Best things to do in Brisbane for someone who loves the water and outdoors?

Cedar Creek is a cool place just west of Brisbane. It's got a nice little waterfall and a beautiful creek flowing for quite a long way. It's located close to Samford Valley; you can easily google it.

Also, Wivenhoe Dam is a pretty simple camping place. You can go fishing, boating, swimming; or just camp out and relax for no more than 10 dollars a night.

abseiling or rock climbing at Kangaroo Point

Story Bridge Adventure Climb-medium fitness-a lot of stairs but great views around Brisbane.

Mt Coot-Tha has some good walks.

If you have a car, Cedar Creek Falls at Mount Tamborine-nice walking circuits and fantastic scenery.

Again with a car, Mt Glorious and Mt Nebo- roughly 45 minutes from Brisbane.

Sunshine Coast (Queensland) and Gold Coast have great beaches. 

On Sunshine Coast, Gardners Falls at Maleny with walks and swimming holes.

Hi Juliana,

You'll have to take a walk up to Mt Coot-Tha which isn't too far from the city. Beaches in brisbane don't exist really, but you can easily travel to the Gold Coast for those. For a sneaky local waterhole location, try Cedar Creek Road up the very end of the road, but you will probably need a car to get there. Happy Travels!

How much time do you have, and how far outside of Brisbane are you willing to go?  I'd highly recommend Fraser Island which is about 3 - 3 1/2 hours north.  You can get to the island from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay.  It's the largest sand dune island in the world with clear dune lakes like Lake McKenzie, rainforests, as well as eucalyptus and mangrove forests.  A major landmark on the island is the shipwreck S.S. Maheno.  You'd need a 4x4 to get around the island, which you could rent, or you can go on a tour. I'd spend a couple of days here exploring.  If you're traveling between November and March and are interested in seeing nesting marine turtles and/or marine turtles hatching, then the Mon Repos Regional Park is the place for you.  It's about 14km from Bundaberg.

While in the City you must do the City Reach Broadwalk, for a walk/run in the afternoon for a relaxed workout (great food along the way too). The newly opened Brisbane Riverwalk is also great for a workout or if you want to see the city from the middle of the river. You could also visit the Riverlife Adventure Center to do kayaking, rock climbing et al.  Mt Coot-Tha is a bit away but a nice walk rewarded with a great view.

If you are more adventurous (and time flexible) you could try Tangalooma Island Resort where you can ride ATVs in the beach and every water sport/activity possible.

There are many beaches around: Shorncliffe is close but can be rather busy on a weekend. Suttons Beach is probably the nicest to swim in. Scarborough beach is probably the nicest and very family friendly. 

If you have more time you may want to head south to the Gold Coast where you can find some of the best surfing spots in Australia.

Enjoy!