As the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games officially kicked off last week, Brisbane was recently confirmed to be the host of the 2032 Olympics! Packed with many world-class attractions, art and cultural spaces, and breathtaking nature spots, we can't help but miss this charming city given the announcement. If you've got Brisbane on your bucket list destination, make sure you've got all these amazing activities saved for your future travel to Down Under.
6 Best Things To Do In Brisbane
Go whale watching
Credit: Jennifer Cahill on Facebook
Did you know that Queensland is one of the best places in Australia for whale-watching? Every year between June and November, the humpback whale makes an appearance at the Moreton Bay (near Brisbane) as they migrate north to warmer waters.
Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity and hop on a cruise tour from Brisbane. While there are points along the coast where you can chance upon the whales, we recommend going on a cruise as it’s the best way to get as close as possible to the graceful creatures.
Visit furry friends at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
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Bet you never knew you could find the world’s largest AND oldest koala sanctuary in the world in Brisbane! Located about a 30-minutes’ drive away from the city, Lone Pine is dedicated to the conservation of 130 koalas and other native Australian animals.
One of the must-do experiences here is to cuddle a koala! But more than just cuddling and taking photos with these furry beings, visitors are also encouraged to connect emotionally with them and understand more about their habitats.
Admire the city skyline at Mt Coot-tha
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Located just a 20-minutes’ drive from Brisbane CBD, Mt Coot-tha is a great place to see a scenic panoramic view of the Brisbane skyline and Moreton Bay region. Whether you’re here in the day or at night, you’ll be greeted with a magnificent sight. A photo here with the stunning backdrop is a must! There are many activities you can do here like having a picnic, visiting the botanical gardens orgo on a hike.
Enjoy island activities on Moreton Island
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Pristine beaches and crystal blue waters await at Moreton Island, the world’s third largest sand island! This breathtaking paradise is only a 75-minutes’ ferry ride away from Brisbane and it’s also known as one of the least polluted islands along the Queensland/New South Wales coast - so, here’s where you can experience a slice of untouched nature
There are so many activities to do in Moreton Island that we recommend spending at least a full day here or stay a night at the Tangalooma Island Resort. Go snorkelling or glass kayaking around the Tangalooma Wrecks where you’ll find plenty of coral and tropical fish amidst rusty ships which were sunk in 1963 to create a breakwall for small boats stopping by the island.
Conquer heights at Story Bridge Adventure Climb
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If an urban adventure is your kind of thing, you’re going to enjoy your time at Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Climbing up Brisbane’s famous structure, the Story Bridge, is the ultimate way to appreciate the cityscape. It’s also one of the three bridge climb experiences in the world, so muster your courage to explore new heights!
Immerse in the art scene at Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art
Credit: @qagoma on Instagram
Immersing yourself in Brisbane’s vibrant art scene doesn’t cost you a penny, so why not go for it? The city’s passion for urban art and architecture is apparent through the art galleries you’ll discover along the way. Start with the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) where you’ll find contemporary artworks of Australian and international influences on their walls. Can you believe there’s a total collection of over 17,000 works here?
Need more inspiration for your future adventure in Australia? Check these out: