15 Things to Do in Brisbane

Brisbane is a magical destination located on Australia's Sunshine Coast. It stands out for its idyllic beaches, entertainment for the whole family, adrenaline-filled getaways and outdoor activities. It is undoubtedly a destination worth visiting, as its relaxed atmosphere and warm climate will ensure you have the best holiday. It is an ideal city for those who enjoy wine tasting, water parks and cruise ship tours.

The best months to visit are from November to March. In general, it has good weather all year round, which allows you to pack light. However, from April to June, tropical storms can disrupt outdoor plans. As a recommendation, I would say that it is a city to which you should dedicate at least 5 days to explore its streets and take advantage of the best local excursions.

Brisbane is a huge city, so it's a good idea to find the best way to get around. If you want to enjoy every corner at your own pace, you can take advantage of the best local tours. There are affordable options starting at £15, which usually include a map and audio guide. It will take you approximately two hours to get to know this Australian city, and if you want to make unlimited stops, a pre-recorded guide will be your lifesaver.

This is the best option for getting to know the most emblematic local monuments and soaking up their history. There are more than 22 spaces with free WiFi in Brisbane, but I recommend downloading the guide in advance so you can listen to the audio without any problems.

Without a doubt, this is a tour that will connect you with fascinating stories. You can visit Brisbane City Hall, also known as Brisbane Town Hall. This building was constructed between 1920 and 1930 and is located just three minutes from the Sanctuary of Remembrance and St. Sebastian's Cathedral. Other sites I recommend visiting include:

• Brisbane Botanic Gardens: a conservation area with ancient trees lining the river. Every Sunday, the Riverside Market is held here, offering food stalls, crafts, clothing and more. From here, you can enjoy a Segway tour to explore the city in depth.
• Fo Guang Shan Chung Tian Buddhist Temple: Brisbane has a large Asian community, and this temple offers a glimpse into that culture. It is notable for its walls, a painting museum, Chinese gardens, and a room where you can make wishes.
• Mount Coot-tha Lookout: located on a mountain 287 metres above sea level. It is one of the most peaceful places, where you can enjoy the most impressive views of the city.

The most interesting thing about travelling is immersing yourself in the local culture and traditions. In Brisbane, you can attend an Aboriginal show, which is performed in a travelling theatre. You can enjoy cultural demonstrations, which showcase the lifestyle of a 19th-century village. It usually lasts about an hour, and I promise you it's completely worth it.

The actors are descendants of authentic Aboriginal people, which makes this show even more special. You can find options starting at £65, which usually include a traditional dinner after the show. You will witness songs, dances, rituals and feel part of the tribe, as it is an interactive experience.

The landscape of Brisbane is amazing from any point, but from the cliffs of the suburb of Kangaroo Point, you can get the best views. The best tours in the city allow you to enjoy an adrenaline-filled experience, where you will disconnect for approximately two hours. For safety reasons, it is advisable to do this with an expert guide, who will give you all the instructions and explain how to descend.

No experience is necessary, but it is important to be in reasonable physical condition. From £48, you can find options that take you to new heights to enjoy the city from a different perspective. As you descend, you will see the river at your feet and the imposing skyscrapers of Brisbane.

The Brisbane River is an amazing river walk where you can admire the city from a charming and completely different perspective. You can enjoy its beauty aboard the best cruises in the city. Without a doubt, it is a peaceful and entertaining plan, far from the crowds and bustle that surround the tourist areas. In addition, these types of tours usually provide maps so you can see where you are in real time.

If you prefer adventure, you can take a kayak trip, either at night or during the day. The best time will depend on what you want to see. Night tours are notable for the lights of the skyscrapers and the urban bustle. In contrast, in broad daylight it is easier to appreciate the monuments and enjoy the calm.

Either way, as the tour progresses, the guide will make stops so you can appreciate the monuments and learn a little about their history. It is a safe activity, as you will be provided with essential safety equipment, such as a life jacket. It is a great plan if you are travelling with friends or family, as it is designed for small groups. The best tours of Brisbane offer a variety of options starting at £47.

Most activities in Brisbane focus on adrenaline-filled adventures. This is because Australians are very friendly, fun and enjoy trying new things. At Story Bridge, you can admire the breathtaking scenery, as it offers 360° views of the entire city. It crosses the city's river, making it a tourist destination par excellence.

You can climb to the top on your own or hire an adventure-filled climbing tour. There are options starting at £70, ideal for small groups. When it comes to risky activities, it is preferable to prioritise the quality of the experience. The best excursions from Brisbane usually offer an experienced guide as well as an audio guide. This way, you can enjoy autonomy but with professional advice. Additionally, you will get a glimpse of iconic locations such as Glass House Mountain, Moreton Island and Lamington National Park. The minimum age is 6 years old, and it can be done during the day or at night.

In Brisbane, water adventures are a must. In fact, many people take advantage of the good local weather to visit Sea World. It is a theme park located in Main Beach. It is an hour from the city centre, but it is well worth the trip. There are options for all ages, so both adults and children will have a great time. This family activity allows you to explore different areas focused on marine species.

Tickets start at £62 and allow you to explore all the facilities. Here you will learn about the life, conservation, feeding and other interesting facts about the animals. Some options allow you to skip the queues, as it is a very popular attraction. The park is open Monday to Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Another water park you can enjoy near Brisbane is Wet'n Wild in Oxenford. It is located less than an hour away, so it is quite accessible. It is a unique experience with attractions for the whole family. It has around 40 slides and is one of the largest parks in Australia. It has a farm where you can interact with exotic Australian animals such as emus and kangaroos.

The main attraction is The Tornado, famous for the thrills it produces. You will fall from a height of about 40 metres, with adrenaline rushing through your veins. If you like twists and slides, you can queue up for the Kamikaze and AquaLoop attractions. On the other hand, if you want to slide at 40 kilometres per hour, then Kaboom! is the best option. There is also a children's area, known as Buccaneer Bay. I invite you to enjoy this experience; tickets start at £54.

Brisbane is surrounded by stunning bays with beaches that will take your breath away. The best excursions from the city allow you to experience all the activities these paradise destinations have to offer. For example, you can explore Moreton Island, located an hour away. Here you can spend an unforgettable day and take advantage of the adventure attractions.

You can go kayaking or snorkelling and explore the depths of the sea. The best way to get there is by ferry, so it is preferable to book an experience that includes transfers. The sun in Australia is very strong, so if you plan to relax on the beach, buy some high-coverage Australian sunscreen. This way, you can enjoy the idyllic surroundings and explore the Tangalooma Island Resort.

You'll find options starting at £74, ideal for exploring this island that was once inhabited by Aboriginal communities. The sunsets here are breathtaking and there is a variety of animals, such as dugongs.

Tangalooma Island Resort is a tourist complex located on Moreton Island, where you can enjoy an exotic experience surrounded by the beauty of the sea and mountains. It offers different water activities and a rich biodiversity that is well worth checking out.

Please note that children must be over 6 years old to snorkel and at least 10 years old to ride a quad bike.

Feed dolphins from a cruise ship at Tangalooma Island Resort

If you love animals, you definitely have to take advantage of a cruise to feed dolphins. This usually takes place at Tangalooma Island Resort. Here you can get as close as possible to these friendly cetaceans, and while you feed the dolphins, you can listen to fascinating stories about the Quandamooka Aboriginal people. This is a community that inhabited the island for thousands of years.

Take a cruise to Tangalooma Island Resort from Brisbane

To take advantage of the best cruises from Brisbane, you have to enjoy a getaway to Tangalooma Island Resort. Here you can visit the Eco Centre, an educational centre for marine life, enjoy a 4x4 beach safari in the dunes of the region, explore shipwrecks or venture out to the open sea, beyond the shipwreck limit.

Wine production is very important in Australia, having begun in 1788. Its grapes are exported to different parts of the world, so during your stay in Brisbane you should visit the local wineries. The best place to learn about grape production is the Gold Coast, whose vineyards are located an hour from the city. They offer some of the best local tours, ideal for small groups.

You should allow at least eight hours for this activity, so you can taste a variety of wines and learn about local winemaking. These tours usually start at €131 and often include cheese tastings, traditional sweets and a delicious lunch. I recommend booking an excursion that includes transport, although the Greyhound Australia bus and Translink tram provide excellent connections to the area.

Feeling the sun and wind on your skin is one of the best feelings on holiday, especially in warm cities like Brisbane. I invite you to leave your worries behind and enjoy the crystal clear waters of Moreton Island. There are many local tours that are ideal for exploring this island, but the choice will depend on what you want to do.

Some focus on whale watching, while a quiet getaway allows you to relax on sun loungers and join quad bike, kayak or sandboard tours. If you go on an organised adventure, you will have around 11 hours, so you can stay to enjoy the sunset. You can also surf in the calm waters and even enjoy iconic stories told by local guides. You can find these types of excursions from £95. If you prefer, you can go on your own to manage a more personalised itinerary tailored to your needs.

This bay is famous for its huge dunes, as well as water activities that take you to explore unique coral reefs. So you can take advantage of a diving excursion to Moreton Island from Brisbane to discover the marine biodiversity.

Among the most important Australian areas near Brisbane are the award-winning wineries of Tambourine. It is a location known for its variety of wine flavours, as well as for offering some of the best local excursions. This beautiful valley, located an hour from the city, allows you to enjoy rewarding tasting experiences on its beautiful trails. Other spirits are also produced here, such as vodka, beer and brandy, all of which are made using traditional methods.

I recommend setting aside at least 8 hours to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities and explore every corner of its picture-postcard landscapes. The area is also famous for the friendliness of the locals, who will be delighted to provide you with information about wine production. If you want to devote yourself to enjoyment, you can book a guided experience from £123. Please note that in Australia you must be over 18 to sign up for this type of activity.

If you still have time to explore Australia, take advantage of the best excursions from Brisbane to visit iconic towns. For example, take the opportunity to visit Sunshine Coast Hinterland, a subtropical area dominated by nature, wildlife and the beautiful beaches of Noosa surrounded by jungle. It is the perfect destination for outdoor activities, as well as for encountering koalas and kangaroos.

The main advantage of visiting Brisbane is that you can take quick trips to explore the surrounding area. This way, while staying in one of Australia's best cities, you can optimise your time and get the most out of your itinerary. Reaching the most picturesque towns in the interior takes between one and two hours, depending on the type of transport you choose. You can organise this excursion on your own, or book a guided experience from £75, which will allow you to:

• Visit the artistic village of Montville, famous for its old-world atmosphere with a variety of craft shops and quaint cafés.
• Discover the Aboriginal village of Yandina, with a variety of stories and a rich cultural heritage, a product of its antiquity.
• Browse Australia's largest open-air market, known as Eumundi Markets, with massage booths, live entertainment, shops of all kinds, and art exhibitions.
• Take a dip at Noosa Beach, also known as Noosa National Park. It offers the best panoramic views of the area and is surrounded by water activities and cultural shows.
• Explore The Ginger Factory, a popular attraction where you can play, taste locally produced desserts, and discover behind-the-scenes secrets with interactive tours. For example, you can take a boat ride or climb aboard the historic ginger train, which is over 100 years old. I also recommend taking advantage of the children's areas, visiting the ginger village, and sampling the factory's products.

In Brisbane, you can not only enjoy the wonderful beaches of Australia's Gold Coast, but you can also delve into jungle landscapes full of interesting secrets. The best local excursions take you to discover Scenic Rim, whose trails allow you to breathe fresh air. It is located an hour away, but its natural beauty is well worth the trip. You can venture out on your own by taking the Translink, or book a guided experience from £95.

If this is your first time in Australia or you want to enjoy yourself without any worries, having a guide is the best option. Here you can visit the Glow Worm Caves, a natural heritage site, where you can witness the light show. It is an artificial ecosystem that emulates the conditions necessary for the conservation of these luminous worms. In addition, I recommend spending at least 9 hours in the rainforest to see:

• Tamborine Mountain: a beautiful mountain surrounded by trails, waterfalls, and the Gallery Walk wine cellars.
• Curtis Falls: an amazing waterfall surrounded by lush forests, where there is a variety of species among the tree branches.
• Springbrook National Park: part of the Gondwana Rainforests, where you can see plants that have existed since the time of the dinosaurs, search for volcanoes and explore its trails.
• Canungra Village: if you are willing to climb to the top of the mountain, you can visit this picturesque village surrounded by volcanoes and wineries.

Another natural attraction near Brisbane is to escape and explore Australia's hidden gems. About an hour away is North Stradbroke Island, an island famous for its outdoor activities. Here you can see dolphins, whales, kangaroos and koalas while recharging your batteries. This location combines the best of the beach with idyllic jungle landscapes.

I recommend taking advantage of the best excursions from Brisbane and opting for a small group option. This way, the experience will be personalised and more private. There are a variety of tours starting at £79, which will allow you to visit a variety of locations, including:

• Brown Lake: a coastal ecosystem where you can lie down and contemplate the landscape. It is notable for its tea trees, a heritage of the local flora.
• Cylinder Beach: one of the best beaches for children, it is also often visited by various cetaceans, so you may be lucky enough to take a good photograph.