13 Ways to Get Moving in Brisbane
Blessed with an average 283 days of sunshine a year, living an active lifestyle in Brisbane is not difficult and with so many different ways to move there is really is no excuse!
Has your Fitbit been continually reminding you ‘to move’? Well, you’re in luck because I have compiled a comprehensive list of some of the most unique and exciting ways to do exactly that – move – in and around Brisbane. From cruising down the river in an old-fashioned, authentic paddle-wheeler to conquering your fears and abseiling down the Kangaroo Cliffs to climbing the iconic Story Bridge, there is no shortage of calorie-burning ways to move in Brisbane.
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1. WALK
These boots were made for walkin’! They say there is simply no better way to get to know a city than on foot. With pathways lining the banks of the Brisbane River, here in Brisbane we are positively spoilt rotten with countless incredibly scenic trails. Standout walks which all offer stunning river and city views include the raised 870m Brisbane Riverwalk, connecting New Farm to the CBD, the newly completed 1.2km Kingsford Smith Drive Riverwalk and Southbank’s Clem Jones Promenade. To learn of the numerous other beautiful walks around Brisbane, check out 16 Short and Scenic Walks around Brisbane.
If interested in acquainting yourself with Brisbane better, and wishing to uncover some of the city’s best-hidden gems only in-the-know locals are privy, why not lace up a pair of your most comfortable shoes and join one of the many walking tours on offer. Run by an army of passionate, red T-shirt-wearing volunteers, Brisbane Greeters provide daily free, highly informative greets all over the city. Alternatively, pound the pavement with Walk Brisbane, who run a number of unique guided tours, such as the City Essentials tour, the Sundowners in the City and the Small Bars of the Valley. Whatever way you choose to rack up those 10,000 daily steps, you’re sure to have a fabulous time. For more on foot sightseeing, click through to find a list of Walking Tours around Brisbane.
2. KAYAK
Grab a paddle and venture out on the Brisbane River with Riverlife for not only an oarsome workout but for the opportunity to see Brisbane from a whole new angle. Riverlife offers Brisbane’s only kayaking tour in the heart of the city and are the go-to people for all things adventure. No matter your skill or fitness level, Riverlife has you covered with a range of options. I recommend checking out Riverlife’s Paddle and Prawns experience held on a Friday night, where much-deserved buckets of ocean king prawns and ice-cold beers and wines await after your 90-minute nighttime adventure. If you’re seeking a unique kayaking experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city, look no further than Australian Sunset Safaris, which provides visitors the chance to paddle in a completely transparent kayak over the sunken Moreton Island shipwrecks. Keep your eyes peeled as you’re guaranteed to see an abundance of fish and colourful coral.
3. CRUISE
A cruise down the river is an absolute must-do, for Brisbane is not dubbed the ‘river city’ for nothing. The Brisbane River – affectionately nicknamed by some as the ‘brown snake’ due to its curves and murky colour – flows through the very beating heart of the city, linking the city’s diverse set of inner-city precincts. The CityCat ferry service is easily one of the best ways to navigate the river, running from St Lucia in the south and as far north as Hamilton. The free CityHopper is too a perfect way to get from A to B. However, for a truly memorable river experience you cannot go past a cruise on one of the Kookaburra Showboats, where you can choose to indulge in either a three-course lunch or dinner or high-tea while taking in the sights.
Other alternatives include River City Cruises, the original sightseeing river cruise which provides guests an informative and equally entertaining one and half hour guided tour of Brisbane, and finally, Koala and River Cruise, which have been transporting visitors to and from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for over 70 years. For a complete and comprehensive guide to all the river cruises offered in Brisbane check out Hop on board: Boat tours around Brisbane.
4. ABSEIL
There are not many cities in the world where one is able to abseil in such proximity to the city. The twenty-metre high, heritage-listed Kangaroo Cliffs serve as the ideal place to get your adrenaline pumping and push yourself over the edge. Guided by qualified and highly experienced instructors, Riverlife offers daily exhilarating afternoon abseiling sessions. No experience is needed, only a willingness to take that first nerve-racking leap of faith.
5. CLIMB
Climb to new heights and see Brisbane as you’ve never seen it before, by taking on the Story Bridge Climb, one of only three bridge climbs in the world. You’ve gone under it by boat, walked on it on foot, cycled on it by bike, but have you climbed it? A highly unique experience, Story Bridge Adventure Climb offers daily dawn, daytime, twilight and night climbs. My pick would have to be the twilight climb, as you get the best of both worlds; seeing Brisbane transform as the sunsets and the city lights begin to gradually turn on will be a vision that will stay with you forever.
6. SCOOT
If you have visited Brisbane recently you would have likely noticed one of the hundreds of neon-green electric-powered scooters which have popped up all over the city. This is thanks to the introduction of the global scooter-sharing company, Lime Scooters to Brisbane late last year. Able to reach speeds of up to 27km/h, located by using a map on its free downloadable mobile app and costing only a dollar to unlock and fifteen cents a minute, scooting around Brisbane is a great and super affordable way to see the sights. So, strap on your helmet and scoot!
7. SPIN
Admittedly it may not be as impressive in size as the London Eye, however, The Wheel of Brisbane has become an indisputable landmark of the South Bank skyline and is one of the best vantage points in Brisbane, providing all visitors with a breath-taking 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Whether you elect to go for a spin during the day, at sunset or at night you’re guaranteed a unique experience. However, for an even more unique and truly unforgettable experience, why not treat yo’self by booking a Sky-High Picnic, a newly available option which includes a pre-assembled picnic box along with a bottle of wine.
8. GLIDE
Ever wanted to explore the sights of Brisbane without moving a single muscle or continually having to wipe the sweat from your brow? Well, look no further than a Segway tour. Xwing Tours and Kangaroo Segway Tours both run daily Segway tours across the city. Both tour operators provide guests with a number of tour options, ranging from a brief 30-minute Discovery Tour to more comprehensive options, such as the Adventure Night Tour, running for close to two and a half hours.
9. SWIM
With its less than appealing colour and the occasional alleged bull shark sighting, it means taking a dip in the Brisbane River is off the cards. However, not to fret, Southbank’s much-loved Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach, has you covered, serving as the perfect place to cool off on those hot and humid Brisbane days and nights. Boasting a sparkling lagoon surrounded by white, sandy beaches and sub-tropical plants, Streets Beach is free to use and patrolled by qualified lifeguards all year round. If you’re instead craving a swim in the salty ocean, you do not have to travel far, click through to find a list of the Best Beaches near Brisbane.
10. FLY
Join the birds and take to the skies to see Brisbane from a whole new perspective. Conquer your fear of heights, and get high, real high, with Pterodactyl Helicopters, which offer once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tours in the greater Brisbane area. For example, partnering with local wineries, breweries, and restaurants, why not arrive in style and combine a visit to a winery or dining out with a joy flight for the ultimate, high-class touring experience? For alternative helicopter tour options and charters, click through to find a list of Helicopter Tours and Charters around Brisbane. If helicopters aren’t your thing or you’ve already ticked a joy flight off your list, how does hot-air ballooning with Hot Air Brisbane sound? The early start is definitely worth it when you’re soaring high above Brisbane’s beautiful Scenic Rim watching as the sun gradually begins to rise – what a way to kick start the day! Plus, did we mention as you land a champagne breakfast is awaiting?
11. RIDE
With an array of bus tours on offer in Brisbane, there is undoubtedly a tour that caters to every individual. First up, we have the wine lovers. Catering to both self-confessed sommeliers who are deeply passionate about their reds and whites to those who simply enjoy a good tipple,The Vino Bus is a wine tasting experience like no other. Running half-day and full-day affairs, get ready to swirl and spit to your heart’s content as you make your way through Tamborine Mountain’s wine trail. If you’re feeling brave, Haunted Brisbane Ghost Tours offers guests visits to four of the city’s most haunted spots around Brisbane, including after-hour access to the Christ Church graveyard. If hunting for a bargain rather than ghosts sounds more like you than check out one of the tours on offer with Brisbane Shopping Tours. Click through to find a list of all the Bus Tours around Brisbane.
12. CYCLE
If you really wish to cover some ground, doing so on two wheels is one of the best ways. Pedal-power is healthy and inexpensive and with an extensive network of bike paths across the city, many including a designated cycling lane, riding around on two wheels has never been easier and safer. Plus, you don’t even need to own your own bike to enjoy cycling in Brisbane, as with 150 CityCycle drop-in/drop-off stations dotted across the city, you’ll never be too far away from a two-wheeler. If you’re looking to get pedaling, as well as learn at the same time, Brisbane by Bicycle, guided tours for locals, made by locals are worthwhile checking out. To discover a handful of the best places to put your foot to the pedal, click through to find a list of Brisbane’s Most Scenic Cycle Paths.
13. PADDLE
Did you know you can try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding right on the Brisbane River? That’s right, stand-up paddleboarding (or SUP, for the really cool kids) is not simply a pastime that is reserved for doing on tropical islands in the South Pacific. Led by an experienced instructor who will ensure you are able to confidently stand-up and paddle, Riverlife offers daily day-time SUP adventures right in the heart of Brisbane. Suitable for all abilities and fitness levels, SUP is not only a laid-back outdoor activity that is great for your health but yet another unique and exciting way to see and move in Brisbane – just try not to fall in; it’s all about balance!
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