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After countless adventures in this city’s vibrant nightlife, we never want the sun to rise again! Here’s the best things to do at night in Brisbane!
- Go on a Kayak Tour along Brisbane River
- Share a Meal at Howard Smith Wharves
- Enjoy Live Music at the Triffid
- Shop 'Till You Drop at the South Bank Collective Markets
- Try the Paint and Sip Experience at Cork & Chroma
- Join in the Fun at Eat Street Northshore
- Climb the Story Bridge at Night
- Catch a Flick at Moonlight Cinema
- Visit Burnett Lane
- See the Adorable Koalas at Lone Pine
After soaking in the vibrant nightlife, we’re officially obsessed with all the things to do at night in Brisbane! One evening, we found ourselves wandering along the South Bank, enchanted by the glittering lights reflecting on the river.
We stumbled upon a cozy food market, where I couldn’t resist indulging in some delicious street tacos. As we enjoyed our meal, a live band started playing nearby, and we ended up dancing under the stars with new friends.
Every corner of this city comes alive after dark, and now we can’t imagine a night anywhere else! Here’s why you should dive into Brisbane’s nightlife and embrace every moment!
Go on a Kayak Tour along Brisbane River
Media credit: riverlifebrisbane
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, couples, group activities
For a fun night out in Brisbane, head to Riverlife Adventure Centre for a kayaking tour along the Brisbane River. You’ll paddle under the stars, passing iconic spots like the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs.
The 90-minute tour ends with a riverside BBQ—perfect for unwinding after the adventure. They offer convenient amenities like restrooms, lockers, and sunscreen. Arrive a little early to enjoy some games before heading out.
If you’re up for more excitement, try abseiling down Kangaroo Point Cliff as the sun sets and the city lights come to life—a truly unforgettable experience!
| Pro tip: Make sure you’re in good physical shape, stay confident, and avoid digging your paddle too deeply into the water. |
Share a Meal at Howard Smith Wharves
Media credit: howardsmithwharves
Best for: Foodies, date nights, group outings
Address: 5 Boundary Street
Contact details: +61 7 3188 9090
Operating hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Howard Smith Wharves is a top spot for enjoying Brisbane’s vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to eat, drink, relax, or soak up the sun, there’s something for everyone.
Beer lovers will appreciate the huge brewery spaces, including the popular Felons Brewery, where you can enjoy a fantastic selection of house-brewed beers.
The location offers stunning views of Brisbane’s CBD and residential towers, all set right beneath the iconic Story Bridge with the river as a backdrop.
Felons is also known for its delicious pizzas and other quality dishes, with great seating that overlooks the Brisbane River, making it an ideal spot to unwind and take in the scenery.
| Pro tip: Be mindful of bike traffic and stay alert to avoid any unexpected surprises. |
Enjoy Live Music at the Triffid
Media credit: thetriffid
Best for: Music lovers, groups, solo adventurers
Address: 7/9 Stratton Street
Contact details: +61 7 3171 3001
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 11am to 11:30pm
The Triffid is a fantastic mid-sized music venue, located conveniently close to Fortitude Valley and its public transport options.
The venue’s layout ensures great views of the stage from anywhere, and for sold-out shows, the mezzanine level offers an excellent vantage point as well. With standard-priced drinks and a solid beer selection, it’s a great spot to enjoy live music.
The bar area is spacious, featuring a smaller performance area for more intimate acts. The lighting is dimly lit, adding to the venue’s vibe.
| Pro tip: It’s a standing-only venue, so you can choose any spot, meaning you can get up close to the band for an amazing experience! |
Shop ‘Till You Drop at the South Bank Collective Markets
Media credit: collectivemarkets
Best for: Shopping enthusiasts, families, casual evening out
Address: Little Stanley Street
Contact details: +61 422 806 971
Operating hours:
- Friday: 5pm to 9pm
- Saturday: 10am to 9pm
- Sunday: 9am to 4pm
The markets at Southbank offer a great way to spend your weekend. With a wide variety of stalls, you’ll find everything from kids’ clothing and candles to artwork, hats, and plants.
The market is thoughtfully laid out alongside nearby restaurants and nightlife, so you can shop while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Open from Friday to Sunday, these pop-up stores lineup right across from the dining spots.
Most of the products are handmade by the stallholders and ethically sourced, with plenty of options that align with a vegan lifestyle. It’s a great way to spend a few hours on the weekend!
| Pro tip: Be aware that it can get pretty warm between the canvas and plastic stalls, but if you look closely, you might find a parasol for some extra shade! |
Try the Paint and Sip Experience at Cork & Chroma
Media credit: corkandchroma
Best for: Creative individuals, couples, group gatherings
Address: Shop/15 Little Stanley Street
Contact details: +61 7 3558 8430
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 6pm to 9:30pm
- Sunday: 1:30pm to 5pm
Cork and Chroma offers fun paint and sip sessions where everything you need is provided—canvas, paint, brushes, and aprons. You’ll be guided step-by-step by a local artist, making it perfect for a night out with friends or a creative date night.
Each session lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the process. Don’t forget, it’s a BYO venue, so bring your favorite drink to enjoy while you paint.
| Pro tip: It’s a good idea to arrive 5-10 minutes early to get settled, pour yourself a glass, and prep your paints. |
Join in the Fun at Eat Street Northshore
Media credit: eatstreet
Best for: Food lovers, families, group outings
Address: 221D MacArthur Avenue
Contact details: +61 428 485 242
Operating hours:
- Friday and Saturday: 4pm to 10pm
- Sunday: 4pm to 9pm
Eat Street Northshore is the perfect spot for a night out with friends or family, especially if you have picky eaters or want to share plates.
This outdoor sea container market offers an incredible mix of street food, drinks, retail, and entertainment in a beautiful riverside location.
Entry is just $6, and there’s plenty of parking, plus it’s a short walk from the ferry terminal. With a wide variety of international cuisines and live performances on multiple stages, it’s a vibrant place to explore on weekends.
We tried the Greek food, which was fantastic, but you’ll find just about every type of cuisine, plus desserts and homemade items—all reasonably priced!
| Pro tip: Seats can be hard to come by, so it’s best to claim a spot before heading out to grab your food. |
Climb the Story Bridge at Night
Media credit: storybridgeadventureclimb
Best for: Adventure seekers, thrill lovers, couples
Address: 170 Main Street
Contact details: +61 7 3188 9070
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:30am to 7:30pm
The Story Bridge is a breathtaking landmark, especially at night when it’s illuminated with vibrant colors. For a unique experience, consider climbing the bridge with Story Bridge Adventure Climb, which takes about 2 hours, including a safety briefing and your climb route.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this climb offers a fantastic perspective of Brisbane and a chance to truly appreciate the city’s beauty.
You’ll be treated to stunning views of the Brisbane River and the city skyline, all beautifully framed by the Great Dividing Range and the Moreton Bay Islands. It’s a picturesque backdrop that makes for an unforgettable experience!
| Pro tip: If you’re nervous about heights, try to position yourself towards the back of the group (but not last). The steps get less steep as you go up. |
Catch a Flick at Moonlight Cinema
Media credit: moonlightcinema
Best for: Families, couples, movie buffs
Address: Roma Street Parkland, 1 Parkland Blvd
Contact details: +61 1300 650 733
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 7pm to 11:30pm
The Moonlight Cinema is a fantastic way to enjoy a summer evening. If you’re after a relaxed night under the stars with friends or a loved one, this is the perfect spot to catch a movie.
While Gold Class offers the best view of the screen, General Admission is a solid option too. Feel free to bring your own snacks since it can get busy at the food stalls, but keep in mind that BYO drinks aren’t allowed—there’s plenty of alcohol available for purchase.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring some cushions and blankets for extra comfort, unless you want to rent a bean bag! |
Visit Burnett Lane
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Best for: Urban explorers, casual night out, romantic evenings
Address: Between George and Albert Streets and is parallel to Adelaide and Queen Streets
Burnett Lane, named after Brisbane’s first surveyor James Burnett, is the perfect starting point for your city adventure with a cozy brunch and coffee.
As you stroll down this artistic lane, you’ll notice a beautiful floral pattern running through the middle of the road, symbolizing progress as the colors transition from red to green.
The lane is filled with charming hole-in-the-wall cocktail bars, unique record shops, and boutiques, making it a vibrant spot to explore. Don’t forget to check out some of Brisbane’s best street art along the way!
| Pro tip: Make sure to keep an eye out for the little red fairy door! This charming mini installation is part of a series of tiny doors that have mysteriously popped up in the city’s alleyways. |
See the Adorable Koalas at Lone Pine
Media credit: lonepinekoala
Best for: Nature lovers, families, educational outings
Address: 708 Jesmond Road
Contact details: +61 7 3378 1366
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Lone Pine is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, right here in Brisbane! It’s a fantastic spot to get up close and personal with koalas and other native animals. With so many koalas around, you’re sure to catch one doing something adorable or interesting.
The enclosures are thoughtfully designed to mimic the animals’ natural habitats, making for an engaging experience. You’ll find a large open area where kangaroos roam freely, allowing you to feed them and get close.
There are also exciting animal shows that you can enjoy without needing to book in advance.
| Pro tip: If you’re interested in a photo with a koala, be sure to book ahead, as there are limited slots available each day! |
