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10 Things to Add to Your Brisbane Bucket List

Adventure Beach City Family Food & Wine Romance Road Trip

Welcome to brilliant, buzzing Brisbane. Where the sun shines 280 days a year and Australia’s third largest city thrives with bustling cafes, award-winning restaurants, vibrant nightlife, boutique shopping and world-class culture around every corner.

There’s so much to discover in Brisbane’s charming neighbourhoods that it’s hard to know where to start. It’s why we’ve pulled together 10 of our favourite must-do Brisbane experiences for your next trip to the River City.

1. Explore the CBD

Shimmy your way through Brisbane CBD, the heart of all things business and pleasure. Here in the centre of the city lies Queen Street Mall, a pedestrian-only precinct with more than 700 stories and boutiques where you can shop yourself silly at high street stores, independent shops and luxury boutiques.

From here venture towards the river in any direction seeking lunch, dinner or sunset drinks with a view at the Brisbane Quarter or Howard Smith Wharves. Subtropical Brisbane was made to be enjoyed outdoors, so enjoy a front-row riverside seat at Felon’s Brewing, Yoko or Three Blue Ducks.

With time to kill, head to the Museum of Brisbane for a spot of culture, roll the dice at Treasury Casino, or if it’s after dark slip down a laneway in search of hip cocktail bars such as Super Whatnot and Alba.

Brisbane Felons' Brewing Co. with a view at the Brisbane Quarter or Howard Smith Wharves with people eating at the al fresco.

2. Conquer the Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Get the adrenaline pumping on the sky-high Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Scale the iconic Story Bridge and be rewarded with the best view in Brisbane – a sweeping 360-degree vista of the city, Brisbane River, surrounding mountains and Moreton Bay islands. If you’re keen to take your climb to the next level, try the hair-raising Cantilever Lean Out or Walk The Plank activities, and finish with a 30-metre abseil descent.

The sky-high Story Bridge Adventure Climb. With stunning 360-degree vista of the city, Brisbane River, surrounding mountains and Moreton Bay islands.

3. Stroll the Brisbane Riverwalk and catch the City Hopper

If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground but still want some great city views, go for a laidback stroll along the Brisbane Riverwalk. Following the Brisbane River from the CBD to New Farm, the 870m Riverwalk offers a unique view of the city and Story Bridge from over the water.

Instead of walking back the same way, when you reach New Farm hop aboard the free CityHopper ferry service and head to Kangaroo Point, South Bank or back to the city.

4. Have a feast down Fish Lane

One of Brisbane’s best and most fun laneways, Fish Lane is home to a bounty of bars, restaurants, cafes, art galleries and entertainment. The food here is phenomenal so be prepared to experience some serious meal envy wherever you go. Check out The Fox for delicious pub fare, Chu The Phat for Asian-fusion dishes, Julius Pizzeria for damn good pizza and pasta, Grassfed for plant-based perfection, Punjabi Palace for mouth-watering Indian, and Hello Please for Vietnamese.

Group of friends walking along the Fish Lane alley to spot bounty of bars, restaurants, cafes, art galleries and entertainments

5. Check out the nightlife in Fortitude Valley

Whether you want to catch live music, kick back with cocktails or party all night long, Fortitude Valley is the place to eat, drink, dance and be merry.

Natural wine lovers will find their heaven at Snack Man, cocktail connoisseurs will adore Gerard’s Bar, while beer buffs will froth over Soapbox Beer or Bloodhound Bar. The Valley is always humming with awesome live local and international music acts, and some of our favourite venues include The Triffid, The Zoo, Fortitude Music Hall and Black Bear Lodge.

A band guitarist on stage performing live local and international music acts at the Fortitude Valley Music Open

6. Do brunch Brissy-style

After a big night out, there’s nothing better than a decadent brunch. Fortunately, Brisbane is host to delish brunch spots where you can fuel up for the day, get your caffeine kick-start or soak up last night’s mischief.

Treat your tastebuds to Botero or Strauss in the CBD, The New Black or Industry Beans in Fortitude Valley, Morning After in the West End, or indulge in a brekkie donut at one of Nodo’s four locations across the city.

A decadent brunch at the Industry Beans in Brisbane Queensland

7. Check out the exhibitions at QAGOMA

QAGOMA, or the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, are two galleries adored by locals and visitors alike. Even if you’re not a huge art fan, dropping by at least GOMA is a must on your next Brisbane trip. With ever-changing exhibitions featuring local and international artists, it’s easy to spend a few hours getting lost in the curious and creative talent that fills these halls.

QAGOMA - Queensland Art Gallery Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane

8. Wander the laneways of Fortitude Valley

Some of Brisbane’s best shopping, cafes, bars and culture is tucked away from the main thoroughfares, hiding down bustling back-alleys and laneways in Fortitude Valley. Check out Winn, Bakery and California Lanes, where you’ll find pop-up shops, local independent boutiques, eclectic eateries and buzzy bars.

Street of Winn Lane where you’ll find pop-up shops, local independent boutiques, eclectic eateries and buzzy bars.

9. Chow down at Eat Street Northshore

Brisbane’s Eat Street is truly one-of-a-kind, boasting 180 colourful shipping containers loaded with delicious street food and non-stop live music. More like a theme park than a food market, this wonderland needs to be experienced in real life.

Eat Street is open every Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 10pm and every Sunday from 4pm until 9pm.

Brisbane’s Eat Street, boasting 180 colourful shipping containers loaded with delicious street food and non-stop live music.

10. Take a dip at Streets Beach

Head to Streets Beach and cool off at Australia's only inner-city, man-made beach. Flaunting a sparkling blue lagoon, soft white sand and sub-tropical plants, Streets Beach offers an island-inspired oasis right in the heart of the city. 

Streets Beach is free to use and is patrolled by lifeguards year-round. There are also two other aquatic spaces right next door, the Boat Pool and Aquativity, an interactive waterpark for kids.

While in South Bank, make time to walk through the lush riverside parklands and stop for a drink at River Quay.

South Bank Parklands' sparkling blue lagoon and soft white sand with view of the urban buildings of Brisbane.

Ready to plan your next Brissy trip? Oaks has 11 apartment style properties in Brisbane to choose from, all conveniently located within the heart of the CBD and surrounding areas.