Southern suburbs:
Things to do
Looking for things to do in the southern suburbs of Brisbane? Here you can hang out in the city’s bohemian heart of West End, jump into incredible adventure experiences in Kangaroo Point, or take it easy in the laid-back riverside suburb of Graceville. Here’s what to do in Brisbane’s southern suburbs.
01. If you’re an AFL or cricket fan, Brisbane’s iconic sports stadium The Gabba is one to cross off your must-do list. As the home ground for the Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat, and Queensland Bulls, as well as frequented by the Australian Men’s Cricket Team, there are plenty of sporting showdowns year-round to enjoy.
02. Take on the iconic Story Bridge Adventure Climb for 360-degree views of the city and its surroundings. Open from dawn until twilight, the best way to see Brisbane is by climbing it!
03. Escape the city for the afternoon and reconnect with nature at Toohey Forest Park where you’ll find a variety of bush walking tracks, including the popular 1km Sandstone Circuit.
04. For rewarding views over Brisbane, head to Mt Gravatt Lookout either by car or via the bush walking trails from Toohey Forest Park. On a clear day, you can see the Southern Moreton Bay and Glasshouse Mountains. At the top, you’ll also find The Lovewell Cafe open for great food and coffee.
05. Home to Brisbane’s cultural hot spot of West End, there’s a distinct vibrant character in this neighbourhood worth getting to know. On a Saturday morning, brunch your heart out at one of the many cafes before hitting the West End Markets where you’ll find over 150 unique vendors, including farm-fresh produce, boutique fashion and handcrafted gifts, all surrounded by superb live music.
06. Spend a morning getting to know Graceville, one of Brisbane’s most popular suburbs. This leafy neighbourhood has several parks and cafes to enjoy, or you can even catch a movie at Regal Cinema. For a leisurely stroll, wander the Graceville River Walk, a 2km return path following the scenic river.
07. Take a dip at West End’s Soak Bathhouse, a rooftop day spa with sweeping views of The City, designed for visitors to linger and socialise. This 90-minute communal bathing session includes use of the mineral baths, hot spas, wood sauna, steam room, cold plunge and relaxation areas.
08. Tap your feet to the beat at the famous Brisbane Jazz Club at Kangaroo Point as you wine and dine in front of incredible city views.
09. For a fun and unique way to explore Brisbane, have a go at a Riverlife Adventure Centre activity. Kayak the Brisbane River, climb the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, or abseil down to the parklands below.
10. Want a hit of cardio alongside magnificent views of the Brisbane River? Conquer the famous Kangaroo Point Stairs, known for its challenging 107 steps.
11. Pay a visit to one of Queensland’s leading galleries, the contemporary Woolloongabba Art Gallery. Showcasing a varied selection of local and Australasian art by established and emerging artists, the gallery has three exhibition spaces to explore.
12. If you’re into urban street art, the backstreets of West End and South Brisbane showcase some of the best in Brisbane, including the 10-metre-tall Pillars Project along the Merivale Bridge painted by leading Australian street artists.
13. Relax your mind, body and soul at the Japanese style spa at the Emporium Hotel South Bank, The Healing Stone. Choose from exclusive packages, facial treatments, ganbanyoku and more as you are immersed into a state of relaxation.
14. Brimming with live music and performing arts, you’re spoilt for choice when choosing your taste in entertainment at the heritage-listed Princess Theatre at Woolloongabba.
15. Visit South Bank to find Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach, Streets Beach. Patrolled by life-savers, you can spend all day basking in the sun and swimming in the water. Make sure to grab a classic pub feed and crisp drink at The Plough Inn afterwards.
16. Want to hire and drive your very own Jet Ski? Hop on down to Jet Ski Tours Brisbane in Kangaroo Point and feel the electric adrenaline rush as you speed down the Brisbane River on a guided tour.
17. For second-hand goods and vintage gems, South Brisbane has some of the city’s best op shops including Thrifter Brisbane and Yesterdays Thrift Shop in West End and the epic SWOP shop where you can sell your own pre-loved items. Over in Woolloongabba you’ll find Can You Keep A Secret? — a unique wine and craft beer bar with a vintage clothing store inside, and the shopping strip in Stone’s Corner is quickly growing into a popular op shop destination.
18. Have a blast travelling through Brisbane’s laneways and gardens with Kangaroo Segway Tours at West End. Suitable for total beginners to advanced riders, it’s a unique way to see more of Brisbane’s iconic landmarks and key attractions.
Fancy a bite? Here are the best places to eat in Brisbane’s southern suburbs.
