Brisbane Bucket List: 10 Experiences You Can’t Miss in 2026

Planning a trip to Australia and wondering what to do in Brisbane?

Brisbane is more than a stopover—it’s a city with its own bucket-list experiences that deserve a spot on your 2026 itinerary.

I lived in Brisbane for nearly six years, so I’ve done the tourist trail, the local hangouts, and the hidden gems.

Here are 10 Brisbane bucket list experiences to tick off when you visit in 2026.

1. Cuddle a Koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

If holding a koala is on your Australia bucket list, this is the place to do it.

Lone Pine isn’t just the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary—it’s also home to kangaroos, wombats, platypuses, and more Aussie wildlife.

You can hand-feed kangaroos, watch a sheep-shearing demo, and snap a hundred photos you’ll treasure forever. Honestly, the hardest part is resisting the urge to pack a koala in your carry-on (don’t—customs won’t be amused).

👉 Go early in the day for fewer crowds and livelier animals. Click here to book your Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary ticket online and skip the wait at the gate.

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2. Climb the Story Bridge

Forget climbing stairs at the gym—climb a bridge instead. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb gives you 360-degree views of Brisbane, the river, and out toward Moreton Bay.

If you’re feeling extra brave, you can even abseil back down. Nothing says “I visited Brisbane” quite like dangling off its most iconic landmark.

👉 Book a twilight climb here. Watching the sunset and then seeing the city lights switch on is pure magic.

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3. Cool Off at Streets Beach

Right in the middle of South Bank, you’ll find a man-made lagoon complete with white sand and palm trees. Streets Beach is free, family-friendly, and the best way to beat Brisbane’s subtropical heat without leaving the city.

It’s like a beach holiday inside a city break—double win.

Pro tip: Go midweek if you prefer fewer crowds and more sand space.

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4. Wander Through QAGOMA

Even if you’re not usually an “art person,” the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) will win you over.

Expect interactive exhibits, contemporary installations, and a strong focus on Indigenous art.

Plus, it’s free entry and air-conditioned—a blessing when Brisbane decides to crank the humidity up to 100%.

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5. Sunset Drinks at Howard Smith Wharves

Tucked under the Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves is one of Brisbane’s best riverside hangouts.

Grab a craft beer at Felons Brewing Co. or sip cocktails while the bridge lights up overhead.

The atmosphere is relaxed but buzzing—perfect for that “holiday but still trendy” vibe.

Pro tip: Go at dusk for the best photos. Your Instagram will thank you.

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6. Take in the View from Mount Coot-tha

If Brisbane had a postcard, it would be the view from Mount Coot-tha.

From sunrise to sunset, the lookout gives you sweeping panoramas of the city, river, and bay.

Down below, you can also explore the Brisbane Botanic Gardens or visit the planetarium if you’re feeling starry-eyed.

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7. Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island

A short ferry ride from the city takes you to Moreton Island, where the Tangalooma Wrecks wait beneath the surface.

Snorkeling among these shipwrecks is like swimming through an underwater playground, complete with tropical fish and corals.

Stay until evening and you can hand-feed wild dolphins—a memory that will stick with you long after the sand is out of your shoes.

PRO TIP: Book a tour that includes dolphin feeding, snorkeling gear, and ferry transfers for a hassle-free experience. For everything you need to plan your visit, check out my guides: 5 Best Moreton Island Day Trips and 21 Awesome Things to Do in Moreton Island

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8. Spot Kangaroos on North Stradbroke Island

“Straddie,” as the locals call it, is paradise for beach lovers and wildlife spotters. Kangaroos lounge by the coast, koalas munch in the trees, and whales migrate past in winter.

If you dive, the underwater life is just as spectacular.

I’ve written a full guide on it—check out my post: Ultimate Guide to Diving in North Stradbroke Island, Australia to plan your underwater adventure.

But even if you’re not diving, a simple beach day here is worth the trip.

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9. Feast at Eat Street Northshore

Imagine dozens of shipping containers turned into food stalls, fairy lights overhead, live music, and every type of cuisine you can think of.

That’s Eat Street Northshore, and yes, it’s as fun as it sounds.

This is foodie heaven, and stretchy pants are strongly recommended.

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10. Dance the Night Away in Fortitude Valley

No Brisbane bucket list is complete without a night in “the Valley.”

By day it’s quirky and cool, but at night it transforms into the city’s nightlife hub.

Whether you’re into live music, rooftop cocktails, or dance floors that don’t close until sunrise, the Valley has you covered.

Pro tip: Don’t overthink your dance moves. Nobody else is.

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The Wrap-Up: Your Brisbane Bucket List

There you have it—10 Brisbane experiences that belong on your 2026 bucket list.

From cuddling koalas to snorkeling shipwrecks, this city has a little bit of everything: adventure, culture, food, and just the right amount of sunshine.

Want even more inspiration? Check out my full guide: Is Brisbane Worth Visiting? 15 Best Reasons to Go in 2026

Pack your sunnies, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready—Brisbane is waiting. Safe travels!