Popular things to do in Brisbane, Queensland
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most exciting cities. Known for its warm weather, friendly people, and beautiful scenery, Brisbane has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in nature, history, sports, or food, you’ll find plenty to explore. Here’s our guide for some of the best things to do in Brisbane, especially for students and families.
1. Visit South Bank Parklands
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South Bank is one of the most popular places in Brisbane. It is located along the Brisbane River and offers beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and even a man-made beach called Streets Beach. You can swim for free, have a picnic, or ride the giant Ferris wheel known as the Wheel of Brisbane. There are also lots of cafes and restaurants, making it a great place to spend the day.
2. Explore the Cultural Precinct
Next to South Bank is Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct, which is home to some of the city’s best museums and galleries. Here, you can visit:
Queensland Museum – where you can learn about dinosaurs, marine life, and Queensland’s history.
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) – which shows cool and interesting artworks from around the world.
State Library of Queensland – a great place for students to read, study, or check out interactive exhibits.
These places are free to enter, and they often have special events and workshops for young people.
3. Climb the Story Bridge
If you’re looking for adventure, try the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. The Story Bridge is one of Brisbane’s most famous landmarks, and you can actually climb to the top with a guide. From up there, you get amazing views of the city and the river. It’s safe, exciting, and a fun way to see Brisbane from above.
4. Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Australia is known for its unique animals, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the perfect place to see them up close. You can hold a koala, feed kangaroos, and watch shows about birds and reptiles. It’s one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and is great for students who love animals and nature.
5. Take a River Cruise or CityCat Ferry Ride
Brisbane is built along the Brisbane River, and one of the best ways to see the city is from the water. You can hop on a CityCat ferry and cruise past famous sights like the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the Botanic Gardens, and the Story Bridge. It’s cheap, relaxing, and gives you a unique view of the city.
6. Check Out Mount Coot-tha
If you want to escape the city and enjoy nature, head to Mount Coot-tha, which is just a short drive from the city centre. At the top is a lookout where you can see the entire city and even out to Moreton Bay. Nearby are the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, where you can walk through different plant habitats, like the rainforest and desert gardens.
7. Explore the Fortitude Valley and James Street
For older students and teenagers, Fortitude Valley is a cool place to visit. It’s full of music venues, vintage shops, art spaces, and cafes. James Street is nearby and is known for its trendy stores and great food. It’s a fun place to hang out on the weekend with friends.
8. Go to Eat Street Northshore
On weekends, Brisbane’s Eat Street Northshore is a fun place to visit. It’s a food market made out of old shipping containers and offers food from all around the world—pizza, burgers, sushi, doughnuts, you name it! There’s also live music and entertainment, making it a great place for families and groups of friends.
9. Attend a Sports Game
If you like sports, Brisbane has plenty of action. You can watch a cricket match at The Gabba, or go to Suncorp Stadium to see rugby or soccer games. The atmosphere is exciting, and even if you’re not a big sports fan, it’s fun to cheer along with the crowd.
10. Explore Local Markets
Brisbane has many markets where you can buy local food, handmade gifts, and cool clothes. Some popular ones are:
West End Markets – held every Saturday.
Jan Powers Farmers Markets – great for fresh fruit and snacks.
Brisbane Twilight Markets – held at night with food, music, and craft stalls.
