7 Things to do Around Brisbane
Posted by Lenny on 28th Nov 2022
1.Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Did you know that down the coast in New South Wales, it is illegal to hold a koala. Luckily it isn't in Queensland so if you fancy getting a snap while holding one of the cute teddy-like koalas then make sure to take a trip to Lone Pine. Lone Pine is located close to the city, in the suburb of Fig Tree Pocket which covers over 18 hectares and there are more than 130 cuddly Koalas. There is a fee which goes towards the running of the sanctuary, which makes it totally worth it. You will only get around 30 seconds to hold them, and it is surprisingly tricky so make the most of it. The staffs are always on hand to help you out.
Unsurprisingly there are many of the other native animals. You can wander around to see, kangaroos, tasmanian devils, wombats and echidnas. You can also partake in other animal 'encounters' including with owls and the mysterious platypus. Overall Lone Pine is a great day out for people of every age. It is totally recommended!
You probably know that K’gari (Fraser Island) is the largest sand island in the world, located just a bit further up Australia's East Coast. Did you know Moreton Island is the 3rd largest and it is just behind its neighbour, North Stradbroke. Moreton Island is just a short ferry ride from Brisbane and there are loads to do from quad biking, camping, shipwrecks diving/snorkelling, and strolling the pristine white beaches. To navigate Moreton you will need a 4WD vehicle as the island is almost completely made of sand.
There are 15 sunken shipwrecks off Moreton Island and they are very fascinating. You can discover them by snorkelling or diving. These shipwrecks are homes marine life has created here
. Whether you are a diver or prefer just to snorkel you will have an epic time.. Actually we would recommend staying over night on the island to make sure you can fit in and see as much as possible. Why not take a tent and camp out under the stars? Even better, jump on a guided tour who will take you to all the best spots on the island and you won't have to worry about driving and all those extra costs like insurances and petrol.
The clue is in the name, located on the southern bank of the Brisbane river, South Bank is the city's lifestyle and culture destination. There are plenty of events on year round to keep you entertained, Queensland's Museum of Art and the GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) for you culture vultures, 16 hectares of parkland, loads of picnic spots and choices for dining out and even the famous Brisbane Wheel.
Our best place to stop off however is the iconic Streets Beach (pictured below). There is a man-made riverside lagoon surrounded by tropical plants and complete with white sandy beaches. On a hot day there really is no better place to cool off. After chilling at the lagoon, why not jump on one of the city's river ferries and take in the city skyline at night. You can even catch the city hopper which is completely free!
I know you are thinking ‘why do I need to go to a zoo if we have already been to the koala sanctuary?’. Well, you just do, crikey! Australia Zoo is the home of the famous crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin, who sadly passed away in 2006. However, Steve's family still manage and work at the zoo. You might be able to meet them as they usually taking part in the crocodile show. The zoo is huge, encompassing over 700 acres, so you really do need a full day there to explore. The zoo is about an hours drive north of Brisbane. Alternatively, you can catch the greyhound bus who have a stop right outside the zoo.
What should you expect to see? There are all the “usual” animals you expect to see at a zoo, but for me it is the 'Animal Encounters' that set Australia Zoo apart. The animal encounter will allow you to get up close and personal with all your favourite animals. You get to go behind the scenes of the animal enclosures, grab a snapshot with some of them, or feed the kangaroos and wallabies for a couple of bucks. One thing you really shouldn't miss is the renowned crocodile show, here you can see the staff feeding the crocs and sometimes putting themselves in to perilous situations, it really is continuing Steve's mission and legacy of 'Conservation through exciting education'.
This one is for you sports fans out there. The awe inspiring Brisbane Cricket Ground, nicknamed the Gabba, is named after the suburb of Woolloongabba where it sits. As well as cricket, the ground hosts Aussie Rules Football, music concerts and it will be the centrepiece of the 2032 Olympic Games. The first cricket match at the site was way back in 1895 so you can probably imagine the history of the place. Tours of the stadium usually run weekly on Thursdays at 11am and booking is essential. Tickets are $16.
The tour is a fantastic experience, however, to really get a feel for the old ground you need to try catch some action in a full stadium with 40,000 screaming fans. Top attraction is the world famous Ashes test, which occurs once every 4 years between Australia and England. Alternatively the Aussie Big Bash League and Women's Big Bash usually run from November to January. The 20-20 format of cricket is short and exciting and is a great introduction if you are a newcomer. Also the AFL runs from March - September and the tickets are usually quite easy to come by.
Story Bridge is a heritage-listed cantilever bridge that goes over Brisbane river and connects the northern suburbs to the southern. It was built in 1940 to carry road and pedestrian traffic. By all means, you should take a stroll over the bridge and get a feel for the old gal. Although, climbing the bridge will give you a full 360 degree panorama view over the city and it's surroundings. From the Glass House Mountains to Moreton Bay, and south to the Scenic Rim. You will be sure to enjoy the best views in Brisbane.
There are 4 different types of climbs to choose from: dawn, daytime, twilight and night. They are all fantastic and offer different experiences. Whether it is a beautiful sunrise, sunset, the lit up city view at night, or the far off scenic views on a clear day, it all depends on you. Our personal favourite is the Twilight climb as you head up the bridge as the sun is coming down and you can enjoy a gorgeous sunset from the top, then descend from the summit as the city comes to life at night. The whole experience takes a couple of hours and is definetly a must-do!
Who likes beer? Well this one is for you. XXXX is Queensland's pride. Of course there are other Queensland branded beers available but in the sunshine state XXXX is the brew of choice of many locals. If you love your beer then this is a Brisbane highlight. The tour itself lasts approximately an hour and half, going from the brewing methods, ingredients, the 135 year history of XXXX, and of course, you can learn how to pour the perfect pint (or schooner).
So if you ever wondered why it is called XXXX, how it is made, or what it tastes like fresh out of the brewery, then head to the tour on Fri-Sun for $32. The brewery is in the heart of the city so is easy to get to. Just in case you are wondering, yes, you get to taste the beer. The tour concludes with a beer tasting session with your tour guide plus a free gift. Cheers.
So, there you have it. 7 of the best things to do in and around Brisbane. Sure, there are plenty more to see and do in this Queensland city, but I can't give it all away! Brisbane really is a truly fantastic city with so much to do and some of the friendliest locals around. Enjoy it and you will definitely want to come back for more!
Where are you going on your next adventure? If you need some inspiration check out our other blog posts to discover some new locations.