Western Suburbs:
Things to do            

Looking for things to do in Brisbane’s Western suburbs? From exploring the charm of Paddington and uncovering Milton’s local history to soaking in panoramic views from Mt Coot-Tha, wandering riverside paths with hidden corners along the way, there’s so much to discover. Here are a few ways to explore the beautiful Western suburbs of Brisbane.

Crown members looking at a bird in the audience at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Fig Tree Pocket

01. Be completely immersed in Australian native wildlife at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Learn about koalas, kangaroos, platypus and many more as you wander through the sanctuary and dive into the secret world of their natural habitats.

02. Head to Mount Coot-Tha Lookout, just a short drive away from The City to capture a breathtaking view of Brisbane from its highest point. Walk or ride your way up on one of the many trails to reach the summit or take the scenic drive up. Whether you are there for during the day or as the sun sets behind the city skyline, stop in at The Summit Cafe for a refreshment and bite to eat.

03. Finished exploring Mt Coot-Tha’s wilderness? Make your way down the road to find Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Step inside to explore what goes beyond planet earth, take your time exploring the exhibitions in the display zone, the giant sundial courtyard before catching a show in the Cosmic Skydome to pick up a few tips on how to stargaze from home.

04. Head to one of Brisbane’s most iconic public golf courses St Lucia Golf Links.and take on the 18-hole golf course or enjoy a round of garden golf putt putt (or why not both!) Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop in for lunch at the much-loved Hundred Acre Bar and Restaurant.

A Spree with Me shopping tour through Paddington
Spree With Me, Paddington

05. Over in Paddington, the Sit Down Comedy Club serves up a fresh mix of laughs each week with local, national, and international performers taking to the stage. Make a night of it by booking a table at The Paddo before or after the show and soak up the Paddington night life.

06. Feel the buzz at Suncorp Stadium in Milton, where there’s always something happening to keep you entertained. Whether it’s a live concert or a big game across rugby, soccer and more, mark your calendar – your seat is saved.

07. Want to shop ‘til you drop? Stroll along Given and Latrobe Terraces in Paddington where boutiques, homeware stores, antique nooks, vintage finds and more line the streets. From well-known to hidden spots, it’s easy to lose track of time browsing. For one-of-a-kind pieces. Stop in at Empire Revival set within a heritage-listed theatre and filled with antique treasures or find newer additions like Mondo Archive and Thrifta Queens adding to Paddington’s mix of vintage and curated fashion. Elevate your shopping experience at Brisbane’s most fashionable locations with Spree with Me, a personalised shopping tour with a stylist to lead the way.

08. For an easy way to get moving on the west side, jump on the Bicentennial Bikeway. Walk, run or cycle along this scenic route from The Regatta Hotel or along Coronation Drive all the way along the river into The City.

09. Get the ‘bunch’ together for a blooming good girl's day at Francesca’s Flowers. Enjoy the floral workshop and turn a ‘bunch of flowers’ into something a little more special as you learn the tricks of the trade with, with tea and cake on hand.

10. Held every Sunday, Milton Markets are the way most locals spend their morning. With over 130 stalls of premium food, treats, art and lifestyle pieces, it’s a prime spot to begin your Sunday west side wander.

11. From the vintage bar to the plush cinema lounges, Blue Room Cinebar in Paddington has reimagined the in-cinema experience. Take your pick from chef-prepared meals, cocktails, wine and desserts, then settle into one of five luxurious cinemas as everything you order is brought directly to your seat so you can enjoy the movie from start to finish. If you’re looking for an easy way to spend the afternoon, The Barracks retail precinct offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Wander between stores, catch a movie or taste the flavours of Petrie Terrace – it’s a go-to adventure that fits in at any point of the day.

12. Step inside the XXXX Brewery, Queensland’s most iconic breweries, with more than 140 years of history behind it. The 90-minute tour takes you along for a journey – from the brewing process to perfecting the XXXX pour, and of course a tasting at the end.

13. Stroll along the two-kilometre John Oxley River Walk, looping through the St Lucia campus before exploring the UQ Anthropology Museum. Here, you’ll find a collection of art and artefacts, including contemporary Pacific and Australian Indigenous artwork. If you’ve got time for one more, the RD Milns Antiquities Museum has the largest collection of classical Mediterranean antiquities in Queensland.

14. Discover the haunted history of Toowong on a guided tour through Toowong Cemetery, where more than 120,000 souls lay at rest among winding paths, graves and historic monuments. As you wander through, listen to real ghost stories from the past -including The Statue That Moves, Ghosts of Paddington Cemetery, The Black Prince, and more - all tales that have lingered long after their time.

15. Swap the westside bustle for the calm waters of Enoggera Reservoir and Walkabout Creek Adventure. As Queensland’s first major dam, it’s a slice of local history with plenty to do – enjoy a picnic along the sandy shore, take a dip in the water or even hire a kayak or canoe for a paddle of fun. When you’ve had your fill of the outdoors, head into the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, where native wildlife and interactive displays bring Queensland’s flora and fauna to life.

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

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