Sea World
This oceanographic theme park is filled with all sorts of animals, rides and attractions. You can experience thrilling roller coasters or watch the world-famous Dolphin Show. Sea World also offers up-close encounters with marine animals such as seals, sharks and even polar bears. It’s the perfect getaway for the family or animal lovers. Head over to the Seal Harbour and watch the adorable seals play, or visit the Penguin Encounter to see cute penguins waddling around.
New Farm Park
Escape from the busy city life and head over to New Farm Park for a relaxing day in the outdoors. This beautiful park is filled with greenery, playgrounds, picnic areas and even a rose garden. How about riding a bike along the river’s edge while enjoying the views of Brisbane’s skyline? The park is likewise a favourite for events like concerts and festivals.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
For the thrill-seekers, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a must-do activity in Brisbane. This iconic bridge climb will take you to the top of the city’s most recognizable landmark, where you indulge in breathtaking views of the city and its surrounding areas. You’ll also get to learn about the history of the bridge and interesting facts about Brisbane from your knowledgeable guide. This experience is not for the faint-hearted but definitely worth it for the amazing views.
Glass House Mountains National Park
Just an hour and a half drive from Brisbane, you’ll find the stunning Glass House Mountains National Park. The park is home to several mountains that are actually remnants of volcanic activity millions of years ago. You can go on scenic hikes or challenging rock climbing adventures while admiring the unique landscape. If hiking is not your thing, how about a scenic drive through the park?
Pan Pacific Peace Gardens
At first look, this park, with the usual paved pathways and duck pond, doesn’t seem any different from other parks. But hidden within the park is a beautiful garden, complete with a bamboo forest, koi pond and traditional tea house. The Pan Pacific Peace Gardens is a peaceful retreat, yet within the city’s boundaries. It’s perfect for relaxing or practising mindfulness. It’s also a popular spot for wedding photoshoots, thanks to its serene and picturesque setting.
Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout
This is a mountaintop viewpoint that provides a panoramic view of Brisbane and its surroundings. The lookout sits on the summit of Mount Coot-Tha, which also houses botanical gardens and various walking trails. You can drive up to the lookout or take a scenic bus ride from the city centre. Whether it’s day or night, the view from here is incredibly breathtaking and definitely worth a visit.
Riverheart Parklands
This pet-friendly place has more than just walkways. If you want quality time with your family, then there’s a huge playground that caters to all ages. If you’re into art and photography, the park has an amphitheatre where performances are held. But what’s more interesting here is the fact that it hosts a lot of exhibitions and community events as well.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
One of Brisbane’s most popular green spaces, nature enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. The gardens span over 52 hectares and showcase an extensive array of plant species from all over the world. You can do several things here, like have a picnic or join the tours to learn more about the plants and their habitats. Don’t forget to stop by the Tropical Dome and Japanese Garden for some Instagram-worthy photos.
Australia Zoo
Located just an hour’s drive from Brisbane, the Australia Zoo is a kid’s paradise. This world-renowned zoo was founded by the late Steve Irwin and his family, who are known for their conservation efforts and love for wildlife. Here, you can see a wide range of Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles up close. You can also watch various animal shows throughout the day and learn about these fascinating creatures.
Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve
This reserve is a hidden gem in Brisbane, perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It features walking trails where you can spot various native wildlife like wallabies, koalas, and birds. At the summit of Denmark Hill, you’ll also find an old military bunker with amazing views of the city skyline. The reserve is free to visit and is a great place for nature lovers and photographers.
