The best things to do in Brisbane

What is it? Only 15 minutes from the CBD, the Mt Coot-tha Reserve is the largest natural area in Brisbane, coming in at a whopping 1,600 hectares of lush rainforest gullies, eucalypt forests, creeks and waterfalls.  

Why go? The summit offers panoramic views of the city and is easily accessible by car or walking trail. Take your camera and head up early to see the sun rise from Brisbane’s highest point, before enjoying breakfast at the café. If mornings don’t agree with you, the sunset and evening views are equally impressive. 

Time Out tip: Make a day of it! The reserve is also home to extensive hiking and mountain biking trails, waterfalls, picnic areas, botanical gardens, a planetarium and a brand-new restaurant. 

Address: 1,012 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-Tha

Price: Free

What is it? A tragically talented circus show by the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil. It's on at Brisbane Entertainment Centre for a super limited time from September 18 to 28.

Why go? Ever been to a clown’s funeral? This is likely your only chance. Having premiered in Montreal ten years ago, the silly yet tragic Cirque du Soleil masterpiece has enchanted 12 million people across 30 countries, and is now set to make its Australian debut. Created by Daniele Finzi Pasca (the visionary behind Luzia), Corteo tells the story of a clown imagining his own funeral in a carnival dreamscape – bringing together world-class acrobatics, playful music and a touch of tragic humour.

Time Out tip: With such a short showing, tickets will be in high demand – grab yours here.

Address: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, 1 Melaleuca Dr, Boondall 

Price: From $81.50

What is it? Your ultimate guide to Brisbane’s coolest cafés and highest calibre coffee roasters.

Why go? Because brunch is never a bad idea. From hidden laneway gems and suburban corner stores to a quirky Vietnamese spot and a completely gluten-free doughnut shop, we’ve rounded up the best places to go for daytime dining. All that’s left to do is eat your way through this delicious list.

Time Out tip: More of a PM person? You can check out our guide to Brisbane's best restaurants here.

What is it? Face your fears for the panoramic views at the top of Brisbane’s well-known Story Bridge, built in 1940. Punters get an information session on the history of the bridge before starting a climb that can be timed for dawn or dusk. 

Why go? For the chance to scale one of the few climbable bridges in the world, this urban adventure is not for the faint of heart. At the top, you’ll be 80 metres above sea level, with 360-degree views of the Glass House Mountains, Moreton Bay and the Brisbane skyline. In early 2025, the Story Bridge made history by offering the world's first fully accessible bridge climb that's wheelchair-friendly. 

Time Out tip: Sign up for the Bridge to Brisbane, a yearly fun run. There are five and ten-kilometre races, and sprinting across the bridge with the masses is an exhilarating feeling.

Address: State Route 15, New Farm 

Price: From $150

What is it? Originally built in the 1930s, the historic wharves have been revitalised into one of Brisbane’s newest entertainment destinations.

Why go? With stunning views of the Story Bridge, the Howard Smith Wharves are a nerve centre for dining out in the riverside city. The heritage-listed buildings are home to some of Brisbane’s hottest tables, including Greca, Yoko Dining, Stanley and Ciao Papi. The wharves are also the perfect spot for a relaxing riverside Spritz at Mr Percival’s or a locally brewed schooner at Felons Brewing Co.   

Time Out tip: Walk or take the lift up to the nearby Wilson Outlook Reserve for Brisbane’s best sunset views over the Story Bridge.

Address: 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City 

Price: Varies per venue

What is it? A world-first attraction dedicated to the beloved blue heeler, housed within North Shore Pavilion – an extraordinary 4,000-square-metre building in Brisbane’s latest arts and entertainment hub.

Why go? This fully immersive experience invites both the young and young-at-heart to live and play just like Bluey. You’ll need to keep an eye out for those cheeky bin chickens as you arrive at the Heeler family’s iconic Queenslander home, which features real-life sets, recognisable scenes, interactive games and life-size characters from the Emmy Award-winning show.

Time Out tip: 

Just like Bluey does in the show, fans can hop aboard Brisbane’s CityCat ferry and disembark at Northshore Hamilton, just a two-minute walk to Bluey’s house.

Where: 281 MacArthur Ave, Hamilton

Price: From $49.90

What is it? The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is one of Australia's most exciting and respected creative precincts. The complex spans two buildings – the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art – and is idyllically located by the water in South Bank.

Why go? Get lost in the galleries at QAGOMA as you explore more than 20,000 spectacular artworks, with a significant collection of First Nations and Asian and Pacific art. With an extensive collection of free exhibitions, big-name touring shows, a cinema, a dedicated interactive kids' area and numerous special events, there is guaranteed to be something happening whenever you visit. Since 1993, QAGOMA has also hosted the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, which draws around three million visitors. 

Time Out tip: While you’re there, check out the other cultural institutions in this innovative arts district, including the State Library, Queensland Museum and Queensland Performing Arts Centre. 

Address: Stanley Place, South Brisbane

Price: Free (excl. some limited-time exhibitions and events)

What is it? Take a trip back in time with a visit to the City Hall, which was the tallest building in town until the late 1960s. You can explore the museum on level three or take the free, 15-minute Clock Tower tour.

Why go? The Museum of Brisbane is an impressive attraction from the get-go. The venue is housed in Brisbane City Hall – the elegant, imposing neoclassical building overlooking the expansive King George Square. Take the lift up to the museum, which is dedicated to showcasing the art, stories, culture, history and talent of the Sunshine State's storied capital.

Time Out tip: Book a free tour up to the very top of the Clock Tower, offering 360-degree views of the city skyline. You'll go for a ride in one of Brisbane's oldest working cage lifts, look behind Australia’s largest analogue clock faces and might even catch a glimpse of the bells.

Address: Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane

Price: Free 

What is it? An 18-metre-high cliff face where you can take in Brisbane’s best views of the city and river.

Why go? The inner-city suburb is a popular spot for watching the sunset with a CBD skyline backdrop, accompanied by Brisbane’s hilly outskirts in the distance. It’s the perfect combination of natural beauty and shiny cosmopolitan clutter. Park benches amongst the shrubbery and grassy patches make for divine spots to plonk your toosh and enjoy one of the best sunsets in Australia’s eastern cities.

Time Out tip: Kangaroo Point has the second-best skyline view in the whole of Australia. Don't miss it!

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