Things to do this Spring in Brisbane
Blue skies and balmy, sun-kissed days make Brisbane the place to be in Spring. As one perfect day extends into the next, the city is buzzing with excitement and activity. Indoor or outdoor, rooftop bars or sports stadiums, shopping or strolling, there are so many options, but here are some of the best ways to enjoy your Spring holiday in Brisbane.
By the river
1. South Bank in springtime
Spring is a blooming good time in Brisbane’s lush South Bank precinct. Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride through the parklands and find the gardens bursting into vibrant colours as you ride under the purple and green arbour of bougainvillea in South Bank. After soaking in the scenery, treat yourself at one of the many restaurants, cafes or bars offering fresh spring menus created from local produce.
2. City Botanic Gardens
Riverside city experiences come in many different forms, and the City Botanic Gardens are a stunning place to reconnect with nature right in the heart of The City. There is always something happening in the warmth of Spring in these gardens, visit for the Riverside markets on Sundays, Gigs and Picnics on the last Saturday of every month or if you just want to set up your own picnic and relax; the gardens are the perfect place to unwind in the Springtime.
3. Lunch at Howard Smith Wharves
This local and visitor favourite is a must-visit for Spring lunch, Brisbane al fresco style. There is no better way to spend a warm spring day than sipping a freshly brewed beer or an icy cold wine to pair with any of the culinary delights that you will find along Howard Smith Wharves riverside precinct. Enjoy the gorgeous views of Brisbane as you watch the afternoon sunset turn into a vibrant night of city lights.
Yot Club, Brisbane River
4. Get out on the water
There’s something extra-special about experiencing Brisbane from the river or watching the sky light up in its beautiful sunset colours in the evening. You can rent an electric GoBoat, book lunch or drinks at the Yot Club, or experience crystal clear waters and a day trip with Tangalooma Island Resort Day Cruises. Whether it’s cruising up and down the winding Brisbane River or exploring the expansive blue of Moreton Bay region, being out on the water is as Brisbane as it gets.
5. Riverlife adventures
Spring is the perfect time to get adventurous in the city, and Riverlife Adventure Centre has the perfect adrenaline pumping experience for you. While the spring weather is here, learn how to abseil, kayak, bike, or rollerblade along the banks of the Brisbane River. Whether you want to embark on one of these adventures with a group, solo or would prefer to hire out the equipment for the day, your options to spend time in the sun are endless!
6. Chase the purple rain
Have you ever seen Brisbane erupt in a sea of purple Jacaranda trees? Starting in October through to November make sure you pack the camera any time you go outdoors because you’re bound to come across the vibrant purple trees in full bloom. If you want to truly admire these gems, we suggest taking a picnic to New Farm Park or strolling through the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-Tha.
Festivals & Fiestas
07. BMW Australian PGA Championship
The BMW Australian PGA Championship will take over The Royal Queensland Gold Club for a spectacular four-day event. Experience world class professionals taking a swing at winning the prestigious Joe Kirkwood Cup.
08. Bluey’s World
Bluey’s World is a one-of-a-kind immersive experience at the Northshore Pavilion in Brisbane, Queensland, where you can play the Bluey way - for real life! Embark on an immersive journey with Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad in their iconic Queenslander home, backyard and beyond. Explore your favourite rooms, play interactive games, and keep your eyes peeled for surprises around every corner…and maybe even a Longdog or two!
09. Melt
The annual open access festival, Melt, is celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community is set to ‘queer the town’ in a colourful celebration across three scandalous, entertaining and high-energy weeks showcasing a diverse range of arts and cultural events from local and infamous international talent. Taking over Brisbane, from the river to Fortitude Valley and Fish Lane to the Redlands Coast at Sirromet Winery, this melting pot of cultural events and activities is (literally) not one you can miss!
10. The Long Sunset
Being held at its new location in Boonah, The Long Sunset is set to return in the Scenic Rim with a stellar lineup headlined by indie favourites Boy & Bear and pop powerhouse Vera Blue. Listen to everything from heartfelt pop to funky chaos and bluesy rock with popular artists such as Gretta Ray, The Buoys, Jem Cassar-Daley and Playlunch. But this festival is more than just great music; festivalgoers can enjoy sunrise yoga, workshops, roving performers, local food trucks, and more across a memorable weekend.
Delicious Eats
11. Food and wine tour
Get set for a hassle-free foodie adventure, with one of Reveling’s extravagant food and drink tours around Brisbane. Be chauffeured to some of Brisbane’s renowned restaurants, bars and experiences. With their insider knowledge and local expertise, the Reveling team knows exactly where to go for an unforgettable day. All you’ve got to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.
12. Discover Brisbane’s hottest laneways
Brisbane is full of unique, hidden, and trendy laneways bustling with culture, delicious food and not-to-be-missed bars. Discover The City’s best laneways such as, Burnett Lane, Eagle Lane, Gresham Lane and Albert lane to discover a whole new world waiting for you. South of the river, Fish Lane has all the wine bars, restaurants, and cafes you need to create a choose-your-own dining and drinking adventure with friends. Or venture into Fortitude Valley for the most vibrant laneways like Bakery Lane, Winn Lane and California Lane.
13. Walk through a craft beer trail
With the warmer weather making its yearly come back, there’s no better way to reinvigorate your exercise routine, than with some brand-new walking trails. Ease into your trail with this craft beer trail walk that ensures regular rest breaks at various local craft breweries - doctor’s orders.
14. Brisbane's trendiest eating spots
Brisbane’s dining scene is abuzz with renewed energy and new openings. Stroll through the city to discover the latest dining gems and book into newbies like Evra, Penelope, Layla, Doughcraft, and Donnies just to name a few.
15. Dine sky-high
Soak up the sunshine and raise your glasses to drinking up high at the best rooftop bars in Brisbane, which the city is certainly not short on. There’s nothing quite like clinking glasses with views of The City skyline changing to an array of colours as the sunsets in the spring air.
16. Brisbane’s farmers markets
As the sun starts to rise a little earlier,, Brisbane’s bustling farmers market scene goes into overdrive. Savour a spot of brekkie, piping hot (or icy cold) coffee as the cutest pups walk alongside you and the choice of fresh pastries, produce, fruit and veg are bursting at the seams.
Go regional
17. Get on island time
Brisbane is home to some of the best islands and beaches in the world and alone it’s reason enough for you to visit Brisbane in Spring. With clear skies reflecting onto the clear blue seas, your only worry will be whether you should go for another swim or take a beachside stroll. Make your way over to one of the must-visits of Moreton Island/Mulgumpin, and North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah or experience one of the more untouched islands where you could island-hop for weeks on end.
18. Outdoor adventure
With the weather getting a little warmer, now is the time to plan your camping adventure in Brisbane. Surrounded by stunning displays of natural beauty, the Brisbane region is home to national parks, beaches, and lakes worth spending the night or two out in nature.
Like the idea of camping but not ready to rid of life’s luxuries? Lucky for you, Brisbane offers an abundance of glamping experiences to be had. Try an island escape at Tangalooma Island Resort or a lush rainforest getaway in the Scenic Rim, or a family-friendly farmstay in the Moreton Bay region.
19. Discover Queensland’s heritage city- Ipswich
Ipswich is bursting with springtime fun so plan a visit to some of the region's food and heritage trails or stunning playgrounds and waterparks. You can also discover native wildlife and friendly farm animals at several locations like The Llama Farm, Naughty Little Kids and many more.
20. Discover Logan
Take an adventurous day trip to Logan City. Start the day with an adrenaline fuelled visit to Kingston Park Raceway or a try your hand at wakeboarding at Bayside Wake Park. Or for something more relaxed, why not spend the morning at Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm and make the most of picking season. Now you’ve built up an appetite, eat your heart out within Logan’s hotbed of multicultural dining.
21. Road Trip!
Breathe in the fresh country air and savour magical scenic views as you take a road trip across the Scenic Rim. Explore multiple charming stops, and drive past farm animals, shop for local produce, walk through the flower fields, taste wine, and try local schnapps. All just an hour’s drive from Brisbane City, this will be a day to remember.
Brisbane adventures
22. Eat Street Northshore
If you haven’t heard of Eat Street, it’s time to prepare the senses. Eat Street Northshore comes alive every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night with the sights, smells, tastes and sounds of over 70 food and drink vendors. This riverside precinct is perfect to explore on a Spring evening and indulge in delicious bites from across the world. Trust us when we say that you will want to make sure you save space for Kombi Alley’s extensive dessert offers!
23. Go Shopping
A change of season means a change of wardrobe…right? Queen Street Mall is open for business with exclusive deals from fashion stores, restaurants, and more. Make a day of it and enjoy the open-air shopping experience in the heart of the city. Check out our guide to Queen Street Mall.
24. Meet some furry friends
Check out the cutest spring babies across Brisbane, and yes, of course, they’re furry. Brisbane’s much-loved Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is filled with native Australian favourites, with over 100 koalas and 75 other species, there is plenty to see while you learn about how you can help conserve treasured Australian fauna.
Take a short drive out of Brisbane City to Summer Land Camels in the Scenic Rim, Australia’s largest wild camel training centre and dairy operation. Meet the friendly camels and learn about the incredible benefits of camel milk. The fun doesn’t stop there, explore Brisbane's extensive list of other animal experiences that are fun for the whole family with the likes of Lyell Deer Sanctuary, White Ridge Farm and Mountview Alpaca Farm.
25. Fly sky high
If you’ve ever wanted to sight-see Brisbane’s beautiful backyard, why not do so from the sky? Head out to Ipswich early in the morning to enjoy the unique yet phenomenal sunrise views of Brisbane and its lush surroundings from a Hot Air Balloon with Floating Images.
26. Family favourite farm stays
Take the family on an adventure they will never forget and discover some of Brisbane’s best farm stays. As the weather warms, your stay will be packed with walks in nature, fresh produce, reading a book in the sunshine, cute animals, and roasting marshmallows around a fire all in the scenic countryside.
