01. Stroll along Bulimba’s Oxford Street, one of Brisbane’s best shopping destinations. Weave in and out of the many boutiques browsing an eclectic mix of homeware, fashion, and vintage stores, before taking your pick of cafes and restaurants to dine in.

02. Catch the latest flick 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.

03. Need a revitalising pick me up? Stephanies® Urban Spa in the heart of Bulimba offers guests exceptional beauty services, well-being retreats, and essential spa therapies.

04. 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 Cafe for refreshments. 

05. Open to groups of social players, grab your mates, hire a set of clubs and whack a few balls at Bulimba Golf Club. With riverside views and cheap meals, it's a fun way to spend an afternoon.

06. 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.

07. 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 a fish and chips takeaway from nearby Manly Harbour Village outlets.

08. For a dose of nature, Redlands IndigiScapes Centre in Capalaba offers native botanical gardens, a native nursery, bush trails, a nature playground, and a cafe specialising in local cuisine with a bush tucker twist.

09. 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. Admission and guided tours are free. 

10. Spend a day 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. 

11. See 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 a jetty in Manly. 

12. 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, including how to steer a yacht to anchoring, basic navigation, and helming. 

13. Picnic and barbecue areas are abundant along the Wynnum Esplanade and there’s no better way to watch the sun go down than with a picnic by the sea. 

14. Wind yourself through the mangrove forest of the Wynnum Mangrove Boardwalk and spot the local wildlife who call this place home. Along the way, display boards help to describe the nature of the area and the importance of mangroves to the Wynnum and Manly foreshore. 

15. Join in on an early morning paddle around Manly Harbour with Kayak Fun. Led by an experienced guide, view the wide variety of moored boats and yachts and keep your eyes peeled for the occasional dolphin or dugong that may cross your path.

Fancy a bite? Here are the best places to eat in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs.