Things to do in Brisbane with a local
Brisbane is a river city: much of its best life happens along the water, from the parklands of South Bank to the ferries that link the inner suburbs. The climate makes it an outdoor city most of the year. This guide covers eight well-known Brisbane experiences and how each one feels with a Deeplay Companion — a verified local you book by the hour for platonic social activities.
Published by Deeplay ·
The guide
Eight Brisbane experiences, better shared
- 1
South Bank Parklands
South Brisbane
Riverside parklands with Streets Beach, a man-made lagoon, the Arbour walkway and views across to the CBD.
Why with a local: The easiest first meeting in Brisbane: central, public and scenic, with plenty of cafés nearby.
- 2
A CityCat ferry ride
Brisbane River
Brisbane's CityCat ferries run along the river between the university at St Lucia and the eastern suburbs, passing the CBD and New Farm.
Why with a local: Your Companion can suggest where to hop off — New Farm Park, Bulimba or the Howard Smith Wharves precinct.
- 3
Mount Coot-tha Lookout
Mount Coot-tha
The best-known lookout over Brisbane, with walking tracks through the surrounding bushland and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at the foot of the mountain.
Why with a local: A local knows the tracks that suit your fitness and the best time of day for the view.
- 4
GOMA and the Queensland Art Gallery
South Bank
The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art sit side by side in the Queensland Cultural Centre on the river.
Why with a local: A gallery visit shared with someone is more memorable, and the riverfront walk afterwards is a bonus.
- 5
Howard Smith Wharves
Brisbane CBD
A riverside dining and leisure precinct beneath the Story Bridge, with restaurants, bars and open-air seating on the water.
Why with a local: A relaxed lunch or early dinner with a Companion, followed by a walk along the river.
- 6
Fortitude Valley
Fortitude Valley
Brisbane's entertainment district, with live music venues, Chinatown, restaurants and karaoke rooms.
Why with a local: A local knows the friendly, social spots for an evening of karaoke or a meal in Chinatown.
- 7
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Fig Tree Pocket
One of the world's oldest koala sanctuaries, home to koalas and other Australian wildlife.
Why with a local: A half-day outing that is easier to plan with someone who has been before and knows how to get there.
- 8
West End cafés
West End
A lively inner-city neighbourhood near South Bank, known for its cafés, markets and multicultural food.
Why with a local: A Companion's favourite café is the best way into the neighbourhood, and a starting point for a walk to the river.
Practical tips
Getting around Brisbane
- Brisbane's public transport — buses, trains and ferries — accepts go card and contactless payment.
- Summers are hot and humid. Morning or late-afternoon bookings are more comfortable for walks.
- The river is the easiest way to orientate yourself. Many inner-city activities are a short ferry ride apart.
- For a first booking, choose a public, central meeting spot and agree on the plan in Deeplay messages beforehand.
- Having a good time? You can extend a booking during the activity, from an extra 30 minutes up to 3 hours.
Admin approved
Every Companion is reviewed and approved by the Deeplay team before going live.
ID verified
Companions pass Stripe Identity government-ID verification before taking bookings.
Charged on acceptance
Your card is only held when you book, and charged once your Companion accepts.
Platonic, always
Social activities only, under our Community Standards. Deeplay is not a dating app.
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