12 best things to do in Brisbane: Australia travel guide
Plus festivals and shows you can catch from now till early November!
Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, Australia, is a vibrant metropolis nestled along the picturesque banks of the Brisbane River. It combines a bustling urban landscape with a subtropical climate, making it a thriving hub of culture, commerce, and natural beauty.
This multicultural city boasts a dynamic arts scene, a strong economy, and world-class educational institutions, including the University of Queensland. Brisbane’s rich culinary scene, efficient public transportation, and passion for sports further enhance its allure, making it a welcoming and diverse destination for both residents and tourists alike. For Singaporeans, all we need is an eTA to enter and spend time in the country as a tourist.
Here are the 12 things you can do in Brisbane and some of the upcoming fantastic festivals and shows you can catch from now till early November.
1. Explore South Bank Parklands, including the man-made beach
This riverside oasis features lush gardens, a man-made beach, and an array of restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. You can relax by the water, visit the Queensland Museum or the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), and even take a dip in the Streets Beach.
Mystery Picnic Experience in South Bank
2. Climb the Story Bridge for panoramic views
For breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas, consider putting the Story Bridge Climb into your list, which is a unique way to experience Brisbane from a different perspective.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
3. Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to cuddle a koala
Located just a short boat ride from the city, this sanctuary is home to Australia's iconic wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and wombats. Visitors can get up close and personal with these animals and even cuddle a koala (extra fee).
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Entry Ticket
4. Stroll through the City Botanic Gardens
These beautifully landscaped gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. You can explore a wide variety of subtropical plant species and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
5. Hike the trails at Mount Coot-tha
Head to Mount Coot-tha for panoramic views of Brisbane from the lookout. There are also walking trails, a botanic garden, and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium to explore.
6. Cruise the Brisbane River for cityscape views
Take a cruise along the Brisbane River to appreciate the city's skyline and see landmarks such as the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and the City Hall.
Brisbane River Cruise with Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Admission
Guided Kayaking Tour in Brisbane
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Abseiling Experience in Brisbane
7. Indulge in diverse cuisines at Eat Street Northshore
This bustling night market is a food lover’s paradise. You can savour a diverse range of international cuisines from food trucks and stalls while enjoying live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
XXXX Brewery Tour in Brisbane | Beer Tasting
Full Day Winery Guided Tour from Brisbane by The Vino Bus
Wine and Food Pairing Experience in Brisbane
8. Tour Brisbane City Hall and its clock tower
Explore this historic building and its clock tower, which offers guided tours and great views of the city. The museum inside City Hall provides insight into Brisbane’s history.
9. Attend live performances at QPAC in the Cultural Precinct
In addition to GOMA and the Queensland Museum, the cultural precinct also houses the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) where you can catch live performances, including theatre, ballet, and concerts.
Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art: Tour & Lunch
10. Embark on day trips to the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast
Brisbane is a gateway to numerous exciting day trips. You can explore the Gold Coast, visit the beautiful beaches of the Sunshine Coast, or venture into the hinterland for rainforest hikes and waterfalls.
Warner Bros. Movie World Ticket in Gold Coast
Australia Zoo & Wildlife Hospital Ticket
11. Cheer for your team at the Gabba stadium
If you’re a sports enthusiast, catch a game at the Gabba stadium, home to cricket and Australian rules football matches.
12. Shop for fashion and more at Queen Street Mall
Queen Street Mall is Brisbane’s premier shopping destination, with a wide range of boutiques, department stores, and speciality shops.
FESTIVALS AND SHOWS HAPPENING IN BRISBANE TILL EARLY NOVEMBER
Until 23 September, various venues across Brisbane
Brisbane Festival is Brisbane’s biggest cultural event, and in 2023 the event promises an amazing 23-day, city-wide celebration of music, theatre, and art performances. The blockbuster programme includes over 1,000 performances in arts venues, cathedrals, warehouses, suburban parks, and iconic city locations.
Until 23 September
There’s never been a better time to travel to Brisbane with Sweet Relief!, Brisbane Festival and BIGSOUND all gearing to set the tone for an unforgettable music adventure this spring.
Until 24 September, Lyric Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Featuring 22 of ABBA’s greatest hits including Gimme Gimme Gimme, Voulez Vous, Dancing Queen, S.O.S and Take A Chance On Me, MAMMA MIA! The Musical is coming back to Brisbane for a strictly limited season. One of the iconic stage productions of our time, it has wowed over 65 million people around the world.
Tastes of Moreton Bay Festival
Until 1 October, Moreton Bay
Where culinary delights collide with the picturesque landscapes of the stunning Moreton Bay Region – Tastes of Moreton Bay is a month-long extravaganza of tantalising tastes, where farmers and producers join forces with talented venues and chefs to create a feast like no other.
Moreton Island Full Day Tour from Brisbane from S$147.10
Culture Club with Specvial Guest Berlin
14 September, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Iconic 1980s music group and Grammy Award winner with over 50 million album sales worldwide and #1 singles in over a dozen countries, Culture Club will play Brisbane on its Greatest Hits Tour celebrating 40 years of music.
It promises to be a great night with show-stopping classics and generation-defining favourites like Do You Really Want To Hurt Me, Time (Clock of the Heart), and Karma Chameleon. Supporting Culture Club will be synth-electro pop pioneers Berlin, performing their hits like Take My Breath Away, Dancing in Berlin, and No More Words.
20 to 23 September, Queensland Theatre
A biannual festival held in conjunction with the Brisbane Festival, the Undercover Artist Festival headlines artists with disabilities and gives them centre stage to perform. The event was formed in 2015 by Access Arts, and features performances across the music, dance, theatre, comedy, poetry, circus, and creative genres.
Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) 2023
26 October to 5 November, cinemas and venues across Brisbane
The Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) this year celebrates its 29th edition, having been established in 1992 and welcoming more than 600,000 festival goers since then. Each year the event brings film lovers and screen industry professionals together, for a showcase of fantastic international cinema and world-class Australian and independent films.
2023 Brisbane Good Food & Wine Show
27 to 29 October, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Much as its name suggests, the Good Food & Wine Show is a fantastic event for food and wine lovers. Visitors can wander through the show sampling from hundreds of stalls, chatting to winemakers and distillers, be entertained by well-known chefs as they demonstrate delicious recipes, learn how to pair wine and cheese and other skills at masterclasses, shop for the freshest seasonal foods from artisan producers, and more.
