Brisbane's best experiences

18 JANUARY 2023

Unforgettable memories are made through experiences and Brisbane is home to an abundance of awesome adventures waiting to be discovered. From bridge climbing to island hopping, Brisbane has no shortage of unique experiences, and they just keep getting better. These are the top new Brisbane experiences to add to your list.

IN THIS ARTICLE
IN THIS ARTICLE

For the water lovers 

River to Bay 

Brisbane is famous for its proximity to bucket-list worthy islands and beaches, only a short boat ride away. River to Bay offers day-trip experiences that take you on an A-class adventure on the water to the surrounding Bay’s. With a wide range of tour options, including exploring nature with guided walks and snorkelling shipwrecks, learning about heritage experiences or blazing a trail of seafood, wine and craft beer. All leaving from and returning to the heart of Brisbane. 

GoBoat 

If leisure is more your speed, GoBoat is the experience for you. Be your own captain onboard Brisbane’s fleet of private picnic boats. No boat license is required for a day out on these environmentally-friendly self-drive boats. See the sights of Brisbane with up to 8 of your closest friends (and yes, fur pals are allowed!). Make sure to bring your own food and drinks, for a perfect boating day out. 

YOT Club 

Get ready to party up the Brisbane River on the iconic YOT Club, the superyacht that brings Brisbane’s best events to the water. Book into one of their epic parties and raise your glasses to the sights of Brisbane. Whether it’s a corporate event, a special occasion or just because, the YOT Club has you covered with a day or night out like no other. 

Jet Ski Tours Brisbane 

Get the adrenaline pumping onboard Jet Ski Tours Brisbane. Ride along the Brisbane River at speed while taking in the iconic sights like the CBD Skyline, the Story Bridge, Gateway Bridge and Botanical Gardens. If you’re after an unforgettable experience on the water, this is sure to be it..

OASIS Cruising

Cruise the Brisbane River while exploring three storeys of decked-out luxury on the OASIS entertainment vessel. The OASIS is a mecca for glamour and fun for private charters and nights out. Enjoy cocktails and take in the view as the sunset ripples in the river and live DJs take you into the night.

Adventure in the city

Lone Pine Sanctuary 

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is home to some of Australia’s most loved and iconic animals. Situated in the leafy river-side suburb of Fig Tree Pocket there is so much to see and do - while, of course. you’ll be meeting koalas, you can also see wildlife from kangaroos to cassowaries and pink cockatoos to the playful platypus. 

Riverlife 

For an inner-city adventure, look no further than Riverlife. Take a segway for a spin under the Story Bridge, rock climb the Kangaroo Point Cliffs or glide down the river in a night-time kayak with these inner-city adventure experts. 

For a unique experience that mixes adventure and aperitifs, check out the Riverlife Twilight Kayak and Grazing session by the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Take a date, paddle out and watch the city skyscrapers sparkle. Afterwards, enjoy a grazing board with the group and enjoy a drink overlooking the river. 

Story Bridge Adventure Climb 

For two glorious hours you can take in insanely great views of Brisbane in one of only three bridge climbs in the world with Story Bridge Adventure Climb. With a range of experiences from Walk the Plank to bridge abseiling you can truly make the day an unforgettable one. Join the twilight climb to watch the sun set and the city light up. 

 

Regional experiences

Brisbane Whale Watching 

From June through to November, hundreds of majestic humpback whales swing by Brisbane on their journey to the tropical water up north. Brisbane Whale Watching invites you to experience one of the world’s best humpback whale-watching spots, Moreton Bay. With over 25 years of experience, you can trust the experts to guide you from the heart of Brisbane straight to the magnificent creatures. 

Captained by Kerry Lopez, the only woman captain owning and skippering a whale watching venture in the South Pacific Rim, with a focus on the need to nurture and protect our precious wildlife. This is an experience you won’t forget - just make sure you bring the cameras! 

Spicers Scenic Rim Trail 

Discover the beauty of the Scenic Rim with Spicers Scenic Rim Trail; two or five day walks led by experienced guides, taking you through the best of the region. Explore by day and return to the comfort of Spicers Canopy Luxury Tents by night. 

The five day option is the only Queensland inclusion in the Great Walks of Australia Collection. You’ll discover why the Scenic Rim has been voted one of the Top Regions in the World. 

Tangalooma Island Resort 

In Moreton Bay, Tangalooma Island Resort is the ultimate island escape - from stays, to day trips, the resort offers it all. Its experiences include cruise options for dolphin and whale watching, shipwreck snorkelling, and ATV quad bike tours. Get your crew together and hop over to the island to explore all they have to offer. 

Elite Helicopters 

Experience sky-high excitement over Brisbane and surrounds with Elite Helicopters. Hop on board with one of Queensland’s premier helicopter operators and take in a bird’s eye view of our iconic sights. 

Our top pick is the 30 minute scenic flight over Moreton Island - the best way to see the entire Tangalooma Wrecks. Starting from Brisbane, fly over North Stradbroke Island/ Minjerribah and on a clear day you’ll see all the way to the Gold Coast. 

Floating Images Hot Air Ballooning 

Ipswich is expansive and full of unique wonders that you would need a lifetime to explore it all - which we wouldn’t mind! But if you’re keen to take it all in quickly, then jump into a hot air balloon and soar above the sights. Take in sweeping views of the magnificent mountain ranges and rolling hills which will give you an unparalleled perspective and the perfect sunrise shot. 

Sanctuary by Sirromet 

Just a short drive from Brisbane lies a tranquil escape, Sanctuary by Sirromet. Treat yourself to a night in one of their luxury tented pavilions conveniently located on the grounds of the gorgeous Sirromet Winery. An indulgent getaway with award-winning wine, fresh local produce and sweeping views across the Moreton Bay region - heaven! 

Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm 

Fancy a boutique wine overlooking stunning lavender fields? Nestled in the Scenic Rim, just an hour from Brisbane, Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm is the perfect lunch stopover offering a cellar door, restaurant and lavender gift shop. Clear some storage on your phone, charge the battery and get amongst the magical purple haze and dreamy lavender scent. Don’t leave without sampling the delicious lavender infused scones or gelato, or better yet, lavender cocktails! 

For the connoisseurs  

Kiff & Culture 

Kick back and relax with a Kiff & Culture tour. A perfect merge of Brisbane’s best food and drinks, culture and scenery all wrapped into one adventure led by an epic team. From distillery’s, to restaurants, to breweries and more, they’ve handpicked all of Brisbane’s best to curate day tours you’ll be dreaming of once they’re over. 

City Winery 

Did someone say urban winery? Gone are the days where you need to leave the CBD to find local wine, with City Winery popping up in Fortitude Valley and on Eagle Street. The team do wine, and they do it well with a range of experiences. Take part in their daily winery tours, get your sommelier on and have a go at blending your own bottle, or sit back and enjoy the best part of wine - drinking it and pairing it with delicious local food. 

Two women talking to a store worker over the counter.
Shopping in Fortitude Valley

For the shop-a-holics

Spree with me 

If your idea of a city escape is shopping ‘til you drop, then we’ve got just the experience for you. Head out into one of the many fashion districts of Brisbane and have your own personal shopping tour guided by a friendly personal stylist with ‘Spree with Me’. 

For immersing in culture

Nyanda Cultural Tours 

Take part in an interactive cultural learning experience, with Nyanda Cultural Tours. You’ll be led through a ‘rite of passage journey’ in discovering how Aboriginal people used the natural environment, tools and items created for everyday use. Within the tour, you will participate in a smoking ceremony, fire making, taste and learn about bush foods and plant species and the role they play, learn Ygara language words, listen to a bull-roarer at the sacred bora-ring, do boomerang and spear throwing and more. An unforgettable experience awaits. 

Three Little Birds 

Immerse yourself in the tastes of Australia, with a one of a kind experience by catering company, Three Little Birds. Using native ingredients, ancient knowledge of customs and techniques, they make food that doesn’t just taste good but also works to acknowledge, educate and celebrate the unique culture and natural resources Australia has to offer. Take part in a cooking class, or organise your next event catering. 

Yura Tours  

Join Quandamooka woman Elisha Kessick as she guides a small-group tour through significant cultural sites of Minjerribah / North Stradbroke Island. For families, Yura Tours’ Whale Watching – Land-Based Cultural Walking Tour is a must-experience First Nations activity. Elisha escorts visitors around the famed Gorge Walk at Mulumba (Point Lookout), where they learn about Minjerribah creation stories, Aboriginal uses for the island’s flora, and watch the magnificent Yallingbilla (whales) performances as they swim by. You’re also likely to see dolphins, kangaroos and turtles along the coast. 

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