Get the gang together for these fun things to do with friends in Brisbane

Group reunion on the cards? Brisbane is well-stocked when it comes to entertainment options, particularly for larger groups. Our vibrant riverside metropolis that is the Queensland capital is awash with a plentiful array of ways to entertain a crowd, from food-led forays through its burgeoning dining scene to activities that make the most of the Sunshine State’s near constant warm weather.

These 20 fun things to do with friends while in Brisbane are reason enough to call for a get-together.

1. Grab a glass at City Winery

Spend an afternoon wine tasting in the middle of the city at James Street resident City Winery. The first urban winery to launch in Brisbane since 1860, this converted warehouse on the cusp of Fortitude Valley is a working micro-winery sourcing grapes from across the country and blending in-house.

2. Drop into Up Late QAGOMA

Upgrade your art experience at Queensland’s duo of leading galleries with Up Late. Hosted at the much revered Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery is this series of after-hours gigs incorporating live music and informal talks from local cultural identities.

3. Make your own tipple at Brisbane Distillery

Consider yourself a gin fanatic? Then one of the best things to do with friends in Brisbane includes a trip to Brisbane Distillery where you can make your own gin. The city’s first grain to glass artisan distillery, the space is devoted to educating the masses on how to make gin, rum, and botanical vodka.

4. Cycle your way around town

Fitness enthusiasts best gather their gang for a cycle through town together. Brisbane By Bicycle is a tour group devoted to showcasing the best of the River City from two wheels - expect to be treated to a true local experience, starting with landmarks and finishing with a drink at a popular bar. Or go your own way and rent e-bikes from Riverlife in Kangaroo Point. 

5. Indulge in a day at Howard Smith Wharves

Arguably one of the best ways to entertain a crowd is with a feast. There’s plenty of options to choose from at beloved Brisbane dining precinct Howard Smith Wharves. Why not host a progressive lunch, beginning with cocktails at Mr Percival’s, lunch at Greca, and finishing with pints from Felons Brewing Co.

6. Shop up a storm along James Street

Treat yourself to some retail therapy with a foray along the boutiques of  James Street. Australian retailers like Scanlan and Theodore and Aesop mingle with local brands like Natasha Schweitzer, and eateries aplenty. After something a little more unique? The laneways of neighbouring Fortitude Valley overflow with independent retailers and quirky fashion finds.

7.  Picnic in New Farm Park

Locals will tell you that one of the best things to do with friends in Brisbane is to host a picnic in New Farm Park. Take to the Jan Powers Farmers Markets on Saturday mornings by the Brisbane Powerhouse to stock up on a hamper of gourmet edibles to snack later in the day.

8. Get creative at Cork and Chroma

Unleash your inner artist with a group visit to creative enthusiasts Cork and Chroma. The South Brisbane resident has become quite the hit courtesy of its BYO take on painting classes and is a specialist when it comes to catering to a crowd.

9. Quench your thirst at Brisbane’s rooftop bars

Take in the view of Brisbane’s ever-growing skyline from one of the city’s many rooftop bars. There are plenty to choose from, scattered across the inner-city suburbs, with standouts including the Agnes rooftop, W Hotel’s WET Deck, and Fiume at Crystalbrook Vincent. Though quality watering holes down below are equally plentiful, particularly across Brisbane’s laneways.

10. Road trip through the Scenic Rim

Gather your gang and take a drive out of town, enjoying the scenery of the rolling hills of the Scenic Rim surrounding the region. Feeling peckish? You’re in the right place - this is a region as rich in picturesque as it is in producers. Eating and drinking your way through these parts comes highly recommended.

11. Seek adventure in Moreton Island

Break free from the borders of the capital, with your friends in tow. Enjoy a day out of doors with a trip to nearby Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) - it’s here you can snorkel the famed shipwrecks, or indulge in some adventure with an afternoon spent exploring aboard quad bikes and sandboarding down the famed dunes. Eager to be led by a local? Turn to Adventure Moreton Island tour group for advice.

12. Hunt for vintage gems

Brisbane is no stranger to a vintage store. Seek wares with a story in the specialty boutiques scattered throughout the inner city suburbs of West End and Paddington. More of a homewares fan? Antiques stores are thankfully a dime-a-dozen, particularly in Paddington, Camp Hill and Woolloongabba.

13. Embrace a brewery tour

As Brisbane is the undisputed capital of breweries in Australia, it would be a shame to miss out on a chance to sample some of the best while with your friends. Cruise the local drinking dens with a pre-organised foray with Hop On Brewery Tours, which offers Craft beer tasting on full or half day tours among inner-city favourites.

14. Cook up a storm

For foodies, one of the best things to do with friends in Brisbane is to enjoy one of the cooking classes on offer. Brisbane and just beyond is home to a slew of much-loved cooking campuses, including the Golden Pig in Newstead, or (further afield) the Spirit House in Yandina which is well-worth the road trip.

15. Immerse yourself in Brisbane’s live music scene

New to these parts? Then you may be unaware that Brisbane has quite the live music scene. See for yourself with a group gig night at one of Fortitude Valley’s many live music dens, from Black Bear Lodge to The Zoo. Outdoors-y types may prefer to enjoy the melodies alongside some fresh air with South Bank’s Sunday Social on the Green.

16. Drop by Boggo Road Gaol

History buffs best make their way to the heritage-listed Boggo Road Gaol, just a 10 minute drive from the city centre. Join the much-esteemed tour which takes place here through Brisbane’s most notorious prison, learning about its 116 years history, and its most infamous inmates.

17. Scare yourself silly at Toowong Cemetery

Take a guided wander through Queensland’s largest cemetery, Toowong Cemetery, which covers 250 acres, encompassing gravestones, tombs, and crypts. The tour takes place at night and will introduce you to some of the 120,000 who are buried here, including particularly 13 high-profile residents, murderers and governors included.

18. Explore Indigenous land

Get better acquainted with the culture of traditional landowners along the Quandamooka Coast for the day. There are a handful of different tours to enjoy which range from dot painting to whale watching, each place along this idyllic coastline, and offering transport from Brisbane.

19. Take your inner child out for a spin

Fun-seekers will be satisfied to hear of the array of games available to all ages in Brisbane. Why not grab a group of friends at take to putt putt at Holey Moley, or VR at Zero Latency. Eager to blow off some steam? Axe throwing is also available in two separate sites in the inner-city.

20. Feast with friends

The Queensland capital has a fast-growing reputation for its fine dining scene. One of the best things to do with friends in Brisbane, particularly those who are self-professed foodies, is to treat yourself to a long lunch. The banquet options at Honto, Hellenika and Same Same are some of the best.