Things to do in Brisbane

A Travel Guide by RaD Car Hire

Brisbane is one of those cities that really comes to life once you get a few local tips. The RaD Brisbane Airport team loves helping visitors discover those “oh wow, I’m glad we didn’t miss this” moments – and many of the ideas below also come from the customers who return to the counter raving about their favourite finds.

At RaD Car Hire, we’re all about the journey and making sure our customers get the best possible experience during their time in Australia. Whether you’re here to visit friends and family, chase the sun in winter, or squeeze in a quick city break, a few insider tips from locals can make all the difference.

With branches across Australia and New Zealand, our teams are genuinely passionate about their own “home” cities – and Brisbane is no exception. The RaD Brisbane Airport team spend their days helping visitors plan road trips, pick the right neighbourhoods to explore and find great value places to eat, and we also love hearing what our customers enjoyed most so we can pass those ideas on.

In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best things to do in and around Brisbane – from riverside walks and neighbourhood markets to beach day trips and local food spots. Instead of just repeating the same big-ticket attractions you’ll see on every list, we’ve focused on ideas that the RaD Brisbane Airport team and our customers actually talk about at the counter.

Before you hit the road to explore the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or hinterland, we definitely recommend spending at least a couple of days getting to know Brisbane itself – it’s a relaxed, sunny city that’s easy to explore by car.

Brisbane Activities

Kicking things off, here are some Brisbane activities that the RaD Brisbane Airport team likes to recommend when customers say, “We’ve already seen South Bank – what else can we do?” These are the kinds of experiences that often surprise people, and many are free or low-cost, which is perfect for budget-conscious travellers.

1. Explore Brisbane’s riverside suburbs (free to $$)

The team often suggest using your RaD rental car to wander beyond the CBD and explore riverside neighbourhoods where locals actually hang out. Think leafy streets, character homes and casual cafés rather than big tourist crowds.

Start with a relaxed stroll or bike ride along the river, stopping at playgrounds and picnic spots along the way. Free outdoor exercise equipment and barbecues make this a great zero‑cost morning or evening activity.
If you’re travelling with kids, the team regularly point families towards local parks with shaded play areas and water features, so everyone can burn off some energy before the next drive.

There are a number of leafy suburbs to explore, depending on which way you head – to the east, you will find Hamilton, Newstead, Bulimba, and Kangaroo Point, to name a few. To the west, explore St Lucia, Fig Tree Pocket, Rocklea, or Jindalee. There are lots of beautiful suburbs dotted along the river which make a pleasant change from the usual tourist hotspots around the CBD, especially when you have the luxury of a hire car to get you around.

2. Street art and laneway wandering (free)

Brisbane has its own growing street art and laneway scene, and the RaD Brisbane Airport crew often hear from customers who only discover it on their second or third visit.

Pick a couple of inner-city blocks and go for a “street art hunt”, turning it into a DIY walking tour with your phone camera. It’s free, flexible and a fun way to see the city’s creative side between more structured activities.
Some of our team’s favourite tips for couples are to grab a takeaway coffee and spend an hour just wandering, stopping whenever you spot a mural or quirky shopfront. It’s a simple, low-cost way to feel the city’s vibe.

Whilst your hire car allows you to get around, there is no better way to explore a city than on foot, so combine a trip to the suburbs with an alternative city centre tour.

3. Markets that feel more local than touristy ($)

A lot of visitors hear about the big, central markets, but our team and customers often rave about smaller, more local options that are easy to reach by car.

Weekend farmers’ markets in suburban areas are ideal if you’ve got self‑catering accommodation – pick up fresh fruit, baked goods and picnic supplies, then head to a park or lookout for breakfast.
The RaD Brisbane Airport team say customers frequently come back talking about how these local markets ended up being a highlight: good coffee, live music and a genuine community feel, usually for just the cost of your snacks.

Two absolute favourites with the team and our customers are Milton Markets (Sunday mornings) and Nundah Farmers Markets (Sunday mornings). Both are extremely popular with locals and there is plenty of parking available at both.

If you are looking for a big central market, Jan Powers Farmers Markets are found in three locations around the city – New Farm, Manly and Mitchelton) and you will find everything you need from fresh produce and handmade goods to some pretty serious food stalls from around the world.

4. Free parks, barbecues and sunset spots (free to $)

One of the biggest pieces of feedback we hear is how much visitors appreciate Brisbane’s parks and free facilities.

Public barbecues and large green spaces make it easy to enjoy dinner with a river or city view without blowing your budget; all you need is supermarket supplies and a picnic rug.
Staff often recommend timing a visit to a viewpoint or riverside park for sunset – drive up in your hire car, enjoy the light show, then head back into town for a relaxed dinner. It’s a simple way to create a “wow” moment that costs almost nothing.

You can easily make a day of things by visiting a farmers market in the morning to stock up on picnic items and then heading to one of the many amazing parks in the city in the afternoon. You will find great parks in some of the suburbs already mentioned including New Farm Park, Captain Burke Park at Kangaroo Point or the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha.

5. Easy Brisbane day drives (mostly free, fuel only)

Because so many RaD customers are using Brisbane as a base, our airport team are used to planning relaxed half‑day and full‑day drives.

One popular suggestion is to pick a direction – north, south or inland – and choose one small town or village to explore. Have a wander, grab a coffee, check out a short walk or lookout, then drive back via a different route.
Customers often tell us how much they enjoyed these unhurried days following local tips rather than ticking off big attractions; it’s a great way to see a more authentic side of South East Queensland.

Popular destinations with the RaD team in Brisbane include:

South

· Natural Bridge

· Lamington National Park

· Sea World or Wet ‘n’ Wild

· Mount Tamborine

North

· Bribie Island

· Australia Zoo

· Caloundra

· Mount Ngungun

Inland

· Mount Coot-Tha

· Scenic Rim

· Ipswich

· Toowoomba

Brisbane Places to Eat

Choosing where to eat can be one of the toughest parts of planning a trip, and Brisbane has plenty of options for every taste and budget. The RaD Brisbane Airport team have pulled together a mix of places that staff love personally and that customers keep recommending when they drop the keys back.

Below are some styles of places to look for, along with an idea of budget using $ (Budget‑Friendly) to $$$$ (Luxury).

Wrapture

Cuisine: Street food, wraps and bowls
Budget: Budget-friendly ($)
Suburb: West End
Highlights: Wrapture serves up fresh, generously filled wraps, salads and bowls with big flavours and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, making it a firm favourite with the RaD Brisbane Airport team for a quick, healthy bite. Born in the local markets, it still has that casual, community feel, and customers often mention it as a great value stop when they’re exploring West End’s eclectic streets.

Bird's Nest

Cuisine: Japanese yakitori and izakaya-style small plates
Budget: Moderate ($$)
Suburb: Multiple locations (inner-city Brisbane)
Highlights: Bird’s Nest specialises in authentic yakitori grilled over traditional binchotan charcoal, with a menu of skewers and Japanese street‑food‑style dishes designed for sharing. The RaD Brisbane Airport team likes to recommend it to couples and groups looking for a fun, social dinner, and many customers come back talking about the friendly, energetic service and the feeling of discovering a little slice of Japan in Brisbane.

Bosco

Cuisine: European-inspired grill and wine bar (French, Italian, Spanish influences)
Budget: Upscale ($$$)
Suburb: Newstead
Highlights: Bosco is a stylish wine and grill restaurant loosely inspired by the coastal and olive‑oil regions of France, Italy and Spain, with a strong focus on beautiful bread and produce-driven dishes. Set in a converted bakery and warehouse, it has a warm, buzzy atmosphere that the RaD Brisbane Airport team say is perfect for a more grown‑up night out, and customers often mention it as one of their standout meals in Brisbane thanks to the thoughtful wine list and relaxed yet polished service.

Clarence

Cuisine: Contemporary Australian
Budget: Upscale ($$$)
Suburb: Woolloongabba
Highlights: Tucked away on Stanley Street, Clarence is a neighbourhood restaurant that punches well above its weight, with a seasonal menu of modern Australian dishes and a serious focus on good wine. The RaD Brisbane Airport team likes to suggest it to food-loving visitors staying on the south side, and diners often tell us they loved the intimate dining room, attentive staff and feeling of having found a local secret rather than a big, touristy venue.

Olive Thyme

Cuisine: Turkish and Mediterranean
Budget: Moderate to Upscale ($$ – $$$)
Suburb: Albion
Highlights: Olive Thyme brings the flavours of Anatolia to a beautiful heritage‑listed 1920s building, with colourful plates, shared mezze and generous mains that showcase vibrant Turkish and Mediterranean ingredients. It’s a spot the RaD Brisbane Airport team often recommend for celebratory dinners and groups, and customer feedback frequently mentions the warm hospitality, fantastic bread, and show-stopping desserts like kunefe that are perfect to share at the end of the meal.

Additional cafes and casual eats the RaD Brisbane Airport team and our customers love:

Farm House Kedron – homely, all-day café with great coffee and hearty brunches ($$)
Birdhouse Cafe – relaxed local spot for breakfast and lunch, ideal for a pre‑road‑trip feed ($$)
West End Coffee House – speciality coffee and creative brunch plates in one of Brisbane’s most interesting suburbs ($$)
Sprout Bakery – small bakery turning out excellent sourdough, pastries and takeaway coffee ($)
Christian Jacques Bakery – French-style bakery with flaky croissants and beautiful tarts, perfect for a budget-friendly treat ($)
La Macelleria – Italian-style gelato and desserts that staff and customers both rave about for a sweet finish to any Brisbane day ($)

Brisbane Accommodation

Brisbane offers a wide range of places to stay, from simple motels to luxury riverfront hotels. The RaD Brisbane Airport team regularly help travellers match their accommodation style to their plans and budget – and a lot of customers share their feedback when they return their car, which helps us keep our suggestions fresh.

Novotel Brisbane South Bank

Budget: Upscale ($$$)
Suburb: South Brisbane
Features: Sitting right in the heart of South Bank, Novotel Brisbane South Bank puts you footsteps from Streets Beach, the parklands, river walks and the CBD, making it a favourite with the RaD Brisbane Airport team for visitors who want to explore on foot or short drive. Modern rooms, a 20‑metre pool, gym, on-site restaurant and bar, plus family-friendly perks like kids‑eat‑free breakfast, give you all the comforts of a big hotel with easy access to Brisbane’s main attractions.

Clix Apartments Brisbane

Budget: Moderate ($$)
Suburb: South Brisbane
Features: Clix Apartments offer self-contained studio and one-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, making them ideal for longer stays or budget-conscious travellers who want to cook some of their own meals. Set in South Brisbane, they’re close to South Bank Parklands, public transport and the river, which the RaD Brisbane Airport team often recommend for guests planning to drive out for day trips but still enjoy an easy walk to the waterfront.

The Johnson Brisbane

Budget: Modern, mid‑range to upscale ($$ – $$$)
Suburb: Fortitude Valley
Features: The Johnson Brisbane is a boutique hotel in the heart of Fortitude Valley, known for its stylish rooms, rooftop bar and strong local vibe. The RaD Brisbane Airport team likes to suggest it to travellers who want to be close to the city’s nightlife and live music scene without staying in the CBD, and many guests mention the easy access to dining, bars and the river from the hotel.

YHA Brisbane City

Budget: Budget‑friendly ($)
Suburb: Brisbane City (near Roma Street / Suncorp Stadium)
Features: YHA Brisbane City is a modern, award-winning hostel located close to Roma Street transport hub, Suncorp Stadium and the CBD, making it an excellent base for budget-conscious travellers who still want to be in the heart of the city. With a rooftop pool and bar overlooking the river, spacious communal kitchen, free Wi‑Fi and a mix of dorms and private rooms, it’s a favourite of the RaD Brisbane Airport team for backpackers, solo travellers and small groups who want to save money without sacrificing comfort or social atmosphere.

Crystalbrook Vincent

Budget: Luxury ($$$$)
Suburb: South Bank, Brisbane
Features: Crystalbrook Vincent is a boutique, design-led hotel in South Bank with a strong focus on style, comfort and local character, appealing to travellers who want a more intimate stay than a big chain hotel. Just steps from the river, parklands and the CBD, it’s a favourite of the RaD Brisbane Airport team for guests who want to combine a relaxed vibe with easy access to Brisbane’s best sights and dining.

Brisbane Attractions

Brisbane has a mix of world‑class cultural spots, beautiful green spaces and fun family‑friendly experiences that are easy to enjoy with a hire car from the airport. The RaD Brisbane Airport team and our customers frequently mention these attractions as some of the highlights of their stay, and they’re perfect for blending with your own road‑trip plans along the coast or hinterland.

GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art)

Cost: Entry to the main gallery is free; some special exhibitions and events may have a fee
Features: GOMA is one of the leading modern art galleries in the Asia–Pacific, with striking architecture and a diverse program that includes contemporary art, film, experimental music and interactive exhibitions. It’s a go-to stop for visitors who enjoy thought-provoking art without needing a huge budget, and many RaD customers come back raving about the bold, immersive shows and the relaxed riverside setting.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot‑tha

Cost: Free entry (some special events or guided tours may charge)
Features: Nestled at the foot of Mt Coot‑tha, the botanic gardens feature beautifully landscaped gardens, rainforest walks, a Japanese garden and panoramic views of the city once you reach the lookout. The RaD Brisbane Airport team often recommend this spot for a peaceful morning or afternoon stroll, and families love the easy walking paths, picnic spots and the chance to let kids explore the different plant zones.

Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

Cost: Very low entry fee (around $10–$15 for adults, with discounts for children and concessions; check current rates online)
Features: Located in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium offers a fun, educational escape into the night sky with state‑of‑the‑art shows, star talks and hands‑on exhibits. It’s a favourite of the RaD Brisbane team for families and school‑trip visitors, and many customers say it’s a surprisingly affordable way to cap off a day of city sightseeing with something a bit different.

CityCat Ferry Tour

Cost: Uses regular TransLink fares (single‑trip ticket or top‑up on a Go Card); RiverCity Ferries also offer special hop‑on‑hop‑off style tours with sightseeing add‑ons
Features: The CityCat and smaller ferry services let you explore Brisbane along the river, with frequent stops at South Bank, North Quay, Kangaroo Point and the CBD. The RaD Brisbane Airport team often suggest a short self‑guided ferry “tour” for visitors who want to see the city skyline, riverbanks and key landmarks without paying for a big‑ticket cruise, and many customers say it’s one of the cheapest ways to get a real feel for the city’s layout.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Cost: General admission around $50–$60 per adult (with discounts for kids and concessions; check the official site for current prices and combo deals)
Features: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, offering up‑close encounters with koalas, kangaroos, wombats and other native animals, plus daily wildlife shows and photo opportunities. The RaD Brisbane Airport team regularly recommend it to families and first‑time visitors who want an authentic Australian wildlife experience that’s still easy to reach by car or a short drive from the city, and many RaD customers say it’s the highlight of their Brisbane trip.

Renting a car in Brisbane

If you’re flying into Brisbane Airport – domestic or international – the RaD Brisbane Airport team is ready to help you get on the road quickly and easily. Many customers comment on how friendly and efficient the experience is, with personal meet‑and‑greet service and clear instructions for pick‑up and drop‑off.

Why choose RaD at Brisbane Airport?

Terminal Pick Up and Drop Off Service (No Shuttle Required)
We offer a conveniently located pick up and drop off parking area within the Airport, so you can get on the road faster, which customers often tell us is faster and less stressful than dealing with big on‑airport queues or shuttle buses.
Cars and prices for every budget
The Brisbane fleet includes everything from small hatches to 8‑seater people movers, with both new/near‑new and budget ranges available – ideal whether you’re watching every dollar or treating yourself. Many reviews mention that prices are “better than anyone else” and that the cars are clean, reliable and perfect for road trips up and down the coast.
Friendly, local advice
One of the things that really stands out in customer feedback is how personal and helpful the service is – from explaining the best way to get to the Sunshine Coast to suggesting local shortcuts and favourite stops. Regulars tell us they keep coming back because the process is seamless and the team genuinely care about making your trip as smooth as possible.

Whether you’re planning to stay close to the city or use Brisbane as a launchpad for a bigger Queensland adventure, renting a car with RaD at Brisbane Airport gives you the flexibility to follow your own itinerary – and to make the most of those local tips from our team and from the travellers who’ve driven the same roads before you.