What to do in Brisbane

Advice on what to do in Brisbane, including culture, relaxation, nightlife, sport and food.

Cultural attractions in Brisbane

While perhaps not the most culturally enlightening endeavour one can undertake, a tour around the Castlemaine XXXX brewery gives a fun insight into an integral part of Australian and Brisbanian life. And there are free samples to enjoy, of course.

The QUT Museum does justice to the local art scene, featuring progressive works from prints to sculptures to ceramics by young artistic upstarts and students from QUT.

The Queensland Museum offers an exciting and stimulating smorgasbord of scientific, environmental and historic exhibits.

Relaxation in Brisbane

One of the area's most famous exports is the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, and fans of the gregarious croc lover can visit his very own Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast. Offering a truly interactive wildlife experience, visitors can wraps themselves in the paws of koala bears or in the scaly skin of pythons.

Brisbane is known affectionately as Bris Vegas, and those fancying a flutter can pop down to the glamorous Conrad Treasury Casino or spend some of their Australian dollars at the immaculately landscaped Doomben Racecourse.

To ramble around the scenic outback in Brisbane, the city's Forest Park offers plenty of wildlife to relax with.

Nightlife in Brisbane

To take in some of the city's best live bands or have a late-night tipple, Ric's Café Bar on Brunswick Street is the first port of call for many a local and visitor.

Cheap drinks a go-go at Mary Street, where the music veers on the rockier side while the atmosphere is resolutely upbeat.

Music for the dance fan can be found at The Beat in Fortitude Valley, a celebrated haven of straight, gay, bi and lesbian excess.

For a good old Aussie drinking session, the Victory on Edward Street is as good a place as any, with its sizeable beer garden, live music and dancefloors.

Sport in Brisbane

Enjoy the rough and tumble of a game of Aussie Rules with the Brisbane Lions the team borne out of a union between the Brisbane Bears and Fitzroy.

A normal game of football can be caught with the Queensland Roar at Suncorp Stadium.

Recommended restaurants in Brisbane

Not cheap but worth it for the adventurous array of Australian fusion cuisine on offer, the Red Ochre Grill is a classy and tasty place to while away an evening.

A short trek out of Brisbane's city centre, the famous Breakfast Creek Hotel offers some good value and mighty steaks in an endearingly grandsetting.

Cheap and fresh, the continental menu at the New Delhi Farm is a great destination for a relaxed bite to eat.