Brisbane is the perfect destination for thrill seekers. From the many tours and experiences on offer, to the exciting natural resources that provide plenty of opportunity for a memorable adrenaline rush, the city and surrounding areas offer countless ways to test your limits.  There are so many incredible adventure experiences in Brisbane, you’ll be spoiled for choice

Here are our top 7 ways to get your heart pumping.  

Riverlife 

The home of adventure experiences in Brisbane city, the Riverlife Adventure Centre  has plenty of activities to get your adrenaline going. Abseil down the beautiful Kangaroo Point cliffs, stopping on your way down to admire the breath-taking city views. Once you reach the bottom, there are more adventures to be found.  

Riverlife offer a range of choices for all ages, fitness levels, and interests. Try your hand at rock climbing, hire a bike to take in the beautiful river views, or take a trip with a difference on a Segway tour. Or you might like to get on the river itself – stand up paddle boarding and kayaking are options that will get you right out on the water.  

Once you’re finished, you can head into the city, or duck over to Southbank to continue your explorations on foot.  

Feed dolphins at Tangalooma Island Resort 

Aside from the natural features like incredible beaches, bushwalks, and fantastic wildlife, Moreton is an adventurer’s paradise. Catch the ferry across the bay to the beautiful Moreton Island and ramp up the adrenaline by taking a quad bike to explore, or bring a 4WD to make the most of all the island has to offer. 

The Wrecks attract all sorts of sea creatures, and are the perfect location for a dive or snorkel. For an even more unforgettable experience, Australian Sunset Safaris allows you to get out on the water in a clear Perspex kayak at night, with LED lights bringing the wildlife to you. The wild dolphin feeding also happens at night, with the friendly creatures coming in to knee deep water to take fish right from your hands.  

For more ideas on islands to explore in our very own Brisbane backyard, check out our top ten island destinations.  

Watch the sun rise from a hot air balloon 

Brisbane is even more breathtaking when viewed from the sky, and it doesn’t get more romantic than a hot air balloon. Leave in the early hours of the morning and take in the panoramic scenery as the sun breaks over the horizon and lights up the surrounds.  

Floating Images is located 30 minutes west of the CBD, and can arrange transfers from the city. You’ll be treated to countryside and city landscapes, with the peaceful balloon ride offering exhilarating views. Once you’ve taken in the sights, you’ll head back to land and enjoy a delicious breakfast. 

For an even more thrilling view of Brisbane from the sky, you can’t go past a helicopter tour. Flying out of Archerfield, Pterodactyl Helicopters have partnerships with wineries, cafes, pubs, breweries, and accommodation options around the area. Choose from one of their tour options like the helicopter pub crawl, or create your own memorable experience.   

Climb the Story Bridge 

The Story Bridge is famous for its adventure climb. There are only three climbs of this type in the world, and you can’t beat that beautiful backdrop with the glistening lights of Brisbane city in every direction. Choose your experience – day time climbs give you a clear view and allow you to make the most of the Queensland sun, night time offers the spectacular setting of twinkling lights, or a beautiful twilight climb to make the most of both.  

You can also customise your climb with additional adventures. Walk the plank, lean out far over the river with the cantilever lean out, or make it a time to remember with a VIP experience. Or for the most thrilling way to experience the bridge climb, climb to the top as usual and then abseil the last 30m down the bridge. You’re sure to make memories – and take some amazing photos – that will last a lifetime.  

Embrace the need for speed 

Come to Australia’s largest public karting complex, and speed to your heart’s content around Kingston Park Raceway. With more than 100 go-karts suitable for all ages, kids and adults alike can get their adrenaline fix on the three race tracks.  

The Indy track has banked corners and is perfect for kids aged 5-10 to zoom around in the rookie carts. The Monte Carlo track is suitable for adults and teens to take the Formula and Predator carts for a spin. For the true racers at heart, the Le Mans Circuit is an international standard race track where the Schumacher karts can navigate the challenging turns and reach top speeds of 80kph.  

To complement the racing, the raceway also features fun activities that the whole family can enjoy, like simulators, jumping castles, mini-golf, and a fantastic games room. Make use of the barbecue facilities when it comes time to replace all that energy, or visit the Pit Stop Café for some delicious food and beverages.  

Get into nature 

Brisbane city isn’t known for its mountains, but there are plenty of impressive climbs that make a great day trip. Less than 2 hours drive away is the Scenic Rim, with many beautiful peaks to choose from. Mt Barney is a vigorous climb that will challenge thrill seekers, while Mt Maroon features an exciting rock scramble up the gorge to reach the 360° views of the region. From Mt Cordeaux, you might even catch a glimpse of the Brisbane skyline along with the stunning views.  

For a more extended trip, the Three Peaks Challenge takes place over a five day trek that covers Mt Barney, Mt Maroon, and Mt Gillies. Go along with an accredited guide from the Mt Barney Lodge to make the most of the experience. Brisbane is rich with hiking tracks and scenic outdoor adventures that will suit adventurers of every age and fitness level, so it’s easy to find a beautiful hike within a 30 minute drive if you’re looking for something closer to home.  

Haunted adventures 

For adventure experiences in Brisbane that get your heart pumping in a different way, why not try a paranormal adventure? Brisbane boasts plenty of spooky tours that will show you a new side of the past. The Boggo Road Gaol tour has haunting tales of prisoners who never made it out of the walls – and some say are still there. The historic building makes for a beautiful but eerie setting as you listen to the stories and keep your eye out for supernatural inhabitants.  

For an even more spooky setting, you could join a tour at a number of cemeteries around Brisbane, including South Brisbane, Toowong, Nundah, and Ipswich. You’ll join a guide and shiver your way through the night as you learn about some of the more remarkable inhabitants. St Helena Island offers an off-shore option. After a night time boat ride to the island, stories are told in the ruins of the maximum security men’s prison and cemetery. 

Getting Around  

Your journey with Airtain marks the start of your adventure experiences in Brisbane.  You will arrive quickly and comfortably from the airport to Brisbane City in 20 minutes. You can disembark at your chosen city station – Airtrain runs express from the airport, but stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street, and South Brisbane stations.  

While you’re in Brisbane, short term visitors should check out the go seeQ card, which allows you unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on buses, trains, ferries, and trams. It also includes 2 Airtrain journeys to/from the Brisbane Airport.   

For longer stays, travel like the locals with a go card – just touch on at your station of departure and touch off when you arrive at your destination.  

Adventure Experiences in Brisbane 

Visiting Brisbane is always an adventure, but you have plenty of options to ramp up the adrenaline. Whether you go all out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience or make the most of the natural surrounds to get your fix, experiencing Brisbane will leave you begging for more.  

At Airtrain, we’re proud to partner with you to get you where you need to go. From your arrival at Brisbane Airport until you reach your destination, we’re committed to offering safe, reliable, comfortable travel that gets you where you need to go, so you can begin your thrill-seeking adventures.