Categories > Guides and Tips
Brisbane Outdoor Activities That’ll Make Your Heart Skip a Beat
- Canoeing at One Tree Canoe Adventures
- Drive a Machinery at Major Dirtbox
- Kayaking at Riverlife Adventure
- Ride a Camel at Summer Land Camels
- Zipline at Canyon Flyer
- Go Kart at Kingston Park Raceway
- Play Laser Tag at Laser Skirmish
- Catch the Sunset at Story Bridge Adventure Climb
- Ride the Hot Air Balloon at Floating Images
- Go For a Forest Adventure with Treetop Challenge
If you want to get your heart beating, why search for love when Brisbane offers outdoor activities that’ll leave you breathless?
Brisbane’s outdoor playground is where dreams are made and adrenaline flows freely, from conquering towering heights to exploring hidden trails.
So join us as we journey into the heart of nature, where you’ll find your heart’s true beat amid the beauty and excitement of the great outdoors.
1. Canoeing at One Tree Canoe Adventures
Media credit: @mustdobrisbane
Website: https://www.onetreecanoe.com/
One Tree Canoe Adventures, based at One Tree Farm on the mid-Brisbane River, offers canoe rentals and tours suitable for various ages and skill levels.
Their location provides easy access for beginners and proximity to Wivenhoe and Somerset Dams for experienced paddlers.
From sunset picnics on the Brisbane River to half-day tours on the river or Lake Wivenhoe, they cater to diverse preferences.
And for those seeking a weekend adventure, the Wivenhoe Paddle & Camp package includes canoeing and camping with all necessities provided.
Additionally, groups can opt for the Voyager Canoe Tour, renting an 8-metre long canoe with experienced guides for team building or social outings.
Pro tip:
Consider elevating your team-building activities by choosing outdoor adventures with One Tree Canoe Company. For every canoe they manufacture, they plant a tree.
So, not only can you enjoy the great outdoors with your team, but you can also contribute to environmental conservation with your purchase.
2. Drive a Machinery at Major Dirtbox
Website: http://majordirtbox.com.au/
Address: 4/38 Prairie Rd, Yatala, QLD 4207, Australia
Contact Details: +61 7 3489 7784
Major Dirtbox is Australia’s premier fantasy playground for adults and teens, offering a unique experience where you can operate heavy machinery on a construction site just for fun.
This one-of-a-kind attraction allows you to climb aboard real-life-sized excavators, bulldozers, skid steers, and massive dump trucks, similar to those used in mines.
Supervised by industry professionals, anyone over 11 years old can participate and get a taste of what it’s like to control heavy equipment. Before the adventure begins, you will also undergo a safety induction to learn the basics of the machinery.
Additionally, Major Dirtbox offers exciting activities like Excavator Basketball, Dozer Dirt Surfing, and building dirt castles.
While the machinery packages are suitable for ages 11 and up, younger children as young as five can still enjoy some activities, including riding in the dump truck.
Pro tip:
While Major Dirtbox provides safety gear, including helmets, consider bringing your own ear protection, especially if you’re sensitive to noise. This can enhance your comfort during the experience, particularly when operating louder machinery.
3. Kayaking at Riverlife Adventure
Website: https://www.riverlife.com.au/
Address: Naval Stores Kangaroo Point Cliffs Drive, Kangaroo Point, QLD 4169, Australia
Contact Details: +61 7 3517 4954
At Riverlife Adventure Centre, kayaking offers a thrilling blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty along Brisbane’s iconic river.
Paddle against the backdrop of historic quarry cliffs, once crucial to the city’s architectural heritage, and take in panoramic views of the skyline and lush parklands.
Whether you’re a novice or experienced paddler, guided tours and independent paddling options cater to all skill levels.
No need to worry as safety is surely a priority! With expert guidance provided, you can explore the scenic riverfront confidently.
Beyond kayaking, Riverlife Adventure Centre offers a range of adventure activities, from abseiling to cycling, ensuring an unforgettable experience for you!
Pro tip:
If you’re looking fo a nighttime outdoor adventure, check out Riverlife Adventure Centre. On weekends, they offer guided night kayaking to the Story Bridge.
Imagine paddling under the stars, with the city lights all around you!
4. Ride a Camel at Summer Land Camels
Website: https://summerlandcamels.com.au/
Address: 8 Charles Chauvel Dr, Harrisville, QLD 4307, Australia
Contact Details: +61 7 5467 1707
At Summer Land Camels, you’ll discover an extraordinary farm experience suitable for families, tourists, and groups alike.
As Australia’s largest camel dairy and the world’s biggest camel training facility, it’s a must-visit destination. Enjoy camel rides, farm tours, and activities, or simply meet and feed these majestic animals.
You’ll get to enter the place for free, and you can even purchase bags of hay to hand-feed the camels! You can also dive into the interesting world of camels and Australian camel history with behind-the-scenes tours led by knowledgeable staff.
When you’re here, don’t miss the chance to taste fresh camel milk and camel cheese made on-site.
Here at Summer Land Camels, you’ll get to ride these lovely creatures on a daily. Just make sure to book them ahead!
Additionally, you may xperience the breathtaking Sunrise Camel Ride, a two-hour adventure exploring the flora and fauna of the 850-acre farm, with the possibility of spotting kangaroos, birds, and koalas.
After your visit, stock up on farm-made products at the Farm Store, including camel milk, cheese, gelato, and Camel Milk and Honey Vodka.
Here, you can discover a range of ethically produced, all-natural camel milk skincare products and charming collectibles perfect for camel enthusiasts.
Pro tip:
Keep an eye on Summer Land Camels’ event calendar so you won’t miss out on their special events. Here, they host country markets, kid’s days, and even sunset cocktails!
5. Zipline at Canyon Flyer
Media credit: @and.always_alicia
Website: https://www.thunderbirdpark.com/canyon-flyer-zipline.html
Address: Tambourine Mountain, QLD, Australia
You can experience one of the country’s largest guided zipline tours at Canyon Flyer. Here, you can fly back and forth across Cedar Creek canyon multiple times, reaching speeds of up to 70 kilometres an hour!
With seven mega ziplines suspended more than 60 metres above the ground, both adults and children of all fitness levels can enjoy these rides.
Pro tip:
Canyon Flyer’s guided zipline tours aren’t your ordinary outdoor activity. Ensure your safety by checking your basic health requirements beforehand, including your heart and back health.
Note that individuals who have had recent surgery or suffer from conditions like asthma are advised not to participate.
6. Go Kart at Kingston Park Raceway
Website: https://kingstonpark.com.au/
Address: 20 Mudgee St, Kingston, QLD 4114, Australia
Contact Details: +61 7 3826 2255
Operating Hours: Sunday, Wednesday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Kingston Park Raceway is Australia’s largest public karting complex, offering an exciting day out for friends and family.
Their hundred go-karts and three race tracks are suitable for all age groups!
Meanwhile, kids aged 5 to 10 can zoom around the Indy track’s banked corners in rookie karts, while tweens and teens can rev up the excitement on the 605-metre Monte Carlo track with Formula and Predator karts.
For those aged 16 and up, the Le Mans Circuit awaits, featuring an 1100-metre international standard race track with challenging chicanes, hairpin corners, and fast straights.
Here, you can experience the excitement of Schumacher karts equipped with high-tech electronic timing, reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour.
Beyond karting, Kingston Park offers a range of amusements including jumping castles, super slides, scrambler and simulator rides, as well as mini-golf and a games room for endless fun and entertainment.
Pro tips:
- Opt for comfortable, close-fitting attire that allows for freedom of movement. Avoid loose clothing or accessories that could get caught in the kart’s moving parts.
- While not mandatory, wearing gloves can provide better grip on the steering wheel, especially during longer races or if your hands tend to sweat.
7. Play Laser Tag at Laser Skirmish
Website: http://www.laserskirmish.com.au/
Address: Unit 6/2 Commercial Dr, Shailer Park, QLD 4128, Australia
Contact Details: 1300 666 559
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Laser Skirmish at Redland’s natural bushland offers an exciting outdoor laser tag experience suitable for 6 years and up.
Similar to indoor laser tag, you can use high-tech gaming guns emitting infrared beams with cool sound and light effects. No paint, no pain involved here, just pure fun and games!
You may catch this activity every weekend for 2 hours, where you can engage in popular scenario games like Capture and Hold on the battlefield, which includes a hilltop village, surrounding bush, and a feature lake.
To ensure safety, you must wear long pants and closed shoes. Camouflage jackets and coveralls are available for hire, or you can wear your own camo gear too!
Pro tips:
- While laser tag is an action-packed game, sometimes a stealthy approach can catch opponents off guard. Move quietly, avoid unnecessary noise, and surprise your adversaries with unexpected attacks.
- Timing your reloads can be crucial in laser skirmish. Instead of reloading in the open, find cover or wait for a lull in the action before replenishing your ammo to minimise your vulnerability.
- If you want to learn more about game strategies for laser tag, you may opt to enroll in their private sessions. This includes a 3-hour combat, which will cover team communication, and strategic positioning.
8. Catch the Sunset at Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Website: http://www.laserskirmish.com.au/
Address: Unit 6/2 Commercial Dr, Shailer Park, QLD 4128, Australia
Contact Details: 1300 666 559
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure with breathtaking views, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a must-try.
Offering 360-degree panoramic views of Brisbane, this climb takes you to the top of the iconic Story Bridge, where you can soak in stunning sights of the city, the Brisbane River, and the surrounding landscapes.
For an even more spectacular experience, opt for a sunset climb. As the sun sets, you’ll witness the city lights flickering to life and painting the sky with beautiful colors. It’s an incredible way to see Brisbane from a unique vantage point.
The climb is safe and suitable for all fitness levels, with expert guides ensuring a memorable and enjoyable adventure for everyone.
Pro tips:
- The sun can be quite intense, especially during the afternoon climbs. Sunglasses with a secure strap will keep you comfortable without the risk of losing them.
- There are no water stations during the climb itself. Make sure to drink plenty of water before you start to stay hydrated throughout the adventure.
9. Ride the Hot Air Balloon at Floating Images
Website: http://www.floatingimages.com.au/
Address: 259 Junction Rd, Karalee, QLD 4306, Australia
Contact Details: +61 7 3294 8770
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
For those of you seeking a magical adventure, Floating Images offers an unforgettable hot air balloon experience with stunning views over Ipswich, Scenic, and Somerset regions.
As the nearest hot air balloon adventure, be sure to book ahead since they operate only one flight per day, with a maximum of 10 passengers.
The experience includes the unique opportunity for you to participate in inflating and deflating the giant balloon. Here, you’ll also learn how hot air balloons operate.
And since safety is a top priority, you’ll rest assured knowing that a CASA-approved chief pilot has over 31 years of experience across North America, Europe, and Australia.
He’s also been based in southeast Queensland since 2001, so the pilot already has a deep knowledge of the region’s weather, geography, and history, which guarantees a safe and memorable flight.
Pro tips:
- If you plan on using a camera, consider wearing a neck strap as this can help prevent accidental drops while you’re taking pictures from the balloon.
- Early morning flights can be chilly, especially at higher altitudes. Wearing lightweight gloves can keep your hands warm without compromising your ability to take pictures.
10. Go For a Forest Adventure with Treetop Challenge
Website: http://www.treetopchallenge.com.au/
If you’re sporty and looking for a new outdoor challenge, the Tree Top Challenge offers an exciting forest adventure in the great hinterland hub near Cedar Creek at the base of Mount Tamborine.
You’ll get to traverse nine acres of native bushland filled with bridges, platforms, gangways, scramble nets, Tarzan ropes, ladders, tightropes, and eleven giant flying foxes, making up a total of 100 challenges across six graded high rope courses.
Meanwhile, for those seeking an extra thrill, the Skyfall Jump, lets you experience a freefall from a 12-metre high platform while wearing a full-body harness.
The Tree Top Challenge is great for anyone looking for a rewarding, fun, and memorable activity, though it’s not suitable for the faint-hearted, super unfit, or those with a fear of heights.
Here, you’ll navigate the courses independently, but highly trained and friendly Tree Top staff are available at the start, end, and throughout the courses to offer advice, encouragement, and assistance if needed.
Pro tips:
- Apply mosquito repellent and sunscreen before starting your adventure, as you’ll be exposed to insects and other elements while navigating through the trees.
- Remember to stay hydrated by bringing water with you. This will be conveniently stored in the inbuilt container attached to your harness.
