Ready for a weekend away—and some warmth to boot? Brisbane is the ultimate city for a refreshing break, where you can make the most of every day with that quintessential Brissy sun as your backdrop.
We’ve rounded up the best inner-city experiences and things to do in Brisbane, with many of these attractions less than a 15-minute walk from the CBD, plus some coastal escapes.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Turn a postcard picture into your real-life adventure as you step high over the Brisbane skyline on one of only three bridge climbs in the world. Book your experience for dawn, daytime, twilight, or night.
Brisbane River

Image Credit: Copyrighted, Kyle Hunter-Hayley Andersen, Tourism and Events Queensland
If thrill seeking isn’t your cup of tea, you can see the beautiful Brisbane River precinct from the water instead. Go kayaking, join a cruise, or use public transport (like ferries or the CityCat) to hop from one side of the river to the other.
South Bank

Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Visit Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach at Streets Beach, which is open year-round with free entry. Have a picnic, walk through the parklands with a coffee in hand, browse the markets, or buy a ticket to ride the Wheel of Brisbane. Thanks to the Neville Bonner Bridge, pedestrians can easily cross the water from Queen’s Wharf to South Bank.
Queensland Museum—Kurilpa

Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Learn something new at the Brisbane branch of the Queensland Museum—Kurilpa, whether you’re digging into Brisbane’s prehistoric history or hearing Australian wartime stories. Entry is free, though temporary exhibitions and events may require a ticket purchase.
Roma Street Parkland

Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Enjoy a rainforest walk that’s only a hop, skip, and a jump away from the CBD. You’ll find 16 hectares of gardens to traverse, including the Spectacle Garden, which showcases colourful and unique subtropical foliage and flowering plants.
Shopping and Markets

Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Queen Street Mall is a shopper’s paradise, with multiple shopfronts and arcades to spruce up your wardrobe. For those who wish to sample local produce and goods, Brisbane City Markets are held at three locations (Cathedral Square, Reddacliffe Place, and St Stephen’s Cathedral) on various days.
City Botanic Gardens

Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
On the tip of the Queen’s Wharf precinct, you’ll find the riverside City Botanic Gardens. See beautiful flowers and foliage, browse ornamental ponds, and stroll along the riverwalk.
XXXX Brewery Tour

Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Go behind the scenes of Brisbane’s oldest and most iconic brewery. Tours run Wednesday to Sunday for 90 minutes, followed by a tasting session (and a burger, if you like). To sample more of the state’s beverages, hop on the Experience Oz Craft Beer Brewery Tour to visit four local ones, including XXXX Brewery.
Mt Coot-tha Reserve

Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
For your hiking fix, Mt Coot-tha Reserve is 15 minutes’ drive away from the Brisbane CBD. With eucalypt forests, rainforest gullies, and creek lines, follow trails surrounded by Brisbane’s flora and fauna.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Kangaroo Point offers a beautiful cliffside walk—or, if you’re more adventurous, enjoy twilight abseiling. It’s the perfect sunset spot overlooking the city.
Catch a Show at QPAC

Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
From musicals to ballet, concerts to comedy, there’s always something happening at QPAC (Queensland Performing Arts Centre). Whether you’re watching a play starring local talent or a touring production featuring Australia’s seasoned theatre stars, you’re bound to be entertained.
Art Galleries

Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Side by side in the Queensland Cultural Centre, visit Brisbane’s two riverside galleries—Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. Open daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm, browse their permanent and featured exhibitions, or catch a screening at the only Aussie art gallery with purpose-built film and moving image facilities.
Get Your Sports Fix

Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Queensland is a rugby-loving state, so there’s no better activity than heading to Suncorp Stadium to watch a game of rugby league or soccer. You can also catch AFL and cricket at The Gabba, or head out of the city to watch basketball and netball at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and Nissan Arena, respectively.
Where to Stay in Brisbane?

Brisbane Holiday Village is a sunny, palm-tree-lined park that’s only a 15-minute drive from the city—providing ideal flexibility to explore Brisbane and its neighbouring regions (it’s only 20 minutes’ drive from the Gold Coast!). Stay in a cabin or site surrounded by tropical gardens and top-quality facilities, including lagoon-style pools, mini golf, a tennis court, and playground.
Explore the Coastal Regions!
Keen to go a bit beyond Brisbane? Why not say “g’day” to these nearby coastal destinations?
Sunshine Coast

Noosa: Named for its all-year-round summer vibes, Noosa is a beloved destination on the Sunshine Coast. Lap up the waves and sunrays on the picturesque Main Beach, stroll the Hastings Street shops, and hike through Noosa National Park.
Australia Zoo: Crikey! Visit our G’day Parks brand ambassador, Robert Irwin’s home at Australia Zoo to experience an up-close animal encounter or wander past incredible critter habitats. Of course, no trip is complete without catching one of their iconic Wildlife Warriors shows at the Crocoseum!
Where to stay near the Sunshine Coast?
Gold Coast

Theme Parks: Unleash your inner child at Wet’n’Wild, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Dreamworld, and WhiteWater World. Whether you’re seeking rollercoasters or waterslides, with these five parks so close together, you can even spend an action-packed day visiting multiple parks! Check out Experience Oz for discounted entry passes.
Surfers Paradise: It’s not called the Gold Coast for nothing, and Surfers Paradise is the jewel in the crown of golden, sandy beaches stretching down the coast. Hit the waves, enjoy a beachfront meal, or visit charming markets on The Esplanade as the sun sets over the waves. If you’re seeking thrills, complete the Q1 SkyPoint Climb for a panorama of the city.
Gold Coast Hinterland: Soak up the stunning beauty of the subtropics by visiting national parks like Springbrook National Park or Lamington National Park. There are opportunities for birdwatching, treetop walks, waterfalls, and bushwalking for all fitness levels.
Where to stay near the Gold Coast?
- Paradise Country Farmstay
- Ashmore Palms Holiday Village
- Nobby Beach Holiday Village
- Pyramid Holiday Park.
Fraser Coast

Whale Watching: There’s a lot of wildlife in Hervey Bay, from turtles to kangaroos, but if there’s one creature this area is known for, it’s whales. Set out on a whale watching cruise to try your luck at spotting one, while enjoying a boat ride over picturesque waters. Time your visit carefully, because tours run from July to October.
K’gari (Fraser Island): Fishing, boating, four-wheel driving, hiking, swimming, picnicking, snorkelling, wildlife watching … take your pick of activities on the beautiful K’gari. Catch the sunrise or sunset over your pick of sandy beaches, enjoying the best of Aussie nature.
Where to stay near the Fraser Coast?