I have been staying in Brisbane for a little over a month now and in that time, I have tried to experience as much of Brisbane as possible (while studying that is).
I enjoy walking a lot and many of the things that I have experienced during my time here have happened because I have stumbled across them.
This list contains very different things to do and see, from shopping to hiking. Most of these things can be enjoyed for free – as a student I enjoy that 😉
1.
Roma Street Parklands
This is a beautiful park in the middle of Brisbane with flowers, benches and even a small rainforest. It is a great place for taking a walk or to sit and work (I especially like to work on my blog or study and with free WiFi it could not be better)
2.
Brisbane City Markets
If there is one thing to find in Brisbane, it is markets – in all shapes, forms and sizes. A couple that I have visited are:
Farmers Market:Every Wednesday at George Street, near Queen Street Mall. Here you will find food and fresh produce, and lots of it.
The Collective Markets:Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank. This is the place for arts and crafts.
You can find a list of markets on Visitbrisbane.com.au (which by the way is an awesome site if you are Visiting Brisbane)
3.
Walk along the river to Teneriffe or Newstead
This is a great way to experience something other than the city. As you walk along the river, you will meet a lot of different people and see some beautiful houses. If you are tired after your walk you can take the City Cat back.
4.
Walk along the river at night in Kangaroo Point and South bank
Brisbane Story Bridge At Night
Brisbane By Night is beautiful! Everything is lit up: the bridges, the cliffs (where you can go for a climb) and the pathway that runs all the way along the river on both sides.
5.
Eat brunch, lunch or dinner at Eagle Street Pier
This is a very new part of the city and it is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the view of the river and the many people walking, biking and running by. There are several places to choose from: The Coffee Club, Jade Buddha Bar & Kitchen, and George’s Paragon Seafood Restaurant.
6.
Take the City Hopper and get around Brisbane by river for free
In Brisbane you can get the Cityhopper and sail for free on the river. You can find a timetable here. This is a great way to experience the city since you will be looking in on the city and get more of an overview.
7.
Catch a musical or concert at QPAC
There is always something on at Queensland Performing Arts Centre, whether it is ballet, opera or musical that you are in to. We went to see We Will Rock You, which was an absolutely incredible experience and I can’t wait to go back and catch another musical.
8.
Head to Mt Coot-tha for great hiking trails
There are plenty of trails and if you (like me) is a bit more adventurous, you can go by some of the lesser walked paths. When my boyfriend and I went there, the river had dried up so we jumped down into it and walk along it using it as our path. This was pretty incredible and we have decided to go back once the river fills up. Just to see where we have walked being a river.
From the city center you can get a bus that goes directly to the Mt Coot-tha lookout and the Botanical Gardens or you can go by car. If you want to go hiking, it is a good idea to leave early in the morning and remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks, if you are going for a longer hike.
9.
Brisbane By Night
For the party-people: Fortitude Valley is the place to go with numerous bars and nightclubs. Otherwise, there are also several bars in Brisbane CBD that are worth a visit: Victory, Down Under, and Irish Murphy’s to name a few.
10.
Typo shop
This is one of the first shops that I visited when I got here. It immediately appealed to me with fun and decorative items. Among other things I bought two coffee mugs that I absolutely adore.
I hope you liked this list. Let me know if you try out some of the things and/or if you have other things that I should experience.
– Josephine
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Hi Josephine,
Beautiful post about the beautiful city. You have captured the city very nicely. Thanks!
Thank you very much, Varsha!
Great list! I have never been to Brisbane but have heard of a few of these places before. Those city markets must be great to be at during warm weather.
Glad you liked it! Yes, except when it gets too hot in the summer (which is not uncommon) 😉
The city markets and the lights at night are definitely my two favourite things on that list but every activity looks amazing!
Thank you, I really appreciate that 🙂
This is such a cute list and I think it says a lot about you & how you’ve come to see the city living there (rather than visiting). But there are some gems there for tourists, as well! Thanks for sharing, Joseph one! 🙂
Hi Max,
Thank you! I really appreciate that 😀
I love reading listicles. They make travelling so easy. I have always wanted to go to Brisbane. This list will be very handy.
Hi, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Great list of things to do! I would love to visit Brisbane some day and would definitely refer to this if I do.
You definitely should! And thank you 🙂
Love the parts about the hiking options. What an awesome view of the city! That would be pretty neat to go back when the river is flowing.
Thank you! It’s the hiking parts that sometimes make it special (especially with that view) 🙂
Growing up in Melbourne, I took frequent family trips to the Gold Coast and Brisbane, but I haven’t been back in years. When I’m back in Australia, I must make an effort to spend some time here. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I never went to Melbourne while I was abroad but would really love to go there someday.
I love Australia and I love Brisbane. I have many friends that live in Brisbane, but I have never been in this beautiful city. And yes, I believe you: Brisbane by night is beautiful! 🙂 Great post and nice pics! 🙂
I’ve never visited Brisbane but would love to ! I’ve got the feeling that you never get bored in Brisbane and always find something to do, right ? Brisbane look like a city with a vibrant nightlife, a booming art scene, a gorgeous riverfront, as well as a fantastic restaurant and coffee shop scene. Definitively on my bucket list now !
Great, I’m happy to hear that. You’re right, Brizzie is definitely not a boring city, you just go outside your door and there is something to see 🙂 While I was there, they shot some scenes from the Marvel movie “Thor” 😀
Never heard about Brisbane, but I just had a look at it on google and it seems to be an amazing place!
The TYPO shop is definitely something for me to see haha!
Cool, I’m glad I inspired you to look it up 😀 Just so you know, typo has an online store as well 😉
I love Brisbane so much! It was my home for six months and I much preferred it to Sydney. So many great walks and lovely parks, not to mention South Bank. 🙂 And yes, Typo is AMAZING!
Aw me too! And yes, the parks and having brunch and picnics at South Bank were some of my favorite things to do while there.