17 surprising things to do in Kangaroo Point

​Surrounded on three sides by the Brisbane River, there are many surprising things to do in Kangaroo Point which make a staycation or visit a must. If you are holidaying in Brisbane’s CBD, Kangaroo Point offers a very different slice of suburban Brisbane to explore with ease.

This narrow tongue of land on Brisbane’s south side was full of farms in 1837.  Things have changed and now the highly populated suburb is full of high-rise buildings nestled amongst charming timber and tin architecture. Dominating the landscape, the busy thoroughfare of the Story Bridge takes thousands through the suburb every week, but they are high above ground level, so the noise is just a background hum.

Can you see the people on the top of the Story Bridge? Photo: Kerry Heaney

Things to do at Kangaroo Point – have an adventure

Just climb it!

The Story Bridge Adventure Climb Cantilever Lean Out will see you lean out 80m above sea level on the Story Bridge to see Brisbane from an entirely different perspective.  For an authentic swashbuckling experience, step out onto a plank (also 80m above sea level) to be treated to 360-degree views of Queensland’s capital. Find it at Story Bridge Adventure Climb.  Dare you!

Abseiling at Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Photo: Kerry Heaney

Abseil down the cliff

If you don’t mind the idea of stepping backwards off a clifftop, abseiling down the 20-metre-high cliffs at Kangaroo Point might appeal.  Riverlife Brisbane runs regular sessions with experienced instructors in charge.  You don’t need experience, but you do need to be older than eight years.

Here are some more things to do at South Bank Brisbane which is just next door.

Surprising things to do at Kangaroo Point – hit the beach! Photo: Kerry Heaney

Take your dog to the beach

It’s true! There are steps on the southern side of the Story Bridge leading down to a sandy embankment that’s perfect for your favourite pooch to have a run.  The beach is best at low tide and you can walk through the mangroves to another set of stairs on the other side of the bridge.  Don’t forget to use insect repellent when walking through the mangroves or you’ll spend days scratching as I did.

Hop across the river

Brisbane City Council’s CityHopper is an inner-city ferry service for the Brisbane River and it’s free. Hop on and hop off a ferry every 30 minutes between 6 am and midnight, seven days a week, however, do check the timetable as these are subject to change. From Kangaroo Point you can catch the CityHopper from the Holman Street terminal near Captain Burke Park to Sydney Street, New Farm and visit the Jan Powers Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.  It’s well worth the trip.

The Brisbane city walk circuit can be done in under 90 minutes. Photo: Kerry Heaney

Stroll the river

Brisbane city walk circuit can be done in under 90 minutes.  However, if you stop to admire the view along the way or have a coffee on the Goodwill Bridge, it is more likely to take two hours. If you love an early start to the day, sunrise at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs is the place to be.  In the right light, the reflections on the city buildings are truly magical.

Here are some more Brisbane walks to try.

Picnic under the bridge

Captain Burke Park which is at the pointy end of Kangaroo Point under the bridge is a popular picnic spot.  There are barbecues and a playground.  It’s such as great spot, it’s also one of the places around Brisbane favoured by those who will stage a styled picnic for you.  Here are some picnic tips and how to style a picnic.

Bike or scooter it!

Kangaroo Point is mostly flat with plenty of scenic paths running through parks and along the Brisbane River making it the perfect spot to bike ride.  Bike hire is available from Neuron (orange bikes and scooters) or Beam (purple bikes and scooters) across the city.  You’ll find their bikes and scooters in conveniently random spots.

Sunset view from Eagles Nest. Photo: Kerry Heaney

Things to do at Kangaroo Point – top spots for drinks

Surrounded by river and city views, Kangaroo Point has several places where you’ll want to kick back with a drink and watch the sunset.

Rooftop sunset vibes

Enjoy a Brisbane sunset over the city from a bar that’s not overcrowded! Yes, it exists. Eagles Nest on the top of The Point Hotel at Kangaroo Point is perched on the top floor of the building and really feels like an eagle’s nest.  You’ll enjoy sunset views over the city reaches of the Brisbane River and CBD.  There is a light tapas menu and drinks to match.

Bottoms up in a bomb shelter

Built from the remains of a World War II bomb shelter, The Shelter Bar at the Story Bridge Hotel is just one of the quirky spaces at this pub.  Built in 1886, it is one of seven, three-story hotels from that period remaining in Queensland. The pub has been owned by the Deery family since 1967. It doesn’t stop with the bomb shelter. The pub is famous for its fun events like cockroach racing on Australia Day and also serves up a great steak!

A Christian Jacques’ millefeuille. Photo: Kerry Heaney

Kangaroo Point restaurants and eateries

For such a small suburb, there eating out is one of the great things to do at Kangaroo Point because there is so much choice!

Indulge with a French pastry

It only took one bite of a Christian Jacques’ millefeuille for my taste buds to be spoiled for life.  To compare it to a vanilla slice does neither justice, but you will gain an understanding of the crisp layers of flaky pastry layered with a smooth, crème patisserie.  It’s all about the contrast of textures here and it’s definitely something I will return to enjoy again.

I also sampled a Nutella croissant and a bacon, goat cheese and honey (yes honey) croissant and brought home a loaf of their olive bread. I’m told that the KA (Koign Amann), the crunchier cousin of a croissant that is laminated with butter and sugar, is also a must-try but you need to get there early. To find Christian Jacques Artisan Boulanger under the Story Bridge at Kangaroo Point just look for the queue.

The Prawnster at Dockside. Photo: Kerry Heaney

Eat seafood on a trawler

There are plenty of places in Brisbane with a water view, but the Prawnster actually floats on the water because it used to be a prawn trawler. The seafood is sourced from trawlers working the Queensland coastline plus Tasmanian salmon and Coffin Bay oysters. You can also order takeaway.  Prawnster is open Monday to Wednesday from 4 pm to 8 pm, Thursday to Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 8 pm.  Find it at Berth B! Dockside Marina, Kangaroo Point.  The Prawnster.

Dine in style with Lamberts Herb Roasted Chicken at The Point, Kangaroo Point. Photo: Kerry Heaney

Dine in style

Tucked inside The Point Hotel, Lamberts is a relaxed restaurant with excellent cuisine and service. Chef Marcus Turner focuses on sourcing high quality produce for his modern Australian dishes. The menu includes plenty of dietary options and the luscious, house-made seafood fettuccine is a signature dish. Marcus really knows how to handle scallops, don’t miss these if they are on the menu. The modern Australian menu shines a spotlight on local Queensland produce including Brisbane Valley quail, Coral Coast barramundi and Skull Island tiger prawns from the Gulf.

New entrées include Skull Island Tiger prawns, with charred fennel, corn on the cob and chimmi churri; and Crisp free-range pork belly with Persian fetta, flat beans, truffle honey, shallots and baby capers. Perfect for cooler temperatures are mains such as White Pyrenees lamb rump served with green peas, heirloom carrots, saffron potatoes and rosemary jus. Other main options include mouth-watering Duck a l’orange comprising a roasted breast and confit leg, potato fondant, broccolini, orange and Grand Marnier sauce while Coral Coast Barramundi is complemented with variations of cauliflower, green beans, smoked almonds, raisins and capers. Herb-roasted chicken (sous vide breast and leg) is served with Paris mash, peas, snap peas, zucchini and jus gras.

Tempting new desserts include Strawberry and coconut Moulin Rouge served with melting moments, vanilla cream and basil gel; Turkish Delight churros, served with chocolate hummus and pistachio mousse; and Tonka bean creme brulee accompanied by raspberry sorbet and house-made biscotti

Lamberts serves breakfast too and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, every day.

Below: Lamberts Duck a l’orange and Lamberts Strawberry and coconut Moulin Rouge.

Joey’s offers fabulous city views. Photo: Kerry Heaney

Cliff top vibes

Joey’s Bar and Grill is located on the top of Kangaroo Point Cliffs and a light modern menu.  The views are amazing and it’s a great place to showcase Brisbane to your friends. Do book before you go as it is already getting busy. However, they do reserve some space for walk-ins.

 Enjoy a relaxed stay with city views and a resort-style swimming pool at The Point.  Photo: Kerry Heaney

Where to stay at Kangaroo Point

Get to know Brisbane like a local with a stay at The Point in the inner-city village of Kangaroo Point.  The whisper-quiet rooms offer stunning views of the Brisbane River and city skyline through floor to ceiling windows. I stayed in a Deluxe Guest Room which had a large bath, perfect for soaking away all those steps you’ll take exploring this fabulous region.  For a lux stay, I’d suggest the Executive Suite which has a balcony from which to enjoy those great views. The resort-style swimming pool is easily accessible without going through the main hotel areas, which I like. The hotel is within walking distance to the ferry so you can access North Quay, South Bank, Eagle Street Pier and New Farm with ease.

Room rates start at $250 a night.

Disclaimer: Eat drink and be Kerry was a guest of The Point Hotel.