11 adventure experiences in Brisbane that will leave your heart racing

Queensland’s capital of culture and entertainment has another title to add to its repertoire: the capital of adventure. While known for its sprawling green spaces and outdoor lifestyle, Brisbane is the place to raise your pulse by day, then feel the pulse of the city by night.

We’re talking scaling iconic bridges and cliffs right in the heart of the city, and kayaking beside towering skyscrapers. Venture further afield and you’ll find even more at your fingertips: hike through ancient national parks, sand-surf on one of the world’s largest sand islands, and cool off under rushing waterfalls.

Here are 11 adventure experiences in Brisbane for your next escape.

1. Climb a city landmark

You might have already caught views of the twinkling city skyline from the CityCat ferry or a rooftop bar, but it’s a whole new perspective from the top of iconic Story Bridge. This adventurous climb is an exhilarating way to take in 360 degree views of Brisbane from the city to mountain ranges and islands – and is one of the few places in the world that you can scale a bridge.

2. Kayak on Brisbane River

See the city with some paddle power and rent kayaks from Riverlife Adventure Centre in Kangaroo Point. Go your own way, follow a guide, or set off at twilight for a kayak followed by a feast of fresh prawns when you're back on dry land.

For paddles after your paddle, check out these craft beer bars in Brisbane.

3. Jet ski from river to bay

If you're craving a sense of freedom to sight-see with speed, hang on tight with Jet Ski Tours Brisbane - one of the most fast-paced adventure experiences in Brisbane.

Starting at Kangaroo Point, you can choose from three different adventures, including traversing the CBD and Story Bridge, out to the pristine waters of Moreton Bay to meet the local marine life, or venture slightly further afield to white sand beaches of Green Island and Peel Island.

4. Conquer the cliffs at Kangaroo Point

Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this is one rock climbing route you’ll want to take multiple breaks on. Scale Kangaroo Point cliffs with Riverlife Adventure Centre, and every rest break comes with a big side of city views. Lean back, and take it all in. Prefer to abseil? You can do that here too. 

5. Take the flight of your life

There’s a peacefulness to floating calmly over the countryside, watching the sunrise in silence with panoramic views. Your ticket to Brisbane’s backyard is with Floating Images. Drive 30 minutes west of the CBD for a hot air balloon ride that takes you over the city and country, followed by breakfast.

Hot Air Brisbane and Balloons over Brisbane also offer convenient transfers from the city. Here’s other incredible spots you can hot air balloon in Queensland.

Love a country pub? Get a bird’s eye view of the Brisbane area and surrounding countryside on a helicopter pub crawl with Pterodactyl Helicopters. A day to remember, arrive in style and raise an elbow at drinking holes across the Scenic Rim, Ipswich and Lockyer Valley.

6. Go skydiving

If you love the feeling of a sudden stomach drop and all the thrills that go with it, make your way to iFly Indoor Skydiving. All of the rush, none of the logistics. Just pure fun – and you get to laugh at your mates when they take their turn.

7. Pull on your boots for a hike

A stroll along the riverfront is a must-do on any visit to Brisbane, but so is a hike. From trails on the edge of the city, such as Mount Coot-tha summit walk, to national parks just a short drive away, take your pick of hundreds of kilometres of walking tracks that’ll lead you through heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest or rugged ascents of ancient volcanoes.

Take a look at this round-up of the best day hikes from Brisbane to get started. 

8. Battle it out at paintball 

Choose your teammates wisely: Spec Ops Paintball is Australia’s only immersive paintball experience run by an Australian Special Forces Veteran, so you’re in for a challenge. Conveniently located in Red Hill, Spec Ops will get your heart racing – and the paintballs flying – on its adrenalin-fuelled indoor battlefield. 

9. Swim under a waterfall 

Brisbane isn’t short on waterfalls and natural swimming holes, and there’s plenty to dive into if you’re happy to drive a little out of the city. Most spots require a little hiking to get to, but the effort is well worth the reward of cooling off in a peaceful, natural swimming pool.

A few of our favourites? Check out Cedar Creek Falls at Tamborine Mountain, Gardners Falls or Kondalilla Falls nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, or Currumbin Rock Pools – all best visited after a little rainfall. 

10. Escape to Mulgumpin (Moreton Island)

True thrill seekers know that one of the best adventure experiences in Brisbane’s will be found offshore. Moreton Island, known to the Ngugi people as Mulgumpin/Moorgumpin or The Place of Sandhills, is the world’s third largest sand island. And it’s just a ferry ride from the city.

You can do it in a day, but Mulgumpin is best appreciated if you have a weekend up your sleeve. What to do? Dive or snorkel The Wrecks, surf the massive sand dunes, explore the island on a quad bike, and feed wild dolphins. You can even kayak by night: let the moonlight and LED lights on your kayak guide you quietly through the wrecks. If you have your own 4WD, this is the place to set off on an island camping adventure.

Love the island life? Did you know you can even day trip to the Great Barrier Reef from Brisbane? With return flights from Redcliffe to Lady Elliot Island, you can spend the day snorkelling coral reefs then be back for cocktails that night.

11. Get on your bike and ride

For those wanting to explore nature on two wheels rather than two feet, Brisbane’s extensive network of mountain bike trails are waiting.

Got your own gear? Pump up your tyres and hit the trails around Gap Creek at Mt Coot-tha Reserve, Daisy Hill Conservation Park, Bunyaville, Nerang or Hidden Vale Adventure Park. Or make a day of it and head to these trails and terrain parks around Southern Queensland.

Otherwise, Forbes MTB in Brisbane offers bike hire, mountain bike tours and private skills coaching. You’ll be ready for these epic MTB events in no time at all.

Looking for more? Check out these epic adventures across Queensland.