17 Things to Do at Brisbane Airport During Layover

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If you have a short layover of less than 3 hours or expect a long layover lasting for up to 5 hours at Brisbane Airport, you don’t have to be bored or wait for your flight in an uncomfortable way.

Instead of resorting to sleeping at Brisbane Airport, it’s more enjoyable to explore other options. Situated in Brisbane City, with the scenic Brisbane River flowing through South East Queensland on Australia’s east coast, this airport offers a gateway to the beautiful South Pacific Ocean. I personally like having long layovers in coastal cities regardless of the time of year. Aside from several activities I have detailed below, there are also several things located near the airport that you can explore depending on how much time you have.

What to do at Brisbane Airport with Short Layover

If you have a short layover lasting for less than one hour, below are some great activities to consider at Brisbane Airport;

Dine at some of the Airport’s Finest restaurants;

Indulge in a delightful dining experience at the Domestic Terminal, offering a plethora of options in the food court and cafés. Take a moment to savor the renowned American Carl’s Jr burgers, featuring their signature Angus beef thick burgers, along with delectable hand-scooped ice cream milkshakes. Don’t miss out on my personal favorite, the guacamole bacon thick burger (minus onion).

Catering to diverse culinary preferences, whether it’s Mexican, Vietnamese, or Japanese cuisine, Mad Mex, Roll’d, and Sushi Sushi have got you covered.

Whether you have some minutes or an hour, you should be able to grab a quick bite or enjoy a full meal.

Get Shopping;

If you love shopping, then Brisbane Airport is your one-stop destination for it. It offers both international and domestic travelers the opportunity to take advantage of duty-free shopping with great discounts on electronics, perfumes, alcohol, and more. For those who want a memento of their trip, there are plenty of souvenir shops and boutiques to explore.

Explore the Place;

Take a leisurely walk around Brisbane Airport and get to know the place more. The airport is filled with cozy lounges, free Wi-Fi hotspots, interactive displays showcasing the region’s culture, art installations, and even a kids’ play zone.

Recharge Your Batteries;

If you want a quick power nap while waiting for your flight, there are several rest areas located throughout the airport. These rest areas offer comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, charging stations for devices, and access to newspapers and magazines.

Go for a spa treatment;

Brisbane Airport has a wellness Spa, conveniently located just behind Plaza Premium Lounge, which offers a variety of treatments, ranging from soothing hand massages to luxurious full-body treatments. Afterward, unwind in the tranquil area until your flight is ready for departure.

Enjoy Movies at the Cinema;

If you have a little more time to spend at the airport, why not catch up on some of the latest movies? The cinema near the Domestic Terminal offers travelers a chance to watch the newest blockbusters and enjoy them in comfort.

Get Some Exercise;

Take your layover as an opportunity to get some exercise before boarding your plane. Brisbane Airport offers a gym for travelers, providing modern equipment and an array of exercise classes to choose from. You don’t need to be a member to enjoy the facilities.

Take a shower;

Take advantage of the airport’s facilities and use the showers available. After a long flight, you can freshen up in the airport’s shower rooms, which are fully equipped with towels, toiletries, hairdryers, and even irons to help make you feel refreshed before your next journey.

Take a Tour and enjoy fine Plaza Lounge;

At the International Terminal, passengers are welcome to enjoy the independent Plaza Premium Lounge, regardless of their airline. Inside, you’ll find a serene and comfortable ambiance, with a delightful view of the airport concourse. The entry cost covers a buffet featuring a wide range of delicious meal options, as well as expertly brewed barista coffee. Additionally, workstations equipped with seamless connectivity are available for your convenience.

If you have long layover at Brisbane of 3+ Hours, below are fun activities to do;

Go Shopping;

You’ll have plenty of time to catch the Skygate Loop free bus, which conveniently connects both terminals with the Skygate shopping and dining precinct. A visit to the DFO outlet stores is irresistible, as it always results in finding great bargains. With over 160 stores, a diverse selection of cafes, a 24-hour Woolworths, a gym, a beauty salon, a hairdresser, and a barber, there’s something for everyone. And if that’s not enough, there’s even putt-putt and a golf driving range right across the road at Golf Central BNE.

Take a train to the city;

Travel to the heart of Brisbane with ease! Hop on the Airtrain, conveniently located just outside the terminals, and arrive in the vibrant city centre in approximately 30 minutes. Prepare for a myriad of exciting adventures, including complimentary city tours and delightful ways to explore the captivating river and picturesque parklands.

Visit the nearby beaches;

Brisbane Airport is just a few minutes away from some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Enjoy soaking up the sun, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and indulging in delightful seafood restaurants at unique coastal locations such as Shorncliffe, Wynnum Manly, Scarborough Beach and Moreton Island.

Visit the wineries;

If you’re in the mood for some wine tasting, there are several local wineries to choose from near Brisbane Airport. Enjoy a delightful day out exploring the lush vineyards and tasting award-winning wines at Sirromet Winery, which is only a 25-minute drive away. Or head over to Mt Cotton Estate Winery, which is just a 15-minute drive away. Both wineries offer guided tours and even alfresco dining options to enjoy the delicious range of wines on offer.

what to do close to Brisbane airport?

Go on a nature walk;

Take the opportunity to explore some of Brisbane’s stunning outdoor areas and enjoy breathtaking views. Nearby national parks such as Mt Coot-tha, Boondall Wetlands, and Lamington National Park are all relatively close by and offer an array of exciting activities such as walking trails, bird watching, waterfalls, and more.

Visit the tourist attractions;

From Brisbane’s wildlife sanctuaries to its historical sites, there’s plenty of attractions nearby that are worth exploring. With a variety of museums, galleries and cultural centres like Queensland Museum, GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art), and Brisbane City Hall, you’ll have enough to keep you occupied during your layover.

Dine at the local restaurants;

Brisbane is a foodie paradise, with plenty of delicious and unique eateries to choose from. You can find everything from Mexican to Vietnamese cuisine in the city center, as well as in the surrounding suburbs. For a truly immersive dining experience, visit The Little Valley – a unique ravine restaurant, which offers panoramic views of the Brisbane River.

Try out some adventure sports;

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then you won’t be disappointed with the range of thrilling activities available near Brisbane Airport. Try your hand at hot air ballooning over the Gold Coast hinterland or go skydiving or scuba diving at the nearby Tangalooma Island Resort. You can also explore the Barrier Reef on a day trip from Brisbane, or take a scenic flight over Moreton Bay and its surrounding islands.

Please note that you are not allowed to smoke at Brisbane Airport but can read our full guide here.

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