BRISBANE- AN ACCESSIBLE ADVENTURE CAPITAL

Brisbane’s Natural Advantage 

Embrace Brisbane’s outdoor lifestyle and discover tropical islands, world heritage listed rainforests and rolling hills of the hinterland on the city’s doorstep.

This modern, sustainable and open-air city offers room to breathe and presents a wealth of unique opportunities to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature. An abundance of warm sunshine, fresh air and an incredibly diverse landscape make the Brisbane region a natural playground that beckons you into the great outdoors in pursuit of unforgettable experiences. From the sparkling blue ocean dotted with some of the world’s largest sand islands, to the serene embrace of ancient rainforests, unique escapes and adventures call from the mountains, the city and the bay. 

Gain a new perspective of this charming city as you immerse your senses in its splendour from land, sea and sky. The City Centre offers plenty of opportunities for unforgettable urban adventures – cruising the winding Brisbane River, exploring hidden laneways, or elevating your culinary adventure with the accessible experience at Vertigo – where dining meets adrenaline 17 metres above the ground – suspended over the edge of the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse. 

To the east, the pristine waters of Redlands and Moreton Bay teem with magnificent marine life and aquatic adventures. Whether you’re chasing relaxation or adrenaline, the idyllic islands and waterways of Moreton Bay are sure to refresh and rejuvenate body, mind and soul!

The towering summits of surrounding mountains whisper an invitation to take your exploration to invigorating new heights. Explore the region’s spectacular national parks and lush green spaces, or enjoy an unforgettable encounter with native Australian wildlife at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary – the oldest and largest koala sanctuary of its kind in the world. 

Follow the road less travelled to discover the hidden pockets of nature and history surrounding the city, from foodie finds at the region’s farm gates to the serenity of quaint country townships and bayside villages.  

Adventure awaits in beautiful Brisbane!

First and foremost, a Brisbane adventure isn’t complete without climbing to the top of the iconic Story Bridge. As you ascend, the air grows crisp and fresh, and once at the summit, you're rewarded with a panoramic view that stretches across the city, the Brisbane River glistening below like a ribbon of liquid silver carving a watery path across the cityscape. The gentle breeze whispers in your ears, carrying with it the distant sounds of the bustling city below. Or take an exhilarating spin on The Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane and feel like king or queen of the city as your gondola glides 60 metres into the air above the vibrant South Bank precinct with the city’s breathtaking sights beneath your feet. 

Over in Kangaroo Point, Riverlife offers a sensory feast of adventures. Feel the rough texture of the sandstone cliffs beneath your fingers as you rock climb, your muscles straining with each upward movement. The exhilarating descent down the cliffs sends a rush of wind against your face and a rush of adrenaline through your veins. Kayaking along the Brisbane River provides a different perspective; the gentle lapping of the river’s current and the rhythmic splashing of the paddle refreshing your mind and soothing your soul. Or hop on a bike and feel the smooth pavement under your wheels as you explore the city streets and riverside bikeways using peddle power. Active transport is like a secret journey of sensory immersion. Breathe in the scent of blooming flowers and freshly roasted coffee, listen to the chatter of the city and feel the warmth of the sunshine on your skin.

For a refreshing aquatic adventure, head to the pristine waterways of Moreton Bay and the Redlands Coast. 

Take to the water and embrace the marine action at your own pace. From the serenity of kayaking quietly over the seagrass meadows to the white-knuckle thrill of jet-skiing over the ocean, this aquatic adventure mecca offers it all. Feel the adrenaline rush of roaring across the water, refreshed and energised by the salty spray and sunshine. Delight in the sensation of soft sand beneath your feet, as you meander a trail of footprints across uninhabited beaches. Or reset your body clock to island time, where days dawn with a symphony of birdsong, and sunset ushes in cocktails by the beach. 

More than 20,000 humpback whales migrate through Moreton Bay from June to November. The region’s whale watching cruises allow you to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures, as well as the turtles, dolphins and dugongs that call these waters home. Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island /Minjerribah (PRON: ‘Min-jerra-bar’) also happens to be one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in Australia, with opportunities to extend your stay and camp amidst an island paradise. Moreton Island/Mulgumpin offers resort accommodation and a variety of exciting activities to ignite your senses. Sandboard down a towering sand dune, snorkel around the Tangalooma Wrecks, kayak in a transparent boat and admire the magnified coral and fish below, or ride an ATV quad bike along the beach, with the salty sea breeze tousling your hair.

Moreton Bay is paradise found!

If heights pique your interest, head to Brisbane’s Scenic Rim for a grounding experience that will leave you feeling on top of the world. 

Recently named in Lonely Planet’s Top 10 regions to visit in the world, the Scenic Rim’s spectacular landscape of sweeping valleys and mountain ranges invite you to connect with ancient natural wonders just an hour from the city centre. The Scenic Rim brims with paddock-to-plate foodie experiences, eco-escapes and great outdoor adventure activities awaiting your discovery.

Formed over millions of years, the spectacular Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area features dense forests, craggy mountains and vast lakes. Cool your feet in clear mountain streams and soak in the natural splendour, accompanied by a soundscape of cascading waterfalls and the serenade of birdsong. Breathe in the warm, earthy scent of the forest and feel the dappled sunlight on your face. Pull on your hiking boots and feel the rugged earth beneath your feet as you climb to the top of Mount Barney, where the scent of eucalyptus fills the air. Or arise before dawn to drift silently among the clouds in a hot air balloon - the gentle hiss of the burner punctuating the serene stillness. 

Take a ride on a camel at Summer Land Camels or snap a selfie with a furry new friends at Mountainview Alpaca Farm, Inhale the soothing scent of Kooroomba Lavender Farm or visit Mount Tamborine to enjoy a gourmet picnic in the fresh mountain air, complete with locally sourced ingredients such as artisan cheeses, handcrafted wines and mountain distilled gins. 

To the west, the historic streets of Ipswich take you on a journey back in time, to unearth hidden treasures and colourful tales of the region’s pioneering past. Country retreats are nestled in nature, and warm hospitality abounds.

Brisbane’s glorious backyard and the Scenic Rim extend an invitation to lose yourself and find yourself in the rejuvenating embrace of nature.

Brisbane’s progressive tourism industry understand that everyone craves their own kind of adventure. With an attitude of inclusion and a spirit of innovation, many of the nature-based and adventure operators mentioned above are actively working to create more accessible experiences that cater to the needs of a broad audience. For a more detailed description of each operator’s accessibility offerings, please refer to the accessibility section of their audio guide. Please contact the operator directly for further information and the latest updates.

Many of the region’s tourism operators participate in the Companion Card program, offering free carer entry to people with lifelong disabilities in possession of a Companion Card. Please search ‘Queensland Companion Card’ to find out more about obtaining or using a Companion Card, including an online directory of participating businesses in the Brisbane region. You may also like to check out the article on some of ‘Brisbane’s Best Accessible Experiences’ and ‘Wheelchair-Friendly Activities’ by searching ‘Accessibility’ on the Visit Brisbane website.

Most areas of the broader Brisbane region are well connected by an extensive network of public transport including rail, buses and ferry services. For comprehensive journey planning and ticketing information please visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30. Shuttles, private tour operators, taxis and ride share services are also widely available across much of the region, allowing visitors to explore with ease.