There are plenty of outdoor things to do in Brisbane – which is no surprise, as it’s the capital of Queensland, nicknamed the “Sunshine State”! The weather in “Brissie” is envied by many living further south in Australia, and it’s an ideal place for getting out and about. Try kayaking on the river or doing an urban climb, or just chill out with some native fauna at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Here are our top eight outdoor things to do and places to go in Brisbane, so you don’t miss out!
Brave the Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Towering over the Brisbane River, the iconic Story Bridge is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Yet this heritage-listed structure does more than just carry cars across the water. It’s also one of the best places to go in Brisbane for thrill-seekers. Join a walk with Story Bridge Adventure Climb and you’ll climb more than 1,000 steps to the summit, for a 360-degree view of the city skyline, river and surrounding suburbs. The climb is quite physical, but the sense of accomplishment on reaching the top makes it well worth it! Thanks to the knowledgable guides, you’ll also get a deeper appreciation for the bridge’s history and the engineering prowess behind it.
Need some sustenance after your walk? Both the north and south sides of the bridge have great options for dining and drinks. Howard Smith Wharves is a modern entertainment precinct that’s always buzzing. (We recommend Felons for a beer and Greca for a Greek feast.) On the south side of the bridge is a famous pub, the Story Bridge Hotel, and exellent craft beer at Sea Legs.
Explore the South Bank Parklands
The South Bank Parklands are an oasis of tranquillity in the city’s heart. This precinct faces the CBD from across the river and is a hub of activity, with galleries, green spaces, restaurants and other attractions. One standout feature here is Streets Beach, Australia’s only beach in the middle of a city. This manmade water feature is a top place to relax, soak up the sun and cool off on a warm day. Nearby, you’ll find the Arbour, a one-kilometre arched walkway covered in flowers that serves as the gateway to the Parklands.
You’ll also want to head here if you’re looking for cultural things to do in Brisbane, as it’s home to both the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). Music lovers will also enjoy the South Bank Parklands for the regular live performances and festivals throughout the year.
Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
For many tourists, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is high on the list of places in Brisbane to visit. It’s the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary, and offers an opportunity to get up close and personal with these adorable marsupials and other native Australian wildlife.
Upon entering the sanctuary, you’ll be greeted by countless koalas lazily lounging in the trees, their large, round eyes and fluffy fur eliciting “awws” from visitors of all ages. (Note: the sanctuary used to allow visitors to briefly hold a koala, but they officially stopped this from the middle of 2024 “to embrace more immersive and educational experiences”.)
Aside from koalas, you can see kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes and Tasmanian devils at Lone Pine, along with plenty of native flora. There are plenty of daily animal presentations and feeding times that show off the creatures’ unique characteristics and behaviours.
Kayak on the Brisbane River
The Brisbane River twists its way through most of central Brisbane, so it’s a perfect place to take in some city views from a kayak. Riverlife Adventure Centre at Kangaroo Point provides a range of options for an outing on the water. You can rent a kayak and paddle at your own pace; or, if you prefer a more structured experience, there are guided tours that can enhance your trip with expert insights about the area. Another highlight is a twilight kayak at sunset, where you glide across the water as the sky starts to take on different hues. (Choose the “Paddle & Prawns” option and you can come back from kayaking to enjoy some deliciously prepared prawns and a cold beverage!)
If you’re after a less strenuous outing on the water, jump on the CityCat fast ferry, part of Brisbane’s growing public transport network. A popular trip takes you from the city or South Bank out to the leafy grounds of the University of Queensland in around 20 minutes.
Take a trip to Mount Coot-tha Lookout
It’s only a modest 226 metres tall, but Mount Coot-tha is a very visible natural landmark, and one of the best places to go in Brisbane to embrace nature while enjoying a superb city vista.
The journey to the lookout is an adventure in itself. A steep winding road takes you through bushland and beyond the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. As you ascend the mountain, the city skyline gradually comes into view, revealing the skyscrapers, the Brisbane River and distant Moreton Bay. On a clear day, you might even see the distinctive Glasshouse Mountains towards the Sunshine Coast on your left.
Try rock climbing at Kangaroo Point
Most rock climbing outings take you away from a city, but at Brisbane’s Kangaroo Point Cliffs you can scale a rock wall with skyscrapers as your backdrop. It’s a fun thing to do in Brisbane and a great way to experience the heights and sights all in one go! Several operators offer climbing, including providing all the gear – helmets, harnesses, chalk and so on. Plus, they have experts to instruct you as you make your way up and down the cliff. (Riverlife Adventure Centre, mentioned in the kayaking section above, is one company that offers kayaking.) If rock climbing isn’t your thing, abseiling is also an option – it’s all about what you’re in the mood for.
Find some zen at the Botanic Gardens
Brisbane has two Botanic Gardens. The City Botanic Gardens are right next to the CBD, and popular with office workers on their lunch break. Or, for a more exotic garden experience, head to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, 5km out of town to the west. Located in the foothills of Mt Coot-tha, this sanctuary is a go-to spot for plant enthusiasts, nature lovers and anyone seeking a bit of peace.
Founded more than 50 year ago, the 56-hectare site includes a sensory garden, an arid region, a Japanese garden, a bonsai house, the Hide ‘n’ Seek Children’s Trail, a lagoon and bamboo grove, a tropical display dome and the largest collection of Australian native rainforest trees in the world. All the plants are meticulously curated and cared for by dedicated horticulturists.
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, there are walking trails for strolls or more active hikes, as well as picnic areas and playgrounds for families to enjoy. The on-site Planetarium is part museum, part cinema, and shows you the wonders of the night sky and the mysteries of the universe.
Head off the coast to Moreton Island
If you’re looking for an off-shore adventure, consider visiting Moreton Island. It’s accessible via a short ferry ride from Brisbane and is the third-largest sand island globally. Take a day trip here to do some diving or snorkelling around The Wrecks, a group of ships deliberately sunk to create a dive site. Or you can also try sand-surfing on the vast dunes, exploring the terrain on a quad bike, or seeing wild dolphins up close. For a unique experience, try kayaking at night. Equipped with LED lights, your kayak becomes a quiet vessel gliding through the water, guided by moonlight. If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, Moreton Island is also ideal for a camping trip, including some off-road driving on the beach.
Enjoyed this list of places to go in Brisbane to make the most of the great outdoors? Now read our roundup of cool activities in Sydney!
