Summer Activities & Things to Do Around Brisbane
Brisbane has a lot to offer, and whether you're a tourist visiting for a week or a longer, or a local and looking for things do in summer.
The city, outskirts and greater region is full of surprising discoveries in the warmer months. Cruises, culture, and an exciting city combined, provide a wealth of summer activities to get you out of the house. Brisbane's capital city comes alive in the summer, so enjoy activities like island escapes, cruises and rainforest walks to enjoy the summer months.
Take a Brisbane River Cruise or Hit the Water Yourself
This city of leisure and luxury has the renowned Brisbane River as the ideal background for a summer day out. One of the greatest ways to take in the beauties of Brisbane is from the river. Take a River to Bay cruise to sample the city's signature offerings, see breweries, or visit pubs overlooking the river. With a variety of tour choices that depart from and return to Brisbane's CBD you can admire Brisbane's stunning skyline while tracing a culinary trail of seafood, wine, and craft beer.
Adrenaline enthusiasts can ride with Jet Ski Tours Brisbane to increase the level of excitement. If you'd rather to relax for the day, go on a GoBoat and have the most unique picnic ever! Take command of your own vessel down the Brisbane River, see the sights, and enjoy the ride in an eco-friendly self-drive boats without the need for a licence or prior expertise. Want something a bit more physical? Take a ride on one of the new water bikes and enjoy the Brisbane River as others work out to fulfil their fitness goals for the new year. The stationary bikes, which were introduced in time for summer, are almost difficult to fall off since they straddle two floats. At Riverlife, you may rent one beneath the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Experience the best of both worlds: a wildlife and heritage trip in one day with Mirimar Cruises' daily Koala and River tour to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which is sure to keep any and everyone occupied and entertained.
Take a Day Trip to Moreton Island
Mulgumpin, also known as Moreton Island, is 40 miles offshore and is so beautiful that you don't need a boat or 4WD to get there. With a range of tour operators, you can enjoy all the attractions of a day cruise without having to do any of the hard work of planning it, including sailing, snorkelling over the Tangalooma Wrecks, kayaking, racing down sand dunes, and having a beach lunch. With its white sand, glistening water, and profusion of palm trees, the beaches are stunning and give the impression that you are a million miles from the city.
Explore South Bank
There are plenty of sites and activities in South Bank that are ideal for family outings, romantic evenings or whether you are just exploring solo. The region, which includes Australia's first inner-city artificial beach, is 17 hectares of verdant parklands and is situated on the southern banks of the Brisbane River. Because of this, South Bank Parklands is the ideal location for a summertime picnic with friends, a stroll in the park, or a swim in the pool. Lifeguards are on duty all day, and Streets Beach has the same feel as the real thing, except the waves. The Wheel of Brisbane offers a rejuvenating perspective of the city from 60 metres above the ground, offering stunning 360-degree panoramic views. River Quay, located at South Bank's southernmost point, is the ideal destination for a romantic evening out. A parade of eateries and pubs along Little Stanley St. and Grey St., offer plenty of dining options. The South Bank Cineplex is in the centre of these dining destinations and is a great way to stay cool and entertained on a warm summers’ day.
Chill out in Refreshing Rockpools
Take a free plunge in one of nature's natural pools in a breath-taking location on the outskirts of Brisbane. Rocky Hole on Mount Mee is an hour's drive north, Currumbin Rock Pools is to the south, or Kondalilla Falls is located even further north. The numerous beautiful rock pools and swimming holes in South East Queensland are an excellent substitute for the beach when looking for a free spot to cool down in the summer. Rocky Hole, located in the stunning D'Aguilar National Park, is one of the greatest natural swimming holes north of Brisbane. It's worth the effort to access by unsealed road that takes several kilometres. In the Mt. Mee region of D'Aguilar National Park, Rocky Hole is a charming set of bush rock ponds that provide for an excellent natural swimming area on a hot summer's day. Rocky Hole is roughly eight kilometres away from the well-known picnic area and historic sawmill site The Gantry, and it takes about 90 minutes to get there from Brisbane. An unsealed road leads to Bulls Falls and Falls Lookout, as well as the Neurum Creek Camping Grounds. In good weather, non-4WD vehicles can also access Rocky Hole (with caution). There's a tiny off-road parking area, and stairs down to the rock pools, which have rocky platforms, carved staircases, and caverns all surrounded by dry eucalypt woods. The primary pools are located at the top of the stairway, and on hot summer days, holidays, and weekends, the area around them becomes quite crowded. The pools are mainly shallow, with a few deep sections. There are additional, less populated rock pools if you hike a little bit farther.
Discover a new Dining Favourite
You'll quickly discover why Brisbane's eating scene is flourishing. You have an endless array of flavour options to suit any palate. Brisbane offers everything you could possibly want, from the greatest breakfast locations to the ideal cafes to local dining or bar hopping. You'll want to wine and dine every night of the week with a plethora of new openings. Savour a dinner while taking in the breath-taking scenery, visit one of the numerous rooftop bars with a view of the city, or spend the entire weekend seeing it all. Get in your GoGet and go to some of the best restaurants in the area for the day, or remain put for some unique experiences.
Go Bushwalking of Hiking
In South East Queensland, summertime means sweltering days when people try to avoid being outside too much unless it's early in the morning or late at night. The greatest place for hikers who can't stand the heat is to look for mountaintops, rainforests, beaches, and waterholes. Try for a stroll in the rainforest at Mount Nebo or Mount Glorious, or go for a drive up to Mt Tamborine and Curtis Falls, or past Springbrook and on to Natural Bridge. The temperature is always a few degrees lower in the hills around Brisbane. Keep in mind that the heat can be trouble when hiking in the summer. Make sure you bring extra water for your hike so you have extra on hand. Alternatively, go for a coastal walk or hike, and finish off with a dip in the ocean.
Embrace Culture at Brisbane’s Museums and Galleries
Australia's most visited museum and the largest galleries and library in Queensland may be found at the top of South Bank at the Cultural Centre. The Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art make up QAGOMA. More conventional media and exhibitions can be found in the Queensland Art Gallery, while modernism and abstraction collide at the Gallery of Modern Art. The Queensland Performing Arts Centre, or QPAC, hosts more than 1200 shows annually and has a roster of up-and-coming, regional, brand-new, and internationally recognised plays. In the centre of the Cultural Centre, the State Library of Queensland serves as a knowledge base and community centre for sharing, learning, working together, and creating. You can reserve meeting and study spaces and view the extensive catalogue by registering as a member for free. The Queensland Museum highlights the evolving story of Queensland while showcasing natural history, scientific advancements, cultural heritage, and human accomplishment. The Science Centre on Level 1 offers up-close and personal access to the most recent advancements in research and discovery, while permanent and rotating displays offer engaging educational experiences for both adults and children.
Take and Island Escape to North Stradbroke Island
Numerous beautiful islands around Brisbane's coastline provide for great day getaways or extended vacations where you can explore the outdoors and experience adventure – what more could you want in summer? North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah boasts some of Australia's most breath-taking landscapes, yet it's only one hour from the city centre. The island is renowned for its breath-taking headlands, plethora of animals, freshwater lakes, rolling waves, and infinite white sand beaches. It is almost an adventurer's heaven. Alternatively, take the ferry to Tangalooma Island Resort to explore this haven for eco-aficionados. Experience unique marine life and animals, ATV quad bike rides, sandboarding, shipwreck snorkelling, and a variety of water-based sports.
Stroll Howard Smith Wharves
Howard Smith Wharves is the centre of Brisbane's eating and entertainment district. Settle into the greatest seat in the house on the brink of the glittering Brisbane River, directly beneath the Story Bridge. With some of Brisbane's greatest eateries and pubs, it's a place where options abound, and it continues getting better!
Felon's Brewing Co., an ancient wool shed that has been recently rebuilt and includes a beer hall that opens into the river. Enjoy the on-site produced beers, which taste even better when the river is gently blowing by. The effortlessly stylish Mr. Percival's is only a few metres away. This is the spot to have cocktails while watching the glittering city skyline transform into a magical dusk.
Whatever flavour you're searching for, the Wharves are sure to amaze you. If you're in the mood for something special, try the Cantonese cuisine at Stanley Restaurant, the classic yet stylish Italian at Ciao Papi, or some real Greek at Greca. The Wharves offers everything one might possibly want—from breakfast to lunch to the ideal afternoon drink to dancing beneath the stars (or just relaxing on a bean bag).
Enjoy Brisbane’s Views
There are many more breath-taking places in Brisbane that are off the beaten path. It's difficult to top the aerial perspective of the islands or the CBD that can only be obtained on a helicopter trip. A more budget-friendly option is the fantastic viewpoint over Brisbane that can be had by climbing the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Alternatively, stay on the ground and take in the breath-taking city views from your seat atop the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. More breath-taking views of the dawn and sunset can be seen with a short drive up Mount Coot-Tha, allowing you to enjoy the best of summer whilst avoiding the midday heat. Remain after dusk to witness the city lights and starry skies come to life.
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