By QUT International Marketing, 3 August, 2026
Brisbane is a launchpad for countless destinations and activities, so where will you go first? Take this quiz to see what you should explore.
Tap on the links to get to your result!
I want to…
So, you’re not afraid of the reputation Australia’s wildlife has?
- No – I want to see all of them up close!
- What’s this about wildlife? I want to see the sun and sand!
- Actually I was picturing more of a hike…
How far are you willing to travel?
- Ideally I’d just look out the window to see them
- Something reasonable under an hour
- I want maximum wildlife and will build a whole day trip out of this visit
Pick a direction:
⚠️Tip: Australia has beautiful beaches, but you’ll need to come prepared. Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and bring a bottle of water. When getting in the water always make sure you see a lifeguard on duty. Swim in between the red and yellow flags so they can see if you need help!
What would you like to see?
⚠️Tip: No matter where you go hiking, make sure you bring at least a litre of water per person, snacks, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes! Phone reception can be weak so it’s a good idea to download a map you can use offline.
Brisbane has a thriving arts and culture scene. What do you want to see?
What kind of art?
What kind of performing arts?
What would you like to watch?
Bit of a foodie? Brisbane has something for everyone’s palate. What are you in the mood for?
RESULTS
Wildlife encounters
City Botanic Gardens
Located right next to the Gardens Point campus, you barely need to step out of the classroom before you see some friendly bush turkeys, ibises, and water dragons. You’ll spot wildlife enjoying the large ponds framed by rare plants and trees, including heritage species planted in the 1850s. Find a picnic bench by the river to enjoy your lunch, but make sure to hold it close so it won’t be stolen by a cheeky bird!
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
See Aussie wildlife up close at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary! Located just 12km from the city centre, it’s accessible by bus for only 50 cents. As well as koalas, you can meet around 80 species of Australian animals including kangaroos and dingoes.
Australia Zoo
Enjoy a day out in the Sunshine Coast region, about an hour’s drive from Brisbane CBD. The zoo is over 110 acres and home to 1200 animals from Australia and around the world. Most people spend a full day at the zoo as there are shows, cafes and gift shops to visit, however the zoo is close also to the scenic Glass House Mountains and Sunshine Coast beaches, so it is perfect for a multi-day itinerary!
Golden beaches all year round
Sunshine Coast
Pack some snacks for the road and travel an hour and a half up north to access over 100km of coastline. Noosa Main Beach, Mooloolaba Beach, and Kings Beach are ideal spots for a swim, while Coolum Beach, Alexandra Headland, and Little Cove in Noosa are where locals like to surf. When you’re ready to dry off, wander Noosa’s shops and national park trails, grab seafood by the water, or explore the beachside cafes along the coast.
Gold Coast
Queue your road trip playlist and travel an hour south to access over 50km of coastline. Surfers Paradise is the most popular beach, with close access to shops. If you’re after a calm swim or a walk by the beach, look into Broadbeach and Nobby Beach. Beyond the sand, make time for beachfront markets, theme parks, shopping precincts, rainforest day trips or a sunset stroll along the esplanade.
Streets Beach
Cross the bridge between the Gardens Point campus to South Bank and access Streets Beach, right beside the Brisbane River. The man-made beach is a great spot for a swim and relax, with unbeatable views of the city skyline. No need to worry about sharks or jellyfish here! After your swim, explore the South Bank Parklands, picnic on the grass, visit nearby galleries and museums, or grab dinner along Little Stanley Street.
Take a hike!
Springbrook Park
Make a day trip south to Springbrook National Park for rainforest trails, waterfalls and scenery that will make you feel at peace. The Natural Bridge circuit is an easy walk through ancient rainforest to a cave and waterfall, with glow worms visible after dark. If you have more time, add Purling Brook Falls, Best of All Lookout or a cosy mountain café to your adventure.
Mount Coot-tha summit track
Stay close to Brisbane and hike up Mount Coot-tha for the city-view payoff at the top. The popular Summit Track starts near JC Slaughter Falls and climbs through bushland to the lookout, where you can spot the CBD, Moreton Bay and a sunset pic you can proudly show off to your friends. Nearby, explore the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, visit the planetarium or reward your legs with a cafe stop.
Burleigh Head National Park
Head to the Gold Coast for Burleigh Head National Park, where your hike comes with ocean views, rainforest shade and epic photo opportunities. Choose the easy Oceanview track around the headland or climb the Rainforest circuit to Tumgun Lookout for coastal views. Afterwards, wander Burleigh’s beachfront, swim at Tallebudgera Creek or grab a snack nearby.
A taste of the arts
Brisbane Powerhouse
Hop on a CityCat to New Farm to experience Brisbane Powerhouse, a 1920s power station turned contemporary arts venue on the Brisbane River. Check what’s on for comedy, theatre, music, dance, festivals and visual arts, then stay for a bite at one of the riverside restaurants or bars. The building itself is worth exploring too, with its industrial history, creative atmosphere and city views.
QAGOMA
Wander through two of Brisbane’s best-known galleries in the South Bank cultural precinct. QAGOMA brings together the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, with exhibitions spanning Australian, Asian, Pacific and international art. It’s a great spot to cool down, see something unexpected and start a conversation over coffee afterwards!
Museum of Brisbane
Visit the Museum of Brisbane on Level 3 of City Hall to learn more about the city you’ll be calling home. The museum explores Brisbane’s art, culture, history and local stories through exhibitions, tours and creative programs. If you have time, book a City Hall or Clock Tower tour to see another side of this heritage building.
QPAC and the Glasshouse Theatre
Dress up a little or keep it casual and head to QPAC, Brisbane’s big home for ballet, musicals, opera, theatre and more. The new Glasshouse Theatre adds even more sparkle to the South Bank cultural precinct, with a striking glass design and plenty of room for show-night excitement. Check what’s on, grab a ticket and get ready for a very dramatic evening.
La Boite Theatre
For theatre that feels close enough to pull you into the story, visit La Boite Theatre nestled in the Kelvin Grove campus. Its famous Roundhouse Theatre puts the stage in the middle, so every seat feels part of the action. Expect bold local stories, reimagined classics and the kind of performance that gives you plenty to talk about on the walk home.
Riverstage
Catch live music under the stars at Riverstage, Brisbane’s outdoor concert venue tucked inside the City Botanic Gardens, next to Gardens Point campus. It’s perfect for big sing-along moments with thousands of new friends! Check the event calendar, bring comfy shoes and prepare to leave with at least one song stuck in your head.
Get in on the action
Watch a game of footy
Pick a team, learn a chant and get ready for a very loud introduction to Australian sport. Watch NRL at Suncorp Stadium, or AFL at The Gabba, where the crowd is half the fun. Even if you don’t know all the rules yet, the snacks, jerseys and game-day energy make it easy to get swept up in the action.
Get into cricket season
Cricket season runs from October to March each year, and matches can be viewed locally at The Gabba. Settle in for sunshine, snacks and a sport that can be either fast and thrilling or wonderfully slow, depending on the match. It’s a classic Australian summer experience, even if you mostly go for the atmosphere!
QUT Sport
Rather get involved in sport than watch from the sidelines? Access a range of classes, social sport activities and facilities with QUT Sport. Join a team, try something new, or book a court with friends at Kelvin Grove. It’s a fun way to move your body, meet people and discover whether you’re secretly a badminton champion.
Your food adventure awaits
Howard Smith Wharves
Start your Brisbane foodie adventure under the Story Bridge at Howard Smith Wharves, where river views come with plenty of places to eat, drink and snack. It’s easy to reach by foot from the CBD boardwalk, by bus, or CityCat. Come hungry, stay for the skyline, and fill your social media feed with the iconic bridge backdrop.
Market Square, Sunnybank
Take your tastebuds on a mini trip around Asia at Market Square, Sunnybank, where hotpot, ramen, bubble tea, Korean barbecue, aesthetic desserts and late-night eats are all part of the adventure. Bring friends, order something new, and let the group chat decide dessert number two.
West End Markets
Ease into Saturday like a local at West End Markets, where breakfast can become a full tasting tour of pastries, coffee, fresh produce and global street food. After snacking, wander the stalls for unique fashion, handmade gifts and live music, before you somehow leave with more than you planned to buy.
