With its subtropical climate, unique cultural identity and laidback locals, Brisbane is always worth a visit.
From the winding streets of Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point’s towering cliffs, this thriving city is home to some of Queensland’s best sights and attractions.
Travelling with youngsters? Or just taking a relaxing couple’s getaway? Either way, there’s plenty of fun to be found in the Sunshine State’s capital. To help you plan the ultimate Queensland getaway, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Brisbane – for grown-ups, kids and everyone in between.
Best Brisbane Activities for Grown-Ups
Holey Moley
Discover a maze-like mini golf course, set amongst décor that’s somewhere between quirky and risqué. Holey Moley is one of the Fortitude Valley’s coolest spots for some frivolous fun (and maybe a touch of competitive spirit).
The venue was originally a church before being converted into the multi-storey putt putt course it is today. There’s also a fully licensed bar, so you can enjoy a beer or some red while making your way through the 18 holes.
Where? Find Holey Moley at 25 Warner St, Fortitude Valley
Brisbane Festival
The Brisbane Festival is an annual celebration of Brisbane’s cultural institutions and local artistic talents. If you have the freedom of choosing your holiday dates, consider booking mid-to-late September – just so you can experience this magical festival.
Packed with major public events, the program includes:
- Theatre
- Live music
- Circus acts
- And artistic displays.
If it’s your first time in the city, this festival is the perfect introduction to Brisbane.
And if it’s not your first time? Well, then you already know how fun the Brisbane Festival is!
The festival ends with the glorious Riverfire, where fireworks light up the night sky and the river below.
Where? The Brisbane Festival is largely based in South Bank, but events take place in various venues around Brisbane.
Club Sosay
For year-round entertainment, visit Paddington’s Club Sosay. Open daily from 12pm – 9pm, this dedicated board game café encourages a little healthy competition. Choose from over 300 different games, ranging in levels of difficulty, number of players required and popularity. Expect to find the classics such as UNO and Monopoly, along with many other unique and lesser known options like Elysium or Skyliners.
The bar selection will quench your thirst, and hearty dishes including pizza and burgers will keep your energy levels high as you play. Bring your travel companions along and let the games begin.
Where? Club Sosay is located at 2 Latrobe Terrace in Paddington
Best Brisbane Activities for Kids
Streets Beach
Perched on the bank of the Brisbane River, Streets Beach is a local icon. With its white sand and shady palm trees, this manmade paradise offers all the benefits of a real beach – but without any risk of riptides or jellyfish.
Ideal for kids, Streets Beach has plenty of shallow sections where little ones can splash about. Stretching through South Bank, the beach is surrounded by cafés and amazing views of Brisbane’s riverside skyline.
Where? South Bank. You can’t miss it.
Queensland Gallery of Modern Art
GoMA proves – once and for all – that Brisbane is a city with culture. While some of the gallery’s exhibitions have more mature themes, there are also plenty of activities for kids to enjoy. Several interactive installations can be found at GoMA, while the Children’s Art Centre keeps kids entertained for hours with arts and crafts.
Where? GoMA is conveniently located alongside other venues that are sure to be hits with your kids: the Queensland Museum and the Sciencentre.
Best Brisbane Activities for Teens
Rock Climbing
Thrill-seeking teenagers, prepare for an adrenaline rush! Brisbane has a renowned rock-climbing scene.
The city’s premier rock-climbing destination is Kangaroo Point. If you’re not afraid of heights, there’s no better way to see the city than from the top of the cliffs that line this section of the Brisbane River.
And for those who aren’t quite ready for such an ambitious climb, there are also plenty of indoor rock climbing venues around Brisbane. Head to Urban Climb in West End to learn the ropes.
Where? Find the Kangaroo Point Cliffs at 461 Main St, Kangaroo Point. Or discover Urban Climb at Unit 2, 220 Montague Rd, West End.
Now that you know what to do once you’ve arrived, all that’s left to do is book your accommodation in Brisbane. Find the perfect room today with The Sebel Hotels & Apartments.
