Ranging from lookouts to eateries, our list covers what we believe makes Brisbane the future go-to city on the east coast of Australia.

Related: Every Affordable Camp You Need To Know About On Brisbane’s Islands (Stradbroke, Moreton, and Bribie)

1. Mt Coot-tha

Let’s start off with Brisbane’s famous lookout spot, Mt Coot-tha. If you’re a morning person you’re going to want to visit for sunrise, it’s spectacular! Watch the city wake up from the spacious viewing platform. Afterwards, grab breakfast at The Summit Cafe and soak up the views all morning (or afternoon, or evening!) There’s multiple walking trails up the mountain or if you’d rather take it easy there’s a car park situated on the summit.

2. Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Combine your morning at Mt Coot-tha with a trip to the Botanic Gardens, situated at the foot of the mountain. Accessible all year, the subtropical gardens are a great, free, attraction. Featuring a Japanese Garden, Tropical Dome and a children’s playground.

3. Howard Smith Wharves

With its excellent location and eateries, the Howard Smith Wharves is booming in popularity. Located on the Brisbane River, beneath the Story Bridge, the views are star quality. There’s a bustling, community feel to the area, and you’re guaranteed an excellent Sunday session.

4. King Island

Walk on water at this unique location in Brisbane’s Redlands Coast. Start your day at Wellington Point and when the tide is low, walk along the sand bank to the small, inhabited island. Family friendly and dog friendly, it’s a popular walking spot at just 2km return. Best time to visit? Sunrise and sunset make for a special memory at this locally known location. 

Related: Your Ultimate Day Trip Guide To The Redlands Coast

5. South Bank

No Brisbane list would be complete without a mention of South Bank. Boasting Australia’s only man-made, inner city beach, South Bank is quite rightly the talk of the town. Home to an array of restaurants, walking paths and picnic spots, it’s our top place to recommend for a family day out. Additionally, it’s also the art and cultural hub of Brisbane. There you’ll find, Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Museum and State Library of Queensland.

6. Eat Street

If you’re looking for a fun night out and you’re a foodie, look no further! Eat Street Northshore is a vibrant venue selling international street food and alcohol along with live music performances. Entry costs just $5, so go take a visit. Your taste buds will thank you, trust us. 

7. Daisy Hill Koala Sanctuary

Situated just a short drive out of Brisbane, the Daisy Hill Koala Sanctuary is a wonderful education centre. Rescuing and rehabilitating koalas, the mission of the sanctuary is to educate and inform visitors. Situated on a peaceful day use area, it makes for a perfect picnic spot. Spot wild wallabies as you walk along one of the many trails found in the area. Admission to the centre is free. 

8. New Farm Park

One of Brisbane’s oldest parks, you’ll find this place come alive on weekends with local families gathering for a picnic. At just a minutes’ drive from the CBD, it’s easily accessible and is the perfect place to relax in the city. Walk amongst the flower beds and enjoy the impressive vantage point of Brisbane CBD.

9. Paddington

Discover the quirky suburb of Paddington in Brisbane’s west. With panoramic views of the city, it’s become a much sought-after real estate hot spot. Along with its city skyline views, Paddington is home to incredible antique stores, unique recycled shops and a host of eco-friendly independent stores.

10. Brisbane Vegan Markets

Found in the suburb of West End, this marketplace is Brisbane’s first monthly wholly vegan market. Offering a wide range of vegan goodies and delicious treats, its growing popularity is no surprise. Running twice a month, make sure you plan an early visit. Crowds flock and line the street to sample some of Brisbane’s best plant-based dishes.

11. Citylink Cycleway

Brisbane is proud to boast an extensive cycleway throughout the city, making eco travel easier than ever. Cycle stations are prominent throughout the city so there’s no need to worry about providing your own bike. Spend a day exploring the city by pedal and if you’re thrifty you can do it for free! Hire a bike for less than 30 minutes and there’s no charge. Simply swap your bike at the next station and you’re good to go. 

12. Netherworld

Release your inner child at Netherworld and enjoy their numerous pinball machines, board games and arcade. Additionally, you can grab a drink and a bite to eat and make a meal out of it. Another great place for plant-based lovers, their menu is 100% vegan! Customers can choose to add meat and dairy if they wish.

13. Mt Gravatt

Another must-do is Mt Gravatt lookout. Giving Mt Coot-tha a run for its money, this lookout spot is pretty hard to beat. Famous with the locals, small crowds gather to watch the sunset after cycling, hiking or driving to its summit.

14. Jacaranda Trail

If you’re lucky enough to visit Brisbane in Jacaranda season (October/November) then you’re in for a treat. The city comes alive with colour as the purple flowers bloom. Though they are native to Brazil, they have become Brisbane’s iconic tree. Grab your camera and capture the city at its most beautiful. 

15. Kangaroo Point

Whether you want to kayak the Brisbane River or hike the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point has it all. Home for the adventurous, there’s an array of activities to do within this famous suburb. If you’re wanting something a little more down to earth, then simply take a walk along the riverside, it’ll impress you just as much.

16. Rooftop Bars

Brisbane is home to many things and rooftop bars are one of them. Dotted around the city there’s multiple bars to choose from, some of which even contain pools. Live your best life and enjoy a cool down cocktail as you soak up the skyline views.

Related: 7 Incredible Brisbane Experiences To Have On Your Big Lap

The post 16 Things That Locals Recommend Doing In Brisbane appeared first on Big Lap Bible.

Park the car and catch a free City Hopper Ferry to the city, and then catch the free city centre Glyder buses to explore. Must-see places in the city are the Queensland Museum, The Art Gallery and the Science Centre and the Streets Beach, a man-made lagoon-style pool in the middle of the city. There is also an amazing park and eateries within walking distance. Finish the day with a trip on the Wheel of Brisbane.

For the adventurous, take a walk over the top of the Story Bridge in the City Centre and see the views from above.

2. Explore the Islands

You may not really think of island life when you think of Brisbane but there are a number of island paradises just on Brisbane’s doorstep that you should explore whilst here. Drive to Bribie Island, walk to King Island, take the ferry to Moreton or North Stradbroke Island, or take a water taxi to Coochiemudlo Island.

And while you’re there, there’s so much to do! Bribie’s Bongaree and Bellara beaches are popular with families. Between June and September, you can watch whales migrating from Stradbroke Island’s Cylinder Beach (amongst others). You can check out the famous Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island. Or explore history on St Helena or Peel Island.

3. Beach Driving

Get a Vehicle Access Permit and enjoy a 4WD in Bribie Island’s National Park or on one of the 2 main islands off the mainland from Brisbane; Moreton and North Stradbroke. The Ocean Beach Drive on Bribie Island is 23km long and takes you past white sandy dunes and freshwater lagoons. Check tides and requirements before you start.

4. Animal Adventures

You only need to head a few kilometres out of the city to have an animal encounter. Lone Pine Animal Sanctuary is perhaps the most popular with its koala photo ops and daily lorikeet feedings but there are many more wildlife based attractions. Check out Trevena Farm, one of the many Llama farms, Ipswitch Nature Centre, Summer Land Camels or the Dolphin Feeding Experience at Tangalooma Resort.

You can also spot animals in the wild on the various walks around the area, including whales from June to September from on of the islands’ various vantage points.

5. Shop Til You Drop

Choose between Direct Factory Outlet shopping near the airport and the other Westfield plazas and malls and you will be able to shop till you drop. Whatever you are after you will find it in one of these locations.

6. Step Back In Time

If you’re a history buff, Brisbane is home to some great historical sites and memorials. Try Beenleigh Historical Village, Caboolture Warplane and Flight Heritage Museum or Fort Lytton. The latter is Queensland’s largest military museum, which allows you to step back in time with live re-enactments. With 13 hectares of war memorabilia to explore, it’s free for the whole family. Open on Sundays and Public Holidays 10am-4pm.

7.  Head To Redcliffe

Known for its diversity of activities, Redcliffe boasts beautiful history sprinkled in amongst the hustle and bustle of daily living. Take a walk up Bee Gee’s Way where the story is told of 3 brothers who started their career in the Redcliffe area. Grab a bite and walk the foreshore or jetty. Make sure you take a swim at the lagoon by the water along the esplanade.

Want access to the best free camps, top walks, events, local secrets (and more) in the Brisbane region? Click here to get your Big Lap Bible now.

The post 7 Incredible Brisbane Experiences To Have On Your Big Lap appeared first on Big Lap Bible.