30 things to do this spring in Brisbane

Goldilocks wouldn't have it any other way – spring in Brisbane is not too hot and not too cold, it's just right. As we roll on into a new season, celebrate beautiful Brisbane by shedding that one winter layer, getting out and smelling the flowers. 

There's a bounty of delightful things to do in spring – from rooftop bars, sports, festivals and much more. We’ve rounded up the 30 best ways to spend your days from September to November.

By the river

1. South Bank in spring time

Spring is a blooming good time in Brisbane’s premier riverside parkland precinct. Take a stroll or a bike ride through the parklands and see the gardens and natural features coming to life as the warmer weather begins. Spring is arguably the parkland’s prettiest time so it’s perfect for exploration. Then stop by one of the many restaurants where spring menus are now on offer. Also check out the newly refurbished Nepalese Peace Pagoda. Surrounded by lush rainforest, it’s a cool and calm space to chill.

2. City Botanic Gardens

Staying with the riverside city experiences, the City Botanic Gardens are stunning place to reconnect with nature right in the heart of the city. Sunday’s Riverside Markets are a fabulous excuse for a visit allowing you to shop for local craft, fashion and food as well take in the natural surrounds of the parklands.

3. Lunch at Howard Smith Wharves

This local favourite is one the best places for a Springtime lunch or picnic in true Brisbane al fresco style. There is no better way to spend a warm spring day then sipping a freshly brewed beer and tucking into a burger, steak or pizza from the Felons Brewery Co menu. Or visit one the many restaurants in the precinct to find your perfect lunch.   

4. Walk the river

Stunning river board walks are easily accessible along many stretches of the Brisbane River. What’s even better is that most of them pass by cafes and restaurants with fabulous waterside dining. So you can walk and eat your way along our famous body of water.  

5. Riverlife adventures

Father’s Day, school Holidays, long weekends…if you have a special occasion to celebrate or some time to fill, the team at Riverlife have the perfect experience for you. While the spring weather is here learn how to abseil, kayak, bike or rollerblade along the banks of the Brisbane river. For those with adventure experience, Riverlife is the easy way to get active as you can hire everything you need to do your own thing.

Festivals and footy

6. AFL

If you didn’t already know it the AFL has made Queensland its home with regular games through September at the Gabba leading up to the Grand Final on October 24. The Gabba precinct offers so much more than just a footy venue so plan a full day out and make the most of the perfect footy weather. 

7. Brisbane Festival | 4 - 26 September 

Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Brisbane. BrisFest is bringing people together as they awake from their winter slumber for an explosion of arts performances and experiences. With a focus on accessible street events there is something for culture lovers of all ages.

8. Rugby 

Local Super Rugby heroes the Queensland Reds are heading towards a grand final appearance and could be on track for a September showdown on September 19. Keep up to date with the latest results to see if the Reds secure a much-cherished home final at Brisbane’s own Suncorp Stadium. The Rugby keeps on coming with one of the fiercest battles in the footy world, the Bledisloe Cup, set for a postponed series in October and also the possibility of a Rugby Championships series. Games are tentatively scheduled for Brisbane so stay tuned for more updates.

9. BIGSOUND

BIGSOUND is back for 2020 with a revised program of conference, live music, parties and secret shows, ensuring that its long-standing role of providing forward-thinking, listening, learning, discovering and, most importantly, industry connection for the music community is not lost due to COVID-19.

10. Bring on BIFF

Brisbane’s own International Film Festival is back at the Gallery from Oct 11th BIFF will celebrate contemporary international and Australian screen culture with new-release features, documentaries, short films and curated strands, alongside screenings with live music, conversations, panel discussions and more.

City adventures

11. Go Shopping

Change of season means a change of wardrobe…right? Brisbane Queen Street Mall is open for business and full of designer boutiques, bespoke retailers and the city’s most diverse array of eateries. Make a day of it and enjoy the open-air shopping experience in the heart of the city. Check out our guide to the Queens Street Mall. 

12. Rom Coms & Nom Noms

Starting September 9 this pop-up cinema combined with pop-up food trucks will be a regular event in Post Office Square through to the end of October. Check out what's playing and what's being served up each week here. 

13. Plan a food crawl up Brisbane’s hottest laneway

South of the river, Fish Lane has all the wine bars, restaurants and cafes you need to create a choose-your-own dining and drinking adventure with friends. Read our comprehensive guide  and arrive hungry.

14. Choose a craft beer trail

The warmer weather is coming, so what better to reinvigorate your exercise routine with some brand-new walking trails. Go too hard too soon and you’ll fall off the wagon faster than you jumped on it – so ease into it with one of these light urban wanders, taking regular rest breaks at the various local craft breweries. Doctor’s orders. 

15. Brisbane's trendiest eating spots

It’s been a strange start to the year for Brisbane’s dining landscape but thankfully many of the local hot spots weathered the storm and continue to drive the city’s awesome food scene. We’ve rounded up just a small selection of the newest and brightest stars to create the perfect spring dining bucket list.

16. Take drinking sky high at Brisbane's best rooftop bars

Soak up the sunshine and raise your glasses to drinking up high at the best rooftop bars in Brisbane. While our winters are mild, there’s nothing quite like clinking glasses outdoors with views of the CBD skyline in the spring time air. 

17. Explore different farmers markets in Brisbane

Brisbane’s bustling market scene is in overdrive. View our guide to the best farmers markets in Brisbane – from farm-fresh food and vegetables to picking up vintage and homemade gems.

18. Art and About 

QAGOMA is never short of something fabulous for its visitors and spring is no exception. Right now you can check out indigenous artist Mavis Ngallametta's Show Me The Way to Go Home.  Stunning canvases, weavings and sculpture are on display in this free show.

19. Get revved Up at QAGOMA

And finally, November at the Gallery is full throttle with a world exclusive exhibition “The Motorcycle” launching November 28. The exhibition will showcase the art, design and history of one of the most iconic objects of the last 150 years - the motorcycle. Featuring more than 100 innovative and influential motorcycles from the 1860s to present day, it will consider the iconic vehicle from the perspective of social history, popular culture, design and technology. The exhibition will tap into the appeal of this enduring object of design and art, looking at the motorcycle’s past, present and future.

Go regional 

20. Smash out a scenic hike in a morning

The early bird gets the worm, and by worm we mean breakfast. Take our advice and destroy one of these trails in the morning hours, following it up with our top suggestions for breakfast or lunch nearby. Work up an appetite in the fresh air this spring.

21. Find 34 things to do in the Moreton Bay Region

From the salty sea air by the bayside at Redcliffe to the lush rainforest greens of the D’Aguilar range, read on to discover 34 things to do in the Moreton Bay Region, just north of Brisbane.

22. Plan out your camping adventure near Brisbane with these top spots

With the weather getting a little warmer, now is the time to plan your camping adventure in Brisbane. Surrounded by stunning displays of natural beauty, the Brisbane region is home to national parks, beaches and lakes worth pitching a tent at. 

23. Make the ‘switch

Ipswich is bursting with spring time fun so plan a visit to some of the region's stunning playgrounds and waterparks. You can also get up close and personal with native wildlife and friendly farm animals at several locations. 

24. Discover Somerset

Take the perfect day trip to Somerset. Visit historic pubs, quirky cafes and enjoy a splash of wine tasting all within an easy drive from Brisbane.

Best of the rest

25. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Check out the cutest spring babies at Brisbane’s loved animal sanctuary Lone Pine. The warmer weather means many of the furred, feathered and fanged residents are up and about. Take one of the many tours to get up close with the wildlife and learn about how you help with conservation of our treasured Australian fauna.

26. Women’s International Cricket

Historic Allan Border Field will be home to world class women’s cricket when Brisbane hosts all six of the Trans-Tasman Series between Australia and New Zealand in September and October. Both the T20 and the ODIs are up for grabs.

27. Chase the purple rain around Brisbane

Have you ever seen Brisbane erupt in a sea of purple Jacaranda trees? Late October or early November is the best time to pack the camera and set out around the city.

28. Last chance to see the whales | season ends November

Get up close and personal with majestic humpback whales as they pass by the South East Queensland coast to the warm, tropical waters of Queensland. Check out our guide to the best whale-watching tours and spots along the coast where you can catch a glimpse of these deep blue sea creatures.

29. Barefoot bowls

Grab a patch o' green at your local bowls club and embrace the thrill of being a barefoot bandit. If being sans shoes is not your style - we find this unbeliveabowl - then head on over to the bar where you can cheer on your mates and delight in some Aussie pub grub. Book your lane at Merthyr Bowls, Coorparoo Bowls Club, New Farm Bowls Club or The Boo in Newstead.

30. Get out on the water 

There’s something extra-special about watching the sky light up in every shade of pink, purple and orange from the water. Whether it’s cruising up and down the winding Brisbane River, or putting about on the expansive blue of Moreton Bay, being out on the water is a real treat.