17 things to do in Brisbane during the Youth Water Polo Championships

Updated: 7 December 2021

You’ll have a ball in Brisbane while here for the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC) from 14-18 April (Easter School Holidays). Plunge into the city and surrounds with this list of 17 must-do experiences, from island hopping and adrenaline-fueled fun, to a foodie feast and experiencing exclusive cultural events.

The city will come alive when teams from around the country compete in the National Age Championships for 12&U, 14&U, 16&U and 18&U divisions. We hope to see you, your team and family out and about exploring Brisbane’s must-do experiences.

1. Visit an exclusive art exhibition | until 25 April

Don’t miss out on visiting the landmark tenth edition of QAGOMA’s flagship exhibition series, ‘The Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ (APT10). This exhibition takes a fresh look at contemporary art from across Australia, Asia and the Pacific.

2. Get lost in the South Bank Parklands

South Bank Parklands is 17 hectares of riverfront parkland for you to explore. There’s a sandy beach, an edible garden, multiple playgrounds, an aquapark, picnic areas, BBQ areas, rolling greens, cafes, restaurants and the towering Wheel of Brisbane. It’s easy to get lost and be found – just look for the river or follow the architecturally designed Arbour.

3. Visit the home of the Crocodile Hunter 

The biggest animal park in the Brisbane region, this 100-acre zoo is just an hour’s drive north of the city. View everything from crocodiles, wombats and Tasmanian devils to rhinos, tigers, red pandas and cheetahs. The zoo also offers a range of unique one-on-one animal experiences and if you’re lucky, you may even catch Rob or Bindi Irwin at one of the shows.

4. Test your limits at a theme park

Just 40 minutes from Brisbane CBD you’ll find iconic theme parks including Movie World, Sea World and Wet n’ Wild. Jump on to a thrill-seeking ride like the Superman Escape rollercoaster or chillax in a tube through Calypso Beach - Village Roadshow Theme Parks have an adventure to suit everyone.

5. Passion, vengeance, and the power of love

Experience love, envy, betrayal, and tragic redemption in the celebrated romantic ballet, Giselle. Produced by the Queensland Ballet, learn the story of the young peasant girl Giselle who is faced with an impossible decision: to follow the dark path of revenge or save her true love from certain death.

6. Get up close with furry friends 

Did you know the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary is in Brisbane? Situated right on the banks of the Brisbane River, the sanctuary is the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature and see some of Australia’s most iconic species up close – including koalas, dingoes, wombats, Tasmanian devils, cassowary and platypus. 

7. Shoppers paradise

Wander through one of Australia’s largest open-air malls Queen Street Mall and find over 1,000 stores including international and local designers. For something a little quirky, Paddington is a must for quaint cottages turned shopfronts full of designer fashion, antiques, records, second-hand treasures and retro homewares.

If you want to shop like a local, organise a Spree with Me group styling activity with some friends to explore one of Brisbane’s iconic shopping districts. Perfect for a group of spectator’s in-between games…

8. Add a dose of adventure by the River

See Brisbane from a different angle as you kayak along the Brisbane River or abseil down the famous Kangaroo Point Cliffs. In the middle of the city, Riverlife provides a great alternative way to get out and see Brisbane. 

Or join an unforgettable action-packed tour with Jet Ski Brisbane. See the iconic sights of Brisbane from the CBD skyline to multi-million-dollar mansions from a truly unique vantage point.

If high adrenalin activity isn’t your thing, become a captain for the day on a Go Boat. Gather your friends or family and pack a picnic to enjoy while cruising down the Brisbane River.

9. Park life + markets + arts = perfect day

Four-time Olympian (with two bronze medals) Bronwen Knox from the Aussie Stingers shared one of her favourite things to do in Brisbane: “I love checking out the Brisbane Powerhouse, especially on the weekends. Situated in New Farm park, right on the river, the Powerhouse provides a fantastic atmosphere to meet up with friends, grab a drink and check out a wonderful range of cultural and artistic events. Better yet, on Saturdays, Powerhouse plays host to markets – pick up some picnic supplies and enjoy some time lounging in the park.”

10. Switch to island time

River to Bay offers private and small group daytrips from Brisbane City directly to the beautiful Moreton Bay and its islands, giving you a chance to experience paradise just an hour from Brisbane. Book your tour today.

Or if you have a few additional days, stay at Tangalooma Island Resort. Enjoy the unspoiled splendour of Moreton Island, wild dolphin feeding, adrenalin activities and a unique Australian holiday experience.

11. Hit a hole in one

Victoria Park’s 18-hole Putt Putt Mini Golf Course is like no other you have ever experienced before, with epic views of Brisbane city and challenging terrain. Throughout March and April, the course will be specially themed for Easter!

12. Taste the colour of Eat Street 

The sights, smells, tastes and sounds of Eat Street come to life in this container food village every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Leave plenty of time so you can arrive hungry via the river on a CityCat. Once inside, the market feels like a giant food-filled festival and you can expect to find almost every cuisine and wild over-the-top dessert imaginable, along with live music, comedy and more.

13. Swing through the treetops 

Keep the active adventure going during your break in Brisbane. Fly through the trees, conquer your fears and have a whole lot of fun at TreeTop Challenge in Tamborine Mountain. It’s Australia’s largest adventure park with more than 120 activities that will have you swinging between lush rainforest trees, including 10 huge flying foxes! Whoa. 

14. Rise and shine for Mt Coot-tha views

Head to Brisbane’s highest point to savour panoramic views of the city, take a bush walk, browse the beautiful Brisbane Botanic Gardens or learn about the night skies at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Mt Coot-tha Lookout is great at any time of day but arriving for sunrise is truly spectacular.

15. Get up and above for a new perspective 

Get a bird’s eye view of Brisbane from above with 360-degree panoramic and rotating views of the city from the Wheel of Brisbane. See the sights by day, the lights by night or experience a beautiful Brisbane sunset ride. 

16. Eat all the delicious Brisbane things

Love food? Us too. That’s why we wrote this guide to ALL this must-eat Brisbane foods. These dishes are the ones that every local talks about and no venue can take off its menu without public uproar. There’s everything from doughnuts and brunch spots through to the best steak and top degustation in town. Take a look and taste your first slice of the Brisbane pie. 

17. Look up at the stars

Stargaze with your family and friends at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Lie back in a comfy chair and see if you can make out Orion's Belt or Scorpio. Prefer the outdoors? Right next door is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at the bottom of Mount Coot-tha. These are stunning 56-hectare gardens have exotic plants from all over the world, and the Tropical Dome is an insta-worthy stop.

But wait, there’s more...

Brisbane has plenty more to offer. Explore the city with a walking tour, join a bicycle or Segway tour or enjoy a river cruise. Further afield, cruise to more pristine sand islands on Moreton Bay or discover lush national parks and authentic farm experiences in the hinterland.