10 Awesome Things to Do near Brisbane Post-lockdown

Shannon Davis

Last updated 15 Jul 2020

Can you feel it in the air? Restrictions will soon be lifting and you'll be able to explore your city. Lucky for you Brisbane is filled with so many fun and unexpected things to do. We want to make sure you're ready to go, so we've put together a list of hidden gems in Brisbane as well as the more iconic, but still super exciting things to do.

Here are our top 10 things to do near Brisbane post-lockdown:

Take to the skies with a Greater Brisbane Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flight
Get the heart-pumping at Kangaroo Point Abseiling
Finally hold a Koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Climb the most iconic structure in Brisbane at Story Bridge Climb
Try a new hobby at the Wine Blending Workshop in Brisbane
Take what you were doing in iso, and do it outside on a Wine Tasting Tour in Brisbane
Go behind the scenes on a XXXX Beer Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting
See Brisbane from another angle on a Guided Kayaking Tour in Brisbane
Hit the beach on a Moreton Island Day Tour from Brisbane or Gold Coast
Sample some of Australia's best rum at the Bundaberg Distillery

1. Greater Brisbane Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flight

When looking for things to do, look up! Hot air ballooning near Brisbane is the complete opposite of being stuck in your home - epic views, boundless fresh air and a great place to scream your lungs out if you so desire. Like they always say, the view is always better from the top and there is no exception for the Greater Brisbane Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flight. This magnificent one-hour ride will lift you a few thousand feet into the air where you’ll witness spectacular views of the southeast Queensland countryside.

Experience a touch of heaven as you welcome the day by floating across a magical sunrise. You’ll also learn a thing or two about good old Brisbane with an in-flight commentary provided on board. Travellers can also upgrade their trip to enjoy a delicious breakfast package, which is the perfect end to this incredible ride. So stop wondering what to do in Brisbane post lockdown - and lock it in, Eddie.

See Brisbane from above - from $310pp

2. Kangaroo Point Abseiling

If you’re looking for something a little more exciting to get the heart rate up, we suggest abseiling near Brisbane at Kangaroo Point. This experience is perfect for the beginner or the more experienced adventurer, there’s no limit to the fun! You’ll have an expert guide you through the whole experience, so you can relax with peace of mind and conquer your fears! A bonus is the incredible views from the top as you abseil down; you won’t be disappointed as you take in the city skyline and the Brisbane river.

Book this experience soon - from $49pp

3. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

If seeing other species besides humans is something you've been craving in lockdown, then it's time for a trip to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The world famous animal sanctuary is opening its doors to the public on the 5th of June, with increased health & safety measures to ensure everything is COVID-19 safe.

The Lone Pine Sanctuary is the world's first and largest koala conservation site, home to 130 koalas who are divided among groups of "kindergarten" to "retirement home", so you can see the different personalities of the koalas depending on their age!

Book your koala-ty time.

4. Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Story Bridge is one of the most iconic structures in Brisbane and what better way to experience this wonder than climbing it? The Story Bridge is one of only three bridge climbs in the world, which means this is a unique experience right in your own backyard. Lucky you!

Climb Story Bridge in around two-hours and challenge yourself! As you climb Brisbane's icon, you’ll experience some of the most incredible views of Brisbane and learn about the city and the history of Story Bridge.

Book now to get climbing - from $110pp

5. Wine Blending Workshop in Brisbane

Whether it was learning to make sourdough, banana bread or picking up a new craft such as knitting, isolation brought out the creative juices in all of us. Don't stop now! Take a current hobby (drinking wine) and turn it into another hobby - making wine! What a brilliant idea we hear you say.

Brisbane is one place to get this new hobby going, with this Wine Blending Workshop. This workshop not only educates you on the art of wine-making and wine blending, but it gives you the chance to taste some incredible blend, as well as the opportunity to bottle up your very own blend to take home and enjoy. Salute!

Learn the skill of wine-making - from $135pp

6. City Winery Tour and Wine Tasting Brisbane

Another option to continue your new found quarantine career of a wine sommelier is to jump on a wine tasting tour in Brisbane. This is honestly one of the best things to do in Brisbane post-lockdown - you get to drink wine, you can go into a winery / bar, and you can spend time with friends. Win, win, win! On this tour, you'll try six artisan-made Gerler wines, each with their own texture, colour, fragrance, and taste. You’ll also get to see where wine is created in the micro-winery, and meet the winemaker.

Book a wine tour now - from $25pp

7. XXXX Beer Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting

If beer is more your vibe, than a visit to the XXXX Beer Brewery is probably long overdue. Take the tour and discover the legend of XXXX and experience a true Aussie icon up close. This really is a great way to spend a couple of hours out of the house as you explore the 135 year old history of the beer and learn about world-class brewing methods, top quality ingredients and how to pour a perfect XXXX brewery. Oh, and you can drink it too.

Learn about a true Aussie Icon up - from $28pp

8. Guided Kayaking Tour in Brisbane

One of the great things about living in Brisbane (and visiting Brisbane for that matter) is that winter really isn't cold... it is great outdoor weather year round. If you have missed getting outside, we recommend a kayaking tour on the Brisbane River. It's such an enjoyable outdoor activity - its peaceful AND adventurous.

You can either river kayak during the day or as the sun sets in the evening, and enjoy the best views that Brisbane has on offer. A Guided Kayaking Tour is great for couples, kids and even solo adventures! Whatever floats your boat. ;-)

Get paddling on your next adventure - from $49pp

9. Moreton Island Day Tour from Brisbane

If your European summer holiday dreams were put on hold this year due to this global pandemic, then it’s time to take a beach trip to Moreton Island to help ease the soul.

While we understand it’s no four-week Santorini stay, a trip to this hidden gem will help heal the wounds with its crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. A day trip tour to Moreton Island will take you to the well known picturesque spots on the island such as Honeymoon Bay, North Point, Cape Moreton Lighthouse, Blue Lagoon and more. There is also the opportunity to uncover the mysteries of the Tangalooma Shipwrecks as you paddle on see-through kayaks. Sounds completely amaze, because it is.

Take a day trip to Moreton Island - from $169pp

10. Bundaberg Distillery Tour

If you're looking for a change of pace from XXX beers mentioned above, then maybe it's time to move onto something a bit stronger. And there's nowhere better to sample some of Australia's finest spirits, than at the Bundaberg Distillery.

Visit the distillery and see how the award winning rum is produced through all stages of production. Bundaberg Rum welcomes visitors in a revamped museum experience that takes people into a retired 'bondstore' that was previously used to age the rum. Walk through a series of 75, 000 litre vats on a self- paced tour to uncover the history and story behind the brand and its famous 'Bundy Rum' bear with two tastings from the top shelf range at the conclusion of the tour.

As part of the Distillery Experience, guests get to join one of the expert guides on a journey deep into the heart of the fully operational distillery. For those that want to try their hand at becoming a Master Blender, the premium Blend Your Own Rum Experience allows guests to learn the art of blending their very own rum straight from the barrel.