Brisbane is a lot of fun for a short break. My wife and I spent a few days there earlier this year to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We stayed on the 69th floor of the Brisbane Sky Tower! It was amazing. We scooted around on the Neuron electric scooters and enjoyed time at the galleries, botanic gardens and at some choice restaurants. All in all a fine time. Ed. Kevin Parker
Brisbane, the dynamic and vibrant capital of Queensland, Australia, is fast becoming one of the country’s premier tourist destinations. As Australia’s third most populous city, it holds a wonderful balance between bustling city life and natural beauty. This flourishing metropolis is renowned for its outdoor adventure, remarkable cultural experiences, a flourishing culinary scene, and an appealing year-round climate. From its rich history and architecture to the thriving creative arts and foodie scene, Brisbane is a city that appeals to all kinds of travelers.
Major City Tourist Destinations
South Bank Parklands is one of Brisbane’s most famous attractions, offering an artificial beach, a Ferris wheel, a vast collection of restaurants and eateries, and stunning views of the Brisbane River and the city skyline.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a must-visit for animal lovers. As the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, it offers a unique opportunity to interact with Australia’s native wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and, of course, cuddly koalas.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb offers an exciting journey to the top of Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge. It’s a unique way to enjoy panoramic views of the city, the river, and the surrounding mountains.
The City Botanic Gardens are a lush paradise in the heart of the city, offering free guided walks and showcasing an impressive collection of native and exotic plants.
Mount Coot-tha Lookout offers a spectacular panoramic view of Brisbane. Located just 7km from the city centre, it’s the perfect place to catch a sunrise or sunset. It’s also the gateway to the expansive Brisbane Forest Park, a haven for nature lovers.
Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art : Two riverside galleries, Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), sit 150 metres apart in the Queensland Cultural Centre. Well worth a visit, put aside a good few hours.
The Queensland Museum is a state-of-the-art facility showcasing the state’s natural history, cultural heritage, science, and human achievement. The museum features both permanent exhibits and temporary shows, ensuring there’s always something new to explore.
Brisbane Powerhouse is a contemporary multi-arts, dining, and conference venue. This historic power station has been transformed into a hub for anything and everything creative, including theatre, music, comedy, film, visual arts, festivals, and ideas.
Howard Smith Wharves is Brisbane’s newest entertainment precinct. Located beneath the Story Bridge, it offers a blend of dining options and bars, as well as stunning views of the city skyline. It’s a great place to relax and soak in the Brisbane River’s ambiance.
Roma Street Parkland is a stunning retreat in the heart of the city. Known for its beautifully manicured gardens and impressive water features, it’s also home to a variety of unique plants. A leisurely stroll here provides a delightful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The Treasury Casino, housed in two of Australia’s grandest heritage buildings, is a must-visit for gaming enthusiasts. But beyond gaming, the casino also offers a multitude of dining options and bars, and it’s a great place to soak in the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Festivals
Brisbane is home to a host of festivals throughout the year. The Brisbane Festival is an annual three-week arts festival that culminates in Riverfire, a breathtaking fireworks display.
The Ekka, formally known as the Royal Queensland Show, is the state’s largest annual event. Showcasing Queensland’s agriculture, it features a variety of food, live entertainment, and traditional show bags.
The Brisbane International Film Festival is another must-see, highlighting both local and international cinema and fostering a vibrant film culture in the city.
Woodford Folk Festival: Held annually over six days and six nights, from December 27 to January 1, this is one of the largest and most acclaimed folk festivals in Australia. Located in Woodford, just north of Brisbane, the festival boasts more than 2000 performers and 400 events, with a diverse program of music, dance, theatre, and visual arts.
Noosa Food and Wine Festival: An annual event on the Sunshine Coast, the Noosa Food and Wine Festival is a celebration of local produce, culinary masterpieces, and exquisite wines. It features a range of events from beachfront brunches to celebrity chef dinners.
Carnival of Flowers, Toowoomba: As mentioned earlier, this festival is an annual celebration of spring, where visitors can enjoy beautiful gardens, live music, local food and wine, and a grand street parade.
Gold Coast Film Festival: This festival celebrates and promotes all aspects of film and filmmaking from one of Australia’s pre-eminent filmmaking locations and holiday destinations – the Gold Coast. From high-profile premieres to industry masterclasses and pop-up cinemas at unique locations, this event is a must for film enthusiasts.
Island Vibe Festival, North Stradbroke Island: This music and arts festival showcases the rich cultural diversity of the region. The festival offers music, dance, art, workshops, and food, with a particular focus on Indigenous culture and environmental sustainability.
Ipswich Festival: A celebration of the city’s cultural diversity, heritage, and vibrant arts scene. This multi-disciplinary festival includes live music, visual arts, film, dance, theatre, comedy, and a range of family-friendly events.
Caloundra Music Festival, Sunshine Coast: This four-day event held in early October celebrates music, the environment, and local culture. The event features a diverse lineup of musicians across various genres, food stalls, market stalls, and street theatre, all with a backdrop of stunning coastal scenery.
From music and art to film and food, the festival scene in Brisbane and its surrounding areas provides diverse and vibrant experiences throughout the year. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy world-class entertainment.
Tourist Tours and Attractions
The Wheel of Brisbane in South Bank offers panoramic views of the city, while City Sights Bus Tour is a hop-on, hop-off service that takes you to Brisbane’s key attractions.
River Cruises are not only a popular but also a relaxing way to see Brisbane. Mirimar Cruises offers a memorable trip along the Brisbane River, with the journey culminating in a visit to the world-renowned Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Meanwhile, Kookaburra Showboat Cruises offers delightful lunch and dinner cruises with live entertainment and spectacular views of the city.
Brisbane Greeters are local volunteers passionate about their city. They offer complimentary walking tours, sharing unique insights into the city’s history, architecture, culture, and lifestyle. These tours can be tailored according to your interests, making them a great way to explore the city.
The Wheel of Brisbane in South Bank is an iconic landmark that offers spectacular panoramic views of the city. A ride on this Ferris wheel, especially at night, provides breathtaking views of the illuminated cityscape.
City Sights Bus Tour is a hop-on, hop-off service that takes you around Brisbane’s key attractions at your own pace. With stops at places like the South Bank, Chinatown, and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, it’s an easy and convenient way to explore the city.
The Brisbane Ghost Tours are a thrilling choice for the adventurous. Explore haunted sites and hear spooky tales about Brisbane’s historic buildings and landmarks in the evening’s eerie ambience.
Brisbane by Bicycle offers guided bike tours around the city. It’s a fun and active way to see Brisbane’s iconic attractions, picturesque parks, and unique neighborhoods.
Walk Brisbane offers small group walking tours that take you through Brisbane’s laneways, revealing the best coffee shops, restaurants, street art, and local boutiques that might not be found in typical tourist brochures.
Kayak tours on the Brisbane River provide a unique perspective of the city. Riverlife Brisbane offers kayak tours, allowing you to glide along the river with the stunning city lights as your backdrop on their evening offereing.
The XXXX Brewery Tour provides an insight into the heritage of this famous Queensland beer. The tour takes you through the 140-year history of the brewery and includes a tasting session at the end.
Tangalooma Island Resort, accessible via a 75-minute ferry ride from Brisbane, offers a multitude of land and water-based activities. The highlight, however, is the chance to hand-feed wild bottlenose dolphins that visit the shores each evening.
From river cruises and city tours to adrenaline-pumping ghost tours and tranquil island resorts, Brisbane’s diverse range of tours and attractions cater to all tastes and interests. It’s clear that the city is brimming with experiences waiting to be discovered.
Culinary Options
Brisbane’s food scene has exploded in recent years, with a host of world-class restaurants, chic cafes, and trendy food markets dotting the city.
Gerard’s Bistro in James Street offers Middle Eastern-inspired dishes that are as delicious as they are inventive. Their menu changes seasonally, ensuring fresh and exciting dining experiences.
Eagle Street Pier offers a variety of dining options. Here, you’ll find restaurants like Il Centro and Sake, which provide fantastic river views alongside their excellent cuisine.
For fans of Asian cuisine, Little Singapore in the city centre, offers authentic dishes at reasonable prices.
Accommodation Options
Brisbane provides a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Luxury hotels like The Emporium Hotel South Bank and W Brisbane offer high-end services, rooftop bars, and stunning city views. Mid-range options such as The Johnson Brisbane – Art Series provide comfortable accommodation with excellent amenities. For budget travelers, Brisbane boasts numerous backpacker hostels and budget hotels like Base Backpackers Brisbane Uptown and City Backpackers HQ.
Surrounding Regions
Brisbane’s surroundings offer a plethora of unique and captivating experiences. In addition to North Stradbroke Island, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, Moreton Island, and the Scenic Rim, there are other fascinating destinations to explore.
Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a nature lover’s paradise. Famous for its crystal-clear freshwater lakes, towering rainforests, and an abundance of wildlife, it’s a must-visit location. The island is also home to the Maheno Shipwreck, a hauntingly beautiful site that tells a story of storms and war.
Noosa, located on the Sunshine Coast, is a cosmopolitan beach town known for its sparkling beaches, lush national parks, vibrant markets, and sophisticated dining scene. The Noosa National Park offers stunning coastal walks, where you might even spot a koala!
Toowoomba, also known as the Garden City, is a two-hour drive inland from Brisbane. The city hosts the Carnival of Flowers annually, attracting thousands of visitors with its stunning floral displays, live music, and local food and wine.
Byron Bay is a coastal town located in New South Wales, but it’s just a two-hour drive from Brisbane. It’s renowned for its pristine beaches, excellent surf conditions, and vibrant arts scene. The Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia’s most easterly point, offers sweeping views and is a fantastic spot for whale watching.
Lamington National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, is a biodiversity hotspot. With its stunning waterfalls, over 150km of walking trails, and a chance to spot rare and endangered species, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Ipswich offers a unique blend of heritage charm and bold new developments. It’s home to Queensland’s oldest railway workshop, now a remarkable interactive museum. The region also offers excellent hiking opportunities, such as Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate.
Glass House Mountains National Park is another fantastic natural attraction, just a short drive north from Brisbane. This cluster of thirteen hills that rise abruptly from the coastal plain offers walking trails, abseiling, rock climbing, and stunning 360-degree views from the peaks.
Each of these surrounding regions, within a few hours of Brisbane, brings unique charm and attractions, offering visitors a chance to explore Queensland’s diverse landscapes, culture, and wildlife. Whether you’re seeking sun-drenched beaches, verdant mountains, heritage sites, or food and wine experiences, you’ll find it within reach of Brisbane.
Brisbane truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, a culture vulture, or simply in search of a great time, Brisbane is waiting to welcome you. Plan your trip now and discover the endless charms of this beautiful city and its surrounds.
