Northern Suburbs:
Things to do
Looking for things to do in North Brisbane? Soak in the relaxed ambience of Bowen Hills, explore the inner-north riverside trio of New Farm, Newstead, and Teneriffe, and make room in your itinerary for some of the best Brisbane activities. Take your pick of what to do in Brisbane’s northern suburbs below.
01. For the ultimate leisurely river experience, gather your crew and jump aboard a private picnic boat with GoBoat Brisbane. These Danish-designed electric boats are fun and easy to drive, with no boat license required. Bring your own food and drink or select culinary delights when you book.
02. Take a dip in the Heritage-listed Spring Hill Baths, Brisbane’s first in-ground pool, and the southern hemisphere's oldest surviving public baths. With classic Victorian-era change rooms and grandstand seating, enjoy your swim surrounded by old-world charm.
03. Soar like a bird and learn the flying basics at iFLY Brisbane Indoor Skydiving in Chermside. A session includes a brief orientation plus your time in the air.
04. Spend an evening in Fortitude Valley, Australia's most popular live music precinct. From music venues and cosy bars to pumping nightclubs, it's a must-do Brisbane experience after dark.
05. Interested in a hands-on cooking class under the tuition of a professional chef? The Golden Pig in Newstead is an award-winning modern Asian restaurant offering half-day culinary workshops. Whether you want to sharpen your knife skills, learn how to create the Thai classics, or have a go at bao buns and dumplings, you’ll walk away with an extra badge on your apron.
06. Famous for its barefoot bowls and laid-back vibe, pop into Merthyr Bowls Club on the banks of the river in New Farm for a casual game, ice-cold brews, and bistro meals.
07. How would you like to be chauffeured along the Brisbane River? Golden Gondola is Brisbane’s most romantic dinner cruise, showering you with fabulous city views and superb hospitality. Choose from the in-house menu or bring your own treats and bubbles.
08. Visit award-winning independent craft breweries in some of Brisbane’s trendiest suburbs with Hop on Brewery Tours.
09. Leaving from Northshore Harbour in Hamilton, see the magic of Brisbane’s nearby islands with River to Bay. Hop on board and venture to Moreton Island/Mulgumpin or North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah for the ultimate day trip.
10. For a hit of contemporary culture, head to Brisbane Powerhouse located in a former power station in New Farm. With over 1,250 performances and events each year across music and comedy, this is one of the busiest arts venues in the Asia-Pacific region.
11. Running every Sunday in the heart of the City Botanic Gardens, the Riverside Sunday Market is open with arts and crafts, clothing, food, and more.
12. Want to shop for bargains? Find the biggest discounts at Direct Factory Outlet (DFO), home to Australia’s favourite brands at cheaper prices.
13. Grab a hot dog and check out the professional baseball team Brisbane Bandits at the Viticon Stadium game in Newmarket.
14. When on the north side, the Brisbane Riverwalk is essential. This scenic 870m track takes you from New Farm to Howard Smith Wharves while taking in the sights, making it the perfect morning stroll.
15. Try your hand at the intro to pottery class at Mas & Miek Ceramic Studio and learn the ancient and refined craft of using the wheel.
16. Got a taste for adrenalin? Urban Extreme has plenty of adventure activities including indoor snow slopes, laser tag, trampolines, rock climbing, and more.
17. Australia's most exquisite fragrance emporium, Libertine Parfumerie, hosts a monthly perfume masterclass. You’re invited to relax with complimentary champagne as Libertine’s experts take you on a guided tour through some of the world’s most esteemed fragrance houses and uncover the secrets behind their opulent scents.
18. Explore the 3.2km Spring Hill Heritage Trail through 21 points of interest, including locations involved in early European settlement, World War II, and the plague. Take a closer look at modest 19th-century cottages and learn about the everyday lives of workers who lived there.
19. Solve mysteries while sipping on cocktails at Arcadium Adventures, Australia’s most curious escape rooms. Your team has 50 minutes to work together to solve the puzzles, with the Arcadium Bar on standby to celebrate your win.
People golfing at Victoria Park
20. Alongside rolling green hills and expansive city views, there’s something for every visitor at Victoria Park, including its Nature Wellness Trails, picnic spots, putt-putt golf, and the bistro for refreshments.
21. Need a rainy-day activity? Get behind the wheel and hit the racetrack at Slideways Go Karting Brisbane.
22. Spend an afternoon wandering around New Farm Antique Centre browsing collectibles, furniture, homewares, fashion, and jewellery.
23. Discover a unique slice of Brisbane’s architectural and social history on a guided tour at Miegunyah Historic House. Enjoy tea or coffee and delicious scones with jam and cream on the veranda afterward.
24. Just a 10-minute walk from Brisbane City is the Roma Street Parkland, with 11 hectares of sprawling lawns, designer gardens, and a year-round calendar of events. Join a free guided tour, hop onboard the Xpress Fun Train, watch a movie under the stars, or stop in at The Garden Room for a relaxed breakfast and lunch menu.
25. Catch a live music event at The Old Museum in Bowen Hills.
26. Attend a race meet at Eagle Farm Racecourse, a Heritage-listed horse racing venue with year-round events.
27. Open every Saturday, Kelvin Grove Village Markets offers a mix of stalls to browse, live music, and tasty international food and coffee to grab on your way around.
28. Search for what’s on at The Boutique Twelfth Night Theatre in Bowen Hills for quality live entertainment.
29. Get together with friends and try something new with axe throwing at Maniax. When you sink that first bullseye, you'll be hooked!
Fancy a bite? Here are the best places to eat in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
