things to do in Brisbane
If you're a local, here are some of the places we feel visitors must see in Brisbane to gain an insight into Brisbane and its people, whether this is your first time in Brisbane, you've been here before or even. Please be aware that these particular are in no particular order:
Mt Cooth-tha Summit
Require a drive to the very top of Mt Coot-tha (7km west from the CBD) where you'll get yourself a spectacular panoramic take a look at the complete of Brisbane city and surrounds. Over a clear day you will notice all the way to the distant ranges in the south-Moreton and west Bay for the east. Here you are able to spend time at the cafe sipping a latte, cool off using a gelato ice-cream or take advantage of the famous Summit restaurant on the mountaintop. For any real buzz come right here at night and you'll view the city ablaze with lights (very romantic indeed! )
things to do in Brisbane
Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
While you're at Mt Coot-tha Lookout, visit the Botanic Gardens. These 52 hectare gardens contain subtropical and Australian flora in a setting of ponds, streams and lakes. Mt Coot-tha also hosts a planetarium, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, a particular favourite of kids.
Story Bridge
For that more adventurous, have a two and thirty minutes climb to the peak of Brisbane's iconic Story Bridge. Here you'll experience uninterrupted 360 degree views of Brisbane, its river and surrounding mountains. Dawn climbers will capture the good thing about sunrise on the bay, while dusk climbers will spot the setting sun reflected within the glass and steel in the city's high-rise office and apartment buildings. If you happen to be visiting Brisbane on New Year's Eve, one of the things to do on New Years Eve in Brisbane is to head down to Southbank and watch the fireworks explode around the Story Bridge.
Ale House
Go ahead and take one hour brewery tour on the Ale House at Milton where you'll obtain a glimpse into the background of the Castlemaine Perkins brewery along with its world-famous beers. Only minutes from Brisbane's CBD, you can experience an entertaining and interactive brewery tour, get some souvenirs and sample some ales on the Ale House bar - a true experience. And what is more Australian than beer!
South Bank
It's hard to imagine Brisbane without South Bank. Just throughout the river through the CBD, you can enjoy South Bank's sandy beach (Streets Beach), open grassy picnic shops, a and areas plethora of eating spots. Free live festivals, fireworks and entertainment throughout the year increase the vibrancy you'll experience here. On Sundays, Saturdays and Fridays, visit South Bank Art & Craft Market where you'll find crafts by local artisans including fashion, jewellery, homewares and tarot or even a massage. It's at South Bank where you'll also find Queensland's arts and theatres. Places to go to are the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of recent Art. The Queensland Museum Sciencentre is well-liked by children.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is for you if you are wanting to experience Australian wildlife without leaving the city! Hold a koala, feed a kangaroo, hear a speak about our reptiles. You can the RiverCat from the city to Lone Pine for any truly Brisbane experience.
Brisbane River
Many claim that Brisbane River defines Brisbane, in the end, we're called the RiverCity! A wonderful way to see Brisbane is always to have a ride in the CityCat - a cheap and easy way of getting around. Take a cruise down and up the river, stopping where ever you prefer in the process - South Bank, University of Queensland, New Farm. An additional way to view the sights of Brisbane is by using an entertaining cruise down the Brisbane River on among the Kookaburra River Queens.
Brisbane CBD Historic Walking Tour
Brisbane hasn't had a great track record of preserving its heritage buildings. The drive to modernize the city for economic purposes saw a large number of historic sites torn down within the 1970's and 1980's. There are still a number of them around, particularly in the CBD districts, but a day or two's walking will be enough for you to see most of the really old sites.
Queen Street Mall
Inside the heart of Brisbane's CBD, Queen Street Mall is actually a busy half kilometre pedestrian open air thoroughfare including al-fresco shopping and dining. With wide swooping sails to provide necessary shelter from the rain and sun, Queen Street mall draws over 26 million visitors annually. Queen Street Mall is considered to be the largest retail precinct between Singapore and Sydney, and hosts an outstanding selection of high fashion national, labels and international retail chains, independent boutique outlets, jewelrydesigners and bookstores, shoe shops and more. Come here as the mall is a hive of activity if you like to people-watch. A purpose built performance stage features regular free live entertainment, and buskers never neglect to delight passers by using their antics. There are numerous 24 / 7 bars and eateries to be found across the mall's central spine for people who desire to party on.
City Botanic Gardens
Brisbane's (original) botanic gardens extend to the river on three sides where you could walk or cycle the right path around to adopt in the exotic plants that flourish inside our sub-tropical climate. An easy and relaxed walk from your CBD, essential do would be to take a walk through the mangroves in the boardwalk. If you're here on a Sunday, continue along to Eagle Street pier to browse the many stalls at the Riverside Markets, open every Sunday from 7am.
Fortitude Valley
Fondly called 'The Valley' it offers produced a good name for itself with visitors and locals alike and remains the main thing on alternative and emerging fashion, music and entertainment. Go to any main street inside the Valley and you're sure to discover a collection of trendy locations for drinks, dance or food. Try James Street, Brunswick Street, or Ann Street. You will find lots of venues being offered, each making use of their own style and atmosphere. Some compare the Valley to Sydney's Oxford Street for nightlife. Take your pick of designer nightclubs and be sure not to miss Family Nightclub, recently awarded Australia's best nightclub. The Valley is also at Brisbane's forefront in live music experiences. A good place to begin a visit to The Valley is the Brunswick Street Mall that is lined with cafes, bars and eateries. Right alongside Brunswick Street is Ann Street, with a lot of avant garde fashion boutiques which feature cutting-edge and retro designs.