📍42 Best Fun Things To Do In Brisbane, Australia. (Activities, Tours & Attractions, 2024.)

LOOKING TO DISCOVER THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN BRISBANE?

When it comes to Australian cities, the first place people think of is Sydney. And with world-famous landmarks, a spectacular natural harbour and an abundance of attractions to discover, it isn’t any wonder why. But it is not the only fantastic city the country has to offer.

As someone who has lived on the outskirts of the Queensland’s capital for most of my life and has visited it countless times, I can wholeheartedly tell you that it is a vibrant city with plenty more to it than most people realise and this extensive list of Fun Things To Do In Brisbane is all about unveiling the best this outstanding place has to offer.

Brisbane is known as the River City, and with so many attractions based around the waterway of the same name, it is easy to see how it earned that name. In addition to the many scenic pathways, gardens, cruises and lagoons complimenting the capital’s iconic riverside lifestyle are even more exciting places to discover.

1. Brave Climbing Atop The City’s Iconic Bridge.
Story Bridge. – $

With its beautiful, sleek design and complimentary shape, the Story Bridge is not only synonymous with the city because of how much it adds to the beauty of Brisbane’s skyline, but I can tell you from personal experience that summiting its iconic peaks is the ultimate thing to do in the Queensland Capital.

That’s because, like many famous bridges, visitors can climb the iconic landmark and get magnificent, uninterrupted panoramic views from the top. Not only is it the ultimate way to see the stunning city, but it is such a breathtaking and rewarding activity that no visitor to the CBD should pass up.

What I loved so much about doing the guided twilight tour with Story Bridge Adventure Climb for my birthday, is how blown away I was by the scenery. I’ve been to the city countless times and have seen it from many, many angles, so the view of Eagle Street Pier and the skyrises and New Farm was still gorgeous, but not exactly new to me.

However, looking back towards Kangaroo Point with the river straddling either side of it and looking across the bridge’s span towards Fortitude Valley was and I was so captivated by the new perspective, that I couldn’t stop staring at it to absorb the beauty of it all, because I now understand why it has always been ranked so highly on all the lists of the best must-visit tourist attractions in Brisbane.

And seeing it at sunset, then at night when all the lights came on was even more special. Then to add icing on the cake, the guide Emily, was fun, friendly, and attentive, making the iconic experience even more unforgettable.

2. Discover Brisbane’s Iconic Precinct.
South Bank Parklands & Riverside Lagoons. – Free.

Over on the other side of the city, the South Bank Parklands is an extensive tourist hub that every visitor to the city must visit. There are just so many things jammed-packed there you could almost make a short holiday out of it alone. The number one reason folks venture there is to frolic in the several free-to-use resort-style lagoons it offers. There are pools to suit people of every age and ability, and even a beach setting, too.

It is the perfect way to cool off on those hot, sunny days Brisbane is famous for. Oh, and it has some pretty sweet views of the city from the Clem Jones Promenade that serve as a backdrop too, so it is a fantastic spot to enjoy the beautiful skyline.

But the lagoons and views are just two of the headliner acts that make South Bank such a special place to visit. There are also numerous other unique spaces, such as the Epicurious Garden and the Arbour, just to name a few, which are perfect for young families looking for even more fun things to do in Brisbane with kids.

It has many restaurants to dine at nearby, a performance stage for shows and displays AND is home to the Wheel Of Brisbane and is also a stone’s throw away from the QPAC Theatre, the Queensland Museum AND the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery Of Modern Art (QAGOMA), so there is absolutely no shortage of outstanding places to visit at South Bank.

3. Enjoy Some Culture.
Brisbane Festival. – $/Free.

Anyone wondering, “Is Brisbane worth visiting?” needs to visit the city in September. Brisbane hosts many events throughout the year, however, none are as massive or as captivating as what transpires in the first month of Spring.

Brisbane Festival is a huge city-wide event that takes place every year over 3 weeks in September and is a prolific ensemble of musicians, artists, performers and so much more. Shows and displays take place all across the CBD in indoor and outdoor venues and while many are pay-to-see, plenty are free, so there’s something fun and exciting to discover for every visitor’s taste and budget. And it all kicks off with the next item on the list.

4. Revel In City’s Most Famous Event.
Brisbane Riverfire. – Free.

Riverfire is the headline gig for the aforementioned Brisbane Festival and is the city’s most beloved free outdoor event.

That’s because, starting at mid-afternoon, military aircraft and helicopters fly in from the Amberley RAAF Base and do a series of spectacular flybys, revving up the crowd while they wait for the main event: spectacular fireworks and pyrotechnic light show. They launch off barges, buildings and most magically, the Story Bridge. It’s a phenomenal sight and one that people of all ages can enjoy.

Best of all, because Brisbane has so many paths lining the river and the event takes place all across the city, there is no shortage of fantastic vantage points to enjoy the show, making it easily the top contender for the best free things to do in the city.

As if all that wasn’t good enough, after the excitement has died down, all forms of government-owned public transport across the city are also free for the following few hours, making this outing in the River City even more inviting.

5. Snorkel The Breathtaking Tangalooma Wreck & Swim With Dolphins.
Moreton Island. – $.

Despite being the capital of a state famous for its golden beaches, Brisbane doesn’t have many within its vicinity (unless you count Streets Beach at South Bank), but that’s not to say there aren’t any. However, if you want to get the ultimate, fully immersive experience, you will have to head offshore.

Moreton Island lies just 25kms off the coast of Queensland and at 186km2 is the world’s third largest sand island, so it goes without saying, that there are beaches galore. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Brisbane outside the CBD as it’s just a place of outstanding ecological beauty.

You can opt to join a guided tour of the stunning destination, many of which conveniently depart right from the inner city, or opt to create your own adventure. Granted, if you choose the latter, you are required to have a kitted-out 4WD to make your way around as there are no formal roads, but with so many incredible things to do on this little slice of paradise, the island is well worth visiting no matter which way you choose to party. Swimming, sand castle building, surfing, sandboarding, quad biking and hiking are some fantastic activities you can undertake at this natural playground.

However, the most unmissable thing to do on Moreton Island is, without a doubt, snorkelling at the famous Tangalooma Wrecks. This rusted old semi-submerged shipwreck is a marine biodiversity hotspot and is home to numerous creatures such as dolphins, sea turtles and scores of colourful fish. If you’re really lucky, you may even see one of the gentle giants of the ocean: dugongs, also known as sea cows chomping on the seagrass.

Most of the tours incorporate visiting this stunning site into their itinerary, but for those visiting on their own accord, it’s well worth the extra time and effort to stay overnight at the campground behind the wrecks as being there to swim with these creatures before the tour groups get there makes an already unique and magical experience so unforgettable that it’ll stay with you long after they’ve left the island.

DO. NOT. MISS. IT!

6. Fine Dine & Walk Amongst Skyscrapers.
Eagle Street Pier & City Reach Boardwalk.

Eagle Street Pier is Brisbane’s acclaimed restaurant district. Loaded with a plethora of fine dining establishments lining the riverfront with views overlooking the beautiful Story Bridge, it’s not hard to see how it earned that status.

But you needn’t get dressed up and dine at the finest eateries to appreciate this place (although it’s not a bad idea either), as taking a stroll along the City Reach Boardwalk along the river is a beautiful way to enjoy the atmosphere and ambience of this beautiful part of the CBD.

This is just one of Brisbane’s many riverside footpaths that allow people to appreciate the stunning capital and it’s along this stretch that you’ll get some of the best views of the famous bridge, making it one of the city’s most romantic spots, especially when night falls and all the lights start illuminating the landscape.

7. Ride The Iconic Ferries.
City Cat & CityHopper. – $/Free.

With so many fun attractions to visit in Brisbane’s CBD, you’re probably wondering how to get to all these places, especially as cities are notoriously hard to get around by car. Thankfully, Brisbane has a fantastic public transport system and provides its visitors with numerous services, such as trains and buses.

However, hopping aboard the iconic City Cat ferries is undoubtedly the best way to go about it. These vessels have become synonymous with the Queensland capital and are a quintessential way of getting around the city. It also helps that they dock at or within short walking distance of many of the city’s most notable attractions such as the South Bank Parklands, Eagle Street Pier & Story Bridge. Plus, it’s an incredibly scenic way of getting around, making them a phenomenal go-to option for travelling around and enjoying a scenic cruise at the same time, perfect for time-restricted travellers.

Alternatively, there’s the City Hopper, a free, but smaller and slower Kitty Cat ferry with fewer stops than the City Cat but which still services many of the inner city sights, perfect for budget travellers.

9. Abseil Stunning Cliffs Right In The City!
Kangaroo Point Cliffs. – $

Kangaroo Point on the southern side of the Story Bridge is one of the CBD’s must-visit inner city suburbs, attracting visitors of all kinds to also enjoy the spectacular views of the river and skyscrapers from the top and the base of the cliffs. It’s a stunning spot and one of the CBD’s best viewpoints.

However, it’s gazing out at the stunning urban scenery isn’t the only thing you can do here, as this is also where adventurous folk can try their hand abseiling down the famous Kangaroo Point Cliffs. How often is there the opportunity to descend sheer cliffs in the heart of a city as beautiful as this? Not very often! So to be able to do so with such a gorgeous backdrop is easily one of the coolest and most unique and unusual activities both adults and kids alike can enjoy in Brisbane.

10. Enjoy Epic Views Of The Skyline.
Mt Cootha Lookout.

Of all the places to visit in Brisbane’s outer suburbs, the most well-known is, without a doubt, Mt Cootha Lookout. It’s a gorgeous spot south west of the CBD that provides a sweeping panoramic of the city’s beautiful skyline and the vast expanse of buildings that make up the southern suburbs.

Not only is it a great place to be during the day, but sunset is a particularly stunning time of the day to take in the view as you watch the city lights slowly flick on as night falls.

There’s a cafe, gift shop and high-end restaurant there too, so you can drink in the view while getting a bite, stock up on some souvenirs to give your loved ones or enjoy a romantic date with your significant other.

11. Go Shopping Mad.
Queen Street Mall.

No trip to a city is complete without some retail therapy. Queen Street Mall lies in the heart of the CBD and is Brisbane’s main shopping strip. Ideally located halfway between the Central Train Station, Brisbane River, South Bank and Eagle Street Pier (more on those below), this iconic mall is the perfect place to dive into all things shopping.

From souvenirs, gifts, clothes, jewellery and more, there are plenty of stores to explore, catering for budget-friendly travellers, seekers of high-end luxury items and everyone in between. It is the perfect one-stop shop, so to speak, to find all types of goodies for your friends and family and maybe a few things for yourself as well.

12. Get Even More Amazing Views.
Wilsons Outlook Reserve.

Wilsons Outlook Reserve is a fantastic lookout and one of Brisbane’s city’s best little-known gems. Hidden away on the cliffs near Brisbane Riverwalk’s northern end, it provides magnificent views of the Story Bridge, the skyline and the Brisbane River.

It’s a little out of the way, but well worth the time and effort it takes to get there.

13. Go on A Stress-Free Walk.
Brisbane’s Iconic Riverwalk.

While the City Reach Boardwalk goes from Eagle Street Pier and concludes at the Howard Smith Wharves at the base of the Story Bridge, the Brisbane Riverwalk extends the walk further with a series of platforms above the Brisbane River itself.

It’s a unique feature of the landscape that’s become an iconic part of the city and a much more serene way to see the beautiful city and bridge that’s away from the noise, crowds and chaos.

14. Paddle The River.
Kayaking Tour. – $.

For those wondering “What is there to do in Brisbane that is a little more physically involved?”, another great activity doing a kayaking tour of the River City.

Not many people paddle on the Brisbane River this close to the city, so it’s a unique experience. Feel small as you move across the towering skyscrapers with your small tour group and discover Brissy from a new perspective.

15. Catch A Show.
QPAC Theatre. – $.

South Bank is such a fantastic suburb visitors of all ages and interests can easily enjoy an entire day there. But it’s not just a great place to be during the daylight hours.

Those looking for fun things to do in Brisbane at night are spoilt for choice when it comes to some lively entertainment. That’s because sitting just behind the South Bank Parklands is the city’s premiere performance venue, the QPAC Theatre.

The Queensland Performance Arts Centre hosts many shows and concerts across all genres during its packed calendar featuring talent of international acclaim, national fame, local artists and emerging stars.

So whether you’re into music, dance, theatre, comedy or just want something to entertain the kids, the QPAC theatre is jam-packed full of exciting shows everyone can enjoy.

16. Learn About Australia’s Sea Faring History.
Queensland Maritime Museum. – $

Families looking for something immersive to do with the kids will enjoy exploring the ships at the Queensland Maritime Museum.

Children and adults alike will love looking at the extensive collection of life-sized retired and replica ships but discovering the inside of vessels such as the HMAS Diamantina (warship) and Penguin (lugger) is what makes visiting the museum so memorable.

Boarding these ex-service ships and exploring the different sections ignites the imagination and allows visitors to get an intimate feel of what life was like during their sea-faring missions.

Furthermore, read tales about Australia’s greatest maritime successes, failures and tragedies, and learn about the integral role lighthouses play in guiding ships safely into port and their evolution over the years.

It is a great way to appreciate the crucial and often dangerous role ships play in our lives, which is visiting it and uncovering its stories is what makes it one of the most fascinating places to visit in Brisbane.

17. Learn About History.
Queensland Museum. – Free.

Situated just north of South Bank and the QPAC Threatre lies another one of Brisbane’s most iconic attractions.

The Queensland Museum is one of the state’s most prolific museums, and with an array of displays, it is not hard to see why. Aboriginal history, colonisation, war, Australian fauna, and dinosaurs are just some of the exhibits they showcase.

It is a great place to learn about the history and evolution of Australia, particularly for little ones to help them understand the world around them. There’s no charge to see the museum either, making it the perfect free thing to do in Brisbane with kids, especially when it is blazingly hot outside or cold or raining.

18. See The Evolution Of Art.
QAGOMA. – Free.

Speaking of fun things to do in Brisbane for free, right next to the Queensland Museum within the same Cultural Centre Building is QAGOMA. The Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery Of Modern Art has a range of traditional and contemporary art that will enchant, excite, endear and confuse the holy heck out of you.

It is a fascinating look at the evolution of art and the diversity of its messages and ideology through different mediums.

19. Discover Stunning Architecture.
Brisbane City Hall. – Free.

Every CBD features a city hall building, and the heritage-listed one located in the famous King George Square is not just a beautiful early-20th century establishment of inter-war academic classical grandeur, it is also one of inner city Brisbane’s top tourist attractions.

With magnificent staircases, mesmerising ceilings, elegant decor and an exquisite organ, the free guided tour is a must for anyone who loves diving deep into a city’s history and discovering the extravagant architecture of yesteryear.

And if getting a glimpse into one of Brisbane’s most beautiful old buildings isn’t enough, 14 of City Hall’s spectacular venues are available to hire for events such as weddings, award dinners and meetings, etc.

20. Ride A Historic Lift.
City Hall’s Clock Tower. – Free.

Speaking of City Hall, one can’t help but notice the 94m clock tower that rises above the rest of the building. It is its most distinguishing feature, and while isn’t tall by today’s standards, it was, up until as late as the 1960s Brisbane’s tallest structure. But while it’s a beautiful landmark to observe from the ground, did you know you can ride up to the observation deck and view the city from there?

While the landscape has changed enormously since opening to the public over 80 years ago, visitors who undertake the experience find it is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Brisbane.

What makes it even more inviting is that the tour is free and because it looks like something out of a children’s fantasy animation, it’s the perfect place to take young kids and let their curious imaginations run wild.

21. Uncover The City’s Secrets.
Museum Of Brisbane. – Free.

Also within City Hall is the Museum Of Brisbane. While not as prolific as the Queensland Museum mentioned further down on this list, this social history museum and art gallery focusing on the state capital’s evolutionary milestones is still worth checking out.

And as with the other City Hall attractions, it is free to visit and provides a fascinating insight into the city and with numerous exhibitions, events, and kids’ activities on offer, it is a fantastic place to discover for all kinds of sightseers.

22. Visit A Historical Home.
Newstead House Heritage Precinct. – $.

Another interesting place to visit in Brisbane is Newstead House. Located on the banks of the Brisbane River in a park of the same name, this beautiful Colonial-Georgian-style home was built in 1846 and is the city’s oldest surviving residence.

The house was the heart of Brisbane’s social life where higher-ups would enjoy lavish parties. Today, it is a visitable living museum showcasing the extravagance of yesteryear’s high society and as the “Jewel in the Crown of south-east Queensland’s historic properties, is a must-visit for those curious about the past.

Bonus: The park also has lovely views of the Brisbane River.

23. Try Some Delicious Culinary Creations.
The Vegan Markets.

With all this running around trying to fit as many of Brisbane’s top attractions into your trip as possible, there will be a point where your stomach will start begging you to feed it.

Unsurprisingly, the city has an overwhelming amount of options that’ll satiate all kinds of tastebuds. But for a truly creative culinary experience, the Queensland Vegan Markets are one not to miss.

In the past, vegan food got a bad rap for being bland, but it has come a very long way from salads and fries, particularly in the last few years. And as people get more passionate about plant-based food and its taste and range of choices have expanded, its popularity has only skyrocketed now that folks know that with a bit of ingenuity, vegan food is anything but boring. And the Vegan Markets a fantastic showcase of that.

The ones in the city typically take place during the day on the 4th Saturday of each month at Portside Wharf, while the ones in Brisbane’s outer suburb of Mt Gravatt are twilight markets on the first Friday of the month.

Oh, and another thing. Not only is the food excellent, but the markets are dog-friendly too! How great is that?

24. Explore The City’s Oldest Gardens.
Brisbane City Botanical Gardens.

Head south of the CBD, and you will find the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens. Opened in 1855, they hold historical significance as they are the city’s original botanical garden.

It is a beautiful place to relax and escape the chaos of the city and an even better place to let the children roam. Let them discover the different spaces and enjoy time outdoors, discovering water dragons and hidden trails as they do.

It is a very dynamic place to be, and combined with the lovely views of the Brisbane River is a pretty good package deal.

25. Explore The Beautiful Parklands.
Roma Street Parklands.

Those looking to take a break from the city but don’t want to venture too far away from it either will enjoy exploring the extensive Roma Street Parklands.

Located northwest of the CBD and within walking distance of Central Train station and Queen Street Mall, this stunning natural space is filled with stunning manicured gardens, ponds and walkways. It’s the perfect spot to unpack a picnic for a romantic date or family gathering or to just relax and enjoy the serenity.

With the Brisbane CBD having so many fun things to do, you may be wondering what lies further afield. What is there to do in Greater Brisbane worth visiting? As it turns out, quite a bit.

26. Picnic At The Botanical Gardens.
Brisbane Botanical Gardens.

As if Mt Cootha wasn’t already teeming with fantastic stuff to do, there’s also the popular Brisbane Botanical Gardens at the base of the mountain near the Ipswich motorway people love exploring.

It’s the perfect place to unwind and have a picnic or a soothing stroll. It’s also a fantastic place to visit for families looking to let their kids engage with the environment.

There are plenty of different spaces for them to become enchanted by and uncover and it’s a good way to burn their energy while igniting their imagination.

27. Marvel At The Universe.
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. – Free/$.

Right next door to the Brisbane Botanical Gardens is Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. It’s a fantastic place to explore, especially if you have kids with an interest in astronomy.

Learn all about the cosmos with the different displays showcasing humanity’s greatest accomplishments and catch a show in the Cosmic Dome. Become enchanted with… blah blah blah.

28. Get Back To Nature.
Mt Cootha’s Walking Trails.

While Mt Cootha is predominantly known for the lookout, that isn’t its only attraction or fun thing to do. The mountain also has many parks to picnic at and an extensive network of walking trails. Some of the more popular tracks take you to the picturesque JC Slaughter Falls and Simpsons Falls, while another leads to an old gold mine.

29. Go Birdwatching & Cycling.
Boondall Wetlands.

Speaking of wetlands, those who enjoy exploring these places will love that just around the corner is the much more expansive Boondall Wetlands.

It’s a fantastic place to drop by if you’re craving a bit of nature, and if patient, you may see some of the stunning waterbirds that call this place home. 

Walking and birdwatching aren’t the only things undertaken here. People love coming here to cycle the paths and get away from the hustle and bustle for a while. 

30. Enjoy Some Ocean Breeze.
The Shorncliff Pier & Beach.

A little further north is another lovely place to visit in Brisbane by the coast, the famous Shorncliff Pier. It’s one of the longest piers in Queensland and people love coming here to breathe in some fresh ocean air.

It’s also home to one of the greater region’s few beaches, so it’s a great place to cool off on hot summer days

31. Let The Kids Run Wild.
Wynumm Whale Park.

If you’re looking for things to do with kids by the seaside on the south side of the river, then nothing in Greater Brisbane comes close to Wynnum Whale Park.

This dedicated kids’ space has a fantastic wading pool complete with a slide perfect for babies, toddlers and tweens.

There’s also a zero-level water park for them to amuse themselves under if they don’t want to get fully submerged. They’re both fantastic safe places that allow them to enjoy playing in the water without having to worry about currents or jellyfish, etc. Additionally, there’s a nautical-themed playground for those who don’t want to get wet at all.

Family members who would rather splash around in the ocean and build castles in the sand needn’t miss out either. Wynnum Beach lies just across from the park and there is a pier nearby too.

Never has satisfying all the members of the family been so easy.

32. Entertain The Kids At The Discover Center.
Walkabout Creek.

If you’re wondering what fun things to do near Brisbane with kids that are more nature-based, then look no further than the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre and Enoggerah Reservoir.

The Discovery Centre is perfect for teaching the little ones the importance of preserving forests and the integrity of water quality.

Meanwhile, outside the education centre is a large picnic and BBQ area where you can invest in some quality time with the kids cooking food and playing any manner of games.

And If the temperature is getting up there, the nearby Enoggera Reservoir is a perfect natural setting for having a wild swim. Kayaking and canoeing are just a couple of other activities people enjoy doing on the picturesque lake.

33. Take A Scenic Drive.
D’Aguilar National Park.

Walkabout Creek and Enoggera Reservoir form the easternmost part of D’Aguilar National Park and are just a taste of what the expansive area has to offer.

Those who enjoy scenic drives will love navigating the endless curves and discovering the gorgeous lookouts, viewpoints and walking trails of various lengths and difficulties dotted along the road.

34. Unwind At A Picturesque Riverside Parkland.
Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve.

A little south of Lake Manchester on Brisbane’s border with the heritage city of Ipswich lies a beautiful recreation reserve beloved by many. 

Colleges Crossing is a gorgeously picturesque nature park situated on the banks of the Brisbane River and is popular thanks to its wide open spaces, numerous playgrounds, and accessibility to the water for wild swimming and launching paddle craft. There are also numerous picnic tables and BBQ facilities, so you can enjoy the park even longer. 

Best of all, it’s dog-friendly, so you can take your four-legged friend for a play on the field or swim in the river too! So while it is a long way out from the capital, it is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit near Brisbane for nature-based fun with the family.

35. Discover Brisbane’s Closest Beach.
Nudgee Beach.

“Is Brisbane worth visiting?” “Of course it is. It’s in Queensland, which has beaches, and beaches are always good?” Well, I hate to break it to you, but Greater Brisbane doesn’t have a lot of beaches. Not really. Not on the mainland anyway.

For a capital city of a state famous for beaches, Greater Brisbane has surprisingly few. The Gold Coast, heaps. Sunshine Coast, plenty. Even Moreton Bay and Logan have some. Brissy, not so much. That’s why they made the beach lagoon at South Bank. I’m unsure if that is genuinely the reason, but it sounds legit.

But those looking to swim in the ocean at a naturally formed beach aren’t all out of luck if they don’t wish to head a bit further to where they are more abundant. Brisbane does have a couple of places not too far away. 

Nudgee Beach is one of them and is only a short drive away from the airport and is a lovely place to frolic in the ocean. There’s also a lovely picnic area and a playground if you want to bring a bite to eat and let the kids run wild. 

Oh, and if you want to take your furry friends, there’s a dog beach located on the river around the corner too.

There’s also a small wetland nearby to explore as well.

36. Discover Brisbane’s First Line Of Defence.
Fort Lytton National Park. – Free.

People asking, “What is there to do in Brisbane?” may want to look into the city’s wartime history.

“Brisbane has war history?” Well, yes. A little, but it’s not something many people know about.

While it, thankfully, never saw battle, the buildings, grounds and war machines now form a national park and are free for curious minds to explore.

And because it is such a little-known part of the city’s history, it makes it not only a great place to visit for adults interested in Brisbane’s less stable times, but it’s also one of the capital’s most captivating and sobering hidden gems to uncover.

37. Visit Queensland’s First Prison.
Saint Helena Island. – $

Speaking of islands, there is another one off the coast of Brisbane you can visit that not a lot of people know about. Not even the locals. And it has a fascinating story.

That’s because it’s Queensland’s first prison, and we all know those places are filled with happiness and joy. Just kidding.

Amongst the prisoners were the worst of the worst kinds of criminals such as murderers and rapists and being the late 1860s, inmate welfare wasn’t exactly a concept at the time, so the unruly were dealt severe punishments. The prison gained such a reputation for its handling of its detainees, it became known as the “Hellhole Of The Pacific” and Queensland’s Inferno.”

Today, the island is no longer a prison for the most violent offenders. It’s now a place of historical significance, a sanctuary for waterbirds, and most notably, an attraction for tourists.

Visitors can explore the fascinating stone ruins of the prison and learn the stories of its intriguing past, but it’s worth noting that you can’t just head over to the island by commercial ferry to go there as a private company operates guided tours, which includes a return boat ride to and from the mainland.

And because you can opt to see the prison during the day or brave seeing it in darkness, it’s not only one of the region’s best hidden gems to discover, but it is also one of Brisbane’s most fascinating things to do at night, especially if you have kids you want to scare straight.

38. See Some Endangered Koalas.
Daisy Hill Koala Centre.

Although it’s not technically within the boundary, it would be remiss not to include the Daisy Hill Koala Centre on a list of fun things to do in Brisbane because who doesn’t love those furry, narcoleptic tree-dwellers? Not only are they fluffy, cute and endemic to Australia, but they are also, sadly, endangered.

While seeing one in the wild is amazing, sightings are becoming increasingly rare. It’s a very unfortunate situation that hopefully gets better over time rather than declining, but that’s what the Daisy Hill Koala Centre is striving so hard for. 

In the meantime, some of the ones they care for they are unable to release back into the wild reside at the facility and you can go visit them. Better yet, because it’s a sanctuary, you can see them for free. Take the kids and let them appreciate these beautiful animals up close so they will want to help save them too. 

Once you’ve finished looking at Australia’s cutest narcoleptic creatures, don’t head off yet. The Conservation Park the Koala Centre is nestled in has a network of walking and biking trails as well as picnic tables for you to enjoy. 

39. Drink In Some More City Views.
Mt Gravatt Lookout.

Situated unassumingly between a whole lot of suburban sprawl, Mt Gravatt Lookout in the southern suburbs has beautiful views overlooking Brisbane‘s beautiful skyline and hinterland.

There are not a lot of vantage points where you can see the city as a whole like this, so this fantastic alternative to the ever-popular Mt Cootha is a lovely way to see Brissy from a different side. So, while it is a little out of the way for most travellers, the lovely lookout is among the best of Brisbane’s hidden gems.

40. Tear Up The Tracks.
Mt Cootha’s Biking Trails.

Even less well known are Mt Cootha’s biking trails. They are a hidden gem around Brisbane as they are situated further around the mountain on Gap Creek Road.

There is an abundance of tracks suitable for every type of rider, from the novice to the highly skilled, so it’s an excellent place to give the kids some practice, work on your technique or test out some new equipment or runs.

41. Hike Around A Little-Known Lake.
Lake Manchester.

Those looking for somewhere a little quieter to enjoy nature off the tourist trail to enjoy a picnic or a challenging hike will love Lake Manchester.

Located at the furthest limits of the greater Brisbane region, this little-known hidden gem is a beautiful serene place to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. There’s plenty of space to run around and enjoy time with the family kicking around a ball or throwing a frisbee.

Undertake a short walk alongside the dam wall and discover beautiful views of the lake. Keener walkers can venture further and explore more of the fire trails, while those looking to make a day out of it can embark on the 17km trail to circumnavigate the body of water. 

42. Pay Homage To A Local Pioneering Legend.
Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Memorial.

Those more intrigued by the majesty of flight and aviation than spaceflight may appreciate the Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Memorial more.

Located opposite the Brisbane International Airport (corner of Airport Drive and Nancy-Bird Way), the memorial honours the pioneering pilot by showcasing the actual Southern Cross plane he used for his historic flight across the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea and providing audio commentary about his achievements.

When it comes to Australian cities, Brisbane is often overlooked for Sydney and Melbourne. But with such an abundance of fun things to do, exciting places to see and plenty of interesting history to discover, the River City is certainly a destination every traveller should add to their Australian bucket list.

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