33 things to do in Kangaroo Point and Woolloongabba

A haven for food lovers, sports fanatics, keen shoppers, cultural experiences, socialites, thrill seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, few neighbourhoods could match the laid-back vibes and picturesque scenery that Kangaroo Point and Woolloongabba have to offer.

Read on to discover 33 things you can do in Kangaroo Point and Woolloongabba.

1. Get to the Gabba

Be it to cheer on the Brisbane Lions or for the summer of cricket, experience the best sport live at the Gabba. This iconic sporting ground lies at the heart of Woolloongabba and is a must-do experience. Free shuttle buses are available to ticket holders for travel to and from the Gabba for most major sporting events.

2. Take a hike on the Story Bridge Adventure Climb

A bucket list item for visitors and locals alike, this two-hour experience will give a unique, 360-degree view of Brisbane City, the Brisbane River, surrounding mountain ranges and Moreton Bay islands. You can opt for the abseil climb and descend 30m vertically down the anchor pier, or make it super special and propose to your special someone at the top before being whisked away for champagne with views.

3. Enjoy live music at the Brisbane Jazz Club

Providing live entertainment on Kangaroo Point since 1976, the Brisbane Jazz Club is a fixture in Brisbane’s live music scene. This underrated venue has some of the best views of Brisbane City from its deck on the banks of the river.

4. Check the views from Eagle’s Nest

Spend your Sunday afternoon enjoying the panoramic views of the Brisbane city skyline on the Point Hotel’s rooftop bar, Eagle’s Nest. Combining a tapas-style menu with cocktails and live music, it is difficult to find a better place to enjoy the Sunday sunset.

5. Sink some wine at Superfly Funk Eye

This is no regular little wine bar. Enjoy a Japanese inspired menu under the warm glow of the festoon lighting or grab a chair at the bar and peruse the stellar wine list curated by Chris Fullerton from Cork and Co. If wine ain't your thing, check out the cocktail selection, which features Japanese flavours of peach, ginger and lemongrass. 

6. Buy a gift at Absolutely Fabulous

Referred to by locals as AbsoFab, this delightful gift shop is known for its variety of jewellery, furniture, novelty gifts and some fantastic vintage finds. The store stocks lots of local Brisbane labels too if you’re after that unique item.

7. Visit Brisbane’s historic Story Bridge Hotel

One of the city’s most famous watering holes, the Story Bridge Hotel is built around the pylons of the iconic Story Bridge and is extremely popular with pre and post-Gabba attendees as well as food enthusiasts. Its most famous event is the Australia Day cockroach races.

8. Get adventurous at Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Conquer your fears and abseil from the top of the natural Kangaroo Point Cliffs with Riverlife. If you’d rather go up than down, you can rock climb to the top. Or if heights are not your thing, try kayaking on the Brisbane River, hire a bike or join a Segway tour. The Friday night Paddle and Prawn experience is pretty special.

9. Oktoberfest falls year-round

Anyone who has celebrated Oktoberfest in Munich will know that the Germans know how to have a good time, and the Brisbane German Club is no exception. Complement your beer with a delicious pork knuckle, and on Friday and Saturday nights dance your heart out to the sweet, sweet sounds of lederhosen-wearing, pop song-singing Andrew.

10. Rock down to Electric Avenue

Step back in time to a prominent era of Brisbane's history. Once a hotspot for antiques, Electric Avenue pays tribute to the area's history. Drop into the bistro for a bite, kick on in the bar with 75 wines before heading upstairs for jazzy tunes in the secret whiskey bar... you have to find it for yourself. 

11. Escape the 21st century at Boggo Road Gaol

One of the most notorious prisons of the 20th century, Boggo Road Gaol was home to many infamous inmates until its closure in 1992. Immerse yourself in a historical re-enactment and learn the gaol’s tumultuous story. The gaol is brought to life on movie nights, screening films such as Jailhouse Rock, The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption.

12. Unleash your inner ABBA at Ben’s Chinese and Vietnamese

Not only does Ben’s Chinese and Vietnamese produce excellent Asian cuisine, on Friday and Saturday night see the restaurant transform into a karaoke bar. Now that’s dinner and a show.

13. Kick back in one of the many small bars

Make the most of your weekend at one of the many bars such as local microbrewery Brewhouse, cafe-turned-bar Foxy Drop, vintage-vibe Can You Keep A Secret?, craft brewery Sea Legs or classic pub The Morrison Hotel.

14. Five Ways Precinct

The meeting point of five roads, spend the day exploring this precinct. Visit 1889 Enoteca, Pearl Café, Sorellina, Baker’s Arms and shop around the boutiques.

15. Enjoy a drink at Canvas Cocktail and Wine Bar

Offering a selection of cocktails from breakfast to dinner, the drinks menu at Canvas is sure to please everyone. Pair the Mrs Hendricks with some tapas and follow it up with the sweet Penny’s Bang Bang for “dessert”. Yes, it tastes like raspberry cheesecake. Heaven.

16. Overindulge at St James Crabhouse and Kitchen

Jump aboard the seafood express at Brisbane’s first American-style crabhouse. Put on your bibs and gloves and enjoy the casual atmosphere while tucking into fresh crustaceans. If seafood isn’t your thing, St James also serves chicken wings and slow-cooked ribs.

17. Try the Roman Menu at 1889 Enoteca

Located in the heritage-listed Moreton Rubber Works building, this charming restaurant has become a local favourite since opening in 2009. Like a classic enoteche in Italy, 1889 Enoteca has a restaurant, bar, a wine store and a basement level cellar where guests can enjoy a private dining experience. The gnocchi has been a best-seller on the menu every year since it opened – and for good reason, don’t miss ordering a plate of these soft clouds.

18. Tantalize your taste buds at Pearl Cafe

With a select seasonal menu, Pearl Cafe serves modern cuisine in a setting that is reminiscent of an European style eatery. The boutique vibe will have you feeling special in no time and the five-course banquet is worth the trip alone.

19. Sample the array of breakfasts

Image credit: @emotivelightphoto

While all neighbourhoods may boast about breakfast hotspots, it is difficult to look past popular favourites including Pearl Café, The Smug Fig, Brown Dog Café, Pawpaw Café, Moose and Gibson, The Foxy Bean, Bar Spritz or Little Smirk.

20. Go to the End of the Line Festival

Taking over the precinct for one day each year, the End of the Line festival is a free annual street party that celebrates the area’s cultural and historical significance. Showcasing the best of Woolloongabba’s food, drink, shopping and music, this is a must-attend street party in Brisbane.

21. Visit local coffee roasters

Well, this area surely is well caffeinated. Coffee Supreme and Black Sheep Coffee are just two coffee roasters calling this area home.

22. Visit Pennisi Cuisine

A local gem hidden in the backstreets of Woolloongabba, this warehouse-style deli offers up a plethora of international European ingredients for you to try. Be spoiled for choice by the variety of cheeses, meats and olives available from the deli.

23. Conquer the Kangaroo Point stairs

Infamous among locals as a torturous workout regime, spice up your workout by running up and down the Kangaroo Point stairs. Once is more than enough for us. Phew!

24. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue overlooking the river

The perfect setting for a family and friends gathering is along the river overlooking the city views in one of Kangaroo Point’s many beautiful parks. Most of Brisbane’s larger parks have free public barbecues to use.

25. Can You Keep A Secret?

Once you’ve visited this vintage shop and lounge bar hybrid, you will surely struggle to keep this hidden gem a secret.

26. Game on at Laserforce

Enter the briefing room where you will learn your mission, strap on your Gen6 Laserforce battle suit vest and be sure to zap your opposition before they zap you. Go team!

27. CityCycle your way to South Bank

Beneath the Story Bridge at Dockside you will find one of Brisbane’s many CityCycle stations. Follow the track from here, under the Story Bridge, along the riverbank past the Kangaroo Point Cliffs and the Queensland Maritime Museum through to South Bank for a lovely day out.

28. Stop into the Queensland Multicultural Centre

Located near the Story Bridge, the QMC is fast-becoming one of Brisbane’s most popular events and exhibitions venues. Keep an eye out for shows, exhibitions and special events.

29. Enjoy tranquility by the river at Medley Café and Restaurant

Experience Brisbane’s outdoor dining at its finest. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner along the river on Wharf St at Kangaroo Point. French chef Patrick Panier’s menu is inspired by his experiences in North Africa, Europe, the Pacific Islands and Australia to produce this menu.

30. Eat Sushi Kotobuki in Mowbray Park

On the river’s edge in East Brisbane, enjoy a picnic or barbecue along the river with views of New Farm and the Story Bridge. Better yet, have dinner at popular Kotobuki Sushi (Brisbane’s best, some might say) or takeaway to enjoy in the park. 

31. Shop local boutiques

The precinct boasts a number of boutique-style stores, including Absolutely Fabulous and the Adrift concept store and headquarters in Woolloongabba and a store in East Brisbane.

32. Explore Stanley Street East

Heading away from the city, why not dine at the well-regarded The Wolfe, or enjoy brunch at The Smug Fig tucked inside the Cottage Garden Nursery.