Whether it’s hitting the bright lights of the city, or visiting one of its many cultural attractions after dark, there are plenty of things to see and do for Brisbane visitors at night.
A view of the sunset from Mount Coot-tha (Photo: Tamyka Bell via Flickr / CC-BY-2.0)
The bustling riverside city on Australia’s east coast is one of the country’s busiest tourist destinations, owing to its scenic setting, array of cultural attractions, and characteristically ‘Aussie’ laidback atmosphere. Wedged between the ocean and rugged national parks, and overlooked by the imposing Mount Coot-Tha, it is a magnet for lovers of the great outdoors – but this is also every inch a 24-hour city. Here are 10 of the best things to see and do here when the daylight subsides.
Watch a magical sunset
Situated a short drive or bus ride from the city centre, the lookout point at Mount Coot-tha is widely considered one of Brisbane’s finest spots for enjoying the city’s dramatic sunsets. Offering sensational views back across the urban landscape, as well as out to Moreton Bay with its diversity of wildlife, habitats and seascapes, there’s no better way to admire the city and its surroundings after dark than sitting back on the grassy hill and watching as Brisbane says goodbye to the day.
Join a painting workshop
For a fun night out that combines music and drinks with the chance to get your creative juices flowing, there’s nowhere in Brisbane quite like Cork & Chroma. Visitors are invited to bring their own beer or wine to their studios where you’ll learn the basic techniques of painting with acrylics on canvas in a relaxed, social setting against a backdrop of funky tunes. All art equipment is provided – so you just bring the booze and they’ll take care of the rest. You’ll even get to take home your very own artwork at the end of the session.
Shop 15A Little Stanley Street, South Bank / Tues-Sat 6pm-9.30pm Sun 1.30pm-5pm Closed Mon
A group of budding painters share a drink over their canvasses at Cork and Chroma (Photo: Cork and Chroma)
Marvel at the starry night sky
Located within the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, around 6 kilometres west of downtown Brisbane, the Cosmic Skydome stays open late every Saturday night to give even more visitors the chance to lie back and take in the wonders of the universe. Made possible by high-tech projection technology that creates immersive space shows and realistic recreations of Brisbane’s night sky, this is one of the city’s most immersive nocturnal activities that will captivate young and old alike.
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, Mount Coot-Tha Rd, Mount Coot-Tha QLD / Tues-Thurs 10am-4pm Fri 10am-8pm Sat-Sun 10am-6pm Closed Mon
Book onto a night-time photography tour
Camera enthusiasts in Brisbane can join a private after-dark photography tour which will pair you up with a professional photographer guide for a unique night-time adventure. As part of a small group of up to six people, you’ll hit the streets and learn to shoot the best compositions in low light, while picking up plenty of tips on the city’s most photogenic spots. You’ll come away with new-found expertise on snapping everything from fireworks to night portraits, and you’ll also get to take home some of your snaps as mementos of the experience.
Night photography workshops can be booked through Viator.com
A Brisbane Night Photography tour group pose for a snap (Photo: Viator.com)
Catch some live comedy
Australia has a thriving and internationally-renowned comedy scene and among its vanguard is the city of Brisbane. Every Friday evening, the Brisbane Powerhouse – a repurposed tram power station – plays host to a packed roster of mirth-makers ready to help you start your weekend with plenty of big belly laughs. From 6pm onwards, the venue showcases the city’s best comedy talent, including both established and emerging acts, giving visitors the chance to sample a real taste of the city’s inimitable humour.
119 Lamington Street
Swing on down to a jazz club
Another cultural genre with a major following in Brisbane is Jazz. Visitors who are fans of the experimental music style that originated in the African-American communities in the late 19th and early 20th century are in for a real treat thanks to the presence of several outstanding jazz venues across the city. Among the most popular is the Brisbane Jazz Club, a historic riverside venue where patrons flock from early evening onwards to enjoy the relaxed vibe, local and international jazz acts, and enticing bistro menu, all set against scenic river and city skyline views.
1 Annie Street, Kangaroo Point / Thurs-Sat 6.30pm-11pm Sun 2.30pm-7pm Closed Mon-Weds
An audience watches a jazz performance at Brisbane Jazz Club (Photo: Allan Henderson via Flickr / CC-BY-2.0)
Explore a bustling night market
There are a few better ways to get under the skin of a city than by visiting one of its bustling night markets. Brisbane is home to four excellent markets that are open into the evening – Boundary Street Market, The Collective Market Southbank, Brisbane Twilight Market, and Eat Street Market – each packed full of vendors selling an assortment of goods including jewellery, art, homewares, vintage clothing, and more. Boundary Street and Brisbane Twilight Markets offer live music while the latter also runs a free craft workshop.
Cook up a storm atop scenic cliffs
Situated just across the Brisbane River, about 3 kilometres south of downtown, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs are another popular vantage point from which to admire the full expanse of the city and its environs. At the base of the cliffs, affording superb views of the Captain Cook Bridge, Story Bridge, Brisbane Botanic Gardens and downtown buildings, visitors regularly pitch up at night to make use of communal barbeque equipment and outdoor furniture for the ultimate al fresco experience with friends.
Embark on a climbing adventure
Story Bridge is one of Brisbane’s most recognisable landmarks and visitors have the chance to ascend the imposing structure on a Story Bridge Adventure Climb – with 2-hour night-time guided tours available. The experience begins at base camp directly under the bridge, where you’ll receive a quick briefing before making your way up a spiral staircase that leads to the main suspended walkway. During the climb, you’ll be regaled with tales about the bridge’s colourful history as you marvel at the views of Brisbane’s illuminated night skies below.
170 Main Street, Kangaroo Point / Fri-Tues 8.30am-7.30pm Weds 8.30am-11.30am Thurs 2.30pm-7.30pm
You can book tickets for the Story Bridge Adventure Climb at GetYourGuide
An intrepid group climbs Story Bridge (Photo: GetYourGuide.com)
Get spooked on a ghost tour
Not for the faint-hearted, those who enjoy having shivers jolt down their spine may be interested in joining a Brisbane ghost tour. There are several such tours on offer across the city, each fully guided and designed to deliver their own unique twist on the city’s dark and murky underbelly. During them all, you’ll get to visit some of Brisbane’s most (supposedly) haunted sites while your guide entertains you with terrifying ghost stories, urban legends and myths, and true tales of tragedy, crime, murder and mystery.
You can book a Brisbane ghost tour at Viator