Brisbanes best experiences
Updated: 22 May 2022
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.
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 snorkeling 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.
Kookaburra Showboat Cruises & Mirimar Cruises
*Temporarily suspended, check Facebook page for updates.
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.
Lone Pine Sanctuary
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.
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.
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; 2 or 5-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 5-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 snorkeling, 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 Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island, and on a clear day you’ll see all the way to the Gold Coast.
Floating Images Hot Air Ballooning
The Scenic Rim 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 Insta 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!
Brisbane Distillery
Say cheers to local with Brisbane Distillery’s gins, rum and botanical vodkas. Brisbane City’s first grain to glass artisan distillery brings an immersive experience to Brisbane, where you can engage with Master Distiller’s and learn all about the process of crafting the perfect spirit.
For the full experience, book a class at Australia's only registered Gin School. Choose from 180 botanicals to create the perfect gin just for you! Learn the history of gin from their masterful instructors, all while you enjoy complimentary cocktails, cheese and cured meats.
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.
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’.
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.
Spirits of the Red Sand
An unmissable experience of the world’s oldest culture in true ancient story-telling style, with Spirits of the Red Sand. Delivering a powerful storyline, this first-of-its-kind live theatre experience brings to life chapters of a truly moving story as you move through diverse sets within an 18th Century Australian town. With a three-course dinner, indigenous song and dance, and a cast meet and greet, this experience is set to open your eyes to the history, beauty and vibrancy of the Aboriginal people.
