30 things to do in Spring
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 abuzz with excitement and activity. Indoor or outdoor, rooftop bars or football stadiums, shopping or strolling, there are so many options, but here are some of the 30 best ways to spend your spring in Brisbane.
By the river
01. South Bank in springtime
Spring is a blooming good time in Brisbane’s premier riverside parkland precinct. Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride through the parklands and see the gardens natural features burst into vibrant life as spring is arguably the parkland’s prettiest time for exploration. After soaking in the scenery, treat yourself to one of the many restaurants offering fresh spring menus.
02. City Botanic Gardens
Staying with the riverside city experiences, 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.
03. 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 the river. Enjoy the gorgeous views of Brisbane as you watch the afternoon turn night.
04. Get out on the water
There’s something extra-special about watching the sky light up in every shade of pink, purple and orange from the water. You can rent an electric GoBoat, book lunch or drinks at the Yot Club, or choose a tour of your preference with River to Bay. Whether it’s cruising up and down the winding Brisbane River or exploring the expansive blue of Moreton Bay, being out on the water is as Brisbane as it gets.
Kayaking with Riverlife, Kangaroo Point
05. Riverlife adventures
Spring is the perfect time to get adventurous in the city, and Riverlife has the perfect experiences 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 of the day, your options to spend time in the sun are endless!
06. Chase the purple rain around Brisbane
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 the chances are you are going to come across the vibrant purple trees in full bloom. If you want to admire these gems, we suggest a picnic at New Farm Park, or take a stroll through the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-Tha.
Festivals & Fiestas
07. Melt | 23 OCT – 10 NOV
The annual open access festival celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community is set to ‘queer the town’ across three scandalous, entertaining and high-energy weeks showcasing a diverse range of arts and cultural events from local and infamous international talent. From RuPaul’s Drag Race queens to queer cabarets, lie music, art galleries and more – this vibrant festival will be nothing short of thought provoking and outright revelry.
08. Ability Fest | 26 OCT
The first of its kind, Ability Fest, is an inclusive festival where people of all abilities can enjoy the music of live music! Promoted by the Dylan Alcott Foundation, Untitled Group and triple j this incredible not-for-profit event is setting a new accessibility standard for all festivals. With Auslan interpreters, elevated viewing platforms, an assistant dog area, sensory zones, sensory silent disco and so much more, Ability Fest welcomes everyone to celebrate music in a fun, inclusive space.
09. Queensland PGA Championship | 30 OCT - 03 NOV
The inaugural Queensland PGA Championship will take over the recently re-developed Nudgee Golf Club and see the nation's top golfers compete in an epic showdown. Three-time champion, Cam Smith, returns to tee it up at the event, and his presence will be sure to draw massive crowds to his hometown championship.
10. Bluey's World | 7 NOV
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 a brand-new 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.
Brisbane adventures
11. Spring into The City
Shop, dine and play in the heart of Brisbane this spring, where a curated mix of the best fashion and newest restaurants await. From a diverse range of dining choices to an open-air shopping promenade and so much to see and do. The City, Brisbane's vibrant heart, has it all.
12. Go Shopping
A change of season means a change of wardrobe…right? Make a day of it and enjoy the open-air shopping experience in the heart of the city in Queen Street Mall or wander the boutiques of the leafy James Street. Check out our guide to Queen Street Mall.
13. Sports Events
There’s no better time or place to get amongst live-sport action than spring in Brisbane. Sit in one of our open-air stadiums and cheer on your favourite team. Check out some of our key events to add to your calendar.
14. Visit QAGOMA
Step into a world of creativity and culture at QAGOMA, where spectacular exhibitions await your discovery. Home to over 20,000 artworks featuring a dazzling array of Australian and International artists. Whether you’re a fan of traditional masterpieces or cutting-edge contemporary pieces, QAGOMA’s world-class exhibitions offer something for everyone. Explore every imaginable artistic technique and discover how art’s rich history can spark your imagination.
Delicious Eats
15. Kiff & Culture Food & Drink Tour
Get set for a hassle-free adventure, with one of Kiff & Culture’s epic food and drink tours around Brisbane. Hop on board their trendy mini-bus to be taken to some of Brisbane’s top restaurants, wineries, distilleries and breweries. With their insider knowledge and local expertise, the Kiff & Culture team knows exactly where to go for an unforgettable day. All you’ve got to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.
16. Plan a food crawl up Brisbane’s hottest laneway
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 and California Lane.
17. Choose 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. Go too hard too soon and you’ll fall off the wagon faster than you jumped on it – so ease into it with one of these light urban wanders, taking regular rest breaks at the various local craft breweries—doctor’s orders.
18. Brisbane's trendiest eating spots
Brisbane’s dining scene is abuzz with renewed energy and new openings. Stroll the city to discover the latest dining gems and book into newbies like Longwang, emme, Vertigo, Supernormal, and Naldham House just to name a few.
19. Take drinking sky high at Brisbane's best rooftop bars
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 as the sunsets in the spring air.
20. Explore different farmers markets in Brisbane
As the early mornings are no longer as chilly, Brisbane’s bustling market scene goes into overdrive. View our guide to the best farmer’s markets in Brisbane So that you can 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
21. Get on island time
Brisbane’s proximity to some of the best islands and beaches in the world is reason enough that you Brisbane in Spring should be on your list. With clear skies reflecting onto the clear blue seas, your only worry will be whether you should go for another swim, or take a beach nap. Make your way over to one of the classic must-visits of Moreton Island/Mulgumpin, Bribie Island and North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah; or experience one of the more untouched islands of Coochiemudlo Island, St Helena Island, Russell Island, you could island-hop for weeks on end.
22. Smash out a scenic hike in a morning
The early bird gets the worm, and by worm, we mean some of the most beautiful views Brisbane has to offer. Take our advice and tackle one of these trails in the early hours of the morning, followed by a well-deserved breakfast or lunch nearby. There’s no better way to work up an appetite than taking in the fresh spring air.
23. 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 digging the old tent out of storage for.
Like the idea of camping but not ready to rid of life’s luxuries? Lucky for you, the Brisbane region’s hold 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.
24. Make the ‘switch
Ipswich is bursting with springtime fun so plan a visit to some of the region's 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.
25. Discover Logan
Take an adventurous day trip to Logan. Start the day with an adrenaline fuelled visit to Kingston Park Raceway or a try your hand at wakeboarding at Bayside Aqua Park. Now you’ve built up an appetite, eat your heart out within Logan’s hotbed of multicultural dining, all within an easy drive from Brisbane.
26. Follow the Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail
Breathe in the fresh country air and savour just picked farm produce on the Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail, all just an easy one-hour drive from Brisbane. Explore 15 charming stops to visit and see camels, shop for local produce, walk through the flower fields, taste wine, and try local schnapps.
Best of the rest
27. 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 to Summer Land Camels, Australia’s largest wild camel training centre and dairy operation. Meet the friendly camels and learn about the incredible benefits of camel milk. Explore other animal experiences that are fun for the whole family with Lyell Deer Sanctuary, White Ridge Farm and Mountview Alpaca Farm. Check out all animal encounters around Brisbane to make plenty of furry friends.
28. 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 from 4pm 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 make sure you save space for Kombi Alley’s extensive dessert offers!
29. Fly sky high with Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights
If you’ve ever wanted to sight-see Brisbane’s beautiful backyard, why not do so from the sky? Head out to Ipswich to enjoy the unique yet phenomenal views of Brisbane and its lush surroundings from a Hot Air Balloon flight.
30. Family favourite farm stays
Take the family on an adventure they will never forget and discover some of Brisbane’s best farm stays. Think scenic countryside, walks in nature, fresh produce, reading a book in the sunshine, cute animals, and roasting marshmallows around a fire.
