Brisbane: it’s a city of deliciously warm weather, sublime natural wonders, super welcoming people and a delightfully endless number of activities to enjoy. And if you happen to be looking for the ultimate list of things to do in Brisbane, you’ve come to the right place. Quirky, fun, budget-friendly and always cheerful, these are the attractions, places and experiences that will show you another side of Brisbane to fall in love with.
Sunday Steam Train
All aboard! Every Sunday the last locomotive to be built in Australia chugs into Brisbane’s Roma Street Station, allowing train enthusiasts of all ages to embark on a nostalgia-filled journey through the city. Exuding an irresistible old-world charm, the vintage steam train has been expertly restored to its former glory and still boasts the original lamps, polished wood panels and brass and iron luggage racks. The trip lasts one hour and passengers are encouraged to move through the carriages, wave to onlookers and take in the sights through the open windows. And with the train bypassing everything from heritage-listed stations to historic rail bridges, there’s plenty of Brisbane attractions to keep an eye out for!
Eat Street Northshore
What do you get when you combine 180 shipping containers, epic river views, cool vibes and a delectable selection of culinary goodies from across the globe? Eat Street Northshore, a market-style dining precinct located on the banks of the Brisbane River in the suburb of Hamilton. Open every weekend, it’s here where you can tuck into everything from freshly-shucked oysters, to dumplings, paella, Vietnamese pho and pork belly burgers. Trust us, it may be near impossible to choose just one dish. And don’t forget dessert either, with doughnut fries, gelato, crepes and churros just some of the sweet treats guaranteed to send you into a food coma.
Livewired Comedy
If laughter is considered the best medicine and all the best things in life are free, there’s no way you’re going to want to miss a free comedy session at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Held every Sunday afternoon, Livewired Comedy puts the spotlight on some of the best local, interstate and up-and-coming comedians, performers and improv artists. Supported by Triple M, the one-hour events are strictly adults-only, so leave the kids at home for this one. Is there a better way to end a weekend than with a couple of solid belly laughs? We sure don’t think so.
Climb and Abseil Story Bridge
Forget a leisurely cruise down the Brisbane River. If you really want to see the city, there’s only one way to do so: by climbing – and then abseiling down – the historic Story Bridge. In what is undoubtedly one of the most fun things to do in Brisbane, the adventure begins with an ascent up the spiral staircases and suspended walkways of the south-eastern cantilever arm. Once you’ve reached the top you’re greeted with 360-degree panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains, Moreton Bay and Scenic Rim. But it doesn’t stop there; next is a heart-stopping 30-metre abseil down the southern pylon to solid ground. Phew! Did we mention it’s also the only bridge climb and abseil experience in the world? This is definitely worth booking flights to Brisbane for.
XXXX Brewery Tour
It doesn’t get much more Queensland than this: a guided tour through the hallowed beer halls of the much-loved brewery, XXXX (pronounced four-ex). On the 90-minute excursion you’ll cover the 141-year history of XXXX, learn about the top-quality ingredients and world-renowned brewing methods and have a crack at pouring the perfect pint. You can take a cheeky peek at the packaging line in action and there’s even a museum, which is jam-packed with historical artefacts and old XXXX memorabilia. Of course, the tour concludes with a tasting of the brewery’s finest, and sipping a cold one in the very place where it all started has to be one of the most quintessential Brisbane activities going around.
Visit City Hall
Long considered to be one of the most interesting places to visit in Brisbane, the historic City Hall – which, until 1967 was the tallest building in the city – is also one of the most budget friendly. Free 45-minute guided tours of the City Hall and Clock Tower run every 15 minutes, and offer the perfect opportunity to admire the recent renovations and unearth many of the fascinating stories and secrets of the heritage building, which has served as the backdrop to some of Brisbane’s most important cultural and social events. Highlights of the tour would have to be exploring rooms and areas normally closed off the public, or taking a ride in the original lift system right to the very top of the Clock Tower, where you’ll get great views of King George Square and the inner workings of the giant clock face.
Armed with these recommendations on things to do in Brisbane, book your cheap flights to Brisbane with Webjet and be on your way to an amazing holiday in the Queensland capital!
Hero image: Story Bridge. Credit: John | CC BY-SA 2.0
