Fitness & Keeping Fit In Brisbane

Studying abroad is an incredible adventure, but let's be real—juggling lectures, assignments and a new social life can leave you feeling drained. It’s easy to let your well-being slide down the priority list. But staying active is your secret weapon to not just surviving, but thriving in Brisbane. It’s about more than just physical health, it’s your ticket to boosting energy, sharpening your mind and connecting with this vibrant city.

Forget boring gym routines and expensive memberships. We're here to show you how to power up your student life with fun, accessible and affordable fitness options that fit right into your schedule. Let’s turn Brisbane into your personal playground.

Embrace the Great Outdoors: Brisbane's Natural Gym

One of the best things about Brisbane is its stunning natural environment, which doubles as a free, open-air gym. Soaking up that famous Queensland sunshine is the perfect way to recharge your batteries and get your body moving.

Explore on Two Feet

Brisbane is a city made for walking and hiking. Lace-up your trainers and discover scenic trails that offer breathtaking views and a great workout.

Mount Coot-tha: Just a short bus ride from the city, the trails here range from gentle walks to more challenging hikes. The reward? An unbeatable panoramic view of Brisbane from the summit lookout. It’s the perfect spot for a weekend adventure with new friends.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs: These iconic cliffs offer more than just a pretty picture. Run, walk or tackle the infamous stairs for a high-intensity workout. The city skyline view, especially at sunrise or sunset, makes the burn totally worth it.
City Botanic Gardens: Escape the urban hustle without leaving the city. These beautiful gardens provide a peaceful setting for a jog, a brisk walk or a quiet yoga session under the trees. It’s a convenient oasis for a quick study break.

Go for a Ride

Brisbane is becoming increasingly bike-friendly. Cycling is a fantastic, low-impact way to explore further, get your heart rate up and make your commute an active one. Don't have a bike? No problem. The CityCycle bike-share program offers an affordable way to get around. Grab a helmet and pedal your way along the Brisbane River or through one of the many dedicated bikeways.

Find Your Tribe: Group Fitness and Community Fun

Get ready to lace up and join in! Brisbane hosts a range of annual fitness events that welcome international students with open arms. Whether you’re in it to compete or just for the fun, these experiences are a brilliant way to connect, challenge yourself and soak up the city’s vibrant spirit.

Bridge to Brisbane: This iconic fun run lets you race (or walk!) across the city’s namesake bridges, with distances to suit all fitness levels. The festive atmosphere is contagious—think music, costumes and a massive community celebration at the finish line.
Brisbane Marathon Festival: Whether you’re ready for a full marathon, a half or just prefer a short 5K, this event is a true highlight for runners and walkers alike. You’ll experience stunning river views and plenty of encouragement along the way.
Color Run Brisbane: Known as “the happiest 5k on the planet,” this event turns exercise into a party with color bursts and high-fives at every checkpoint. It’s perfect for groups, selfies and unforgettable memories.
Parkrun: Every Saturday morning, free 5k (i.e., 5 kilometers) runs pop up in parks all over Brisbane. It’s a relaxed, inclusive way to stay active and meet new friends—no pressure, just a supportive community and a lot of laughs.
Brisbane Cycling Festival: Celebrating all things cycling, this festival offers races, group rides and cycling workshops for all abilities. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner—there’s a place for everyone.

Free and Low-Cost Council Classes

Brisbane City Council’s Active and Healthy program is a game-changer for students on a budget. The program offers a huge variety of free or low-cost fitness classes across the city's parks. You can try anything from yoga and tai chi to Zumba and boxing. It's an amazing opportunity to find an activity you love and connect with locals and other students in a relaxed, supportive environment. Check the council's website to find a class near you.

Fit Fitness into Your Busy Life

We get it—your schedule is packed. But integrating fitness doesn't have to mean blocking out two hours for the gym every day. The key is to find small, manageable ways to be more active.

The Active Commute: Ditch the bus for one stop and walk the rest of the way. If you live close enough, walking or cycling to campus is a brilliant way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
Study Breaks that Move: Sitting for hours on end can drain your energy. Set a timer to get up every hour. Do some simple stretches, walk around your building or do a few squats. This small break will refresh your mind and make your study sessions more productive.
Workout at Home: You don't need fancy equipment to get a good workout. Countless free fitness videos are available online, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to dance workouts and Pilates. All you need is a little space in your room.