Eastern Suburbs:
Things to do
East of The City, Brisbane's seaside suburbs deliver the lifestyle that Brisbane is famous for. Here, Jacaranda trees bloom purple over Queenslander verandas, morning fog lifts off the Brisbane River and café doors open to regulars who've claimed the same tables for years. And while these charming neighbourhoods, from Hawthorne to Balmoral, Camp Hill to Morningside, often don’t make the itineraries of travellers, many locals argue they should.
So, whether you’re seeking a cosy café for brunch, a lush greenspace to read a book, a vintage store to rummage through or one of Brisbane's best suburban breweries, here’s a list of things to do in the eastern suburbs.
01. Explore The Hills of Rivermakers. Originally built in 1910 as the Rivermakers acetate lime factory, this heritage-listed site played a pivotal role in World War I armament production. Today however, this Morningside precinct has been meticulously restored and transformed into a vibrant, modern venue that houses cafes, wine bars, restaurants and food markets.
02. Take a walk through the Jan Powers Market in Manly. This bustling, open-air markets - which takes place on the first and third Saturday of each month - welcomes all with an abundant array of fresh produce, handmade products, artisan wares and delicious food.
03. Stroll along Bulimba’s Oxford Street, one of Brisbane’s best shopping destinations. Weave in and out of the many boutiques, housing an eclectic mix of homewares, fashion, and vintage stores, before taking your pick of cafes and restaurants to dine in.
Stephanies Urban Spa
04. Catch the latest blockbuster at Balmoral Cineplex, one of the oldest cinemas in Brisbane. Featuring red velvet seats, hanging chandeliers, an old-school candy bar, and cheap ticket prices, you’ll feel like you’re in your very own old Hollywood movie.
05. Need a revitalising pick me up? Stephanies Urban Spa in the heart of Bulimba offers guests exceptional beauty services, wellbeing retreats, and essential spa therapies.
06. If you’re looking for an old-school flea market, the Sunday Manly Creative Markets aren’t it. Instead, you’ll find artisan wares, arts & crafts, food, kid’s rides, great coffee, family friendly entertainment, plants, fruit & vegetables, fashion and more.
07. Visit Brisbane’s largest antique collection at Camp Hill Antique Centre and discover a vibrant cluster of vintage jewellery, clothes, household items, and more. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure to pop into the store’s Tart Café for refreshments.
08. Hire a set of clubs and whack a few balls at Bulimba Golf Club. With riverside views and an on-site restaurant and bar, it's a fun way to spend an afternoon, and it's open to social groups!
09. Stop for a swim at Wynnum Wading Pool, a much-loved destination for a family day out. At high tide, the large pool (with a slide) fills with seawater and is an ideal spot for kids to safely splash about and have fun. In the winter months, when it’s too chilly to swim, the pool is emptied and occasionally operates as a volleyball court.
10. On the first Saturday of every month, head to Little Bayside Park in Manly for a free family movie. Bring a folding chair, rug, or cushion, pack a picnic, or grab fish and chips to take away from one of the nearby Manly Harbour Village outlets.
11. For a dose of nature, Redlands IndigiScapes Centre offers native botanical gardens, a native nursery, bush trails, a nature playground, and a café specialising in local cuisine with a bush tucker twist.
12. Step back in time on a visit to Fort Lytton, Brisbane's primary defence facility from the colonial era until after WW2. Take your time viewing the multiple military exhibits and a large collection of Australian artillery.
13. Spend a day seaside by getting to know Manly Harbour Village. Enjoy a waterfront walk, browse the village's main street along Cambridge Parade, explore the Moreton Bay Discovery Centre and Museum, and sample the local seafood.
14. Discover hidden chapters of Australia’s colonial history brought to life on a St Helena Island day trip and prepare to hear the stories of the prisoners who lived and worked on the island. Board the boat from the jetty in Manly.
15. Become a master of the sea and learn how to sail on a beginner's one-day course with Southern Cross Yachting. Setting off from Wynnum-Manly and out to Moreton Bay, this popular class introduces everything you need to know with an unbeatable backdrop, learn how to steer a yacht to anchoring, basic navigation, and helming.
16. Capture the most scenic sunset with the bayside as your canvas. Set up a picnic at one of the many barbeque areas that are abundant along the Wynnum Esplanade and watch on as the sun set on another day.
17. Wind yourself through the mangrove forest of the Wynnum Mangrove Boardwalk and spot the local wildlife who call this place home. Along the way, you can read the display boards that help to describe the nature of the area and the importance that mangroves have for the Wynnum and Manly foreshore.
Fancy a bite? Here are the best places to eat in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs.
