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Brisbane, Australia

Destination Guide

Brisbane

Australia

Best things to do in Brisbane

30 curated attractions in Brisbane, Australia. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - October

Average temp

22°C/72°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Very safe

About Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia's third-largest city, is shaped by the meandering Brisbane River that runs through its heart. This river has defined its layout, creating a city that sprawls out towards the coast and features a mix of parks, cultural venues, and residential areas. The South Bank Parklands, built on the site of the 1988 World Expo, host a man-made beach and a collection of restaurants and markets that draw both locals and tourists. The city's subtropical climate allows for outdoor living, and Mount Coot-tha Lookout provides views that remind visitors just how much this city loves its greenery. People come for a taste of wildlife at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where cuddly koalas are the main attraction, and for the arts scene, including the Queensland Art Gallery that showcases Australian and international works.

Who it's for

It's perfect for families looking for outdoor activities and people who enjoy a relaxed urban environment. Not ideal for those seeking historical architecture or a fast-paced city vibe: this is not Sydney; it's much more laid-back, and the main attraction is not the skyline.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The central area is easily walkable, taking about twenty minutes from end to end
  • The CityCat ferry is a relaxing way to travel along the river, with frequent stops
  • Buses and trains provide good coverage around the city and suburbs
  • Brisbane Airport is about twenty minutes from downtown, and rideshare apps are common
Shorncliffe Pier

Shorncliffe Pier

Bridges
Streets Beach

Streets Beach

Beaches
Gold Coast

Gold Coast

Beaches
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park

Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park

City parks
Kangaroo Point Bridge

Kangaroo Point Bridge

Climbing spots
South Bank

South Bank

City parks
Museum of Brisbane

Museum of Brisbane

History museums
Mount Coot-tha Lookout

Mount Coot-tha Lookout

Scenic viewpoints
Byron Bay

Byron Bay

Beaches
Suncorp Stadium

Suncorp Stadium

Stadiums & sports venues
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

National parks & nature reserves
Burnett Lane

Burnett Lane

Urban Attractions
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)

Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)

Art museums & galleries
Brisbane City Hall

Brisbane City Hall

Monuments & memorials
Treasury Casino

Treasury Casino

Casinos
Kangaroo Point

Kangaroo Point

Urban Attractions
Queensland Museum

Queensland Museum

Science & natural history museums
Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Outdoor Adventure
South Bank Parklands

South Bank Parklands

City parks
Brisbane sign

Brisbane sign

Urban Attractions
New Farm Park

New Farm Park

City parks
Story Bridge

Story Bridge

Bridges
Roma Street Parkland

Roma Street Parkland

City parks
Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Botanical gardens
Queensland Art Gallery

Queensland Art Gallery

Art museums & galleries
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Wildlife sanctuaries
Brisbane City Markets

Brisbane City Markets

Shopping and Markets
Wheel of Brisbane

Wheel of Brisbane

Observation decks & city views
Queen Street Mall

Queen Street Mall

Shopping and Markets
Bluey's World

Bluey's World

Family-Friendly Attractions

Where to eat in Brisbane

The places worth planning a meal around.

Brooki Bakehouse

Brooki Bakehouse

Modern Australian · $10–$30

★ 4.4 · 1,890 reviews

XXXX Brewery Tour

XXXX Brewery Tour

★ 4.0 · 1,615 reviews

Death and Taxes

Death and Taxes

★ 4.7 · 1,455 reviews

West End Garden

West End Garden

Chinese, Vietnamese

★ 4.0 · 483 reviews

Wuta Brewers

Wuta Brewers

Modern Australian · $20–$40

★ 4.5 · 271 reviews

Vertigo

Vertigo

★ 4.7 · 88 reviews

Things to do in Brisbane

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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