Western Suburbs:
Things to do
Looking for things to do in West Brisbane? Whether you want to explore the charming city-fringe suburb of Paddington, get to know the history of Milton, or see a new side of the city from Mt Coot-Tha, there’s plenty to have fun with on the west side. Take your pick of what to do in Brisbane’s western suburbs below.
01. Get up close and personal with Brisbane’s wildlife at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and fully immerse yourself in all that the sanctuary has to offer. Here you can meet Australia’s iconic wildlife, take a picture with a koala, and dive into the secret world of the platypus.
02. For the best panoramic view of the city, Mt Coot-Tha Lookout is the highest point in Brisbane and a must-see for visitors. There are several walking tracks and mountain bike trails leading to the top or take it easy and drive your way up. Make sure to stop for refreshments at The Summit Café.
03. Partial to a game of golf? Brisbane’s iconic public golf course St Lucia Golf Links has an onsite 18-hole golf course, putt-putt mini golf, and the cherished Hundred Acre Bar and Restaurant.
04. Over in Paddington is the popular Stand-up Comedy Club, presenting a new show every week with local, national, and international performers. Order from the à la carte menu and enjoy the ultimate dinner with a show experience.
05. The world-class Suncorp Stadium in Milton always has something happening to keep you entertained. From music concerts and Rugby League games to Rugby Union, soccer, boxing, and extreme sports, the choice is all yours.
06. Want to shop ‘til you drop? Stroll down Given and Latrobe Terraces in Paddington and discover Brisbane’s thriving local retail industry at fashion boutiques, homeware stores, antique nooks, and more. For vintage treasures, stop in at Empire Revival housed inside the heritage-listed Plaza Theatre.
07. One of Brisbane’s best rides is along the Bicentennial Bikeway which meanders along the river from Toowong to the city.
08. Drink tea and eat cake while learning the tricks of the trade in a relaxing and inspirational workshop at Francesca’s Flowers and turn a ‘bunch of flowers’ into a stunning masterpiece.
09. Held every Sunday, Milton Markets are Inner West Brisbane's premium food, farmers, and lifestyle market. Packed with over 140 stalls, live music, activities for the kids, and more, it’s a lovely weekend outing.
10. For a little casual luxury on your next date night, catch the latest movie at the Blue Room Cinebar in Paddington and make the most of its in-cinema dining experience.
11. Want to learn how to swing dance? Have fun practicing the steps for vintage dances like the Charleston, Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Blues with Empire Swing held weekly at the BrisWest Centre. No partner is required!
12. If you’re looking for an easy way to spend the afternoon, The Barracks retail precinct offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
13. Journey through the 140+ year history of Queensland’s most iconic brewery, XXXX Beer. On this 90-minute tour, learn all about your favourite brew, including how to pour the perfect XXXX, and of course, the tastings.
14. Moggill Markets is a brand-new farmers and crafts market for the surrounding North West Brisbane community. Held on Saturdays, families and friends can come together to enjoy live music, let the kids get their faces painted, and grab a coffee and bite to eat before shopping for produce and locally hand-made goods.
15. If books, a quiet nook, and coffee are your ideas of heaven, run along to Mary Ryan’s, one of the oldest and longest-running booksellers in Queensland. Offering an ever-changing selection of new releases and classics, as well as gifts to browse and hot drinks to consume, that’s your morning sorted.
16. Stroll along the 2km John Oxley River Walk that loops the St Lucia campus grounds before taking some time to explore the UQ Art Museum, filled with free exhibitions and public programs. If you’ve got room for one more, check out the RD Milns Antiquities Museum which has the largest collection of classical Mediterranean antiquities in Queensland.
17. Discover the haunted history of Toowong Cemetery, where more than 120,000 souls lay at rest in thousands of graves, tombs, and crypts – some famous, some infamous. On the tour, listen to real ghost stories including The Statue That Moves, Ghosts of Paddington Cemetery, Mayne Murder, The Black Prince, and more.
Fancy a bite? Here are the best places to eat in Brisbane’s western suburbs.
