What to do while in Brisbane for a sporting showdown
In Brisbane for an epic sporting showdown? Now that the event tickets are sorted, all that’s left is to plan your action-packed Brisbane getaway. From urban adventures to cultural expeditions and discovering our world-class dining scene, there’s no shortage of things to do in Brisbane. Here’s how to explore the best of what the City has on offer.
Day one:
Midday: Check In
Stay in style at one of Brisbane’s best luxury hotels. Opt for a centrally located stay like Crystalbrook Vincent, to Fortitude Valley’s Sage Hotel, or South Brisbane’s Soda Apartments – rest assured Brisbane’s got you covered.
Afternoon: Urban Adventure
Now that you’ve checked in; unforgettable memories are yet to be made, and Brisbane has an array of adventures to get your adrenaline-fueled heart racing.
Take a thrilling ride along the iconic Brisbane River with Jet Ski Tours Brisbane or hire a GoBoat for a leisurely picnic by boat for picturesque river views. Hop on board a River to Bay cruise to experience the city’s hop-on-hop-off brewery or bar scene. You could also glide down the river on a kayak with Riverlife Adventures, or for something a bit different rock climb or abseil the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, or engage in the Story Bridge Adventure Climb for a breathtaking view of Brisbane’s city skyline and surrounds.
Evening: South Bank dining
After your epic afternoon of adventure, fuel your appetite and stroll across to South Bank’s vibrant dining scene - home to a melting pot of cuisines. Featuring dozens of restaurants, and bars, sink your teeth into gourmet riverside Italian, exquisite Asian, modern Mexican, authentic Turkish or fine Greek fare. Or for relaxed pub-feed, you’ll be sure to satisfy your hunger at The Plough Inn, South Bank’s iconic and vibrant gastro pub boasting amazing city views and history beyond compare. Finish your night off with a stroll through the floral arborways lighting a path to the stunning Brisbane River where you can catch some of the most picturesque views of The City.
Day two:
Morning: Arts & cultural inspiration
Embark on an immersive cultural journey of Indigenous art, storytelling, performance and food through one of Brisbane’s Cultural Tours. Or, nestled in the sprawling grounds of South Brisbane, visit the Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, State Library or Queensland Museum for an inspiring endeavour of curated exhibitions bound to surprise and delight. Conveniently located near the cultural hub, explore Fish Lane’s vibrant cafes and restaurants for your morning brew and a tasty treat.
Afternoon: Play games & sip pints
Head to Fortitude Valley’s Oche for darts with a difference. Enjoy a social game, where the gear looks and feels like the original, but the classic game of darts has been renewed with a twist – electronic dart boards (no cheating in sight).
For an old-school arcade games bar and diner, Netherworld in Fortitude Valley is home to retro gaming relics, long forgotten treasures, pinball machines, arcade machines, classic consoles and countless board games.
Evening: Dine from new heights
Overhanging the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse, Vertigo is Australia’s first sky-high dining and is a thrilling dining experience on the edge. Seated 17-metres above ground, push your limits and be immersed in a delicious meal crafted by the talented Bar Alto chefs of local produce paired with Queensland award-winning wine.
Day three:
Morning: Adrenaline junkies unite
It’s time to get your heart racing and take on a competitive and adrenaline-fueled adventure at Kingston Park Raceway in the City of Logan or at Slideways Go Karting in Eagle Farm. Jump into a go-cart and race around the fast bends and long straights and let the results speak for themselves.
Afternoon: Brisbane’s Best Breweries
Spend the afternoon brewery hopping to Brisbane’s best breweries. Take a craft beer discovery trail throughout Brisbane or visit some established much-loved or emerging breweries to enjoy a cold one (or few).
Craft beer connoisseurs should head to Brewdog, Stone & Wood, Sea Legs Brewing Co, Brisbane Brewing Co or Valley Hops Brewing. For locally made craft beer head to Newstead Brewing Co, Green Beacon Co or Range Brewing.
Or if you’re looking for an all-day experience to taste Brisbane’s finest drops and ever-evolving foodie scene, book a tour with Hop On Brewery Tour, Delectable Tour or Kiff and Culture Tour.
Evening: Dining in The City
From fine dining and degustation to casual eats and sweet treats, Brisbane is home to a world-class dining scene. Take a seat at Brisbane’s newest riverside resident, Supernormal offering Asian-fusion, or embrace the wood-fired cooking delights of Agnes, taste the contemporary Mediterranean flavours of OPA Bar + Mezze, classic Italian fare of Bianca, or premium seafood at Tillerman’s.
Up late: Flamboyant and fabulous
For entertainment off the court or field, take in the fabulous, feisty and frivolous Pink Flamingo to shake your tailfeather. Expect outstanding acrobats, specialty acts, cheeky comedy, cocktails and a chorus line of stunning showgirls and vocals; expect the unexpected.
Day four:
Morning: Crumb Crawl in Fortitude Valley
Cookie and sweet treat lovers, this one’s for you. Embark on a ‘Crumb Crawl’ throughout Fortitude Valley and pick up goodies from Agnes Bakery, Brooki Bakehouse, Sprout Bakery and Jocelyns Provisions. If you’re after a more substantial brunch and caffeine hit, stop into Fortitude Valley’s The New Black, Bellissimo, King Arthur or see The City’s best breakfast spots.
Afternoon: Rooftop Bars
Spend the afternoon raising your glass sky-high at one of Brisbane’s best rooftop bars. Fortitude Valley’s stylish and scenic rooftop bars such as Dirty Sultan, Iris Rooftop, Maya Mexican, Soko Brisbane or Ceilo Rooftop will have you sipping on creative cocktails and signature craft beers while taking in the sweeping views. In the City, head to Sixteen Antlers, WET Deck, Hibiscus Room, or visit Lina Brisbane or The Terrace in the heart of South Brisbane for stunning panoramic views, great drinks, and embrace Brisbane’s al fresco lifestyle.
Evening: Howard Smith Wharves
On the edge of the Brisbane River and right under the Story Bridge, join in on the festivities at the buzzing Howard Smith Wharves precinct. Sit back and relax at the best seat in the house at award-winning brewery, Felon’s Brewing Co. For dining, make your way to Cantonese cuisine at Stanley, delicious Greek fare at Greca, flavoursome Japanese Yoko Dining, or take in the picturesque views from Ciao Papi’s Italian. Mr Percival’s or Fiume Rooftop Bar are the ideal spots to sip on a spritz and take in the iconic views.
Up late: Get your groove on
Plan to see a live gig or performance? Brisbane’s popular music venues The Outpost, Princess Theatre, The Tivoli, Fortitude Music Hall, The Triffid, or Brisbane Powerhouse are up late and always have a great line up of music acts. If you’re looking for a boogie, Ruby My Dear, No Tomorrow, and Quivr are just some epic venues with live DJ’s playing.
Day five:
Morning: Take it easy
Take the morning to enjoy a relaxing pampering session to unwind in luxury and style. Relax and rejuvenate at rooftop Soak Bathhouse, West End in a 90-minute wellness treatment as you move between open-air spas, mineral baths, cold plunge pool, steam room and sauna. Kailo at The Calile Hotel, Fortitude Valley will take your body on a journey with world-class beauty treatments. AWAY Spa, at W Brisbane, Brisbane City will get your glow on with various pamper sessions from head-to-toe massages, beauty treatments, sauna and steam rooms to recharge, replenish and relax.
Afternoon: Drive home your golfing skills
If you’re itching to hit the green and drive home your golfing skills, we’ve rounded up the best golf courses in Brisbane. For a fast-paced golfing activity, try the Topracer Driving Range at Golf Central BNE. Discover a classic and challenging putt putt course at Victoria Park Putt Putt or putt your way around the 12-hole rolling landscaped course at Brisbane Mini Golf Hillstone St Lucia. The series of slopes, hills and bends set amongst the landscaped gardens, as well as bridges, mountainous rocks and tricky obstacles, will be sure to keep your round interesting. Both venues are fully licensed.
For the craziest round of mini golf you’ve ever experienced, head to Holey Moley in Fortitude Valley or The City. Turning traditional putt putt into a multi-sensory tangle of unique and nostalgic holes and fully serviced bar with funhouse, karaoke and classic arcade games, you’ll have a lot of fun.
Evening: The Star
There’s no better way to celebrate an epic weekend of sport than with a round of drinks enjoyed al fresco. Step into a world of wonder at Queens Wharf and cheers to the weekend with a refreshing cocktail and unparalleled views at their Sky Deck. Wander through the vibrant precinct of stunning architecture, delight in array of culinary adventures at renowned restaurants, or indulge in thrilling entertainment at their live music venue, LiveWire. Various culinary hotspots are positioned across multiple floors, including traditional Japanese Sokyo, Black Hide Steak & Seafood and Asian-inspired Luc Lac, to name a few.
Day six:
Morning: Shopping spree
Start your day by wandering through The City’s vibrant and iconic retail shopping precinct, Queen Street Mall. Along the mall you’ll find luxury brands, your favourite retailers and international chains, and after shopping up a storm, refuel your stamina from selection of delicious coffee spots and well-deserved eats. James Street in Fortitude Valley also hosts a leafy boutique, luxurious shopping experience – perfect for brunch and browsing.
Midday: Stay a little longer?
It’s time for checkout & we’re sorry to see you go. Keen to explore further afield? Stay on to visit Brisbane’s stunning surrounding regions, tropical islands, World Heritage-listed rainforests and rolling hills of the hinterland, right on Brisbane’s doorstep.
