide you around, and set your watch to island time. Clear waters and wildlife will capture your attention at every corner and the island life will make you never want to leave. You can also visit the seaside villages of Moreton Bay for fish and chips by the water’s edge.
If you prefer lush greenery and country hospitality, then venture into the Scenic Rim where farm animals and vineyards await. You can also meet koalas and discover global food offerings in Logan City; discover the heritage buildings, museums and cafes of Ipswich; or take it slow and relax by the bay on the Redlands Coast.
