Brisbane:
Summer attractions
Long days, balmy nights, and that unmistakable Brisbane buzz, summer in Brisbane just hits different. From riverside adventure and rooftop drinks to secret swimming spots and city discoveries, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the sunshine. Whether your here for a day, a week or an extended escape, Brisbane is bursting with must-dos in the summer weather.
Cruise the Brisbane River
At the heart of Brisbane’s summer lifestyle is the iconic Brisbane River. Whether you are chasing adventure or sightseeing, being on the water is one of the best ways to explore Brisbane’s beauty.
If you’re looking to turn up the speed, hit the water with Jet Ski Tours Brisbane or Trident Jetskis Brisbane. Zip along the Brisbane River and take in some of the city’s most iconic sights for an unforgettable day on the water.
Take a slower route around the river with Riverlife Brisbane’s kayak experiences. Paddle your own kayak for 90 minutes during a daytime or twilight cruise.
If an afternoon of leisure is more your speed, hop aboard a GoBoat for a picnic like no other! With no licence or experience required, captain your own electric boat along the Brisbane River. Pack a picnic and a few drinks as you bask in the sun and sight-see from the river at your own pace.
Get ready to party up the Brisbane River on the iconic YOT Club, the superyacht that brings some of Brisbane’s biggest events to the water. Or step aboard OASIS and cruise the river across three different themed levels, including a vibrant rooftop deck with a dancefloor and sun lounges.
If the kids are in tow, trade the boat parties for koalas and kangaroos aboard Miriam Cruises’ Koala and River cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. It’s a laidback way to experience the river before spending time with some of Australia’s favourite fluffy friends – get the best of both worlds – river and wildlife.
Dining
Brisbane’s dining scene is a force to be reckoned with, from riverside to rooftop views, European to Asian cuisine and casual to fine dining, there is no shortage of options to choose from. For a warm summery afternoon, you may find yourself wanting to dine alfresco style to make the most of the sunshine. Brisbane City, Howard Smith Wharves, Queens Wharf, James Street and Fortitude Valley are just a few of Brisbane’s renowned dining precincts, filled with riverside restaurants, rooftop venues and open-air eateries perfect for soaking up the afternoon breeze while enjoying a delicious meal.
Ever evolving, there are always new places to discover in Brisbane’s dining scene. So whether you prefer to indulge at breakfast, lunch or dinner, experience local eats or to venture out into the regions, you will be sure to discover delicious finds.
Go brewery hopping
On a hot summers’ day, nothing hits the spot quite like a cold craft beer. Across Brisbane, independent breweries are pouring fresh local brews in some of the city's most vibrant precincts., Start at Brewdog in Murarrie or Fortitude Valley, before making your way to Green Beacon Brewing Co. and Range Brewing where the brews keep pouring. At Kangaroo Point, Sea Legs Brewing Co. pairs great beers with river views, while Brisbane’s craft beer trail is an easy way to discover more of Brisbane City’s independent breweries.
If you would rather leave the planning and the driving to someone else, join a fun and educational brewery tour with Hop on Brewery Tours.
South Bank
South Bank is home to a whole range of activities and attractions perfect for families, friends and date nights alike. 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, Streets Beach. This makes South Bank Parklands the perfect place for a summer dip in the pool, stroll in the park or a barbecue with friends.
For breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Brisbane, step onto the Wheel of Brisbane. Rising 60 metres above South Bank, it is an exciting way to see the city, from a birds-eye view and for a change of pace. Better yet, time your ride for the summer sunset and watch Brisbane glow as day turns to night from the comfort of an air-conditioned gondola.
South Bank’s dining scene caters to every occasion, whether you are celebrating, enjoy a date night or dining out with the family. Settle in for a riverside lunch along River Quay or explore Grey Street’s diverse collection of restaurants, bars and cafes, where flavours from around the world await.
At the top of South Bank is the Cultural Centre, home to Queensland’s largest galleries, library and Brisbane’s most popular museums. Discover exclusive rotating exhibitions at Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), explore natural history and cultural heritage at Queensland Museum Kurilpa, catch a live performance at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) or spend the afternoon browsing the collections and exhibitions of The State Library of Queensland.
Shopping in Brisbane
If you’re in the mood to shop, Brisbane’s open air shopping precincts make it easy to combine retail therapy with a day in the sunshine. Queen Street Mall is a shopping destination in the heart of Brisbane City, home to favourite retailers, international brands and luxury labels, while James Street in Fortitude Valley offers a leafy mix of boutiques, fashion, dining and upscale experience.
Pick up some fresh produce, artisan homewares and seasonal blooms as you wander your way through one of Brisbane’s many markets. From bayside to city centre, you will find a plethora of farmers markets popping up throughout the week.
Island adventures
Brisbane’s coastline is dotted with a multitude of idyllic islands, each offering its own mix of natural beauty, adventure and relaxation. North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah is just a 40-minute drive from Brisbane City, followed by a 20-minute ferry ride with Sealink. Known for its breathtaking headlands, freshwater lakes, white sandy beaches and thriving wildlife, it’s the perfect destination for a summer day trip.
Or cruise across to Moreton Island/Mulgumpin to Tangalooma Island Resort, where shipwreck snorkelling, sand tobogganing, parasailing, wildlife and marine life encounters and a range of water-based activities await.
Breathtaking views
If you want to see Brisbane from above, there are plenty of vantage points worth seeking out. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a thrilling way to get sweeping birds-eye views over Brisbane. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Enjoy stunning skyline views from the Kangaroo Point Cliffs or take a short drive up to Mount Coot-Tha for wonderful sunrise and sunset vistas. Stay after the sun goes down and watch as Brisbane’s City lights sparkle to life.
For an even greater perspective, take to the skies with one of Brisbane's hot air ballooning experiences. Hot Air Balloon Brisbane can collect you from within the city well before sunrise to whisk you away to O'Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in the Scenic Rim for unbeatable vineyard and coastal views. For countryside scenery, 30-minutes west of the city, Floating Images promises beautiful countryside and cityside views across the Lockyer Valley and Ipswich region.
