So, I just got back from Brisbane, and let me tell you, there were some pretty amazing moments that I can't shake off. Sure, I went looking for the best things to do in Brisbane, but sometimes what you find is so much more than what's on the list. I swear, some of my favorite memories came from the most unplanned detours.
This spot? Total surprise.
One of the first places I wandered into was the South Bank Parklands. Honestly, I'd heard about it, but I was mentally prepared to just stroll through and snap some photos like a basic tourist. But man, this place hit me different. Walking along the river, under the palms, I suddenly felt like I was in a movie scene. I can't even tell you what specific scene—it was just one of those moments when life hits you and you think, "Okay, this is nice."
I had this half-formed plan to check out the Queensland Art Gallery, but I was sidetracked by the sounds of laughter and people in the sun. Turns out they had all these weekend markets. I meandered through, practically losing track of time. I chowed down on some amazing street food—this random stall had dumplings so good I might as well have ordered ten. And no joke, that was my lunch right there.
So yeah, if anyone ever gives you the chance to go to the markets, take it. You never know what you might stumble into!
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
I had this rough day planned—nothing major, just your average sightseeing and a coffee stop here and there. But then, out of the blue, I found myself joining a free yoga class on the lawn at the park. I almost walked straight past, thinking I'd look ridiculous. I mean, I've never exactly been one with the whole zen lifestyle. But something about the serene vibe pulled me in, like a moth to a flame.
Strangely enough, it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the entire trip. The instructor was this wonderfully calm woman who was balancing some ridiculous poses while I struggled to keep from face-planting into the grass. After class, I suddenly felt like I could take on the world—or at least walk around Brisbane without feeling like a total tourist.
There's something refreshing about just being present, you know? I definitely went in thinking I'd just go through the motions, but coming out of that yoga session, I felt energized. Still wasn't going to sign up for a membership back home, but I guess trying something new, even when it feels a little silly, can lead to unexpectedly beautiful moments.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
You know when you think you're so clever with Google Maps, and then you end up walking in circles? Yeah, that happened to me on the way to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. I had grand ideas of feeding kangaroos and getting a selfie with a koala, so naturally, I left a bit late, thinking I'd beat the crowds. Instead, I saw way more of Brisbane than I planned. After a few unsuccessful U-turns, I finally got a bus that at least started in the right direction.
Once I finally got to the sanctuary, holy moly, it was worth every moment of that confusion. There's nothing quite like the feeling of cradling a koala; you can almost hear it whispering how cute it is. Seriously, I thought I would be super cool under pressure, but when it was my turn, my heart raced.
And yeah, I ended up feeding some kangaroos, too. Honestly, I wasn't prepared for those guys to be so, uh, forward. They practically jumped on me for the snacks, and I was just standing there like, am I ready for this? But what a fantastic way to recenter my day. Those moments were way more memorable than I could've planned.
That meal at the tiny café
Then there was this little café—LUNA by Tessa. I stumbled into it while searching for a quick pit stop and ended up sitting there for almost two hours. I had no plans other than grabbing a coffee, but the vibes were perfect. It felt like a secret hideaway. The coffee was great—like, the kind that makes your soul do a little happy dance—but it was their avocado toast that really got me. You know, the Instagram-worthy kind you always see, but rarely taste good. This was different. It was imaginative, like they drizzled it with some exotic olive oil or topped it with a sprinkle of dukkah.
I struck up a conversation with the barista, and here's the surprising bit: she shared her journey of moving from the U.S. to Brisbane, and we ended up talking about dreams, culture shocks, and everything in between. It was one of those “I don't know why I'm sharing this with you” moments, but it felt deeply connected and serendipitous.
I don't even think it was just about the food or the coffee. It was one of those unexpected connections that just made the whole day brighter.
Little wrong turns, big right moments
There's this quote about how life is what happens when you're busy making other plans, and I get it now. Sometimes you miss the best things because you're too focused on the checklist perspective of travel, instead of just enjoying the ride. I didn't hit every spot on my list of best things to do in Brisbane, but I came away with so much more than I expected.
Each little wrong turn ended up leading to some real gems, whether it was delightful food, spontaneous conversations, or just remembering to breathe with the beautiful scenery around me.
As I sit here reminiscing over the last sips of my coffee, I realize there's something to be said for the messy parts of traveling; they weave unexpected tales that linger long after the trip ends. And who would have thought Brisbane would end up being such a vibrant chapter in my travel story?
