Top Ten Brisbane Experiences Ongoing                *Click here for Reviews*

1.    City Cat River ‘Cruise’

2.    Riverlife Adventure Centre (Kayak, Cliff Climb, Aboriginal Corroboree, Abseiling)

3.    Mt Cootha Lookout

4.    Queensland Art Gallery & State Library

5.    Southbank Parklands

6.    Story Bridge Adventure Climb

7.    Brisbane Planetarium

8.    City Botanical Gardens

9.    City Hall Clock Tower & Museum

10.  Brisbane ‘Eye’ at Southbank

Brisbane Ongoing Experience Reviews

City Cat River Cruise

The City Cat ferries are state of the art and travel from Appollo Ferry in Bulimba (towards the mouth of the river) all the way to the University of Queensland at St. Lucia. An entire one way non-stop journey from end to end will take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. This means that a journey from any one stop doing a complete circuit will take around 2 ½ hours and on the journey you can see the best Brisbane River has on show, all the way from the Cruise Liner Berth at Hamilton back up to exclusive St. Lucia. Marvellous Mansions and ancient buildings line the banks of the river as do many of the city landmarks. Unlike most cruises this won’t cost a fortune and it will deliver many opportunities to stop and investigate along the way. A 2 zone Daily Ticket will allow you to alight and rejoin at any time from dawn to the last service (around 11.15pm to midnight) and costs only $5.80 (Off Peak Daily costs only $4.40 available for travel 9am-3.30pm and after 7pm) . This ticket can be used on any council bus or Train within the two zones on the day. Unbeatable value anywhere! Use this service first and then stop along the way at the many other attractions!

Riverlife Adventure Centre

Although Riverlife Adventure Centre is actually a company it offers such a wide range of activities based in, on and around the Brisbane River it simply has to make the grade on this list. Would you like to experience a real Aboriginal Corroboree performed by local Aborigines whose people have inhabited the lands around Brisbane for thousands of years? Look no further. How about a kayaking adventure along the Brisbane River or perhaps climb or abseil the Kangaroo Point Cliffs overlooking the CBD? If walking a path isn’t for you and you want something requiring a bit of energy then this is your starting point.

Mt Cootha Lookout

Mt Cootha Lookout is situated on the modest and magnificent ‘hill’ overlooking the city of Brisbane. With views east from Moreton Bay all the way around to Toowoomba in the west and everything in between it is simply awe inspiring. If you have a pair of binoculars, great, if not there are coin operated ones available (as you would expect with any lookout) for your enjoyment. At the lookout there is also the great little Kuta Café with reasonable prices and excellent food. If you would like to spend a bit more and make the experience ‘a la carte’ then there is also The Summit Restaurant- a great little gem for a romantic meal!

Queensland Art Gallery, Museum & State Library

You might not be at the New York State Library or the National Gallery in London but the reason to visit these icons is for that exact reason- Variety! The Queensland Art Gallery (incorporating the Gallery of Modern Art) has some of the finest works from Australian and world artists that are envied the world over spanning the early days of Australian art through to modernist and current masters. The State Library houses some of the oldest records of the former British colonies and of course a massive array of novels, publications and digital media. They also have a constantly changing display of Australian historical artifacts that can’t be missed. The Queensland Museum houses a variety of displays both informative and interesting to foreign visitors and locals alike. There are dinosaur remains from the outback (when there was much more water around!), flora and fauna displays (see all the deadliest Australian inhabitants) and the remains of historical pioneer of flight Sir Charles Kingsford Smiths last flight. All three are located in the cultural precinct and are only 1 or 2 minutes apart.

Southbank Parklands

Southank Parklands is situated directly opposite the CBD and covers 17 hectares of gardens, waterways and a stunning beach for lazy sunbathing and a relaxing swim. This lifestyle precinct has everything you need and there really is no reason to leave until your day out is over. There are restaurants pubs and cafes, markets on weekends and school holidays and the Suncorp Piazza with a huge 5 x 4 Metre screen and amphitheatre usually has something happening.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

The Story Bridge Adventure Climb boasts to be one of only 3 bridge climbs worldwide. You can climb the 68 year old Story Bridge on your 2 ½ hour climb all the way to the top of the bridge with views for miles and an experience that makes the Sydney Harbour Bridge pillar climb look like standing on a small box by comparison. The Story Bridge itself spans just over a kilometre, stands 74 metres tall and is the largest steel bridge designed, fabricated and built entirely by Australians. In a recent survey this bridge dominated polls and is named by locals as Brisbane’s Favourite Landmark with a whopping 40% of the votes. This bridge climb can be taken dawn, day, dusk or night but bookings are essential!