Things to do in the Brisbane Region (2024)

Whether you’re a Brisbane local, staying for a while or just passing through, there’s an abundance of experiences to help you make the most of your free time. Spend your days exploring the Brisbane region’s scenic mountains, expansive lakes, ancient rainforests, pristine bays, idyllic islands, wineries, breweries, farms and towns. Not sure where to start? We’ve got 25 great ideas to help spark inspiration. What are you waiting for? Get out there and experience the best of Brisbane, right on your doorstep!

Scenic Rim

1. Get lost in Lamington National Park

Home to some of the oldest trees in Australia, Lamington National Park is filled with flowing waterfalls, lush Gondwana Rainforest and treks for all abilities. Pitch a tent or retreat to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat for a relaxing weekend away.

2. Cook up a storm at Scenic Rim Cooking Classes

Ignite your passion for food, cooking and entertaining, and book a session at Scenic Rim Cooking Classes. Learn from passionate local foodie, Caz Osborne, and finish with a sit-down meal in her beautifully restored Queenslander, Hammermeister House, washed down with local beverages – you’ll leave as a pro.

3. Wander through the lavender fields at Kooroomba Vineyards & Lavender Farm

Nestled in the Fassifern Valley at Mt Alford, Kooroomba Vineyards consists of a cellar door, restaurant and lavender shop that overlook a six-hectare vineyard and a breathtaking purple lavender field. Get lost in the lavender fields, while being surrounded by magnificent views of the Scenic Rim mountains.

4. Get up close and personal with Summer Land Camels

While camels may not be the first animal that comes to mind when you think of Australia, they are etched into our nation’s history.Summer Land Camelsis Australia’s largest wild camel training centre and dairy operation. You can meet gentle camels, feed them, take photos, go for a ride and taste the benefits of camel milk.

5. Spicers Scenic Rim Trail

Whether you’re walking high across the commanding Great Dividing Range or immersing yourself deep in the lush canopy of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest, the beauty of the Scenic Rim Trail is complemented by a stop or a stay at the nearby Spicers Peak Lodge.

Redlands Coast

6. Glamp at Sirromet Winery

Escape the everyday, reconnect with nature and glamp among the gumtrees at Sanctuary by Sirromet. The tented pavilions offer elegant comfort in a bushland setting. Indulge your senses and dine on locally sourced produce from the onsite restaurant. You can even book a winery tour and tasting as part of your stay.

7. Throw some clay at Carys Martine Ceramics

Start a new ceramics hobby or finetune your skills with a workshop at Carys Martine Ceramics. The workshops are designed to build knowledge and get you started on crafting a piece – whether it’s a simple coffee mug or a one-off piece of art.

8. Get your flippers on and head to Bay Island Water Sports

Bay Island Water Sports gets you out on the water with a huge range of water sports and activities including water bikes and kayak tours, suitable for all ages and abilities. Head to Raby Bay Foreshore Park and prepare to make a splash.

Ipswich

9. Sink a pint at The Pumpyard

Four Hearts Brewing opened The Pumpyard in Ipswich to serve house-made brews and tasty food to hungry locals. The 1910 Heritage-listed building was originally the first water source for Ipswich in the mid-1800s. At the bar, sample a brew from one of its 10 rotating taps, five pouring directly from the brewery tanks.

10. Hidden Vale Adventure Park by Spicers

Located just one hour from The City, Spicers Hidden Vale combines the style and comfort of a luxury retreat with the warmest of country welcomes. Explore more than 110km of world-class mountain bike trail networks within Hidden Vale Adventure Park, as well as activities such as bushwalking, swimming, croquet and an animal farm.

11. Fly sky-high with Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights

If you’ve ever wanted to explore Brisbane’s big backyard, why not do so from the sky? Enjoy this unique experience with phenomenal views of Brisbane and its surroundings from a perspective that you don’t get every day. Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights is conveniently located just 30 minutes west of Brisbane City.

12. Take the kids to The Workshops Rail Museum

Step back in time at this award-winning interactive museum. Once a workplace with more than 3000 rail workers, the historic grounds now hold beautifully restored locomotives, Queensland’s largest model railway, interactive exhibitions and more.

North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah

13.Learn about First Nations culture in North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah

Join local Quandamooka guide Elisha Kissick fromYura Toursand hear sacred, untold Dreaming stories, identify bush tucker plants and learn about medicinal bush plants, trees and ochre. Experience local tales, see the sights by the bay and enrich your knowledge of Aboriginal culture.

14. Learn to surf with North Stradbroke Island Surf School

Dive into the crystal-clear ocean at Point Lookout with the North Stradbroke Island Surf School. You might even be lucky enough to see dolphins or whales pass by while learning to surf in this patch of paradise. Treat yourself at Oceanic Gelati & Coffee Bar afterwards.

15. Explore the Salt Water Murris’ Quandamooka Indigenous Art Gallery

A trip to North Stradbroke Island/ Minjerribah isn’t complete without a taste of indigenous culture. Be sure to stop by the Salt Water Murris’ Quandamooka Indigenous Art Gallery. The gallery stocks unique First Nations art, Quandamooka designs, textiles, accessories, gifts and souvenirs.

Moreton Bay Region

16. Visit the cellar door at Ocean View Estate

Ocean View Estateis the perfect place to stop for a relaxing lunch in the restaurant, followed by a cellar-door wine-tasting experience. Be sure to wander the fields and take a few snaps to make your friends jealous.

17. Gondola ride on Pumicestone Passage

Experience Bribie's spectacular pink and orange sunsets from the comfort of your own gondola. Each vessel fits up to six people, can cater breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert and floats along the scenic Pumicestone Passage.

18. Explore Walkabout Creek and D’Aguilar National Park

The closest national park to The City, D’Aguilar is an easy yet fascinating place to explore in a day. Trek through the bushland and rainforest or cool down at Enoggera Reservoir.

19. Grab your binoculars and join Brisbane Whale Watching

Get a glimpse of the magnificent Southern Hemisphere humpback whales as they migrate to and from Antarctica withBrisbane Whale Watching. You’ll be in awe of these gentle giants as they relax in your company, breach, blow and play metres from the boat. Tours operate from June to November during peak migration season.

20. Disco your way down Bee Gees Way

The three famous Gibb brothers who formed the Bee Gees grew up on the Redcliffe Peninsula. Thiswalkwayhonours the world-famous pop group with a life-size statue, more than 60 photographs, 13 album covers, personal stories, a mural and more.

Moreton Island/Mulgumpin

21.Tour Moreton Island/Mulgumpin with Australian Sunset Safaris

Chase starfish by day and stargaze by night on Moreton Island/ Mulgumpin.Australian Sunset Safariswill take you sandboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, trekking and exploring across the large sand island.

22. Feed wild dolphins

Moreton Island/Mulgumpin is home to a wild population of about 600 bottlenose dolphins. At sunset each day, a small pod congregates in the shallow waters off Tangalooma Island Resort where resort guests can hand-feed these majestic creatures.

Logan

23. Race your mates at Kingston Park Raceway

Put your pedal to the metal at Kingston Park Raceway and get competitive with friends on the course. There are four types of go-karts and three separate racetracks for all levels of ability and experience.

24. Visit the koalas at Daisy Hill Koala Centre

The Daisy Hill Koala Centre is set within bushland south of Brisbane and home to a protected population of koalas. Besides housing cuddly koalas, the centre provides valuable insight and information about the species.

25. Experience a cultural awakening at Spirits of the Red Sand

Open your eyes to the history, beauty and vibrancy of the Aboriginal people through Spirits of the Red Sand. Sharing 60,000 years of culture, meet the Aboriginal elders and mobs of this great Southern Queensland region who share the true stories and vibrant spirit of Aboriginal Australia.

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