Make sure you check out this list of the top 10 fun activities in Brisbane that will surely make your holiday worth remembering.
Brisbane is the third largest Australian city after Melbourne and Sydney and the capital of Queensland on the banks of the Brisbane River. The aboriginal name for Brisbane is Meanjin, after Sir Thomas Brisbane, a British aristocrat who was the 6th governor of the province. In 2015, Brisbane was among the top 10 most beautiful cities worldwide by the Rough Guides travel guidebook. So the city has some substance worth visiting, including the sun, sand, sea, spirit and scenic topography with all its paraphernalia of flora and fauna. The city vibe matches head-to-head in creating some splendid experiences to complement the thrall of nature. So defining the top 10 activities in Brisbane is a daunting task with all the incumbent activities in and around the whereabouts to be enjoyed wholesomely.
Brisbane International Airport (BNE) is in Australia, serviced by 31 airlines flying to 50 domestic and 29 international destinations. It is a hub for Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Alliance Airlines, etc. Brisbane has the third largest port and is well-connected with rail, road and ferry networks. Some world-famous vignettes of Brisbane are the scenic Gabba Cricket Ground, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the Commonwealth Games (2018) and the upcoming Olympics of 2032. The Kangaroo land is teeming with culture: copious with around 6000 world cuisine restaurants, the annual Brisbane Festival (September), Brisbane International Film Festival (July/ August), Paniyiri Greek Festival (May), Brisbane Charity Fun Run, Anywhere Festival, and Caxton Street Seafood and Wine Festival. Moreover, the sporty spirit of Australia is fostered by the Lang Park, Eagle Farm Race Course, Sleeman Swimming Centre and golf facilities at Indooroopilly, Brookwater, Keperra, and Eagle Farm.
South Bank Parklands
Kangaroo Point is a mountain cliff, very conveniently located near the Central Business District(CBD) and known for its park, running, climbing and abseiling activities. The Channel Seven Ferris Wheel is in SB Parkland. And the annual Brisbane Festival is hosted here in September. The Toowong suburb, famous for its cemetery and ghost tours, is also conveniently located just 4 km from CBD. Paddington is the place for upscale shopping, selling flamboyant vintage fashion and stylish homeware.
Moreton Bay
Moreton Bay is the sea where the Brisbane River empties itself, and the CBD lies on a peninsula upstream. So near the CBD, this area is famous for its marine park, surf beaches and resorts. The Fort Lytton National Park is a coastal fortification with parks suitable for day picnics, camping and guided tours. The Tangalooma Island is on a catamaran cruise of 75 mins from the coast, famous for its mediaeval shipwrecks, and Island Resort is known for feeding wild dolphins every night. Go snorkelling and scuba diving in the azure waters here. Other activities include dolphin spotting, kayaking, ferrying and quad biking. The best whale-watching cruises in Australia happen here. Moreton Island has the oldest lighthouse in Australia. You can always go for the Ecomarine Safari cruise in the Bay Area.
Shorncliffe Pier
The beachside suburb is famous for boating, sailing, fishing and kitesurfing activities. It is the starting point of the Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race in April. The Boondall Wetlands Reserve is near the park and includes elevated walkways, bikeways and bird-watching platforms in these protected mangroves.
D’Aguilar Mountains
D’Aguilar mountains which have several peaks like Mt. Nebo, Camp Mountain, Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Glorious, Mt. Samson and Mt. Meeme, have adventurous bushwalking and hiking trails.
Fortitude Valley
The place where you set off sail to Moreton Bay Marine Park is Fortitude Valley. This valley has the most amazing Circa Contemporary Circus Training Centre as well. The dive bars resonate with mellow live music for that very nightlife. There is a flush of brunch cafés, rooftop cocktail lounges and pumping dance clubs in plenteous Chinese diners and upscale European restaurants. Alongside, the Art Galleries are thronged by the bohemian artistry young crowd.
Lockyer Valley
Alternatively to Fortitude Valley is the Lockyer Valley, a countryside escape from urban Brisbane, known for bird watching and hot air ballooning. It is one of the 10 most fertile regions in the world known for the commercial production of vegetables and fruits. Explore old buildings, parks and culinary delicacies in the nearby town of Ipswich.
Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast
Some of the sunniest and best Australian beaches lie north and south of Brisbane. The northern coast beaches are called Sunshine Coast, and the southern coast beaches are called Gold Coast. The north coast is about relaxation and laid-back fun, and the south is glitz and glam. Stradbroke Island is a part of Gold Coast, lying 30 km southeast of CBD in Moreton Bay and known for its landscape and bewildering flora and fauna. You can go for a yacht stay or a Jet Ski experience on south Straddie. Mount Tamborine features experiences like Treetop Challenge, Glowworm Caves, High Ropes, and riding real tanks at Tank Ride. Thus this is one of the most popular activities in Brisbane.
Quandamooka Coast lies between the Brisbane and Logan Rivers and boasts world-class whale-watching experiences. It is a cultural experience to visit the Quandamooka inhabitants of North Stradbroke Island and see their life first-hand. Sirromet Winery near Mount Cotton lies just 30 km from the Gold Coast. It has 18 tents on offer for Glamping amongst kookaburras, lizards, owls and wallabies. Moreover, you can go on a helicopter tour of such breweries and winery hopping. You can feed colourful lorikeets in Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for a different wild experience.
New Farm
It is a green suburb, just 2km from the CBD of Brisbane on the north side of the river Brisbane. It is famous for its iconic and expansive riverside parks. The indie arts hub Brisbane Powerhouse hosts live arts, concerts and weekend farmers markets. The iconic Story Bridge is a cantilever bridge across the Brisbane River Walk near New Farm that is famous for its annual fireworks display, Adventure Climbing and 30m Abseiling. The longest span of the bridge lies between Newstead and Toowong neighbourhoods.
Similarly, the Libertine Perfumeries is the place to learn perfume making. The Howard Smith Wharves is a modern development with restaurants, breweries and 5-star hotels, having dazzling views of the Story Bridge and other city precincts. It lies near the Fortitude Valley boundary.
Mount Coot-tha
An elevated point of Brisbane, Mount Coot-tha is a vantage point offering some of the best views of the vicinity, from Glasshouse Mountains in the north, Gold Coast hinterland to the south and Moreton and Stradbroke Islands to the east. It has the Mt Coot-tha Reserve, MC Lookout, MC Botanic Garden and Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. The area is famous for hiking, bushwalking and stargazing activities. Besides, on the fun side, if you are a Harry Potter fan, please play Quidditch here in the Botanic Garden.
Other Activities in Brisbane
Apart from the attractions mentioned above, there are some simulated experiences to add the FUN quotient to your Brisbane trip:
- Roma Street Parkland
- Brisbane Distillery Gin School
- City Hall has Brisbane Clock Tower, the Big Ben of Brisbane
- Museum of Brisbane
- Visit Boggo Road Gaol in Dutton Park.
- V8 Race Car Driving Experience.
- Brisbane Axe Throwing Experience
- L39 Jet Fighter Experience
- Dreamworld Theme Park and Whitewater Water Park with the famous ride, the CLAW
- BlackHole Water Slide at the Wet n Wild Waterpark.
- Segway Tours
- Farm sheep and mine opals in Paradise County
- Indoor diving at IFly Brisbane
- Loop the loop in Biplane Acrobatic
Now, you know the top 10 fun activities in Brisbane. And for more, explore Cheap Flights to Brisbane to make the most of your holiday. So, browse, compare and book a flight now to avail exclusive offers on top airlines on MyFlightPal.