Some good things to do in Brisbane despite it not having quite having the range of things to do as it’s bigger sisters Sydney and Melbourne. For us, Brisbane is about getting out of the city and getting some wide open spaces and fresh air.
Australia Zoo
This is one of a few zoos that puts the animals first. This means some times you don’t get to see them that close, but this is how all zoos should be. I’d like to be an animal at this zoo (If I had to be in one zoo). Nice easy drive up north from Brisbane, about an hour and a bit from the hotel we stayed at in the city (Stamford Plaza Brisbane). Food was surprisingly good and inexpensive and they have a big water slide to cool you down although we didn’t give this a crack. Definitely worth visiting and it’s just nice walking around the zoo, not many people (weekday in January), no lines to get in, loads of parking – again, this is how every zoo should be! Put it on your list of things to do in Brisbane if you’re going.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt. Coot-tha
Hire a car and drive out here (about 15 mins from the city). Gardens are ok, but your kids will have a great time seeing the lizards, birds, ducks and other wildlife around the gardens. Look out for the massive spiders that make webs amongst the trees! Even if you don’t have a car, it’s probably worth getting a taxi out there. We went a couple of times. If you live in the West and have access to clean air, parks and open spaces, this is probably not going to be that wonderful (apart from all the lizards) but if you live in Asia you’re going to appreciate it. One of the best things to do in Brisbane that we did and would gladly go again.
South Bank Parklands
Excellent swimming for kids, could keep them entertained for half a day if you want to stay close to the City. Just a ferry ride across the ride and you’ll reach South Bank Parklands, basically a large swimming area ideal for younger kids and for you to have a bit of a cool down from the Brisbane heat. Take a picnic or find something to eat at one of the restaurants nearby. Loads of locals, very little tourists and just a great way to spend the morning or afternoon.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
About a 20 minute drive from downtown. Go early so the Kangaroos are hungrier. You can get up close and personal with the Kangaroos and of course hold a Koala Bear. It’s quite small and not a lot of other animals to see. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good day but if you’ve been to many zoos and other similar places, it’s probably not going to be as entertaining. Definitely worth a visit though and quite well done, I guess one of the must-do things to do in Brisbane.
Cricket at the Gabba
Ok so you probably need to be a cricket fan to do this, but we had a great time watching a T20 match with Brendon McCullum in action. Pounded a quick 50 which was excellent and the locals in the crowd were friendly and made us feel welcome. It was bloody hot, no wind, about 34 degrees and humid, so bring lots of water. Had to get tickets of a scalper website but turned out ok and definitely worth going if you’re in Brisbane when any games are on.
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