30 things to do in the Brisbane Region

The weekend is here and you know what? That pile of washing can wait for Monday. Make the most of your free time and spend two days exploring our scenic mountains, expansive lakes, lush rainforest, sandy beaches, nearby islands, wineries, breweries, farms and towns.

If you’re short for ideas, we’ve got 30 for you below – so get out there and experience what’s right on our doorstep.

1. Feed wild dolphins on Moreton Island

Moreton Bay is home to around 600 bottlenose dolphins. At sunset each day, a small pod congregate in the shallow waters off Tangalooma Island Resort where you can hand feed these majestic creatures.

2. Get lost in Lamington National Park

Home to some of the oldest trees in Australia, Lamington National Park is filled with flowing waterfalls, lush Gondwana Rainforest and treks for all abilities. Pitch a tent or retreat to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

3. Learn to surf with North Stradbroke Island Surf School

Dive into the crystal clear ocean at Point Lookout with the North Stradbroke Island Surf School. While learning to surf at this patch of paradise you might be lucky enough to see dolphins or whales pass by. Treat yourself at Oceanic Gelato afterwards.

4. Take the kids to The Workshops Rail Museum

Step back in time at this award-winning interactive museum. Once a workplace with more than 3000 rail workers, the historic grounds now hold beautifully restored locomotives, Queensland’s largest model railway, interactive exhibitions and more.

5. Experience another culture at the Chung Tian Temple

Hidden away south of Brisbane city is an unsuspecting surprise – a traditional Chinese temple. Constructed in 1992 and surrounded by nature, this tranquil spot is a community place to celebrate multicultural diversity and multi-faith harmony through humanistic Buddhism. On-site there is an art gallery, tea house, dining room, language centre and a temple all set up like a Chinese palace.

6. Ride into the sunset with Fordsdale Horseback Adventures

Choose from a one or two-hour, or full day ride at this 1000 acre grazing property in the Lockyer Valley. 

7. Test yourself with the Lower Portals Walk 

Head out to Mt Barney for a day and do the Lower Portals trail. Part of the three-hour return route treks through a number of still waterholes and it is the perfect spot to cool off on a hot day. 

8. Stop for a meal at Wild Canary 

Wild Canary is a poorly kept Brisbane secret. This garden centre and restaurant has quickly earnt a reputation as a destination dining place for its exquisite breakfast, brunch, lunch and cake offerings.

9. Gondola ride on Pumicestone Passage

Experience Bribie‘s spectacular pink and orange sunsets from the comfort of your own gondola. The gondola fits up to six people, can cater dinner or dessert and floats along the scenic Pumicestone Passage.

10. Cook up a storm at Wild Lime Cooking School

Over in the Lost World Valley, Wild Lime Cooking School incorporates native ingredients into traditional dishes from many cuisines in its four-hour cooking experience. After a morning of cooking, you can taste the fruits of your efforts over a long lunch with local wines – oh, and those views.

11. Take the plunge with Skydive Ramblers

Get the adrenaline rush of a lifetime at Skydive Ramblers in Toogoolawah. The parachute centre is Queensland’s largest and longest established operation, where you can go for a tandem skydive and learn the skills.

12. Hit the road with a Brisbane Trike Tour

Experience Brisbane with a local – on the back of a supersized motorcycle (a Boom Mustang Thunderbird Trike to be exact). Brisbane Trike Tours run custom experiences from a quick spin around town to a full-day exploring the Brisbane Regions.

13. Explore Walkabout Creek and D’Aguilar National Park

The closest national park to Brisbane CBD, D’Aguilar is an easy place to explore for a day. Trek through the bushland and rainforest, or cool down at Enoggera Reservoir – it is now open to swimming.

14. Visit the koala at Daisy Hill Koala Centre

The Daisy Hill Koala Centre is set within bushland south of Brisbane and is home to a number of educational koalas. Besides looking at the koalas, the centre provides a wide range of information about the species.

15. Play on the lakes in Somerset 

Take the boat or jetski out to the Somerset region and let yourself loose on Somerset Dam, Lake Somerset or Wivenhoe Dam. Alternatively, pack a picnic and find a quiet shady spot to spend time with your loved ones. 

16. Tour Moreton Island with Australian Sunset Safaris

Chase starfish by day and stargaze by night on Moreton Island. Sunset Safaris will take you sandboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, trekking and exploring across the large sand island.

17. Sink a pint at The Pumpyard

Four Hearts Brewing opened "The Pumpyard" in Ipswich to serve house-made brews and tasty food to hungry locals. The 1910 heritage-listed building was originally the first water source for Ipswich in the mid-1800s. At the bar, you will find approximately eight to 10 taps, five supplied direct from the brewery tanks.

18. Play Supa Golf at Sirromet Winery

The good news? Supa Golf is easier than traditional golf and fun for the whole family. Modified clubs and bright, large balls make for a quick-moving nine-hole game. The even better news? You can do a winery tour and tasting afterwards.

19. Lunch at Royal Hotel Harrisville 

Looking for a classic pub experience? Try the Royal Harrisville. You could drive there, or go one better and stop by with Captain Mike as part of a Pterodactyl Helicopter pub crawl.

20. Race your mates at Kingston Park Raceway

Put your pedal to the metal at Kingston Park Raceway and get competitive with friends on the course. There are four levels of go-karts and three separate race tracks for varied levels of abilities and experience.

21. Get cultured at Wyaralong Dam

The sculpture park at Wyaralong Dam has people talking in the Scenic Rim. Head along to reflect on the works while surrounded by nature. It is also a great spot for kayaking, mountain bike riding and picnics.

22. Explore the Salt Water Murris’ Quandamooka Indigenous Art Gallery

A trip to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) isn’t complete without a taste of indigenous culture. Be sure to stop by the Salt Water Murris’ Quandamooka Indigenous Art Gallery.

23. Taste the world at the Global Food Village

This bustling multicultural food bazaar in Logan Central has international atmosphere and experience with more than 185 nationalities represented plus shopping and more.

24. Disco your way down Bee Gees Way

The three famous brothers that formed the Bee Gees grew up on the Redcliffe Peninsula. This walkway honours the world famous pop group with a life-size statue, more than 60 photographs, 13 album covers, personal stories, a mural and more.

25. Camp, glamp or find a farmstay

Turn your day trip into a weekend or find a place for a holiday. We’ve rounded up the best spots to go camping, where to glamp (fancy camping with hot showers!) or where to find an authentic farmstay.

26. Go wild at Australia Zoo

The world-famous Australia Zoo lies just an hour north of Brisbane. If you’re lucky, you may even catch Bob or Bindi Irwin at one of the shows.

27. Learn about indigenous culture on North Stradbroke Island

Join a Quandamooka guide and hear sacred, untold dreaming stories, identify bush tucker plants and learn about medicinal bush plants, trees and ochre. Experience local tales, see the sights by the bay and enrich your knowledge of Aboriginal culture. Must book. 

28. Take the 4WD for a cruise around the 4000ha Landcruiser Mountain Park

This working cattle property is Queensland's first privately owned wilderness park designed for off-road and bush camping enthusiasts. Explore 250km of specially designed four-wheel drive trails, varying in standard to suit beginner and experienced off-road drivers.

29. Visit the cellar door at Ocean View Estate

Ocean View Estate is the perfect place to stop for a relaxing lunch in the restaurant, followed by a cellar door wine tasting experience. Be sure to wander the fields and take a few snaps to make your friends jealous.

30. Eagle Rock Cafe at Laidley 

Doing… the eagle rock! Stop by this ‘50s style cafe that is complete with booths, rock and roll memorabilia and great milkshakes and spiders. 

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