Things to do in Brisbane this spring
There's something about spring in Brisbane that makes it hard to stay indoors. Maybe it's the warm sunshine, the purple jacarandas appearing across the city or the return of festival season. Whatever the reason, this is the time of year for riverside strolls, weekends away, outdoor adventures and making the most of every blue-sky day. If you're looking for things to do in spring, here are some of the best ways to experience Brisbane during the season.
By the river
South Bank in springtime
Spring is a blooming good time in Brisbane’s lush South Bank precinct. Stroll or cycle through the parklands as the gardens burst into colour and the iconic bougainvillea arbour puts on one of its most vibrant displays of the year. Take a spin on the Wheel of Brisbane for a stunning view of Brisbane’s spring sun or cool off at the iconic Streets Beach. If you have your little ones in tow, Riverside Green Playground is an adventure wonderland! After soaking up the scenery, treat yourself to a riverside lunch, afternoon cocktail or alfresco dinner at one of South Banks’ many restaurants, cafes or bars.
City Botanic Gardens
Set between the Brisbane River and City skyline, the City Botanic Gardens offer a tranquil escape right in the heart of Brisbane City. Spend a morning browsing the Riverside markets on Sundays, wander beneath the heritage trees and flowering gardens, or find a shady spot to relax with a coffee and bite to eat from The Garden Club – one of the lushest spots to soak up a sunny spring day.
Lunch at Howard Smith Wharves
Spring and Howard Smith Wharves are a match made in heaven! Located under the iconic Story Bridge, this buzzing riverside precinct is best enjoyed with a freshly brewed beer or an icy cold wine in hand, paired with any of the culinary delights found along The Wharves. Enjoy the gorgeous views of Brisbane as you watch the afternoon sunset turn into a vibrant night of city lights.
Yot Club, Brisbane River
Get out on the water
Enjoy a spring day cruising up and down the winding Brisbane River and watch the sky turn shades of pink and orange as the sun sets. Rent an electric GoBoat, book lunch or drinks with the Yot Club or hop aboard the entertainment vessel, Oasis. Spring is also the perfect time to embrace Brisbane’s adventurous side at Riverlife Adventure Centre. While the spring weather is in full bloom, try everything from abseiling, kayaking, biking, or riding a segway along the riverfront. Best of all, you can embark on one of these adventures with a group of friends, for a priceless day out in the warmer weather.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Take your spring adventure to new heights with the Story Bridge Adventure Climb and Swing. Climb to the top of Brisbane’s most iconic landmark and take in the one-of-a-kind views across The City, river and beyond. Why not add to the adventure and enjoy the thrill of the Story Bridge Adventure Swing – the newest addition to this thrilling experience! The blue skies and warm sunshine makes for the perfect time to see Brisbane from above.
Chase the purple rain
Have you ever seen Brisbane erupt in a sea of purple Jacaranda trees? From October through to November, the city is painted with vibrant blooms, transforming parks, streets, gardens and river walks into picture-perfect spring scenes. Keep your camera close because you are never far from a splash of purple trees at this time of year. To admire these blooms at their best, pack a picnic for New Farm Park or wander through the The City Botanic Gardens.
Festivals & Fiestas
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!
Melt
Brisbane’s annual open access festival, Melt, celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community with a vibrant program of arts and cultural events from local and infamous international talent across the city. Bigger than ever, the festival brings together more than 100 events, with celebrations stretching from Fortitude Valley and Fish Lane to New Farm, Brisbane Powerhouse and the Brisbane River. Melt transforms Brisbane into a colourful celebration, so be sure to not miss this melting pot (literally) of cultural events and activities. Here’s your Brisbane guide to Melt with all things dining, accommodation and entertainment.
Delicious Eats
Food and wine tour
One of the best ways to get to know Brisbane is through its food. Let the team at Reveling guide you on an extravagant food and drink tour and experience some of Brisbane’s renowned restaurants, bars and culinary journeys. With their insider knowledge and local expertise, the Reveling team know all the gems and go-to spots, all you’ve got to do is sit back and let your tastebuds enjoy the ride.
Discover Brisbane’s hottest laneways
Brisbane is full of unique, hidden, and trendy laneways bustling with culture, delicious food and unique bars. Spend a spring afternoon exploring The City’s best laneways gems, from Burnett Lane to Gresham Lane, where you’ll find everything from cosy wine bars to tucked away dining spots. South of the river, Fish Lane is made for a choose-your-own adventure, while Fortitude Valley’s Bakery Lane, Winn Lane and California Lane serve up a mix of trending retailers and cafes with a sprinkle of stunning street art.
Walk through a craft beer trail
Blue skies and warmer days make spring the perfect time to explore Brisbane’s renowned craft beer scene. Follow the craft beer trail through The City, stopping at local breweries, taprooms and bars along the way, or venture a little further afield to discover some of Brisbane’s best-known breweries.
Brisbane's trendiest eating spots
Brisbane’s dining scene never stands still, and spring is the perfect excuse to take your taste buds on a culinary journey. From long lunches in the sun to dinner dates watching the spring evening bloom, there’s no shortage of exciting places to try. Explore Brisbane's newest restaurants and discover the latest hotspots making waves across the city, including Bar Luce, Sureyya Kahve, Marlowe and Ruma Rooftop, alongside a host of new openings worth adding to your must-visit list.
Dine sky-high
Soak up the sunshine and raise your glasses to drinking up high at the rooftop bars in Brisbane. There’s nothing quite like clinking glasses as the city skyline transitions from blue skies to golden hues and twinkling lights on a balmy spring evening.
Brisbane’s farmers markets
As the sun starts to rise a little earlier, Brisbane’s bustling farmers markets become a weekend ritual. Grab a coffee and a fresh pastry, wander between stalls filled with seasonal produce, and spend the morning browsing local flowers, artisan goods and handmade treats – this is how to start a sunny spring weekend.
Go regional
Get on island time
Brisbane is home to some of the best islands and beaches in the world, and that’s reason enough to visit in spring. With clear skies reflecting off crystal-clear blue waters, your only dilemma will be whether to go for another swim or take stroll along the sand. Make your way over to 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.
Whale Watching
Spring marks the peak of whale watching season, making it one of the best times of year to spot humpback whales as they migrate along the coast. Join a whale watching cruise and keep a lookout for these majestic mammals as they make their journey through the waters of Moreton Bay. With clear skies, calm seas and unforgettable encounters, it's a bucket-list-worthy spring adventure. Start planning with our guide to whale watching in Moreton Bay.
Outdoor adventure
With the weather warmer up, now is the perfect time to plan a camping adventure in Brisbane. Surrounded by national parks, lakes, bushland and beaches, the Brisbane region is home to countless places worth spending the night or two beneath the stars - or experience spring in luxury with Brisbane’s glamping locations.
Prefer other outdoor adventures? Escape to Tangalooma Island Resort or retreat to the rainforest with a stay in the Scenic Rim, you can also find family-friendly farmstays in the Moreton Bay region.
Discover Queensland’s heritage city, Ipswich
Ipswich is bursting with springtime fun and if the perfect location to plan a day trip from Brisbane. Follow one of the region's food and heritage trails or explore beautifully preserved streetscapes and discover a growing collection of cafes, restaurants and local businesses. Travelling with kids? Meet friendly farm animals at the The Llama Farm and Naughty Little Kids, play in the many water parks and playgrounds or spend the day exploring the great outdoors.
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 and drift above the region on a hot air balloon flight with Floating Images to enjoy the unique and phenomenal sunrise views of Brisbane and its lush surroundings.
Discover Logan
Take an adventurous day trip to Logan City and discover a region packed with adventure, flavour and unexpected experiences. Get your adrenaline pumping at Kingston Park Raceway or a try your hand at wakeboarding at Bayside Wake Park. Or for something more relaxed, spring is strawberry picking season, making Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm a must-visit! Now you’ve built up an appetite, eat your heart out within Logan’s multicultural dining scene where flavours from around the world await.
Road Trip!
Roll down the windows and hit the road for a spring roadtrip across the Scenic Rim. Just an hour from Brisbane, you will find charming country towns, rolling countryside, farm gates, cellar doors and scenic lookouts. Stop to stock up on local produce, wander through flower filled farms, sample award-winning wines and spirits, and savour long lunches surrounded by some spectacular scenery – there is plenty to do in the Scenic Rim. All that's left to do is decide where to pull over next.
Meet some furry friends
Check out the cutest spring babies across Brisbane, and yes, of course, they’re furry! The Daisy Hill Koala Centre offers the chance to see these iconic marsupials in their natural habitat. Venture beyond Brisbane City to Summer Land Camels in the Scenic Rim, Australia’s largest wild camel farm and dairy operation. 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.
