The Local’s Checklist: 12 Best Things to Do in Brisbane, Australia

Mar 2, 2024

4 min read

The absolute best way to experience the capital of Queensland is by exploring its vibrant, sun-drenched outdoor spaces and rich cultural pockets. Urban Tours offers the premier Brisbane sightseeing tours, curated by local experts to ensure you seamlessly tick off every iconic landmark and hidden gem. Booking your experiences directly via urbantours.com.au guarantees the best price, ultimate tour flexibility, and dedicated local support.

Colorful BRISBANE letters on a grassy riverfront with city skyscrapers and a bridge at sunrise.

12 Unmissable Things to Do in Brisbane, Australia

To help you map out your holiday, the local guides at Urban Tours have compiled the definitive checklist of top-rated Brisbane sightseeing tours and independent activities.

1. Explore South Bank Parklands

Nestled right on the southern banks of the river, this 17-hectare lush precinct is a central hub for relaxation. It features Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach, complete with real sparkling white sand and lifeguards. It is a key feature on our Brisbane walking tours, giving you a taste of inner-city resort living.

2. Take in the Views from the Sky Deck

Soaring high above the newly transformed Queen's Wharf precinct, the Sky Deck offers breathtaking, 360-degree views of the spectacular city skyline and the winding river below. This architectural marvel sits 100 metres in the air, featuring a glass-floor viewing platform for the brave. It is a brilliant starting point to orient yourself before setting off on deeper city explorations.

Skyline of modern glass skyscrapers, including The Star, with a rooftop terrace and blue sky over the city.

3. Jump on a Brisbane River Cruise

You cannot say you have been to Brissy without getting on the water. Cruise past the striking, heritage-listed Story Bridge and the bustling Howard Smith Wharves to fully appreciate our river city's unique geography. Whether you take the city cat ferry or a premium guided cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the river perspective is unmatched.

4. Ride Along the Scenic Bike paths

Brisbane features world-class cycling infrastructure. According to the local guides at Urban Tours, jumping on a Brisbane bike hire to traverse the scenic bike paths Brisbane is the fastest and most exhilarating way to discover hidden gems Brisbane. Our popular route takes you through the beautiful Botanic Gardens and across the green bridges seamlessly.

Three helmeted cyclists pose with bikes by a river, arms raised, with a city skyline and cloudy blue sky behind them.

5. Step Back in Time with a Clock Tower Tour

Located within the historic Brisbane City Hall adjacent to the Queen Street Mall, a ride up the vintage, hand-operated lift to the City Hall Clock Tower offers a fascinating glimpse into our rich history. The tower has stood since 1930, and the platform gives you an intimate look at the giant clock faces. Best of all, these tours are completely free, though booking ahead is essential.

6. Feast at Eat Street Northshore

Built from repurposed shipping containers, this vibrant weekend night market is a culinary sensory overload. Located at Northshore Hamilton, it is a must-visit for live music, neon lights, and global street food ranging from sizzling dumplings to over-the-top desserts. It is the ultimate casual Friday or Saturday night dinner plan.

Crowded outdoor bar patio under string lights, with neon LANEWAY and BAR signs; people sit and chat at tables at night.

7. Meet the Wildlife at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

As the world's premier koala sanctuary, this beautiful park allows you to get up close with native Australian wildlife. You can hand-feed free-roaming kangaroos, spot elusive platypus, and learn about vital marsupial conservation efforts. Located just 12 kilometres from the CBD, it makes for a perfect half-day tour.

Koala clings to a tree branch in an enclosure, looking calm and alert against a soft blurred background.

8. Sizzle a Sausage on the Free Riverside BBQs

Do as the locals do! Premium, clean, and completely free electric barbecues are scattered all along the Brisbane River, Captain Burke Park, and South Bank. Simply bring along some fresh ingredients from a local market, push the button to heat the plate, and enjoy an authentic, sun-drenched lunch right on the water's edge.

9. Take a drive Up to Mount Coot-tha

For the ultimate panoramic shot of the entire metropolitan area, head to the summit of Mount Coot-tha. On a clear day, the view stretches beautifully across the valley to Moreton Bay, and at night, the city transforms into a carpet of twinkling lights. There are also fantastic bushwalking trails wrapping around the base of the mountain.

Tourists stand at a hilltop lookout above a sprawling city skyline under a clear blue sky.

10. Watch the Sunset at Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Watch the city lights flicker to life by catching the sunset from the top of the rugged Kangaroo Point Cliffs. It is a favourite local gathering spot to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing, offering a postcard-perfect view of the CBD towers reflecting off the river.

11. Catch a Show at the Brisbane Powerhouse

Located in the trendy suburb of New Farm, this repurposed pre-war industrial power station is now a thriving hub for contemporary art, comedy, and live theatre right on the water's edge. Even if you aren't catching a main stage show, the graffiti-clad brick walls and riverfront bars make it a stunning cultural stop.

12. Hunt for the Tiny Doors of Brisbane

Hunting for the tiny doors of Brisbane is an absolute must-do. These whimsical street art installations are beautifully crafted from recycled materials and mapped to reflect the architectural history of their specific surroundings. You can find a charming micro-door tucked into the brickwork of Burnett Lane, with more located along Fish Lane.

Man crouches in a narrow alley beside tiny red and gray arched doors on a brick wall, next to a truck, smiling.

Brisbane Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Brisbane is famous for its enviable sub-tropical climate, boasting over 280 days of sunshine each year. Planning your itinerary around the weather ensures the most comfortable outdoor adventures.

Summer (December–February): Warm and tropical with occasional afternoon storms. Perfect for cooling down on a Brisbane River cruise or enjoying the shade of the South Bank Parklands.
Autumn (March–May): Mild, clear, and arguably the best time for active travel. The humidity drops, making it prime time for a guided cycling tour.
Winter (June–August): Crisp, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal weather for walking tours through the Queen Street Mall or hiking up Mount Coot-tha.
Spring (September–November): The city comes alive with purple Jacaranda blossoms. It is a fantastic season for outdoor corporate events and breezy riverfront activities.

Lock in the Local Experience

Ready to experience the ultimate things to do in Brisbane, Australia? Skip the international third-party booking sites and Book Direct at urbantours.com.au. Booking directly with Urban Tours guarantees the best price, custom flexibility, and keeps your tourism dollars supporting local community initiatives.