So you’ve just moved to the Sunshine State and keen to get settled in and learn more about the city? These 10 activities will have you feeling like a local in no time. Before you know it you’ll be frothing for a Milton Mango and enjoying a sunset over the Brown Snake (and more importantly, knowing what those things mean).
Nothing quite captures the laid-back lifestyle of Brisbanites quite like a stroll through South Bank. Head out on a Sunday afternoon and spend your time wandering through the parklands and endless array of restaurants. Sunday afternoon’s are pretty special at South Bank, with the City Sounds program offering excellent free outdoor live music down at the River Quay. This pristine patch of grass is also licensed, so pop a bottle of bubbly and watch the sunset over the river.
Want to know more about South Bank? Check out our Suburb Profile.
A Go Card is your ticket to the public transport networks throughout Brisbane and work on buses, trains and the CityCat. Once you’ve got a Go Card, plan your journey by using Translink Journey Planner. To really appreciate all Brisbane has to offer, ride the ferry the whole length of the route, from the University of Queensland to Northshore Hamilton. It takes around an hour and 20 minutes from start to finish and is well worth the time. Embrace the wind in your hair and enjoy the sites of Brisbane from either the front or back deck of the ferry. You can even have your own little Rose & Jack Titanic moment as you cruise along the river on the CityCat.
Eat Street has rapidly become a Brisbane institution, there’s no denying that. This gigantic, vibrant food market has vendors serving out of colourful shipping containers with food from all over the globe on offer. For just a gold coin donation on entry, Eat Street also provides tonnes of free entertainment and music, as well as cocktails and craft beer bars for the grown-ups to enjoy. Our pick for the must-try? A cronut!
Although you can drive all the way to the top of Mt Coot-tha, getting out your hiking shoes is definitely worth it for this one. Just over 3km each way, this hike isn’t difficult, but the view at the top makes every step worth it. Treat yourself to gelato at the summit while looking out over the entire Brisbane region. Make sure you come back at night too — seeing the city all lit up from Mt Coot-tha is a sure-fire way to make you fall in love with Brisbane.
Take in the sights of the CBD from across the river with a picnic at Kangaroo Point. This well-known suburb is becoming one of the most sought-after areas for property buyers, and for good reason! The views over the CBD are unparalleled.
Although Lime Scooters have only been around in Brisbane for just over 6 months, they have very quickly become a favourite mode of transport for Brisbanites. Whether you need a carbon-free way of getting to work, or just want to get from A to B quickly without getting an Uber — Lime Scooters at the way to go. Download the app on your phone, put on your helmet (a legal requirement in Queensland) and get scooting! Lime Scooters provide a great way to see the city without having to walk anywhere. Even if you have no particular destination, spending an hour or so just roaming around on a ‘limey’ is a super enjoyable way to explore Brisbane CBD. You never know what you might stumble upon.
It’s no secret that Queenslanders love a drink or two. Explore our local breweries and sip your schooner like a local. In Milton, you can’t miss the iconic XXXX Brewery and Aether. Newstead offers Green Beacon and Newstead Brewing and newcomer to the brewing scene, Fonzie Abbot in Albion is also well worth a trip. Make sure you also check out Felon’s Brewing Co. at the new Howard Smith Wharves precinct.
Although this one is a little pricey, climbing the Story Bridge is practically a rite of passage. A climb with Story Bridge Adventure Climb will give you a whole new appreciation for the city and its history, with expert guides giving you the rundown on what’s what in Brisbane throughout each part of the climb.
If you’re new to Brisbane, one of the most impressive things about the city is just how close it is to both the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. With so many world-class beaches all within an hour of Brisbane, spend at one of the two coasts and get your toes wet. The best part? Thanks to the mild weather, a day at the beach is a great idea even in the middle of winter.
Brisbane does perfectly poached eggs and avocado toast better than anywhere else in the world (we may be a little bias…). Getting to know your local barista is always a good idea. Plus, enjoy the fact that unlike in Sydney and Melbourne, you can eat avocado on toast and still afford a house in Brisbane!
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