Brisbanes best experiences
Unforgettable memories are made through experience, and what better place to experience all different kinds of adventure, than Brisbane. From bridge climbing to island hopping, Brisbane has no shortage of bucket list items. How many can you tick off? These are the top Brisbane experiences to add to your list.
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.
In Moreton Bay, Tangalooma Island Resort is the place to be - from stays, to day trips, the resort offers it all. Its experiences include cruise options for dolphin and whale watching, shipwreck snorkeling, and ATV quad bike tours. Get your crew together and hop over to the island to explore all they have to offer.
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.
Image via Tourism and Events Queensland
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 Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island, and on a clear day you’ll see all the way to the Gold Coast.
The Scenic Rim area is so expansive and full of wonders that you would need a few days 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 Insta sunrise shot.
Image via @plantbloomsewbne
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!
To pay homage to the Brisbane River, there is no better way than to embark on one of the many cruise options that service the city.
In operation for over 30 years, Kookaburra Showboat Cruises is a Brisbane icon. Jump aboard for a lunch or dinner cruise and experience its sensational contemporary buffet or one of the weekend high tea cruises. All your beverages are included.
For a unique river cruise experience, the team at Mirimar Cruises have your needs covered. This popular Brisbane river cruise has been taking locals and visitors to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for over 70 years and is a must-do experience while in Brisbane. Mirimar Cruises also offers a twilight cruise along the river to watch the sun set and the city light up.
Culture and creativity come to play at Brisbane Powerhouse, nestled next to New Farm Park right on the edge of the river. With year-round exhibitions, shows, Friday night stand-up comedy, and so much more, this iconic building ticks all the boxes. Pop in for a drink and bite to eat at Bar Alto within the Powerhouse or Mary Mae’s for a waterfront cocktail.
Familiarise yourself with Brisbane’s best boutique breweries. In Newstead try Green Beacon, Range Brewing or Newstead Brewing. In Milton head to XXXX, Aether or Newstead Brewing’s newer headquarters. All In at Banyo, Slipstream in Yeerongpilly, Ballistic Beer Co in Salisbury and West End are great, as is Bacchus Brewing in Capalaba.
For the dedicated beer lovers, experience Brisbane’s award-winning craft breweries with guided tours from Hop on Brewery Tours, River to Bay or Brisbane Brewery Tours.
“Have you been to GOMA?” will be one of the top three questions any local will ask. We’re proud of our modern art gallery. It’s one of the most visited galleries in Australia, and constantly has brand new and exciting exhibitions that always delight. When you finish there pop into QAG, the Queensland Art Gallery next door.
‘Brisbane’s best loved music venue’ The Tivoli has been an entertainment home for local and international artists. This 103 year-old venue, with stunning art-deco features and charm, brings its own unique character to the live-music scene. With a constant flow of acts, The Tivoli is just one of Brisbane's thriving live music venues.
You won't regret stopping in for a bev at Howard Smith Wharves, located directly under the Story Bridge. This riverside precinct boasts an overwater bar (cocktails at sunset is the winner here), a huge on-site brewery, an Art-Series Hotel, a number of delectable restaurants and a large green space where you can relax with this epic view of the Brisbane River and The City. While there’s enough to explore on its own, the Wharves also hosts an array of events year-round from beer yoga to weekends on the lawn.
Did you know that Queensland is one of only two states where you can actually hold a koala? Savour lifelong memories with a snap with your new furry best friend. 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 cuddling up to a koala, you can also see wildlife from kangaroos to cassowaries and pink cockatoos to the playful platypus.
