There is so much to see and do in Brisbane that it can be difficult to narrow down your options! You want to make sure you’re seeing the best that the city has to offer, without overloading your weekends too much.
To help you schedule your free time, let’s take you through all of the best activities available in Brisbane in 2021.
Hike Mt Coot-tha
Pack a picnic and strap on your walking shoes for the one-hour trek up Mt Coot-tha. The Summit Track is relatively easy, well-marked, and has water fountains along the way. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Brisbane CBD and Moreton Bay. Another must-visit is the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. The stunning natural environment offers a scenic view with extensive gardens and perfect picnic spots, where you can feel like you’re getting back to nature while only minutes from the city.
Go-karting
Just 10 minutes from Brisbane CBD, Slideways is a go-karting venue that offers general and “pro” karts, depending on your need for speed. You can race your mates around the track or practice solo. Go on Cheap Tuesday Racing day for a race against the public. Make it through qualifying and you’ll be on the track competing with other serious drivers. Or, for something a little more unique, visit on a Wednesday for Drift Nights. Whether you’re an experienced drifter, or keen to try it for the first time, this session is perfect for everyone.
Surfing
The closest surf beach north of Brisbane, Woorim Beach is located on the coast of Bribie Island. The waves at Woorim don’t tend to get much bigger than one metre, making it perfect for learner surfers. If you’re an asbolutely beginner, but keen to hit the waves, book in a lesson at Bribie Island Surf School. Alternatively, take a road trip to the Gold Coast for a surfing lesson at Get Wet Surf School, which has taught thousands of people to surf since opening in 2005. Choose between a two-hour introduction, or a more intense six-hour program to hone your skills.
Escape rooms
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to escape rooms in Brisbane. You can grab your cleverest friends and work your way out of an escape room at Fox in a Box Brisbane – Europe’s number one escape room company, now with a location on Edward Street in the CBD. You can choose between themed rooms such as ‘Zodiac Killer’, ‘Zombie Lab’ and ‘Prison Break’. Or, check out Escape Manor. Their ‘The Wine Cellar’ room is perfect if you love cryptic riddles, while in ‘Cabin 13’ you’re joined by a live performer.
Nyanda Cultural Tours
Take part in a 90-minute immersion into Aboriginal culture and customs with Nyanda Cultural Tours. Indigenous tour guides will lead you around Nudgee Waterhole Reserve, Bora Ring ceremonial grounds, and the Bush Food Gardens site. As part of the tour, you will have the chance to experience traditional bush tucker, fossilised weapons, and a smoke ceremony. As a 100 per cent Aboriginal owned and operated cultural heritage consultancy, taking part in a Nyanda Cultural Tour is an excellent way of supporting Australia’s First Nations peoples.
Holey Moley
Perfect your swing – or have fun trying – at Holey Moley, a colourful mini-golfing destination. With two locations in Brisbane – Fortitude Valley and the CBD – you have easy access to quirkily themed challenges, as well as a cocktail bar and tasty snack menu. Plus, both of these venues have their own private karaoke rooms, if you’d like to add some competitive singing to your night out.
No Lights No Lycra
Love the dancefloor but hate the hangover? No Lights No Lycra is a fun, booze-free dance party that rids you of your inhibitions through dim lighting, a spectacular playlist, and the chance to dance like no one is watching (because they aren’t!). Check out the No Lights No Lycra Brisbane Facebook page for details on that week’s playlist or musical theme. Plus, bring your student card to access discounted concession tickets.
Pitch Drop Experiment
For something utterly unique, check out the world’s longest-running scientific experiment, the Pitch Drop Experiment at UQ Physics Museum. Pitch, a type of tar, has been very slowly dripping from a glass funnel for more than 80 years – and yet, to date, only nine drops have fallen!
