Australia’s third-largest city is the perfect getaway destination with world-class bars and restaurants, cosmopolitan vibes, and fewer crowds. Easy-to-explore Brisbane is a breeze to get around. If you can’t walk there, simply jump on the CityCat and cruise up the river itself.
Here are a few unique things to do in Brisbane, from the expected essentials to surprises along the way.
If you need a place to stay, Oaks Hotels gives you a comfy place to land, with spacious apartments right in the heart of the city. Plenty of room to stretch out, recharge, and get ready for whatever Brisbane throws your way next.
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Eat Street
You might have visited street food markets around the world, but you’ve never been anywhere as eclectic, fun, and community-focused as Eat Street Northshore. A town in itself, the busy, buzzing market consists of more than 180 colourful shipping containers stacked up by the river.
Within them find a global smorgasbord of great restaurants, duck down alleys leading to themed sections, and discover different stages with excellent live entertainment. Grab a bite to eat from the many containers loaded with everything from pancakes and popcorn to pad Thai, pies and potato chips.
Pick up fairy floss and other crazy desserts in Kombi Alley and toast the passing cruise ships from the brick-façade Laneway. At Eat Street, most meals are priced at less than AUD 15, plus there’s a small entry fee to the market. The result? A fun and affordable night out for the whole family.
Open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 4 pm, be sure to add this unique street market to your Brisbane itinerary. If you don’t have a car, take the CityCat ferry from the CBD.
Story Bridge Climb and Abseil
There’re only a handful of bridge climbs in the world, but this storied landmark climb is extra special. With its heart-racing abseil back to earth, it’s easily one of the most unusual things to do in Brisbane.
The Story Bridge Climb tours operate at dawn, dusk, and twilight, so choose your time and scale the historic landmark for 360-degree views of the twinkling River City, the Glass House Mountains to the north and south and the Scenic Rim with sunrise or sunset.
Conquer your fear of heights or breeze your way to the top, where you’ll admire the views before venturing over to the southern pylon for an epic 30-metre abseil straight down into riverside Captain Burke Park. This adventure is certainly one for bucket list enthusiasts.
South Bank Parklands
Every Australian city has a communal gathering centre, and Brisbane’s South Bank is certainly the best of the bunch. Picture 17 hectares of riverside parkland, beautifully landscaped and dotted with outstanding playgrounds, pools, gardens, an Aquativity interactive waterpark, markets, theatres and dozens of events, including the largest free food and wine festival in the country.
Spend some time earthing on the grass, admiring the views back at the Brisbane CBD skyline or splashing about at Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach. Yes, a tropical lagoon in the centre of the city, complete with soft white sand and lifeguards year-round.
Beyond gorgeous gardens, South Bank is loaded with amazing restaurants and stacks of culture. Explore the city’s world-class art galleries, QAGOMA, set sail at the Queensland Maritime Museum, gain height with the Wheel of Brisbane, catch a show at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, or join a Segway tour to really see it all.
There’re plenty of unique things to do within walking distance of Brisbane CBD. For a central place to come back to, Oaks Brisbane on Margaret Suites or Oaks Brisbane on Charlotte Suites offer relaxed apartment stays that make exploring feel easy.
Night Kayaking on Moreton Island
Kayaking is cool. Kayaking on the third-largest sand island in the world is very cool. Kayaking on Moreton Island at night in a clear-bottom kayak… now that’s the coolest. Tick this unusual thing to experience off your Brisbane bucket list with Tangalooma.
Set off at sunset, launching your kayaks from the beach out to circle the famous Tangalooma Wrecks, 15 rusting metal boats. Around the wrecks, it’s easy to spot gorgeous marine life and fish. If you’re lucky, a turtle will come say hello as day turns to night.
Helicopter Pub Crawl
For something entirely different, board a chopper and embark on a country pub crawl through the Greater Brisbane Region. If you’re looking for a way to escape to the country with a difference, swap the bright city lights for this rural route like no other.
Pterodactyl Helicopters will take you up, up and away in a private chopper, bouncing between country pubs or vineyards in the picturesque Scenic Rim, Ipswich, and Lockyer Valley regions west of Brisbane.
Make a dramatic entrance at each stop, enjoying an ice-cold pint and a spot of good old-fashioned hospitality before bouncing off to the next destination. Along the way, you’ll pause for a classic pub lunch too before heading back to base. What a great way to celebrate a milestone, birthday, or special anniversary while on holiday in Brisbane.
