It’s fair to say Brisbane has a minor reputation problem. Abundant sunshine and proximity to beaches and rainforests mean the River City is better known for early-morning coffee runs and Crossfit in the park than 24-hour partying and midnight snacks.
But that just means you need to dig a little deeper to find its hidden gems. For those who know where to look, the city is overflowing with cheap eats, chill bars and one-of-a-kind activities you won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re after a fun night out or a wholesome daytime adventure, these are our picks for getting the most out of student life in Brisbane.

Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Kangaroo Point

Not many places in the world offer outdoor rock climbing in the city centre with panoramic views. Originally a quarry dug by convict labourers, Kangaroo Point Cliffs is now a popular spot for rock climbing, abseiling and bouldering. There’s a range of courses to suit different skill levels and, best of all, climbing is free – just bring your own gear and start scaling.
Rather team up with more experienced climbers? Check your uni climbing group – most have regular weekly climbs at Kangaroo Point. Or book to join a private group via Riverlife or Pinnacle Sports. You can climb in the morning before the sun hits the cliffs at around 10.30am, but the best time to go is evening. At sunset, the rock face is lit up from below, so when you reach the top, you can reward yourself with a perfect twilight view of Brisbane.

Scugnizzi, Brisbane City

Pizza by the slice is usually a last resort after a big night out – all cardboard dough and unidentifiable cheese. But not at Scugnizzi. This hole in the wall on Adelaide Street serves Roman-style pizza and pasta. Compared to thin-base Neapolitan pizza, Scugnizzi’s slices are big, rectangular pieces with fluffy, chewy dough and more focus on fresh toppings than sauce and cheese. Flavours change regularly, but the line-up usually includes at least one ripiena (stuffed) option – it’s like a calzone-sandwich hybrid, with pizza dough as the bread.
There are also pasta options, including an absurdly rich carbonara – without a drop of cream in sight. With food this good, it’s no wonder Scugnizzi’s owners won My Kitchen Rules in 2024.

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Netherworld, Fortitude Valley

There’s no shortage of bars in the Valley, but few are suitable for hangouts lasting all day and night. Open from midday every day except Monday, Netherworld is a pub with a cartoonish horror theme and a focus on games. You’ll find retro pinball and arcade machines, plus classic ’90s video-game consoles and an extensive library of board games.
If games aren’t your thing, Netherworld hosts regular live music, along with trivia nights, craft groups, and cult movie screenings. The kitchen serves burgers, salads, rice bowls and snacks with a twist: everything is vegan by default. For an extra fee you can add dairy or meat, but you honestly won’t notice their absence. Craft beer is poured from 16 rotating taps, then top your night off by stepping through the doorway to Netherworld’s sister venue, Lost Souls Karaoke, to sing your heart out.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Fig Tree Pocket

Lone Pine isn’t a hidden gem, but it is an unmissable Brisbane experience. First opened in 1927, it’s the oldest koala sanctuary in the world and one of the largest. Lone Pine is home to about 100 koalas, and while visitors are no longer allowed to hold them, it’s still possible to have an up-close encounter with these adorable marsupials.
Along with koalas, you’ll find a wide range of Australian wildlife at the sanctuary, including wombats, kangaroos, platypuses, echidnas, emus, kookaburras and cockatoos. Go for a twilight or night tour for the best chance of seeing the sanctuary’s nocturnal inhabitants like tree kangaroos, Tasmanian devils and bettongs.

Doodee Boran, Brisbane City

Tucked beside a loading dock on Charlotte Street, Doodee Boran is all about recreating the freewheeling atmosphere and bold, punchy flavours of Thai street food. The eclectic decor – wooden tables painted in faded pastels, salvaged signage and stickers, a food-truck-style window into the kitchen – marks this place out from the city’s other Thai restaurants. Its late hours (with live music from Friday to Sunday) have made Doodee Boran a favourite hangout for students, bartenders, chefs and any other Brisbane night owls.
The signature dish is the tom yum noodle soup – often called “doodee” in Thailand – but there are plenty of delicious discoveries to be made on the comprehensive menu. Fans of crudo won’t be disappointed with the spicy raw salmon, while classics like pad thai and massaman curry are some of the best in town.

*This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Scape. Looking for a place to call home while studying? With locations in Toowong and South Bank, Scape offers more than just accommodation. The all-inclusive living experience includes spacious communal areas that create a sense of community, alongside a calendar of exciting activities and events. Stay close to Brisbane's best food, drinks, and activities – all while living in a space that’s built for comfort and convenience. *