Brisbane is a fantastic city for those of us who enjoy a drink or two. From bars and clubs to rooftops and bottomless brunches, there are plenty of activities. But what if you actually don’t fancy a drink for a change?
If you’re looking to have a bit of an alcohol detox, and want weekend plans that don’t end in drunken calls to your ex, then we have the perfect activities for you. Here are 10 things to do without alcohol in Brisbane:
1. Candlelight Concert
Hosted in cities around the world and with over 3 million attendees globally, Candlelight Concerts are not to be missed. Enjoy a host of concerts in various iconic venues in Brisbane, illuminated by candlelight and performed by live musicians. With concerts ranging from tributes to Whitney Houston and Imagine Dragons to renditions of music by Bach and Mozart, there is a candlelight concert for everyone. Experience the joy of classical music, and be swept away by these live performances.
2. Learn to Throw an Aboriginal Boomerang
Be treated to private transportation to the Botanical Gardens, and learn how to throw an Aboriginal Returning Boomerang. You’ll be in small class sizes of no more than four people so you’ll be getting enough personal attention. This is a great way to connect with nature, while learning a new skill and having fun.
3. Brisbane Guided Kayak Tour
There is nothing as tranquil as kayaking in open water, and Brisbane is a particularly great place for this. The Brisbane River wraps itself around the CBD and inner suburbs giving you spectacular views of the city skyline. During your 90 minute excursion you will get to se some of the city’s most iconic landmarks in a whole new way, from the comfortable seat of your rented kayak.
4. Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour
If you’re brave enough to face the supernatural, why not visit Queensland’s largest burial ground, where more than 120 000 souls rest beneath the earth. Hear real ghost stories of a statue that comes to life, a deceased governor, black widow murderers, and a buried boxer on this guided historic ghost tour of historic Toowong Cemetery.
5. Mosaic Mini Table Lamp Workshop
Sip on some delicious Turkish tea and nibble on homemade Turkish shortbread as you learn the art of mosaic. Following the lead of the expert leading this masterclass, you will discover the techniques needed to decorate a mosaic lamp. You will be using a variety of coloured tiles, and will be shown how to design breathtaking geometric patterns and lay them down. Once your masterpiece is finished, you’ll receive all the necessary materials and instructions to complete the final stage and grout or plaster your lamp at home.
6. Authentic Flamenco Presents Paula Rodríguez
Experience world renowned Spanish Flamenco dancers in this incredible performance brought to Brisbane by The Royal Opera Of Madrid. Created by the award-winning dancer and choreographer Amador Rojas, and performed by the amazing dancer Paula Rodríguez alongside other outstanding Spanish artists, this is a performance that is not to be missed.
7. Brisbane Scavenger Hunt
See Brisbane in a whole new way, by participating in this Scavenger Hunt. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating day as you embark on an adventure through the South Bank of Brisbane. This journey promises to unveil the historical relics and natural beauty that Brisbane has to offer. Gather some friends, and get ready to uncover the hidden secrets of South Bank.
8. Fox In A Box Escape Room
If you’re looking for some entertainment to do with friends that’s a little out of the ordinary, then perhaps Fox In A Box is the place for you! Choose a room from a variety of different storylines such as bunker, prison break, zombie land and more. You will have to work as a team to successfully escape the well-thought-out and creative concept rooms. Clues and tasks can be quite unconventional, so be prepared to think out of the box and stretch your creativity to the limits. You will have 60 minutes to find clues and solve the puzzles that will eventually lead you to escape.
9. Hologram Zoo
Have all your senses engaged in this futuristic Hologram Zoo. The first of its kind, It is currently the most high-tech theme park in the world. The animals that you will encounter are full 3D copies of animals from the real world and are life sized and act and sound as they would in the wild. From dinosaur adventures to coral sea and arctic explorations, Hologram Zoo gives you the chance to time travel as well as wander the globe, all in one place.
10. The Beach
Brisbane is lucky to have a variety of great beaches close by to cool off at during the warmer months. Spend a day lounging on the white sands and paddling about in the clear water. Some of the more popular beaches can get quite crowded, though, so we’ve rounded up our favourite hidden beaches near Brisbane, most of which you can escape the crowds at.