16 Best Things To Do In Brisbane, Australia

Free fun

You do not have to spend a cent to have the following experiences in Brisbane. The activities range from a cultural trip through exhibitions and a visit to museums to fun and active sports to get your heart pumping. Whatever it is you want to do, Brisbane will have it for you. Some of the free activities to do are:

1. Brisbane Greeters

Dressed in red shirts and with open and inviting smiles, the Brisbane Greeters love the city so much that they have volunteered to offer their touring and guiding services through the city for free. The best thing about them is that they have intimate knowledge about the city; they are let you in on the city, from a personal level.

Brisbane Greeters

Address: King George Square, 266 George Street, Brisbane, QLD

Website: Brisbane Greeters

2. Wynnum Wading Pool

If you are visiting Brisbane with kids, make a point of taking them to this pool that was built in the 1930s and has been a fun activity for children for years, especially when it is high tide. They get to wade and play in the water but when it is low tide, the kids can run around and splash around the aqua playground as you watch them. If hungry, pack a picnic or grab some fish and chips from an outlet.

Wynnum Wading Pool

Website: Wynnum Wading Pool

3. Brisbane Powerhouse

Situated in New Farm, the Brisbane Powerhouse is where to go if you are looking for entertainment. With a varying range of local and international acts, there are a plethora of creative arts from festivals, regular art exhibitions, and free comedy. There is also two restaurants and they host a farmers market too.

Brisbane Powerhouse

Address: 119 Lamington St, New Farm, QLD

Website: Brisbane Powerhouse

Major Brisbane attractions

These are the main lures of Brisbane, the places where you just have to go when you are in the city. There are quite a number of interesting places you can visit and discover:

4. Moreton Island

This is the third largest sand island in the world that offers a range of activities for its visitors. This beautiful island has clear water lakes nestled between sand dunes and unspoiled beaches blanketed with wildflowers. There is a lot of things to do on the island including feeding wild dolphins and snorkeling the wreckages and the waters. For those more earth-bound, you can enjoy some quad biking or sand tobogganing. If you have a few extra days, spend them at the resort or camp.

Moreton Island

Address: Coral Sea; Moreton Bay, QLD

Website: Moreton Island

5. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

You have seen how cute and cuddly they are on TV and you probably have seen a replica of a cute toy one, and now you have the chance to cuddle with a live koala bear at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Known worldwide as the first and largest koala sanctuary, take the opportunity to get up close and personal with a cute koala and other animals in the sanctuary.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Address: 708 Jesmond Rd, Fig Tree Pocket, QLD

Website: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Brisbane culture and heritage

6. Aboriginal Art Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The trail was a way the indigenous people used to map out the land and pass information, and features carvings on trees, paintings and drawings on rocks, rock arrangements and a pit that was used for dancing.

Aboriginal Art Trail

Address: Sir Samuel Griffith Drive | Mt Coot-tha, Brisbane, QLD

Website: Aboriginal Art Trail

7. Albert Street Uniting Church

Standing tall for over 160 years, the Albert Street Uniting Church has been a spiritual symbol in Brisbane. The church gets all types of visitors; those who appreciate its old architecture thanks to its Gothic style structure, those on a spiritual pilgrimage, and your day to day tourists checking out landmarks in Brisbane. Who knows, you might come across a wedding.

Albert Street Uniting Church

Address: 319 Albert St, Brisbane, QLD

Website: Albert Street Uniting Church

8. Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology

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This award winning museum has quite the collection of relics and fine arts sourced from around the world. With over 500,000 years of human history, it’s perfect for history buffs, art lovers and budding Indiana Jones’ alike.

Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology

Address: 1-63 The Abbey Pl, Caboolture, QLD

Website: Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology

Family affair

It is always a hustle traveling with family, not to mention the expense and stress, making sure all individuals have a great time when vacationing. Brisbane has all the components needed to make sure that the whole family is satisfied. Below are some of the activities that will guarantee a wholesome family vacation, full of adventure and discovery:

9. Gallery of Modern Art

Have the creative minds of the family get stimulated at the Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) as they walk through exhibitions from Australian and international artists. Savor all ranges of Australian, Pacific and Asian contemporary artwork which is on display. Let the kids watch the best of international films at the Australian Cinémathèque, while you enjoy some coffee at one of the many cafés or as you go shopping in one of the shops at QAGOMA.

Gallery of Modern Art

Address: Stanley Pl, South Brisbane, QLD

Website: Gallery of Modern Art

10. Coochiemudlo Island

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Come and enjoy a 4 km (2.4 mi) stretch of pristine, breathtaking safe beaches at “the jewel of Moreton Bay.” Do some fishing while the family picnics and enjoys the beach, after which you can prepare dinner with the catch of the day at the free electric barbies provided. For the active ones in the family, enjoy a game of tennis, croquet, cricket or golf.

Coochiemudlo Island

Address: 33 km (21 mi) from Brisbane GPO, QLD

Website: Coochiemudlo Island

11. Australian Bush Buddies

How about having a kangaroo or a glider squirrel coming up to you for some cuddles? This picture perfect family experience is not to be missed. Working together with professional wildlife guides, learn about and cuddle with some of the world’s cuddliest animals in Australia. Cultivate the love of all animals in your child and they will be raving about this experience for years to come.

Australian Bush Buddies

Address: Beaudesert, QLD

Website: Australian Bush Buddies

Shopping

Check out the local favorite shopping centers and discover a shopping experience to rival many. With over 1,000 stores to go through, you will shop till you drop at the variety of shops and products on offer. Below are some of the centers you can shop at:

12. Fortitude Valley

Sample the many boutique shops that stock both local and independent products that are unique in their own way. You will be able to buy proudly Australian designs.

Fortitude Valley

Address: 715-717 Ann St, Fortitude Valley, QLD

Website: Fortitude Valley

13. Woolloongabba

This shopping precinct is not short of antique shops and places where you can get collectables that will last you years. If vintage, antiques, and collectables are how you satisfy your shopping crave, then head out to Woolloongabba.

Woolloongabba

Address: 22 Wellington Rd, Woolloongabba, QLD

Website: Woolloongabba

Tours

Here are some of the best tours to book in Brisbane.

14. Brisbane Story Bridge adventure climb (from 89 USD)

Fact: there are only three bridge climb adventures in the world so if you already find yourself in Brisbane, climbing the Story Bridge will surely make it a great story! Bridge climbing is like the urban counterpart of mountain hiking but it offers the same feeling of satisfaction when you reach the summit. Story Bridge’s summit is approximately 80 meters (263 feet) above sea level and upon reaching the top with your guide and other climbers, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the city. Whether you’ll choose the dawn, day, twilight, or night tour, you will surely have a great time for each timing showcases different sides and charms of Brisbane. If you’re into things like architecture, this excursion is perfect for you since you will be informed with the bridge’s history and of Brisbane, in general.

Brisbane Story Bridge adventure climb

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Price: from 89 USD

16. Brisbane lunch cruise (from 34 USD)

All aboard this vintage-style paddlewheel vessel for a laid back cruise exploring the Brisbane river and the cityscapes. While on board, you’ll get sightings of the most popular city landmarks such as the Story Bridge. Then off to the highlight of the trip – indulge in a buffet lunch with various offerings from seafood to delectable desserts, all these while listening to live music. With weekday or weekend option, this is a perfect activity for dates or even as a gift for your parents!

Brisbane lunch cruise

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Price: from 34 USD

Enjoy Brisbane

Whether you are there for business or vacation, Brisbane has a lot of fun things to do. You can take it slow or you can opt to be active in the shopping precincts, either way, you will have a lot of fun doing it!