The following are a few ‘off-the-beaten-track’ destinations you may want check out next time you’re in Brisbane.
No matter what floats your boat – history, wildlife, comic books or restaurants – there’s something on this list that is sure to please!
Newstead House
The oldest-surviving house in Brisbane, Newstead House has been expertly restored to appear as it would have in 1846, when it was first constructed.
The house, which is located in Newstead Park, overlooks the Brisbane River. It will take you about 15 minutes to reach this historical landmark in your rental car Brisbane wide! You can visit during the week, or enjoy a concert here on the third Sunday of each month.
Inside, you’ll be greeted by the glitz and glamour of a bygone era, with room after room decked out in the finest nineteenth-century furnishings. You should also spend some time wandering about Newstead House’s beautiful lawns and admiring the exterior architecture.
Glow Worm Caves
The Glow Worm Caves at Tamborine Mountain have been purposely built to accommodate visitors. When you arrive, you will be shown into one cave – the ‘Presentation Cave’ – to learn about these illuminated insects and the unique environment they live in.
After this, you will be taken into another cave – the ‘Glow Worm Cave’ – where you’ll get to see them first-hand. A knowledgeable tour guide will show you through the cave while thousands of glow worms twinkle above.
It will take you just over an hour to drive to Hartley Road in the rental cars Brisbane Airport passengers love! The caves are open every day of the week, and are an eco-friendly afternoon activity.
Comics Etc
If you’re in need of some off-the-beaten-track retail therapy, check out Comics Etc on Elizabeth Street. According to Concrete Playground, this store has a huge collection of graphic novels by some of the world’s leading authors and illustrators.
You may not think you’re the comic-book type, but with such a wide range to choose from, you’re bound to find something that tickles your fancy. If you’re not much of a reader, we hear they stock action figures, too – so head over and have a look.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Fig Tree Pocket is a 15-minute drive away from central Brisbane, and is home to the fascinating Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. This is one of the best places in Queensland to get up close and personal with native creatures in their natural habitat.
It was the first sanctuary of its kind ever built, and continues to be the largest – it’s currently called home by more than 130 koalas!
There are many activities occurring here throughout the day, including the ‘Platypus Feed and Keeper Presentation’, the ‘Snake Presentation’ and the ‘Wild Lorikeet Feeding’. These are experiences you won’t find anywhere else!
There are also a number of restaurants, picnic and BBQ facilities onsite, so make sure you sit down and enjoy a meal while you’re here.
Kitchen Door
It’s only been open for a few months, but already Kitchen Door has become a favourite among foodies in Brisbane. Located on Embassy Lane, this restaurant is an off-shoot of the wildly successful Embassy Craft Beer Bar.
In September, owners the Conias brothers told GMC Magazine they hadn’t done any marketing to promote the Kitchen Door – it’s simply gained traction through word-of-mouth
“People enjoy that element of discovery,” said Demetri Conias. “Combine that with good music, food and coffee and it works.”
The restaurant was opened as part of Brisbane City Council’s Vibrant Laneways Project, which aims to make the most of “forgotten or hidden spaces in the inner city”.