Brisbane:
Top summer attractions
Long days, balmy nights, and that unmistakable Brisbane buzz, summer in Brisbane just hits different. From riverside dining and rooftop drinks to secret swimming spots and city adventures, 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 for the summer weather.
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 ways to enjoy a Brisbane sightseeing adventure.
If you’re more of an adrenaline seeker, experience a ride with Jet Ski Tours Brisbane or Trident Jetskis Brisbane. See the sights along the Brisbane River for an unforgettable experience on the water.
If an afternoon of leisure is more your speed, jump on a GoBoat for a picnic like no other! With no licence or experience required, captain your own ship along the Brisbane River. Pack a picnic and a few drinks as you bask in the sun and sight-see from the river in one of the environmentally friendly electric boats.
If want to have sole control of your water vessel, Riverlife Brisbane have a kayak on the Brisbane River experience, which lets you captain your own kayak for 90 minutes during a day time or evening cruise.
Get ready to party up the Brisbane River on the iconic YOT Club, the superyacht that brings Brisbane’s best events to the water. Hop aboard Brisbane's newest cruising entertainment venue, OASIS, and party across three different themed levels including a vibrant rooftop with a dancefloor and sun lounges.
To keep the little ones entertained, experience the relaxing and informative daily Koala and River cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, run by Mirimar Cruises, and 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 really soak up the weather, The City, Howard Smith Wharves, Queens Wharf and James Street, Fortitude Valley are just a few renowned dining precincts that are filled with great options to soak in the rays and feel the afternoon breeze while enjoying a delicious meal.
Ever evolving, there are always new places to discover. So, whether you prefer to indulge at breakfast, lunch or dinner, to experience local eats or to venture out into the regions, you will be leaving full and satisfied.
Go brewery hopping
On a hot summers’ day, nothing tastes quite like a fresh crisp beer, but when locally brewed it’s even better!
Born in Scotland and booming in Brisbane is a local brewery and taproom, Brewdog, located in both Murarrie and Fortitude Valley where you can be guaranteed a fun time and a good pour. Why not make a day of it and stroll on over to Green Beacon Brewing Co. and Range Brewing where the brews keep pouring, or find Sea Legs Brewing Co. at Kangaroo Point. Then make your way to The City and follow the craft beer trail to keep the good times flowing.
Give the planning and the driving to someone else and join a fun, unique 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 you, the 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, 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 at 60-metres high, the Wheel of Brisbane is an exciting way to see the city. Perfect for snapshots and a change of pace, you can experience the city sights and renowned summer sunsets from a comfortable air-conditioned gondola.
South Bank’s dining scene is perfect for a wide variety of occasions, whether you are celebrating, enjoy a date night or dining out with the family. Discover riverfront dining, perfect for a summer lunch, along River Quay or venture further along Grey Street for an incredible selection of cuisines.
At the top of South Bank is the Cultural Centre, home to Queensland’s largest galleries, library and Brisbane’s most popular museums, Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), home to exclusive rotating exhibitions and Queensland Museum for natural history and cultural heritage. Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is home to live performances and productions and The State Library of Queensland is a knowledge bank in the heart of the Cultural Centre.
Shopping in Brisbane
If you’re in the mood to shop, try out one of Brisbane’s open air shopping precincts that allow you to catch some sun while shopping luxury brands. Queen Street Mall is a unique shopping experience in the heart of The City, home to some of your favourite retailers, big international chains and luxury brands. while James Street in Fortitude Valley offers a leafy boutique and upscale experience.
Or pick up some fresh fruit and veg, artisan homewares and a bunch of fresh flowers, as you shop your way through one of the many markets that pop up all week long. From bayside to city centre, Brisbane is home to a plethora of farmers markets.
Island adventures
Brisbane’s coastline is home to a multitude of idyllic islands, perfect for day trips or longer holidays to be immersed in nature and adventure. North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah is just a 40minute drive from Brisbane City and 20minute ferry ride with Sealink. North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah is known for some of the most spectacular scenery of headlands, freshwater lakes, white sandy beaches and thriving wildlife. Or, cruise across to Moreton Island/Mulgumpin to Tangalooma Island Resort and experience a nature lover's paradise. Discover unique wildlife and marine life, shipwreck snorkelling, sand boarding, a range of water-based activities and ATV quad bike tours.
Breathtaking views
If you want to see Brisbane from abovethere are plenty of spots you can marvel from. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a thrilling way to get breathtaking birds-eye views over Brisbane. Or keep your feet on the ground and enjoy stunning city views perched on the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. A quick drive up to Mt Coot-Tha offers more wonderful sunrise and sunset views of Brisbane from a distance, or stay after the sun goes down and watch the city lights and star-lit skies sparkle to life.
For truly spectacular views of the regions, you can shoot to the sky with one of Brisbane's hot air ballooning opportunities. Hot Air Balloon Brisbane can collect you from within Brisbane City well before the sunrise to take you down to O'Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in the Scenic Rim for a vineyard and coastal view. Thirty minutes west of the city, Floating Images promises the most beautiful countryside and cityside views across the Lockyer Valley and the city of Ipswich.
