30 things to do this autumn in Brisbane

Brisbane’s autumn calendar is jam-packed with exciting festivals, delicious food, toe-tapping entertainment and all things nature. 

Read on to discover our 30 best autumn ideas.

1. Explore The 9th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT9) | Until 28 April

Since 1993, the APT series has drawn more than three million visitors and boasts one of the world’s most significant collections of contemporary Asian and Pacific art. Don’t miss this hugely ambitious art exhibition that has taken over both major galleries this  autumn. Want some help in choosing what to see? Check out our top things to see guide. 

2. Stumble upon Brisbane's laneways

Move over Melbourne – Brisbane's strong list of hip laneways is ever-growing. As self-confessed coffee connoisseurs, this makes our heart sing. Those looking for something harder will enjoy one of the many hidden bars dotted across the city.

3. Catch all the soccer excitement at Cup of Nations | 3 March

Come and experience two exciting soccer matches back to back at Suncorp Stadium. Match one will see Argentina versus New Zealand while match two is a face off between the Westfield Matildas and the Korean Republic. Game on Brisbane.

4. Eat all the ice cream at Gelato Messina in South Brisbane

Across 200sqm of floor space you’ll find three counters filled with 40 flavours of colourful gelato (including five rotating weekly specials), timber shelving filled with its signature gelato cakes, and a classroom off to one side. Our pick from the standard 35 flavours? Well, we’re yet to try them all but the salted caramel and coffee is a winner, the macadamia crunch is something else, and the salted coconut sorbet with mango salsa is surprisingly rich and hits the spot. 

5. To infinity and beyond! Check out NASA - A human Adventure | 15 March - 9 October

Celebrate all things space and NASA with this amazing exhibition that journeys through humankind's exploration of space. Discover the history of rocket science and space flight and learn about some of the most extraordinary accomplishments in space technology. 

6. Get curious about Curiocity Brisbane | 15 Mar - 3 Apr

For 20 days in March Brisbane will come to life with a myriad of curious encounters with Science, Technology and the Arts. Come and participate in a fully immersive sensory experience that takes place from the South Bank Cultural Precinct to the creative Hub centered around the Brisbane Powerhouse and New Farm. Including the World Science Festival Brisbane and QODE, a global technology and innovation event, Curiocity Brisbane will come alive with a gallery of interactive creations, augmented reality spaces, pop-up playgrounds and music events.

7. Learn it at World Science Festival Brisbane | 20 - 25 March

This festival celebrates the entanglement of science and art in an exceptional program that explores and celebrate all things science at this amazing, thought provoking, inspiring, fun, theatrical, interactive festival. World Science Festival Brisbane

8. On your bike at the Brisbane Cycling Festival | 28 March - 14 April

Gear up for the ride of your life when the Brisbane Cycling Festival wheels around and rolls into Brisbane city. Expect an energetic party like atmosphere, exciting races and family fun. With activities for residents, visitors, bike enthusiasts and elite athletes, there is something to suit everyone.

9. Watch the Brisbane to Gladstone set off from the Bluewater Festival| 19 April 

The Bluewater Festival attracts thousands of visitors to the Shorncliffe Pier and Moora Park, Sandgate on Good Friday to take advantage of the best waterfront views for the start of Australia’s second-biggest yacht race. The 70th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race will set sail from Shorncliffe on the morning of 19 April. The race record was set in 2004 in a time of 20 hours, 24 minutes, 50 seconds … can it be beaten this year?

10. Sleep under the stars

If getting back to basics is your style, pitch a tent at one of these camping spots near Brisbane where the air is crisp, and creepy crawlies are welcomed with open arms. In autumn the sun is rising later and that means more of a sleep in.

11. Treat someone special to a romantic dinner

An anniversary, birthday, or even a proposal calls for the ultimate romantic restaurant – but surely you don’t need an excuse to celebrate love? Keep February’s loved-up vibes going in March, April and May by treating your special one to a night on the town.

12. Show your colours 

Whip out the war paint, crazy hats and foam fingers for the start of winter sports season. Catch The Roar kicking the round ball or the Queensland Reds and Brisbane Broncos  kicking the red egg all around Suncorp Stadium. Over at The Gabba, cricket season is over and AFL is the game of the moment. Don’t miss the Brisbane Lions on the field.

13. Ain't no mountain high enough

A 16km hike over nine hours at 1351m above sea level? Challenge accepted. When you reach the summit, it will make the pain worth the gain. Climb these mountains around Brisbane this weekend.

14. Go on an island adventure

Autumn’s not too hot and not too cold – which makes it just right for a Moreton Island adventure. It’s an easy overnight or weekend escape only 75 minutes from the mainland. Unsure what you can do? Check out these 35 ideas for things to do on the island.

15. Catch theatre all around Brisbane at Anywhere Theatre Festival | 9 – 26 May

The nooks and crannies of Brisbane will explode with over 500 performances in places you least expect it to. Theatre in car parks, comedy in laneways, opera in reservoirs, dance in stairwells and quirky workshops exploring arts and craft from cooking to jewellery.

16. Go shopping in The City

Queen Street Mall host to 700 stores. Yes, that does sound daunting but fear not, as we have your comprehensive guide to shopping Queen Street Mall. Check out big international brands Uniqlo, H&M, Forever 21 and Zara, shop luxury stores on Edward St and inside QueensPlaza, and hunt out boutique finds inside the Brisbane Arcade and Showroom. Find parking deals from $5 here.

17. Don your best fascinator for Brisbane Racing Carnival | 12 May - 9 June 

Have your form guide at the ready for the Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival 2018. Dry-clean your best frock or suit for one of seven Group One races, including the AAMI Stradbroke Day.

18. Dance the night away to live jazz, blues and soul music

If you’ve got Georgia on your mind and want to find your own brown-eyed girl, perhaps you’ll find her at one of Brisbane’s live music bars – specifically those with a little more soul...

19. Get among the NRL Magic Round Brisbane | 9 May - 12 May

For the first time in NRL history, one round will be held at one ground. Make your way to Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane and grab a ticket for all eight games and experience the magic.

20. Discover Brisbane's best vegan eats

Your vegan friends need not worry about dining out with our list of the best vegan eats in Brisbane. Yes, vegan food is having a moment with one of Brisbane’s newest bars opening with an entirely vegan menu. Oh, and your mates willl love you more than tofu if you take them out for one of these meals.

21. Brisbane Art Design (BAD) | 10 May - 26 May

Brisbane Art Design (BAD), is a celebration of visual art and design that will animate a network of parks, laneways, galleries, artist spaces and studios across the city

22. Take the last chance to swim at beaches near Brisbane

The ocean takes a long time to heat, and a long time to cool down – what does that mean? Yes, in autumn the waters are still warm. Go on, jump in the car and hunt down a beach nearby.

23. Book an iconic weekend away

Already used up all that annual leave but desperately need a break? Try a weekender close to Brisbane. Relax by a log fire in a heritage homestead with a glass of red and your favourite person. Lead a llama around 85 acres of bushland. Walk along a seemingly endless island beach and dive into the refreshing ocean.

24. Take yourself out on a photography adventure

Want to challenge your photography game? Professional photographer and Canon Collective Ambassador Greg Sullavan gave us intel on the best photography spots, photo challenges and experiences to have around Brisbane.

25. Get fit for free with the Medibank Feel Good Program | until 30 March 

Held on South Bank’s leafy Little Stanley Street Lawns for a mix of free exercise classes including yoga, pilates and more. No bookings are required for the al fresco classes that are taught by qualified instructors – just turn up and get your body moving.

26. Make a day of it with these 37 things to do in Ipswich

The heritage city of Ipswich is just a half hour drive from Brisbane and while it has a reputation as being a little sleepy, something is brewing. No really, Ipswich has an excellent craft brewery now – check it and this list of 36 other things to do out. Use it to plan your perfect day out.

27. Embrace your inner child

Bring back playtime we say! And we’re not the only ones. Release your inner ‘kidult’ and get into these 21 epic activities to do around Brisbane.

28. …things every local should have done in the CBD

North side or south side? If the two have one thing in common, it is that every Brisbane local has done these 27 things in the CBD. 

29. Eat at one of Brisbane's newest restaurants, cafes and bars

The Brisbane dining scene is ever-expanding and full of surprises around every corner. We’ve rounded up the new crop of bars, restaurants and cafes that have recently opened to add to your must-try list.

30. Laugh yourself silly at Brisbane Comedy Festival | until 24 March 

International and national headlining comedians will take over the Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane City Hall and Sunpac for the 2019 festival. Expect more laughs than ever with over 70 comedians across the two venues.