It’s already home to some of Australia’s hottest hotels, a stellar roof bar scene, and yes, that postcard-perfect weather, but as we hurtle towards 2032 when Brisbane will host the Olympic Games, the city is experiencing a glow-up of the ages.

We’re not going to tell you which bar or restaurant to book or insist you visit Howard Smith Wharves (although you really should), but list a few of the quirkier attractions you can book around the city. 

After all, who doesn’t love having a great story to tell? 

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Enjoy underground opera

Opulent opera halls will always have their place, but it’s hard to go past a company which specialises in showcasing productions in some of the most spectacular spaces, not only in and sound Brisbane, but around the country. Brisbane-based company, Underground Opera, has put together opera productions in abandoned mines, remote islands, caves, aeroplane hangars and castles – the question is where will they be next? 

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Take a cemetery tour

Sure, it might be located in Greater Brisbane rather than the CBD but why let a tight grasp of local geography stop you from enjoying a tour of Brisbane’s largest cemetery? Goodna Cemetery is said to be one of our most haunted cemeteries, but is this really the case? The best way to find out is by booking a Goodna Cemetery Haunted History tour with Ghost Tours Australia. The two-hour guided tour is just one of a handful offered by the company.

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Say hello to Venice

It will take a little imagination (and perhaps some serious squinting) but there’s no reason you can’t pretend you’re in Venice while you’re living it up on Brisbane RIver. Golden Gondola provides the vessel, its closed-in and chauffeured gondolas making their way up and down the river as you enjoy a meal, ar just the scenery. Options include a private evening dinner cruise, anniversary cruise, early bird breakfast cruise, temptation cruise, midday dining cruise and an evening cuddle cruise. 

Do a helicopter pub crawl

Stumbling from pub to pub is for amateurs; with Pterodactyl Helicopters you can instead treat yourself to an experience that takes you from vineyard to pub to brewery – and maybe even a restaurant – by chopper. You can choose from a country pub tour (the pubs themselves remain a surprise), or you can opt for a coastal tour which treats guests to views over Moreton Island, North Straddie, Northern Gold Coast and Mt Tamborine between drinking holes.

Abseil in the heart of the city

Dangling off tall structures (in this case, the sheer rock faces of Kangaroo Point Cliffs) isn’t for everyone, but should you be one of those keen to tackle the cliffs, you’re in luck. Under the expert guidance of the team at Riverlife, you can abseil the 20-metre high cliffs, which frankly seem far higher when you’re leaning out backwards right at the top, and then put your hand up for yet another of their adventure options. Friday Night Fiesta de Kayak anyone?

Shop the Suitcase Rummage 

Everyone loves a good weekend market and Suitcase Rummage is the gift that keeps on giving. Run like a large community garage sale, “stall holders” must sell things cheaply out of suitcases only, no tables, gazebos and racks allowed. What began as a grass-roots enterprise in Brisbane devoted to encouraging more people to recycle and reuse pre-loved items, has since extended across the east coast, but Queen Street is still the place to be.

Catch a movie at the drive-in

Catching a lift back to your (or your parents’) childhood is as easy as booking tickets to see a movie at Yatala Drive-In, Brisbane’s last remaining permanent drive-in theatre. You’ll need to get in early; queues start well before the commercials roll – particularly on weekends. Just remember there’s a 50s-style diner onsite so make plenty of time for both. And don’t forget the snacks! 

Enjoy a free tour of the city

First time in Brisbane and trying to get your bearings? Or perhaps you’d just like to get to know a little more about the city’s history? You can book one of several Brisbane Greeters tours – each one free of charge – and discover all the facts that make the city tick. Choose from a Twilight Tour, Penal Colony and Early Settlement History, 21st Century Brisbane, or just a Daily Walking Tour.