Things to do in Brisbane
The unmissables
Most booked
Brisbane River Cruise & Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Entry★ 4.76 (1,707) · 5h 30m
Top rated
Brisbane Whale Watching Cruise Moreton Bay & Lunch★ 4.84 (1,076) · 5h
Best value
Brisbane River Cruise: Story Bridge & Kangaroo Point 90min★ 4.62 (996) · 1h 30m
Recommended (7)
Story Bridge Climb Brisbane: 360-degree city views from 80 metres★ 4.88 (797) · 1h 30mAU$ 150View ›
Brisbane: Segway City Tour with River, Cliffs & Landmarks★ 4.84 (662) · 1h 30m–2h 30mAU$ 159View ›
Brisbane: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Day Pass & Wildlife Shows★ 4.59 (583) · 2h–5hAU$ 63View ›
Brisbane River Cruise & Lunch at Breakfast Creek Hotel★ 4.68 (529) · 3h 30mAU$ 96View ›
North Stradbroke Island: Wildlife Day Tour & Koala Walk★ 4.91 (512) · 9h 30mAU$ 149View ›
Brisbane: Australia Zoo Day Trip with Hotel Pickup & Entry★ 4.88 (455) · 8h 30mAU$ 189View ›
Gold Coast: Hot Air Balloon Ride & Winery Breakfast with Pickup★ 4.84 (450) · 4hAU$ 495View ›Top rated (10)
Brisbane Walking Tour: City History & Story Bridge ViewsThis small-group walking tour of Brisbane covers the city's main attractions over three hours with a live English guide, starting at Queen Street and ending with views of the Story Bridge and the Brisbane River. The tour traces Brisbane's history from British colonisation and its impact on First Nations people through to its recent transformation ahead of the 2032 Olympics. Inclusions are a local craft beer or soft drink, a sweet treat, and group photos; the group stays small so you can hear the guide and move freely through the streets.Is it for me?Three hours is long enough to cover Brisbane's main attractions and history without eating your whole day—you'll have the afternoon free for South Bank, a longer lunch, or exploring the neighbourhoods the guide recommends. The small-group size keeps the pace steady and the experience intimate, so you're not herded through the streets or competing to hear.
Brisbane Walking Tour: City Hall, Gardens & Hidden LanewaysYou walk Brisbane with a resident guide through nine hours of city landmarks and hidden spots — City Hall, Parliament House, ANZAC Square, the Old Windmill, Queen Street Mall, the Botanic Gardens and smaller laneways most visitors miss. The group stays under eight people, which keeps the pace conversational. You get snacks, a locals' recommendations list, and the knowledge that part of your ticket funds local community work. Bring moderate fitness and comfortable shoes; stairs are on the route.Is it for me?Book this if you want the main Brisbane landmarks plus the quieter spots locals actually know, without having to piece together a walking route yourself — the small group size and resident guide are what turn a list of sights into a real sense of how the city works.
Stradbroke Island Eco Tour: Koalas & Beaches from BrisbaneA small-group eco day tour from Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island combines a scenic ferry ride across Moreton Bay with guided wildlife viewing, coastal walks and beach swimming. The operator is Ecotourism Australia Certified, meaning the tour prioritizes conservation and supports the island's cultural heritage. You'll spot wild koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and dolphins year-round, with humpback whales visible from June to October at Amity Point, one of the world's best land-based whale-watching sites. The day runs 11 hours and includes ferry tickets, an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, and free time for swimming at Cylinder Beach.Is it for me?The 11-hour day includes coastal walks and beach time, so come ready for a full day on your feet and in the water. Small-group travel with a local guide means you move at a pace that lets wildlife viewing happen naturally—no rushing between stops—which is what makes spotting koalas in the treetops and dolphins close to shore possible.
Jet Ski Safari Brisbane: 2.5 hours on your own skiYou ride your own jetski for 2 to 2.5 hours through Brisbane River and Moreton Bay, guided by certified staff, with no license or experience needed. The tour includes a 30-minute safety briefing, a 2025 Seadoo, life vest, bottled water, and a maximum group of ten. You'll see the city skyline, bridges, and waterfront mansions, with a chance of dolphins or turtles. Book at least 15 minutes before your departure time at City Botanic Gardens River Hub.Is it for me?Right for anyone 16 or older who wants to control their own watercraft and see Brisbane from the river and bay without needing a license or prior experience—the guided format and small group size mean you get instruction and safety without the learning curve.
Learn to Surf at Broadbeach: 2-Hour Lesson with EquipmentA 2-hour surf lesson at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast with Go Ride a Wave, a school teaching since 1987. You get a soft beginner surfboard, wetsuit or rash shirt, sunscreen and instruction from a fully qualified guide. Lessons run daily at 10am and 2pm; meet at the van beside Kurrawa Surf Saving Club, where showers and toilets are nearby to rinse off after. The school can arrange photos of you standing up if you want proof of the moment.Is it for me?The two-hour window fits between other activities on your Gold Coast day without eating the whole morning or afternoon. If you want to learn the basics and actually ride a wave in one session without committing to a full day, this is the format that makes it possible.
Byron Bay & Gold Coast Day Trip from Brisbane: Lighthouse & BeachesYou spend the day in a small group traveling north from Brisbane to Byron Bay's lighthouse, with stops at a working farm for morning tea, free time in Byron Bay town for lunch and the beach, a detour to Bangalow's local shops, and a scenic lookout on the Gold Coast on the return. Transport, water, and entry fees are included; you arrange your own meals in town.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Byron Bay's lighthouse and beaches without arranging your own transport or worrying about driving—the small group and fixed itinerary mean you show up and the day unfolds, with enough free time in town to do what matters to you.
Moreton Island: Eco Marine Safari Cruise & Guided SnorkelYou’ll swim through Tangalooma Wrecks on a guided snorkel tour, watch dolphins and turtles from a comfy boat with local guides sharing stories, then relax with fresh lunch and free time on Moreton Island’s soft sand. Expect laughter, salt air, and moments you’ll want to tuck away for later.
Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop Brisbane: Make Your OwnA 2.5-hour mosaic lamp-making class in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, where you learn 500-year-old Turkish techniques, design geometric patterns, and leave with your own finished lamp. The studio provides all materials, expert instruction in English, Chinese or Turkish, and Turkish tea with homemade shortbread cookies.Is it for me?Choose this if you want to make something tangible to take home—the hands-on format and included materials mean you're creating from start to finish, not just watching or learning theory.
Kayaking Brisbane: Guided river paddling, day or nightKayaking on the Brisbane River is a guided paddle with a fully-qualified instructor, all equipment, and a choice of day or night departures. The activity runs 90 minutes, starting at Riverlife. Minimum age is 8 for day tours and 12 for night tours; all areas are wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.Is it for me?The 90-minute paddle fits a morning or afternoon without consuming your whole day, leaving room for other Brisbane activities before or after. Choose the day departure if you want to paddle in daylight, or the night tour if you'd rather see the city lights on the water—just note that night tours require a minimum age of 12.
Brisbane: Kangaroo Point Cliffs Abseiling with Guide & GearYou’ll feel your heart race as you step off Brisbane’s Kangaroo Point Cliffs with a local guide leading the way. From nervous laughter at the top to gritty rock under your hands on the way down, every moment feels real — especially when you spot boats drifting below or share a joke with your group. All equipment is included so you can focus on that rush when your feet finally touch ground.
Lowest price (10)
Brisbane Dark Stories True Crime Walking TourYou walk Brisbane's streets with a guide who knows the city's criminal past—the fraudsters, brawlers, and crimes of passion that shaped the place. You'll see the actual locations where it happened, hear the stories the city tried to forget, and understand why the bright lights matter so much. Ninety minutes, no car needed, all areas accessible.Is it for me?Right for anyone curious about the real history beneath Brisbane's polished surface, especially if you prefer walking tours over bus rides and want stories most visitors never hear. The ninety minutes fit easily into an afternoon, and the flat, accessible route means you can move at a comfortable pace without strain.
Brisbane CBD Ghost Tour: Haunted Walk & Real Ghost StoriesYou’ll follow a local guide through Brisbane’s CBD after dark, hearing true ghost stories where they happened — from haunted hotels to infamous bridges. Expect odd chills, little-known history, and moments that make you see familiar streets differently. The walk is accessible for everyone and supports local heritage too.
Bloody Brisbane CBD Crime Tour: 2 hours of true crime scenesThe Bloody Brisbane CBD Crime Tour is a 2-hour guided walk through Brisbane's central business district led by crime writer Jack Sim, visiting real true crime scenes including the Arcade Murder, the site of the last public execution, and the Regent Theatre shootout. The tour covers three city blocks across two centuries of criminal history. Children from age 10 are welcome; all attendees must wear flat-soled enclosed shoes and bring a torch or use a smartphone torch app.Is it for me?Book this tour for a free afternoon or a first morning in Brisbane if you want to move past the postcard version of the city. The fixed two-hour length and the guide's 25 years of research mean you're not wandering and guessing—you're standing at the actual places where Brisbane's crimes happened, with someone who has written books about them.
Brisbane: XXXX Brewery Tour & Beer TastingYou get a 90-minute guided walk through XXXX's production floor with safety gear, close-up views of the packaging line (weekdays only), instruction on pouring technique, and three fresh beer tastings in the bar. The tour includes a local guide and wraps by early afternoon, leaving time to explore Brisbane afterward or stay for another drink.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see how a major brewery actually operates without arranging your own transport or timing — the fixed 90-minute slot and included guide handle both, and weekday visits let you watch the full packaging line in action.
Brisbane River cruise 12:30pm: Story Bridge & Kangaroo PointA 1.5-hour river cruise along Brisbane River departing at 12:30pm, with live commentary on Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Story Bridge, Southbank Parklands and the old shipping docks. Afternoon tea with tea, coffee and pastries is included, along with access to the onboard bar and coffee shop.Is it for me?Book this midday departure if you want the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs without an early start—the 12:30pm timing lets you sleep in and still catch the afternoon light on the water.
Brisbane River Sunset Cruise: City Lights & Cheese PlatterYou board 15 minutes early, settle in with a cheese platter and ambient music, then watch Brisbane's skyline transform from sunset gold to reflected city lights over 90 minutes on the river. The boat includes a licensed bar, coffee shop, and restroom. Seasonal timing means you depart at 5:30pm (April–September) or 6pm (October–March), returning within two hours. You leave with a souvenir map of the river.Is it for me?Book this if you want to see Brisbane's transition from daylight to city lights without arranging your own transport or timing—the boat handles the schedule, and the slow pace means you're not rushing past the view.
Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour: 2-Hour Guided TalesA 2-hour guided historic ghost tour of Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane led by haunted historian Jack Sim, author of the Ghosts of Toowong Cemetery series. The tour visits Jack the Ripper's possible grave, Chinese hungry ghosts, the strange phenomenon of Spook Hill, a creepy crypt, and the burial place of Governor Blackall. You receive a copy of Ghosts of Toowong Cemetery (RRP $25) and a donation goes to the Ghost Tours' Haunted Heritage Fund. Children from age 10 are welcome with adult supervision; moderate walking up steep hills is involved, and you'll need flat-soled enclosed shoes and your own torch.Is it for me?The tour starts and ends at Toowong Cemetery itself, so if you're staying in Brisbane without a car, check the public transport options nearby — they'll get you there. The 2-hour walk is steady and uphill, so come with moderate fitness and flat-soled shoes; if steep cemetery terrain or sustained climbing sounds uncomfortable, this one isn't the fit.
Brisbane: Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour & Historic StoriesYou'll walk through Brisbane's largest burial ground with a historian who knows every grave and the real stories behind them, including a statue with a reputation, a governor's tomb, and the graves of murderers and a buried boxer. The tour takes 1.5 hours, covers steep ground, and you leave with a signed book and the kind of local knowledge you can't get anywhere else. Book only if you're comfortable with moderate walking uphill and genuinely interested in the history — this isn't a thrill ride, it's a cemetery.Is it for me?This tour is for people who want to know the actual history of Brisbane's burial ground — the real names, the real crimes, the real graves — rather than a manufactured scare. The steep walking and the 1.5-hour pace mean you're moving at the speed of storytelling, not rushing, which is what makes the detail stick.
South Brisbane Cemetery Ghost Tour: 2-hour lantern walkA 2-hour guided ghost tour through South Brisbane Cemetery (Dutton Park Cemetery) in Brisbane, led by historian Jack Sim with a lantern, visiting the graves of executed Boggo Road Jail prisoners, a ghost girl, a sea captain and a man buried alive. The tour includes a copy of the book Ghosts of South Brisbane Cemetery and a donation to the Heritage Fund. Children must be at least 10 years old; moderate walking on steep hills is involved, and flat-soled enclosed shoes are required.Is it for me?The tour involves a moderate amount of walking on steep hills over 2 hours, so it suits someone with reasonable fitness who doesn't mind uneven ground and is prepared to bring a torch and wear flat shoes. If you're looking for a sitting-down experience or have mobility concerns, this one is built for walkers.
Brisbane: Magic Men Cabaret Show with Champagne & Reserved SeatsYou’ll get swept up in laughter and music at Magic Men Brisbane—front-row reserved seating puts you right in the action, with sparkling wine on arrival and endless finger food served by cheeky waiters. Expect high-energy dance routines, crowd singalongs, and a real sense of celebration—plus after party entry if you want to keep the night rolling.
