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Fabulous 12 Things to Do in Brisbane

TripBlog
TripBlog
Oct 28, 2019

Catalogue

  • 1. North Stradbroke Island
  • 2. Tangalooma Wreck
  • 3. Moreton Island
  • 4. Queensland Museum
  • 5. Kangaroo Point
  • 6. South Bank Parklands
  • 7. Queensland Parliament
  • 8. St. John's Anglican Cathedral
  • 9. King George Square
  • 10. Brisbane Forest Park
  • 11. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
  • 12. Australia Zoo
  • Show More

Brisbane rose to fame since the Commonwealth Games in 1982 and exploded after the 1986 World Expo. Although its origins trace back to the year 1824, Brisbane has always been known as Australia's third-largest city. Blending the architecture of the past with a modern touch Brisbane features a mix of tourists and residents from various cultures and backgrounds, showcasing diversity like never before.

With many parks, gardens, and natural landscapes adorning the city, it is home to several fantastic attractions - both free and at a cost as well. Whether you're traveling solo, with your friends, or with your family - it doesn't matter. As long as you're heading to the city, we'll tell you a list of fun things to do in Brisbane. You can't miss, take our word for it. Here we go with some of the best things to do in Brisbane.

North Stradbroke Island is one of the fun things to do in Brisbane. Although it may not look like it from the outside, the place gives a sense of tranquillity. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and indulge in wildlife, then this is where you should be.

Take a ferry from Brisbane's CBD, and you'll reach there in no time. Be warned that mobile coverage is poor so expect to stay unplugged for a while.

Start your day with an aboriginal guide by your side for your tour and learn about the people of Quandamooka. The Goompi trail is another one of the many things to do in Brisbane. It features a nice route to walk along, and you will learn about traditional bush medicines and more. If you're in the mood for some scuba diving, head over to the Shag Rock and get started. Be ready to come face to face with the Manta Ray Pod, turtles, and many kinds of fish during your underwater escapade.

Fabulous 12 Things to Do in Brisbane

Tangalooma Wrecks are a line of old harbors, steam-driven dredges, and barges that were sunk back in the days when Maryborough was known as the first vessel. It' s a 20-minute walk from the beach, and one of the fascinating things to do in Brisbane is to view the coral reefs that color the wrecks during low tides. Although the waters may be cold, one of the attractions of this site is feeding the fish that surround you. You can camp at the beach, and if you're in the mood for taking photos, you'll get the perfect backdrop of beautiful white sand contrasting with crystal clear waters.

For more things to do in Brisbane-try going snorkeling at the wrecks. The views of the wrecks from underwater are stunning and give you a new perspective.

Fabulous 12 Things to Do in Brisbane

Take a day to explore Moreton Island since there is so much ground to cover. Start our day by hopping on the ferry from downtown Brisbane to reach the island. Go snorkeling and on underwater adventures with your family at the shallow waters near the shore. You can feed the wild dolphins at the Tangalooma Island Resort, and if you're exploring the dunes, you may want to give quad biking a try. There are fishing spots nearby, and you can go sea kayaking too. For things to do in Brisbane at Moreton Island, don't forget to go whale watching from June to November. If you're in the mood for a trek, give the Mt. Tempest here a climb.

Finally, for a beautiful view of the ocean, head over to the Cape Moreton Lighthouse, and enjoy the sunset.

Fabulous 12 Things to Do in Brisbane

Queensland Museum showcases human achievement and narrates the various feats of history about the past of Queensland. It hosts various exhibitions with public programs included from around the world. From the natural resources to the marine life exhibits, you will find plenty of sights to explore here. Visit the NASA Exhibit with your kids and spend an hour with the dinosaurs.

A large gift shop is present inside the museum for souvenir shopping. There are many things to do in Brisbane here inside the museum since they host numerous displays, events, and exhibits.

Kids love touring the Spark Lab here, which houses plenty of creative activities. Entry to the museum is free; however, to attend the special events or go to the Spark Lab, visitors have to pay a fee.

Address:

Grey Street &, Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia

Timings:

Open Sundays to Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Fabulous 12 Things to Do in Brisbane

Kangaroo Point offers picturesque views of the city. It's one of the best things to do in Brisbane, and it offers laid-back vibes that invite adventurers, backpackers, tourists, and socialites alike. If you're going for the views, go for a hike on the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, which is a 2-hour walk up the pier. The Brisbane Jazz Music Club sets the scene for romance and fun at the Kangaroo Point with their live music, and if you want to grab drinks, you may want to visit the Point Hotel's rooftop bar which is known as the 'Eagle's Nest.'

The Superfly Funk Eye has some of the finest Japanese wine for sale, and if you want to buy gifts for your loved ones, try the Abso Fab Gift Shop for local and vintage gems. If you're not in the mood or a rock climb up the Kangaroo Cliffs, you can go kayaking on the Brisbane River, ride a bike along the coast, or hop on the Segway tour. For the finest breakfast a cocktail, head over to the Canvas Cocktail, and Wine Bar in the mornings, and if you fancy a scrumptious lunch, you have two splendid options - St. James Crab house and Kitchen for seafood and Pearl Cafe which is known for its amazing European food.

Fabulous 12 Things to Do in Brisbane

South Bank Parklands is one of the best fun things to do in Brisbane simply because of the endless list of attractions and activities it offers. You can hop on the City Cat or the city's famous City Hopper for a river ride through the inner city. If you're craving for coffee, visit Nonna's Deli and take a stroll down the famous Arbour. Gaze at the magnificent architecture while you walk down the walkway that runs between the Griffith Film School to the Cultural Forecourt and QPAC. The structures are amazing, and you'll find magenta bougainvillea flowers crawling all over it.

Streets Beach is an iconic spot at the heart of the city and one of the top things to do in Brisbane. You can enjoy swimming in the infinity pool during the hotter months and take photos of the cold white sand against the azure backdrop during the winters. The lifeguards take excellent care of the kids and patrol all-year-round to make sure they stay safe. Children will enjoy the beach since there are many fun things to do in Brisbane here in the Aquativity region.

Address:

Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia

Timings:

Sundays to Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm

Fabulous 12 Things to Do in Brisbane

The Queensland Parliament is a colonial structure dating back to the 21st century, surrounded by several high-rise buildings. There are guided tours hosted in and around the museum, which are recommended since the security is tight. If you get an invite, you'll get the chance to enjoy dinner at the Stranger's Dining Room. The City Botanic Gardens is located within proximity to the Parliament and the Queensland University of Technology.

If you're heading there for the scenery, be sure to soak in mesmerizing views of the garden beds and lush greenery. You'll spot a few water birds in the ponds and Curlews in the gardens, amongst other things to do in Brisbane. The winding roads surrounded by a wide variety of plants and trees make this an ideal spot for jogging too. It's like nature's very own gym!

Address:

2A George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

Timings:

Mondays to Fridays from 9 am to 4:45 pm

Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

Fabulous 12 Things to Do in Brisbane

Touring the St. John's Anglican Cathedral is a wonderful way to spend your evenings out of the many things to do in Brisbane. A priest will welcome you to the church, and guided tours of the cathedral are available. If you want to explore on your own, ask for their written guide and read it. The beautiful glass-stained windows and surrounding historical architecture with the carvings on the walls make this place a delight for the eyes.

Coffee, tea, and snacks are served downstairs at the crypt, and you can pre-book your seats there. Car parking space is also available outside the cathedral which makes visiting here convenient. If you have any food allergies or want your beverages to be vegan, you will have to tell the staff there, and they'll gladly make arrangements. A traditional pipe organ is found there, and you'll enjoy listening to music being played from it during the Church service. According to their website, the Cathedral Shop hours run from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm from Mondays to Saturdays and usually after the end of Church Services on Sunday. The office hours for the church are from 9 am to 5 pm on Mondays to Fridays.

Address:

373 Ann St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

Fabulous 12 Things to Do in Brisbane

If you're heading to King George Square, go there for the statue that sits just outside City Hall. It's an amazing vantage point for taking stunning photos, and you'll find gorgeous architecture surrounding you. The Clock Tower which stands tall in the skies is worth alone the visit. Take a walk around the buildings and monuments to explore the history and if you want to go shopping, visit the Queen Street Mall nearby. Free guided tours are held around the public square, and the highlight of this place is the Brisbane Museum, which you can't miss.

As you walk around the square, you will find many statues and monuments around here. If you're going there for conversations and meeting new people, make sure to be present during the early mornings since it's most active then. There are walking tours that lead to the Modern Art Museum nearby, and the Christmas Market during the winters is a must-visit for shopping and souvenirs.

Address:

Ann Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia

If you'd like to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the City Center, head over to the Brisbane Forest Park. It's a scenic drive into the lap of nature, and the fresh air will rejuvenate your senses. Located just 10 km from the city center to the north, the forest park is the perfect place for long walks, bushwalking, cycling, jogging, and camping. Many long trail walks start from the seven regional enters here. You can reach the centers in 20 minutes by car from the headquarters.

The Morelia Track is the most popular walking route out here and is known for taking you through a wet eucalypt forest that is surrounded by cabbage palm trees. If you'd like to visit the Greenes Falls, take the Greenes Falls track, which starts from Maiala. There's car parking access available there, and it'll take you about 2 hours to explore the route. For spectacular views of the Moreton Bay, a visit to the McAfee's Lookout is a must. Jolly's Lookout is an excellent vantage point to see the Glasshouse Mountains and is a perfect spot for picnics on clear days. The Eugenia Circuit and the Thytogate Walking Track are two more routes to explore here that run from the rainforest escarpment to Boombana.

Take your kids with you and enjoy a picnic outdoors here. If you're raring to see wildlife, go to the Walkabout Creek and enjoy sightseeing native wild animals. Some of the best routes to explore via car drivers are the roads that run from Samford to Mount Glorius mountain village.

You will get an amazing view of Lake Wivenhoe as you ride past the mountain village. The route that runs through Mount Nebo is another scenic one to explore as you'll notice beautiful mountains passing by you while you soak in the views of the countryside. If you want to enjoy birdwatching, we've got good news - you'll find plenty of bellbirds and whip birds along the way here.

Address:

Beerburrum West State Forest

Elimbah QLD 4516, Australia

Ever wanted to cuddle a Koala? Try the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and make your dreams come true. Running along the banks of the Brisbane River, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is home to wildlife and several species. From feeding the platypuses to watching people interact with animals at the barn, there is so much to explore here. Some of the animals you will find here are kangaroos, wombats, dingoes, snakes, and reptiles such as crocodiles. If you're courageous enough, you can even hold a baby crocodile or snake in your arms and make a vlog out of that experience.

You are allowed to take photographs, and the best way to reach here is to take the Koala and River Cruise, which departs from the Brisbane Cultural Centre Pontoon every morning.

Address:

708 Jesmond Rd, Fig Tree Pocket QLD 4069, Australia

Timings:

Sundays to Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm

Fabulous 12 Things to Do in Brisbane

Visiting the Australia Zoo? You're in for a treat!

Get there at 9 AM and watch the crocodiles and alligator ponds first. Walk down the tracks, and you will the dingoes basking in the morning sun. The Otter Show at the zoo is a must-see attraction, and there's free WiFi in the zoo. So, if you're waiting for the show to start, make sure to take a few snaps and post it to friends.

Head over to Shuttle Stop 3 and hop on the service to adventure through the wetlands. Travel down the Crocoseum through Roo Heaven. If you want to feed the Kangaroos, be sure to buy some food from retail stores that are located at the Grey Roo and Red Roo. There are vending machines in the surrounding area in case you need more. For lunch, pay a visit to the Feeding Frenzy Food Court and after a scrumptious meal, a tour through the Crocodile Hunter Museum.

The Kids' Zoo has many goats, pigs, and sheep, and children are allowed to pat them. A trip to the Wildlife Hospital is a must if you want to see how well the animals are cared for. From Koalas getting the care and love to turtles being treated, you'll come across the wildlife team here too.

If you want to go birdwatching, head over to the rainforest aviary, keep your eyes peeled since some of these noisy birds stay camouflaged with their surroundings!

There are wombat dens and an Australian Snake Exhibit waiting for you after, in case you want more to explore.

Address:

1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD 4519, Australia

Timings:

Sundays to Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm

Fabulous 12 Things to Do in Brisbane

If you're visiting the city, one thing's clear - there are plenty of fun things to do in Brisbane, and you'll never get bored. From enjoying the finest meals, exploring different views, and soaking in the scenery, Brisbane offers the best of both worlds when it comes to urban life and serenity.

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