The Valley just east of the city has a few restraunts, pubs and clubs.. Southbank also as mentioned as a couple of places and cinemas. But you'll find overall its nothing like melbourne when it comes to that and there is much less variety and quality restraunts. But what you don't get in that, with everything else you get much better!
I used to live opposite UQ at West End.. its a nice area all round there.. Good for a jog, or ride along the river at any time.
You'll be going to the Regatta a bit, that is just a City Cat stop or two away .
Willowbank is on wednesday and Saturday nights. Shits over Calder, and from what I remember about $20 I think (not $50 for like 2 runs!). It's about an hour out from brisbane, about 20 mins from Ipswich.
Check out Yatala Pies - they are great.. um, Byron has a nice Kebab place too (p.s. they're all "Kebabs" up here.. "souvlakis" are only for those in mexico)..
One night if you're on the goldcoast, check out BWCP - that's one crazy place during summer. Last night there must have been 200+ import/hotted up/well think I'm good(!) cars all in one carpark. It is insane... nothing like melbourne there. It's like chapel in a carpark...
Anyhow, its a great place - you'll never look back! Enjoy