travel guides in brisbane

Australia Recommends 2024

Come and Say G'day

G'day, the short film

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

Brisbane, Queensland

Guide to Brisbane

Aboriginal name : Meeanjin (pronounced Mee-an-jin) 

• Share Share on Facebook Share on Messenger Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Copy Link
• Getting to Brisbane
• When to visit
• Accessibility

Queensland’s sunny capital offers up laidback charm and urban energy with a dash of adventure.

Brisbane is a city that lives up to its sunny potential with a strong focus on the outdoors – think al fresco dining, picnics by the river, islands just off the coast and national parks. Add to this a dynamic cultural precinct, abundant wildlife and easy access to nearby icons like the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef, and you’ve got a destination you can’t say no to.

The traditional name for Brisbane is Meeanjin, meaning ‘the place of the blue water lilies.’ Brisbane was founded upon the homelands of the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, whose Country stretches north from Elimbah Creek, south to the Logan River and inland as far as Moggill. Discover Brisbane's thriving First Nations culture with a range of unforgettable tours and experiences .

• Traditional name for Central Brisbane: Meeanjin (pronounced Mee-an-jin) 
• Indigenous Peoples: Turrbal and Yuggera peoples
• Traditional languages: Yugara
• How to say g’day in Yugara: Gurumba bigi

Getting to Brisbane is easy with both domestic and international flights arriving directly into Brisbane Airport. 

• Brisbane Airport (BNE) is 17km (10mi) from the city and services international and domestic arrivals 
• Hire cars, ride shares and a shuttle service are available from both airports

Once you’ve arrived, Brisbane is an easy city to get around. The city has a great range of options for public transport, including trains, buses and even river ferries. It's also an easy city to drive and walk around. Learn more about  getting around Brisbane .

As would be expected from the capital of the Sunshine State, Brisbane really comes into its own in summer as sunseekers flock here for the idyllic weather . In summer, temperatures and humidity can rise, so locals head to the coast. The benefit of Brisbane’s subtropical climate is that winter is very mild with lots of blue skies and moderate temperatures. In fact, Brisbane boasts an average of 261 days of sunshine per year. 

• High season: Spring and summer (November to February)
• Low season: Winter (June to August)
• Don’t miss: Brisbane’s calendar of events and festivals

Brisbane provides many accessible options for exploring the city. You'll find a range of  accessible accommodation , wheelchair-friendly experiences  and activities for travellers with sensory sensitivities . 

• Arrival: Brisbane Airport provides special assistance for people with disabilities – including hidden disabilities – throughout the airport journey.
• Getting around: The TransLink website provides information on city trains, while Brisbane City Council buses have low floors and ramps. All CityCat river ferries and most ferry terminals are also fully accessible.
• Accessible experience highlights: Exceptional staff are on hand to help wheelchair users and people with disabilities revel in the views from the Wheel of Brisbane . People travelling with mobility aids can also embark on a Brisbane Whale Watching cruise to spot the migrating ocean giants.
• Helpful resources: Changing Places is a great resource for those needing highly accessible bathrooms. For ideas on things to do, check out this accessible travel guide .

Where to eat in Brisbane

Must-try restaurants

Top coffee shops

Cheap eats in Brisbane

Best rooftop bars

Breakfast and brunch spots

Best cocktail bars

Travel tips and essentials.

Where to stay

Weather in Brisbane

Suburb guide

Getting Around

Holiday destinations near Brisbane

The Gold Coast

Moreton Island

The Sunshine Coast

Heron Island

The Glass House Mountains

North Stradbroke Island

Great Keppel Island

Lady Elliott Island

Trips and itineraries.

3 days in Brisbane

13-day itinerary for foodies and design lovers

10 days of shopping, design and art

4 days on the Great Beach Drive

10-day coast to coast itinerary

Explore another city.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• New Zealand (English)
• United States (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Brisbane Travel Guide

Last Updated: May 3, 2023

Most travelers visit Brisbane on their way to the Gold Coast or as they head up towards Cairns .

While it’s not my all-time favorite place in Australia, Brisbane has plenty to see and do to keep you busy for a couple of days. There’s a high quality of life (don’t miss South Bank, which has some nice restaurants and pubs), lots of parks, friendly folks, and a hip resturant scene.

This Brisbane travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time there.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Brisbane

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Brisbane

1. Visit the Koala Sanctuary

The world’s largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine spans over 18 hectares (44 acres) and has over 100 koalas as well as 70 other animals. You can also feed the rainbow lorikeets and kangaroos, hold local snakes, and see some of the country’s beautiful fauna, such as wombats, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, and dingoes. It’s an educational place to visit (did you know koalas sleep for up to 20 hours a day?) and a fun place to bring kids. Admission is 49 AUD.

2. Enjoy South Bank Parklands

Featuring a stunning inner-city beach, miles of tree-lined walks, fabulous shopping, and plenty of restaurants, South Bank is the one place you do have to see in Brisbane. It was transformed for Expo 88 and is now one of the major highlights of the city. I love walking the river promenade, seeing a movie, or getting something to eat as I people watch. You often see musicians and outdoor dance classes here and, in the summer, there’s usually a lot of events and festivals here too.

3. Ride the Wheel of Brisbane

If you want a view of the city, hop on this 60-meter Ferris Wheel and go for a spin! The ride takes place in an enclosed, climate-controlled gondola and lasts around 15 minutes. While touristy, it’s a nice way to get a glimpse of the city. Tickets are 19.95 AUD.

4. Wander the Botanic Gardens

Spanning 130 acres, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens were established in 1970 and are in a fabulous spot beside the river. Spend a few hours strolling here away from the madness of the city center. There’s a Japanese garden, rainforest house, bamboo grove, and more. It’s not as nice as the garden in Melbourne but I like coming here to relax on a nice afternoon. Admission is free.

5. Admire the churches and cathedrals

If churches and intricate architecture are your things, be sure to check out the handful in the area: the Gothic Revival St Stephen’s Cathedral, St Stephen’s Chapel (adjacent to the cathedral), St John’s Cathedral (also Gothic Revival), and the red-brick Albert St Uniting Church. They may not be as old or impressive as some of Europe’s churches, but they are still worth visiting!

Other Things to See and Do in Brisbane

1. enjoy the view from mt coot-tha.

Mt Coot-tha, which is located nearby on the outskirts of the city, offers beautiful panoramic views of the city (and on a nice day, Moreton Bay). A favorite for locals and visitors alike, you can enjoy a meal or coffee and look out over the city’s surroundings. The mountain is just under 300 meters (985 feet) above sea level and there are dozens of easy and moderate trails to enjoy. The moderate 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) Mount Cool-tha Loop, the 5.6-kilometer (3.5-mile) Power Owl Trail, and the 2.6-kilometer (1.6-mile) Mahogany Track are just a few of the more popular routes to enjoy.

2. Hit the Beach

The beach is never a bad idea here. The Gold Coast , with its surfing, white-sand beaches, and lush rivers, is only 30 minutes away. Just remember that on the weekend, everyone in the area gets the same idea so the beaches get crowded and traffic is a mess. Head there during the week to beat the crowd. You can also go north instead as there are plenty of beaches there, including Bulwer (Moreton Island), Ocean Beach (Bribie Island), and Sylvan Beach (Bribie Island).

3. Explore the Cultural Centre

The Queensland Cultural Centre is located in South Bank and includes the Queensland Art Gallery, as well as the Gallery of Modern Art. The Queensland Museum is a good place to learn about the natural history and cultural history of the area. And if you want to see an opera, ballet, or theater performance, there’s also the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Admission to the galleries is free while prices for performances varies, usually costing at least 55-85 AUD per person.

4. Enjoy the Roma Street Parklands

This is the world’s largest sub-tropical urban garden, covering over 16 hectares (39 acres) and located only 5 minutes walk from city hall. I personally like it better than the park by the river, but both are enjoyable and worth visiting. Bring a book, pack a snack, and relax. There are also lots of trendy cafes in the area and the park offers free 90-minute guided tours.

5. Have fun at the Riverlife Adventure Center

The Riverlife Adventure Center is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. They offer various outdoor activities for people of all ages such as biking, rollerblading, abseiling, kayaking, and rock climbing. Guided groups can take you everywhere from the riverside to the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Prices vary but expect to spend at least 65 AUD.

6. Visit the XXXX Brewery

XXXX (you say it as “Four X”) is one of the cheapest beers in the country. It’s also not that great (in my opinion). However, if you need something to do one day and you want to learn more about beer and drink some beer, you can do so here. The brewery has been in business for over 140 years so there’s a lot of neat history there. Tours are 32 AUD.

7. Visit the St. Helena Island’s Prison Ruins

The first historic national park of Queensland, this island is host to the ruins of a colonial prison that was once known as “the hell hole of the Pacific.” Built in 1867, it was in use for over 60 years, forcing prisoners to live in hellish conditions while doing backbreaking labor. While dozens of people tried to escape over the years, no one ever succeeded. I definitely recommend the guided tour — even the local schools go on field trips here. It’s pretty interesting. In-depth five-hour excursions are 84 AUD.

8. Wander Manly Boat Harbour

This is Brisbane’s gateway to the Moreton Bay Marine Park, an area with pristine waterways and picturesque islands. You can find a range of food and shopping options overlooking the marina, however, they may not be the most budget-friendly. Nevertheless, it’s a nice place to stroll around and window shop!

For more information on other cities in Australia, check out these guides:

• Alice Springs Travel Guide
• Broome Travel Guide
• Cairns Travel Guide
• Fraser Island Travel Guide
• Gold Coast Travel Guide
• Melbourne Travel Guide
• Perth Travel Guide
• Sydney Travel Guide
• Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide

Brisbane Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There are lots of hostels in Brisbane, with prices starting around 25-30 AUD per night for a bed in a dorm with 8-10 beds. For dorms with 4-6 beds, expect to pay 30-35 AUD. Private rooms start at 65-95 AUD. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels include self-catering facilities. Only a couple offer free breakfast.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city. A basic tent plot without electricity costs around 10-20 AUD per night.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels start at 120-140 AUD per night, but most are over 150 AUD. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, and AC. Only a few budget hotels include free breakfast.

Airbnb is also an option here, with private rooms starting at 40 AUD, though most average closer to 100 AUD. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 100 AUD (though prices average over 200 AUD so be sure to book early to find the best deals).

Food – While you can find cuisine of all types in Brisbane, popular traditional choices include BBQ meat (especially sausages), meat pies, fish and chips, seafood, chicken parmigiana (chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, ham, and melted cheese), and, of course, the infamous vegemite on toast.

Cheap takeaway meals and Indian or Chinese food can be found for under 20 AUD, but most sit-down restaurant meals with a drink cost between 20-30 AUD. These are usually dishes like fish and chips, meat pies and vegetables, or seafood. Lamb is incredibly popular, as is chicken.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 13 AUD for a combo meal while pizza is around 20 AUD.

For a meal at a more expensive mid-range restaurant, expect to pay at least 50 AUD for a dinner and a drink.

Beer costs around 9 AUD while a latte or cappuccino is around 5 AUD. Bottled water is 2-3 AUD.

If you cook your own meals, expect to pay 80-90 AUD per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Brisbane Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Brisbane for 75 AUD per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like hiking and going to the beach. If you plan on drinking, add 10-20 AUD to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 210 AUD per day, you’ll be able to stay in an Airbnb or budget hotel, eat out for most meals, take the occasional taxi, have a few drinks at the bar, and do a few paid activities (such as visiting the Koala Sanctuary).

On a “luxury” budget of 400 AUD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, do day tours, hire a rental car to get around, and drink at the bar as often as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in AUD.

Brisbane Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Brisbane can be a very expensive city to visit. However, there are plenty of ways to save money when you’re here. Here are some money-saving tips to help you lower your costs:

• Drink goon (box wine) – Goon is an infamous staple on the Australian backpacker trail. This cheap box of wine is the best way to drink, get a buzz, and save a lot of money at the same time.
• Cook your own food – The best way to reduce your food cost is to cook as many meals as possible at your hostel. Look for a hostel or Airbnb with a kitchen so you can avoid eating out often. It’s not glamorous, but it’s affordable!
• Book tours as a package – Australia has a lot of fun activities and exciting tours that can ruin any budget. If you plan on doing any tours while you’re here, booking activities together through a hostel or tour agency can get you a discount and save you tons of money.
• Work for your room – If you’re on a budget and looking to save some cash, many hostels offer travelers the opportunity to work for their accommodation. In exchange for a few hours a day of cleaning, you get a free bed to sleep in. Commitments vary but most hostels ask that you stay for at least a week.
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find really a fun Couchsurfing to host you during your visit. This way, you not only have a free place to stay but you’ll have a local host that can share their insider tips and advice.
• Get a Go card – If you plan on using the bus to get around, get a Go card. You’ll save over 30% on your bus tickets.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Brisbane is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle with you to save money and lower your plastic use. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Brisbane

Brisbane has several cool hostels that can help you save money and make the most of your visit. Here are my top places to stay in Brisbane:

• Bunk Brisbane
• City Backpackers HQ
• Nomads Brisbane
• Summer House Backpackers Brisbane

How to Get Around Brisbane

Go cards save you at least 30% so be sure to get one when you arrive. There’s also a Go Explore card for tourists, which provides unlimited travel for 10 AUD per day.

Brisbane’s rail network is excellent and can take you to attractions all across the city and surrounding area. Tickets are the same price as the bus.

You can also take the train all the way to the Gold Coast in under two hours for around 30 AUD (return).

The Airtrain can take you to and from the airport in about 20 minutes, with services running every 15 minutes. Tickets are 19.80 AUD. It also runs to the Gold Coast.

Ferries – Ferries are a popular way to get around because the Brisbane River cuts right through the city. The CityHopper ferry is free and runs between the Sydney Street and North Quay terminals.

Bike rental – Brisbane is easy to get around by bike. Rentals start at 30 AUD per day and include a helmet and lock.

Taxi – Taxis are expensive here and should be avoided. If you need to take one, prices start at 5 AUD and go up by 2.20 AUD per kilometer.

Ridesharing – Uber is available here and, while it’s cheaper than taxis, it’s still pricey. Skip it if you can!

When to Go to Brisbane

Autumn (March-May) is the best time to visit Brisbane. The average daily temperature during this time is 24-29°C (75-84°F) and there is very little rainfall. This isn’t peak season either, so you’ll find good discounts on accommodations and activities. You’ll still want to pack sunscreen for this time of year though!

Winter (June-August) and spring (September-November) are also good times to visit, as temperatures are still warm and dry. The average daily high hovers around 21°C (70°F). That said, Brisbane can be very busy during this time (especially in September when the month-long artsy Brisbane Festival is happening), so book well in advance.

You’ll get the best accommodation deals during Brisbane’s wettest, most humid time of year (December to early March). However, if you’re planning on doing a lot of outdoor adventuring, this is not the best time to visit.

How to Stay Safe in Brisbane

Brisbane is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel. Violent crime is rare, as is petty theft. Of course, keep your eye out as you would any other city but, beyond that, you’re unlikely to encounter any problems.

Most incidents tend to occur because visitors are not used to Australia’s unique climate, so be sure you have plenty of sunscreen and stay as hydrated as possible. If you’re venturing out of the city, be mindful of wildlife, especially snakes and spiders. If you’re bitten, seek immediate care.

Solo female travelers are generally safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.). Consult other solo female travel blogs for specific advice.

If you’re worried about travel scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here . There aren’t many to be found here though.

If you experience an emergency, dial 000 for assistance.

The most important piece of safety advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Brisbane Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. Just enter your departure and arrival destinations and it will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost. It’s one of the best transportation websites out there!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Australia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Australia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Sydney

Where to Stay in Brisbane: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Brisbane

The Best Walking Tours in Melbourne

The Best Walking Tours in Sydney

Where to Stay in Melbourne: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• Testimonials
• Meet the Team
• Work With Us
• Outlook Features
• Sign Up Today
• Travel Guides
• Middle East

Brisbane Travel Guide

With its undeniable charm and relaxed outdoor lifestyle, Brisbane invites travellers to escape the ordinary and experience its spirited inner-city precincts, unique neighbourhoods, and stunning natural surrounds.

INTRODUCTION

Brisbane, the vibrant capital city of Queensland, is blessed with more than 285 days of sunshine every year, bolstering its natural and urban beauty.  

The city is built around the winding Brisbane River, with an extensive network of bikeways and shared pathways connecting its buzzing lifestyle and entertainment precincts encouraging locals and visitors alike to embrace the city’s sunny disposition. The inviting, outdoor culture makes exploring Brisbane on foot, by bike, or by floating down the river on one of the city’s many cruise tours an unmissable experience.  

Discover Brisbane’s trailblazing culinary scene with the likes of Gourmet Traveller’s Restaurant of the Year for 2023, Agnes, which cooks purely on flames, and newcomer, Vertigo, where guests can dine 17 metres (m) in the air before abseiling down the side of the heritage-listed facade of the Brisbane Powerhouse after their meal. Craving a nightcap? Seek out hidden gems like Saville Row, identifiable only by a bright orange door on a bustling inner-city street, or head to one of Brisbane’s vibrant rooftop bars, like Maya or Iris, and enjoy delicious cocktails under the twinkling stars with sweeping views of the city skyline. 

Beyond the city, Brisbane boasts pristine parklands, tropical islands, and hinterlands, including the Scenic Rim – a ring of dramatic volcanic mountain ranges and rainforests dotted with quaint towns.  

Just a short ferry ride from the city centre across the pristine Moreton Bay are world-famous beaches and picturesque islands, including two of the world’s largest sand islands, Moreton Island/Mulgumpin and North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah. Here, travellers can enjoy the crystal-clear turquoise waters and spot local wildlife including dolphins, dugongs, and turtles, while kangaroos and koalas can be found in abundance on ashore. Discover the First Nations history of North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah on a culture tour with Yura Tours, learn about the local fauna and enjoy some bush tucker on the beach, or explore the island with First Nation’s artist, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins and learn the stories and locations that inspire her work. With a thriving urban centre offering endless cultural experiences and a plethora of diverse regions to traverse, visitors can go from rooftop bars, craft breweries, and 5-star hotels to hidden waterfalls and rainforest retreats all within an hour of the city centre. Brisbane offers the best of both worlds, a quintessential Australian experience that undoubtedly promises a memorable adventure. 

TOURISM INSIGHTS: BRISBANE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

The Brisbane Economic Development Agency is the official tourism organisation that promotes the region as the ideal destination for travellers who enjoy city life with additional features. Lorelle Chittick , the General Manager of Tourism, Business, and Major Events, provides expert insights on what makes Queensland’s capital an elevated experience and a precious jewel in the state’s tourism industry.

Q&A WITH LORELLE CHITTICK, GENERAL MANAGER OF TOURISM, BUSINESS, AND MAJOR EVENTS

Firstly, could you talk us through the origins of the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, its initial vision, and current goals?

Lorelle Chittick, General Manager of Tourism, Business, and Major Events (LC):   The Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) is the official Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) for Brisbane, focused on profiling the destination to domestic and international audiences to support the growth of the region’s broader visitor economy. 

The Brisbane brand, encompassing BEDA’s Visit Brisbane channels, was relaunched in 2021 to increase awareness of Brisbane as a contemporary holiday destination for travellers. 

Brisbane is Queensland’s vibrant capital city with an abundance of unique cultural, sporting, and tourism experiences, award-winning dining options, and stunning natural surroundings for visitors to soak up and explore.  

As future host city to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Brisbane is dedicated to raising the city’s global profile and ensuring visitors stay updated via Visit Brisbane channels. 

Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Brisbane? What makes it stand out from other Australian cities?

LC: Brisbane offers the best of many worlds in one – endless year-round sunshine and a subtropical climate, unique urban experiences such as world-class shopping, award-winning dining, including Gourmet Traveller’s Restaurant of the Year for 2023, Agnes, and a thriving cultural scene – not to mention a blockbuster major events calendar boasting world-exclusives.  

Brisbane’s stunning regions are home to ancient rainforests and pristine tropical islands, Moreton Island/Mulgumpin, and North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah, are brimming with iconic Australian wildlife – all this within an hour of the city, it doesn’t get much better than that!

What kind of travellers does Brisbane appeal to the most?

LC: Brisbane is a city that excites and entices visitors of all ages and demographics. From family stays to luxury escapes, adventure enthusiasts to social buzz seekers – there’s something for everyone in our city.  

With the continuation of the Year of Accessible Tourism (YOAT) in Queensland, BEDA is working with industry to support the growth of accessible and inclusive businesses and experiences, and make Brisbane an all-abilities destination of choice. 

What is Brisbane’s most underrated attraction?

LC: Brisbane is connected by the iconic winding Brisbane River. The landmark connects multiple entertainment hubs, from the cultural centre in South Bank to the renowned riverside precinct, Howard Smith Wharves, set under the Story Bridge and stretching beyond to the likes of Eat Street Northshore, where over 70 venues serve up international dishes from vibrant shipping containers, and the idyllic, leafy suburb of New Farm with cosy cafés.  

Each of these riverside precincts showcase some of Brisbane’s best dining and bar offerings, from upmarket Italian at Otto Trattoria to the laid-back al fresco dining and local brews at Felons Brewing Co.  

Home to Agnes, as well as several rooftop bars and al fresco riverside venues – Brisbane’s dining scene is thriving. 

What activities would you recommend for visitors travelling to Brisbane in the autumn?

LC: Whether searching for adventure, beachside luxury, 5-star urban stays, or acclaimed restaurants and bars, there’s plenty to do in Brisbane.  

Embrace the city’s endless summer with a trip to nearby islands, such as North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah or Moreton Island/Mulgumpin.  

Enjoy the al fresco lifestyle at Brisbane’s premium riverside precinct, Howard Smith Wharves, or dare to dine 17m in the air at Vertigo, perched off the side of Brisbane Powerhouse, overlooking the city skyline.  

Wander through UNESCO World Heritage rainforests in the Scenic Rim or explore the river on a three-storey entertainment vessel, Oasis, or a self-captained picnic boat. 

Revel in Brisbane’s jam-packed events calendar, from sporting showdowns like the Brisbane Cycling Festival and NRL Magic Round to cultural movements such as the Brisbane Comedy Festival and exclusive art exhibitions at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art.

What trends are currently transforming tourism in Brisbane, and how are you harnessing them?

LC: An integral part of our work at BEDA is to increase and enhance our tourism product in Brisbane. This ultimately boosts our visitor economy by enticing people to stay longer and experience more. 

In 2023, as part of YOAT, BEDA helped deliver the Access Accelerator programme, which is aimed at enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of the tourism industry in the Brisbane region.  

18 businesses participated in the programme, which featured one-on-one mentoring, free accessibility and inclusion audits, and disability awareness training. 

Additionally, as home to one of the world’s oldest living cultures, BEDA plays an important role in supporting and growing First Nations tourism experiences and operators across Brisbane. 

What can travellers in search of luxury expect from Brisbane?

LC:   Brisbane has an array of 5-star luxury hotels with rooftop pools and wellness spas, from Emporium Hotel and Crystalbrook Vincent positioned on the river, to hinterland retreats set on sprawling acreage like Beechmont Estate and Spicers Peak Lodge.  

Embark on private helicopter tours to local vineyards or day trips to stunning tropical islands.  

Stroll down Brisbane’s iconic outdoor shopping strips, James Street and Queen Street Mall, and browse Australian fashion labels, boutique stores, and hidden arcades. Indulge further by staying at chic 5-star property, The Calile Hotel, which came 12th 12 in the World’s 50 Best Hotels list for 2023. 

How do you promote tourism whilst also respecting the traditional custodians of the land?

LC: BEDA ensures that tourism activity within the First Nations realm is aligned with the Queensland First Nations-led Tourism Strategy and Cultural Protocols Framework.  

We work closely with First Nations tourism businesses as they continue to develop and grow their incredibly immersive and educative experience offerings.  

BEDA also facilitates a First Nations Tourism Relationship Building Programme that involves our First Nations tourism businesses in extending cultural learning activities to the wider tourism industry. 

There is an exciting and diverse range of authentic First Nations tourism experiences within the city and surrounding region. These include Nyanda Cultural Tours, Aboriginal Art Co., BlackCard Cultural Tours, Birrunga Gallery and Dining, Yura Tours, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins Art Studio, Matt Burns Cultural Experiences, Yarriba Dreaming, and Dreamtime Kullilla-Art. Additionally, Minjerribah Camping and Maiala Park Lodge are stunning First Nations-owned and operated accommodation experiences. 

How do you foresee Brisbane’s tourism sector developing in the coming year?

LC: At BEDA, we are passionate about elevating Brisbane’s national and global profile to ensure widespread economic prosperity. 

We’ve had a strong start to the year, with Brisbane named one of the top places in the world to visit by The New York Times, Frommer’s, and TIME Magazine thanks to its incredible diversity of experiences.  

These accolades are fuelling an unstoppable momentum for Brisbane’s tourism sector in 2024, with Tourism Research Australia data for the year ending September 2023 revealing record-breaking visitor spend, with AUD$7.2 billion in total domestic overnight expenditure, up 35 percent year-on-year and 36.8 percent from 2019. 

We’ve seen a strong rebound from the Chinese market with the commencement of China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines late last year. Singapore Airlines is also set to increase to four weekly flights into Brisbane from November 2024. By Christmas this year, Brisbane will also be home to four giants of North American aviation: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Canada.  

There’s never been a better time to be in Brisbane. Our popularity as a year-round holiday destination is soaring, with people visiting our beautiful city in record numbers to live, work, explore, and invest.

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

FOR AL FRESCO DINING…  

Just one of Brisbane’s many rooftop bars, Lina Rooftop has a breathtaking 180-degree view of the city skyline – not to mention a pool you can take a dip in while sipping a signature spritz. Savour the flavours of the French Riviera with their decadent à la carte menu or enjoy nibbles from lounge and pool deck menus as you relax with a cocktail in hand.  

FOR AN EVENING BY THE RIVER…  

Howard Smith Wharves is buzzing with life from dusk until dawn. There are restaurants, trendy bars, themed pop-up bars, an award-winning brewery, and even a pop-up outdoor cinema. Sit along the Brisbane River overlooking the city and choose from cuisines such as Cantonese, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Greek, and more.  

FOR A SPORTS THRILL…  

Rugby league football is popular in Queensland, and the local professional team, the Brisbane Broncos , competes in the National Rugby League (NRL). Commonly referred to as the Broncos, the club was founded in 1987 and has won six NRL premierships. The secret of their success lies in their hard work, persistence, and dedication.  

Traditionally, the colours of the Broncos have been maroon, white, and gold, which have long been linked to the history of rugby league in Queensland, with the gold symbolising Brisbane’s renowned sunny skies. 

The home of the Broncos is Suncorp Stadium and guided tours are available on non-event days. As one of Queensland’s largest and most important stadiums, Suncorp Stadium has a capacity of more than 50,000. For a fun and exhilarating day out, visitors can see the Broncos in action by attending a game, witness an incredible display of talent on the pitch, and discover why they have become a dominant force in the league. 

The world’s largest rugby league festival, NRL Magic Round, also returns to Brisbane from 17th to 19th May, where 16 teams will compete against each other across three mammoth days of sporting showdowns. Come experience the magic!

FOR MILITARY HISTORY…  

Anzac Square and Memorial Galleries is a significant site that honours the memory of Australians and New Zealanders who have served in wars and conflicts. The heritage-listed town square is a place of reflection, often hosting ceremonies to commemorate their sacrifice, with the Shrine of Remembrance and Eternal Flame burning at its heart. Meanwhile, the galleries showcase stories of the country’s armed forces.  

FOR A LUXURIOUS AND IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE…  

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River is the stunning 5-star Emporium Hotel South Bank . The hotel boasts not only luxurious rooms, but also two on-site restaurants and a patisserie and wine bar, not to mention an extensive list of amenities, from a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the city to a sauna, steam room, and full-service day spa offering. 

FOR A UNIQUE STAY…  

In the leafy inner-city suburb, New Farm, just 10 minutes from Brisbane’s city centre is Miss Midgley’s boutique hotel. Having had many lives, this heritage-listed property was once a private home, school, and even a hospital before being transformed into the stunning, pink-hued accommodation it is today. Miss Midgley’s has an old-world charm with luxe facilities – the rooms have French doors that open out onto private verandas, and there’s even a pool to take a dip in.   

THE ISLANDS AND COASTLINE IN FOCUS

Embrace Brisbane’s outdoor lifestyle and discover its beautiful beaches and secluded havens away from the city’s mainland. You can experience exciting island-hopping adventures by helicopter, relax beachside, or delve into the country’s rich First Nations history. 

The Moreton Bay Region is a picturesque blend of coastal towns, vast national parks, and towering mountain ranges. Though under an hour from the city centre, this idyllic region will feel worlds away from Brisbane’s bustling urban landscape. The area offers a diverse range of dining options, including wineries, quaint cafés, and beachside fish and chip shops, as well as plenty of fun activities, such as whale watching, llama walks, and trail biking. 

Redlands Coast is a stunning area famous for its scenic landscapes, charming villages, and diverse natural beauty. It is popular for its outdoor activities, such as bushwalking, birdwatching, and water sports. Journey across the water to the white sand beaches of North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah, or embark on an adventure along the North Gorge Walk, which offers a scenic route through rocky outcrops and the chance to spot dolphins, manta rays, whales, turtles, fish, and sharks. While there, join a First Nations cultural tour and learn about the history of the Quandamooka people from a local guide. 

Island hop with a visit to Moreton Island/Mulgumpin, which can be reached via a quick ferry ride, or arrive in style with a helicopter ride. Explore the island’s pristine coastlines with a quad biking adventure, sand dune tobogganing, or a leisurely stroll. Snorkel or kayak through the crystal-clear waters of the Tangalooma Wrecks with Australian Sunset Safaris and discover unique marine life, from turtles to brightly coloured fish, wobbegongs, and starfish.

LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS

Story Bridge

With dazzling lights, which reflect along the length of the Brisbane River, the Story Bridge is impressive by day and spectacular at night. The steel cantilever bridge, which is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, spans from Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point, connecting the city’s north and south. After opening in 1940, it became the longest structure of its kind in Australia, carrying vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. As one of only three of the world’s bridges that can be climbed, Story Bridge Adventure Climb offers an unforgettable experience, allowing you to reach the top of the structure and witness incredible views of the city and beyond.

Queensland Cultural Centre

Positioned along the banks of the Brisbane River is the Queensland Cultural Centre, and at the heart of this thriving precinct is the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art . Discover the rotating roster of world-exclusive art exhibitions and unique permanent pieces across the two galleries. Continue your exploration with a trip to the Science Museum to challenge your mind or Queensland Performing Arts Centre to enjoy one of Brisbane’s renowned stage shows.

Mount Coot-Tha

Before hiking up Brisbane’s tallest mountain, be sure to visit the city’s botanic gardens at the foot of Mount Coot-Tha. A sensory symphony, the wildlife oasis boasts 52 hectares (ha) of plants from Australia and around the world. The climb to the top of the mountain takes around 90 minutes to complete, however, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the city skyline and can treat yourself to a coffee or a light bite from the Summit Café.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

The primary international hub serving Brisbane and Southeast Queensland is Brisbane Airport (BNE), which supports 31 airlines flying to 50 domestic and 29 international destinations. Visitors can travel to the city by Airtrain, which takes 20 minutes to reach the inner suburb of Fortitude Valley, or via a 35-minute taxi ride.  

Once in Brisbane, it is easy to travel around as the public transport system is well-connected, and the Metropolitan area has various options. An extensive public transport system of buses, trains, and ferries can be best accessed with a TransLink GoCard purchased from designated retailers.

Take advantage of the Brisbane River and hop on a CityCat and travel around Brisbane by ferry, or catch a KittyCat – the free ferry service in the city. Both offer fantastic views of the skyline and are great ways to travel. Buses cover most areas of the city and suburbs, and are equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable ride. Journeys and routes can be planned through the TransLink website or mobile app, where you can check the schedule with ease and accuracy.  

Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance through local companies or ride apps such as Uber or Bolt. There are also taxi ranks at the airport, train stations, and shopping centres; alternatively, hiring a car can give you the flexibility and freedom to explore Brisbane and its surrounding areas at your own pace. Companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget have branches in the city and at the airport, with the option of booking vehicles online or at a rental location.

VIEW THE BRISBANE TRAVEL GUIDE

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

The Wanderbug

Travel blog.

The Ultimate Brisbane Travel Guide

If you haven’t visited recently, you might find a totally different city when you next visit sunny, subtropical Brisbane . The river city is the fastest growing city in Australia, and on every visit you’ll find new things to do, places to eat & ways to enjoy Queensland ‘s capital city. This Brisbane Travel Guide is designed for both first time visitors & visitors who haven’t visited in a little while – you’ll be surprised at how much has changed!

I grew up in Brisbane, and have lived away for several years now but visit often. There’s plenty to do for a 2-3 day trip to Brisbane, which is how much time I’ve recommended for a first visit in my itinerary for one month in Australia.

If you’re planning a trip to Brisbane, here’s an essential Brisbane travel guide to help you plan your stay!

Where is Brisbane?

What is brisbane known for, summer: december to february, autumn: march to may.

• Winter: June to August

Spring: September to November

Fly to brisbane, getting around brisbane, how long do you need to visit brisbane, eat & drink at howard smith wharves , goma (gallery of modern art), catch a city cat, shop on james street, brisbane’s major city gardens, see a show at the powerhouse, streets beach, southbank, cuddle a koala at lone pine sanctuary, go whale watching, brisbane cbd, fortitude valley, three blue ducks, sk steak & oyster, death & taxes, the gresham, felons brewing co, the calile hotel, new farm, hotel x, fortitude valley, the w, brisbane, gambaro hotel, petrie tce, noosa & the sunshine coast, moreton island, north stradbroke island.

Brisbane is approximately half way down on the east coast of Australia, and is the capital city of Queensland . It’s located in the southeast corner of the state, 2 hours’ drive north of the Queensland-New South Wales border. Brisbane is 900km north of Sydney.

Explore More: Queensland Travel Guide

Brisbane is one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia and is known for its sunny, subtropical climate with 280+ days of sunshine per year, its outdoor lifestyle and its proximity to some of Australia’s best beaches as its located between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Brisbane’s best known precincts & attractions include South Bank Parklands, Howard Smith Wharves and the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). Brisbane is known as “The River City” for it’s location on the winding Brisbane River, and it celebrates this with the annual River Fire fireworks show.

When to visit Brisbane

Subtropical Brisbane is known for its year-round warm climate, so there’s not really a bad time to visit. However, it’s more likely to rain (and occasionally, flood), during the hottest summer months in January and February.

Brisbane summers are HOT. The average temperatures range from 21 – 30 degrees celsius, but with the strong sunshine and intense humidity, it can feel a lot hotter. The last few years have had lovely “cool” summers, but typically it’s a very hot time to visit.

Autumn is a lovely time to visit Brisbane, with average temperatures from 16-26 degrees celsius. Catch the end of the Brisbane Comedy Festival in March & Paniyiri Greek Festival in May. Don’t expect traditional autumn foliage however, in subtropical Brisbane.

Winter: June to Augus t

Brisbane winters are beautiful, with crisp days, clear blue skies and average temperatures between 10-21 degrees celsius.  No heavy coat required! Brisbane winters Catch a game in the State of Origin series, a historic grudge which match pits Queensland against New South Wales in the best of three games. The Ekka, a major agricultural show, brings the farm to the city every winter for the state’s largest event.

Brisbane is extra beautiful in spring, with cherry blossoms in August and iconic purple jacarandas in October. September brings the Brisbane Festival, which culminates with Riverfire, a dazzling and beloved fireworks show on the Brisbane River. Spring is warm with average temperatures 16-26 degrees celsius.

How to get to Brisbane & how to get around

Fly direct to Brisbane International Airport, which is the third-busiest airport in Australia. It’s 20 minutes’ drive from the CBD, or you can take the Air Train.

Brisbane has buses & trains, but trains are mostly used by commuters to move between suburbs. For getting around you’ll be best to use the bus system or take a taxi/rideshare. There’s a free City Loop bus service that runs in the city every 10 minutes. You can also take the City Cat, a high speed ferry service, along the river. To catch public transport, you’ll need a Go Card so you can tap on & off. You can’t buy tickets or Go Cards on board, but you can buy them at 7/11 and Night Owl stores.

Brisbane is very warm, humid and hilly, so what looks like a reasonable walk on the map isn’t always as easy as it looks!

For first time visitors, a three-day trip is a great place to start. This leaves enough time to explore the most popular precincts such as Southbank, Howard Smith Wharves and the city, with some time spare for a day trip if you want to squeeze more in.

The Best Things to do in Brisbane

The best thing to do in Brisbane is appreciate the great outdoors, ideally with a view of the Brisbane River, which snakes through the city.

This new riverfront precinct is home to some of Brisbane’s most popular new bars & restaurants, and has beautiful views of the city, river and Story Bridge. It’s connected to the city & the Eagle St Pier precinct by the Riverwalk. It’s a new Brisbane icon.

GoMA is one of Australia’s leading contemporary art galleries and has a focus on Australian, Asian and Pacific art. Entry to the permanent collection is free, and its flagship Asia Pacific Triennial series is worth a morning’s detour. GoMA is in Southbank’s cultural centre, alongside the Queensland Art Gallery, the Queensland Museum, the State Library and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

Public transport has never been so much fun! The City Cat is a high speed ferry that zips along the Brisbane River. You can catch it from the city, New Farm and other waterfront neighbourhoods.

This has to be one of the loveliest shopping precincts in the world. Covered by a canopy of Moreton Bay Figs, James Street is home to some of Brisbane’s best shopping, as well as new restaurants & bars in the Calile Hotel.

Explore the beautiful Brisbane City Botanic Gardens (Alice St), the sprawling Roma Street Gardens (where we got married!) or take a City Cat across to New Farm Park for a picnic by the river. Visit in October for an overdose of beautiful jacarandas in full bloom.

Housed in a former tram powerhouse, The Powerhouse is an arts & cultural centre on the Brisbane River in New Farm. Have a drink on the riverside deck before catching a show inside.

It’s more popular with families for swimming, but even if you don’t get in the water, the manmade Streets Beach in Southbank is worth a stroll around.

Queensland is one of the only states in Australia where you can actually cuddle a koala, rather than admire it from a distance. Head to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to get a squeeze with our furry grey friends .

From June to November, go whale watching in Moreton Bay with Brisbane Whale Watching. Departing from Redcliffe, the tour is owned & operated by Captain Kerry Lopez, who sails at state-of-the-art luxury catamaran which is eco-friendly and disturbs the whales as little as possible. I’ve been on three whale watching tours across Queensland and this one was definitely the pick!

Best Neighbourhoods to Visit in Brisbane

Leafy, riverside New Farm is one of Brisbane’s loveliest suburbs, conveniently located near the city and Fortitude Valley. Go for a picnic in the lovely New Farm Park which is on the river, catch a gig at the Powerhouse (also overlooking the river) or go shopping on James Street, one of the nicest shopping and dining destinations in Brisbane.   Stay at the Calile Hotel to be at the heart of the action.

Stick to the riverfront to experience the best of Brisbane’s city centre. Stroll from Howard Smith Wharves to Eagle Street Pier via the Riverwalk, or venture further into the city to admire Roma Street Gardens. Go shopping in the Queen Street Mall (Queens Plaza & Wintergarden are the best spots). There’s also a small & interesting museum inside Brisbane City Hall (a whopper, and the largest town hall in Australia).

Brisbane’s nightlife district. Head to “the Valley” for bar hopping & clubbing. Skip the main drags lined with nightclubs and rowdy pubs, and instead head to charming laneways like Bakery Lane and Winn Lane for cafes, bars and shops.

The sprawling South Bank Parklands precinct is a great spot for visitors to explore. Take a stroll under the Instagrammable arbor, which creates a canopy of bright pink bougainvillea over the parklands path. Check out the manmade Streets Beach, walk along the riverfront or visit the Cultural Centre which is home to the Queensland Art Gallery, GoMA, Queensland Museum & Scieneworks, The State Library & the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Overlooking the Brisbane River from the W Hotel, Three Blue Ducks was born out of a passion for cooking with mates, sourcing local and sustainable produce, wasting little and enjoying fresh, tasty food with friends. Founded by a group of Sydney surfers, this is the third Three Blue Ducks venue & the first in a CBD. My favourites were the heirloom tomatoes with stracciatella and pangrattato and the haloumi with beets.

No electricity. No gas. At Agnes , they’re only cooking with fire. Housed in an old brick warehouse in Fortitude Valley, Agnes has a restaurant (bookings essential), as well as a terrace overlooking the city and a subterranean wine bar, both of which serve snacks & dessert and take walk ins. Agnes is surprisingly pesctarian friendly, and more than a year after visiting I’m still thinking about their woodfired carrots.

I’m a big fan of the newest restaurant from Simon Gloftis at The Calile Hotel on James Street. SK Steak & Oyster delivers the goods with white tablecloths, mean martinis, a grand piano in the corner & four sections of the menu dedicated to seafood and raw bar. Extra points for having a ten-dish strong potato menu, starring Bug & Lobster Mash.

A lively, modern Greek taverna, nestled in prime position under the Story Bridge on the Howard Smith Wharves. Book an outdoor table at Greca for beautiful river, bridge and city views. My favourite dishes are the taramasalata, grilled calamari and chocolate metaxa pudding.

See my full list of the Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Best Bars in Brisbane

The latest & greatest from Brisbane bartender Martin Lange delivers old world cocktail classiness without any of the cheese.

Brisbane’s longstanding “best cocktail bar”, The Gresham is housed in a beautiful historic building in the city and continues to lead the way on the Brisbane bar scene.

The main attraction at Howard Smith Wharves, Felon Brewing Co is an enormous brewpub stretching along the Brisbane River with a riverfront deck, enormous dining hall and plenty of outdoor seating under the Storey Bridge. A great spot for large groups & casual drinking and dining. Outdoor tables are walk in only, but you can book to dine inside.

Where to stay in Brisbane

One of the most stylish destination hotels in Australia, The Calile Hotel is an urban oasis in James St. We stayed here for the week leading up to our wedding, it was bliss! Make time for an afternoon at a poolside cabana (hotel guests only), dinner at Hellenika and a session at the world’s chicest hotel gym.

Part of Intercontinental Hotel Group, Hotel X is a beautiful new hotel on Brunswick Street. We stayed here for a week over Christmas and loved it – the rooms are stylish and extremely comfortable, and the location just steps from Howard Smith Wharves is so convenient. The groundfloor restaurant is a modern & moody French restaurant, Bisou Bisou, and on the rooftop by the pool is Spanish restaurant IRIS (with amazing river & Storey Bridge views).

To stay in the Brisbane CBD, try The W on George St. It was the first of The W hotels to return to Australia, and when it opened in 2018 it was the first 5 star hotel to open in Brisbane in 20 years! The Calile, The Westin and Hotel X were all hot on its heels.

If you’re in town to see a game or a gig at Suncorp Stadium, Gambaro Hotel is the perfect location. It’s a stylish boutique hotel on the heart of Caxton Street, and as close to the stadium as you can get.

The Best Side Trips from Brisbane

While Brisbane doesn’t have a surf beach of its own, it’s wedged between two beautiful coastlines – the Sunshine Coast to the north and the Gold Coast to the south. There are also a handful of islands to explore off the coast of Brisbane, so a beautiful beach is never far away. Check out the full post for 18 Brisbane day trip ideas.

A city on the sea, the Gold Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Stay in Broadbeach or Burleigh for a few days of sun, sand, surf. The Gold Coast is a 50 min drive from Brisbane or you can take the train from Central Station in the city to Robina, and take a taxi or Uber from there to the beachfront areas.

Explore More: Gold Coast Travel Guide

The Sunshine Coast is a stretch of coastline north of Brisbane, full of beautiful beaches, laidback beach towns and charming hinterland townships. One of my favourite things to do in Noosa is walk through the gorgeous Noosa National Park – at the right time of year, you might even spot a passing humpback whale!   Caloundra is closest to Brisbane, 1 hr 20min drive, and Noosa is a 2hr drive.

The third-largest sand island in the world, accessible via a 75-min ferry journey from Pinkenba in Brisbane. Stay at Tangalooma Resort, where you can feed dolphins, and go snorkelling in the shipwrecks surrounding the island. There are lots of hikes and 4WD trails all over the island, but you’ll need a 4WD (and experience 4WDing on soft sand, and getting bogged. Best as a buddy drive!)

“Straddie” is the world’s first “Slow Island”, part of the Slow Cities movement which aims to preserve a slower pace of life. Hang out on beautiful beaches like  Cylinder Beach & Point Lookout. Take the ferry from Cleveland in Brisbane.

Once a sleepy beach town for hippies, Byron may be a victim of its own success these days but it’s still a very special place. Avoid visiting on the school holidays when traffic is mad & its overrun with visitors. Hike to the lighthouse at Cape Byron for a beautiful sunset. Byron Bay is a 2-hour drive from Brisbane or 1-hour from the Gold Coast.

Have you visited Brisbane? Share your tips or ask questions in the Comments section below!

Like this post? Pin it to save it for later

Share this:

• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

You Might Also Like

28 thoughts on “ the ultimate brisbane travel guide ”.

• Pingback: 8 of The Coolest Cities in Australia to Visit • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: Brisbane takes off • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: Queensland Travel Guide: Where to go & what to see • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: Brisbane Whale Watching in Moreton Bay • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: Itinerary One Perfect Day in Brisbane • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: NYC Life: August 2019 • The Wanderbug

Howard Smith Wharves is a brilliant new area and ideally located on Riverwalk and under Story Bridge. Mr PERCIVALS is a great location but very crowded and service not great. We always stay at The Stamford which has some great deals. Brisvegas has really become a great dining and drinking city in recent years

It really has! I love going back to Brisbane and trying new places – Greca and Three Blue Ducks were highlights of my last visit. Mr Percivals was super crowded when I went too, but the service was okay – I’d like to go back during the day one time for lunch over the water when it’s a bit quieter. Good to know the Stamford has deals, I’ll check for any next time i’m in town.Thanks for commenting!

• Pingback: Postcard from Mt Coot-tha • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: The Dream Time legend of the Glasshouse Mountains • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: Davies Park Farmers Markets in West End, Brisbane • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: Itinerary: One Month in Australia (Cairns to Melbourne) • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: Cowch Cocktail & Dessert Bar, Brisbane • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: 18 Day Trips from Brisbane Ideas • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: Itinerary 4 Days Brisbane Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: A Weekend on the World's First Slow Island • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: One Week in Brisbane • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: Cai Guo-Qiang & California Design at GOMA • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: Itinerary: Brisbane to Waterfall Way Roadtrip • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: A Visit to Brisbane's Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: Postcards: Make time for Moreton Island • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: Appreciating Aussie beaches in Mooloolaba • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: Where to eat & drink on Mt Tamborine, Gold Coast • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: Bite-sized perfection at Pigs & Pints, Gold Coast • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: 11 Queensland Trip Ideas • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: Free in Melbourne: Ballet in the Bowl • The Wanderbug
• Pingback: Lunch in Brunswick Heads • The Wanderbug

Tell me what you think! Please leave a comment below Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Ultimate Brisbane Travel Guide: Itinerary, Things To Do and More!

• Post last modified: November 5, 2023
• Post category: Australia / Itineraries

Brisbane is the Australian city in the middle of it all! Literally and figuratively. It’s a mid-sized city (Australia’s third largest) in the middle of the eastern coast, stuffed in between two of Australia’s best road trips, the sunshine coast and the gold coast. This is a fun city with different neighborhoods for a variety of different daytime activities and one of the most vibrant nightlifes in Australia. It’s no wonder that Brisbane is a popular stop on any Australian vacation. Keep reading to find out how long to spend in Brisbane, Brisbane itineraries to inspire you and our top things to do in Brisbane.  

Stuff In This Post

When To Visit Brisbane

Brisbane weather is beautiful year round. So a visit is always a good idea. However, as southern Australia cools from June-August, Australian natives head north. So this becomes the busy time of year for Brisbane. If you want to avoid crowds, visiting outside of this time of year is a good idea. However, Brisbane’s infrastructure is well suited to handle crowds so you should be able to find great Brisbane accommodations year round, regardless of the crowds.  

By buying from the links below, we'll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full Terms and Conditions here.

Getting There And Around

Brisbane is home to an international airport, so several flights arrive just outside of the city. You can find direct flight from outside of Australia straight into Brisbane. Additionally, you can find very inexpensive domestic flights from other Australian destinations.  

You do not need a car to get around Brisbane. The city is very walkable and a majority of the things to do in Brisbane are in the Central Business District (CBD) or South Bank. 

Brisbane also has great public transportation. There is a train to take you from the airport into the city, then an extensive network of buses and ferries to get you around the city. The ferries are extra fun because you get to enjoy views from the river while getting around.

We did have a car with us when we were in Brisbane, as it was the beginning of our Pacific Coast road trip. So we learned that Brisbane was also an easy place to drive. However, as a money saving tip, we’d skip the rental car for your time here.  

If you are visiting with a group, taxis or ride shares are also an economical way of getting around as long as you can split the fares.

How Long To Stay In Brisbane

We think that 1-4 days in Brisbane is plenty. By day four, we were wandering outside of Brisbane regularly. We’ve included 4 days of Brisbane itineraries below. These itineraries move at a moderate pace. You could combine days one and two to make one very busy day. Ideally, if we had it to do over again, we’d do two jam packed days of all the best Brisbane activities by completing the activities in days 1-3 below.  

Top Things To Do

Where to Stay in Brisbane

Brisbane’s CBD is the best place to stay. However, it also comes with the highest price tag and overly touristy options such as generic hotels. Therefore, we recommend staying in a neighborhood that is just outside of Brisbane’s downtown. We stayed in Highgate Hill and were still able to walk to several of the best things to do in Brisbane; however, we were exhausted by the end of the day with all of the walking.  

Brisbane is also an easy-to-drive city. So, if you have a car, there are even cheaper and unique accommodations outside of the city.

One Day In Brisbane

This one day Brisbane itinerary is filled with everything that we think the first time visitor should see and do. We also have additional Brisbane itinerary days below to add on to your trip if you have extra time.  

Morning – Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Spend the morning at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary . Here you’ll get to feed kangaroos and wallabies and hold a koala. This is the best zoo we’ve ever been to and was our favorite thing to do in Brisbane. Admission into the Sanctuary is $49AUD/adult.

To learn more about Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, check out our guide to visiting here.

Afternoon – Downtown Brisbane

In the afternoon, explore downtown Brisbane. The Central Business District (CBD) and the Queen Street Mall is the heart of Brisbane and is a great place to shop, if that is something you’re interested in. Even if you’re not a shopper, it’s a great idea to still stroll through this area to people watch in the busiest streets. If you’d rather take a guided tour of the CBD, consider booking a free guided tour with a local Greeter . (PS: While the tours are free, tour guide always love tips.)

Next, just a few steps away from the CBD, you’ll find the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. At the gardens, you’ll be able to wander the beautifully manicured areas and explore the different types of plant life in Queensland. You’ll also get some great views along the river of Brisbane.

Next, walk along the City Reach Boardwalk from the Gardens to Wilson Outlook Reserve. Grab dinner somewhere along this walk.

After dinner, travel from Wilson Outlook to Kangaroo Point Cliffs. These two parks have some of the best views of the city, including Brisbane’s iconic bridges. And if you walk between these two parks, you’ll even get to walk over the Story Bridge.  

Want To Adjust The Itinerary

If you have an extra day, here are a few things to do in Brisbane to extend the one day Brisbane itinerary into a two, three, or four day Brisbane itinerary. Each day is a moderately paced day that you can add on to our classic one day Brisbane itinerary above.

2 Day Brisbane Itinerary

Morning – museums.

First, explore the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and the Queensland Art Gallery. These are great free things to do in Brisbane. You can wander and explore the modern art in the building. While we’re not big fans of modern art, we were alright with this museum because it was free so we didn’t feel bad speeding through it. The Queensland Art Gallery was more our speed as it spanned a wider range of art periods. And the gallery has a lot of Aboriginal Art to explore as well!

It’s also right next to the State Library of Queensland, which is a beautiful building, even if you aren’t interested in checking out a book.

Afternoon – City Hall

Next, take a tour of the City Hall building. City Hall is beautiful from the outside, so make sure to snap some pictures in the courtyard. This building, built in the early 1900s is in the CBD is one of the most iconic buildings in town. And it is one of the best things to do in Brisbane for free! Inside City Hall, you’ll find the museum of Brisbane, which is also free to enter and explore. 

However, the best thing to do is take a tour to the top of the clock tower . This is a free 15 minute tour that essentially just takes you up the tower for some great views of the city. However, be aware that these tours are limited and often book up. So make sure you book this ahead of time if you are interested. 

There is also a longer tour of the larger City Hall building , However, there are only 2-3 tours daily (mostly mid-day) so if you want to do a tour, make sure to book that ahead of time as well and plan your day around it.  

Lastly, take a river tour of the City. You can do an official river tour for $55AUD/person. Or you can take a ferry ride. There are low cost ferry tickets and even free CityHopper ferries that you can hop on to give yourself views of the city from the river. This is a great way to end your second night in Brisbane.

3 Day Brisbane Itinerary

First, take a trip to one of the outlying islands. There are several islands to choose from. We went to Bribie Island, but North Stradbroke Island is another popular option. Spend the morning exploring the island and wandering the beautiful beaches and their golden sands. You can take a rental car to the island and explore for free or consider taking one of the day trips below.

Next, spend the afternoon of your three day Brisbane itinerary exploring Southbank. This neighborhood across the river from the CBD is complete with a beautiful walk and a man made beach along the river. Consider spending time at the beach soaking in the sun while you watch the traffic on the river. There is also a great pool here that you can swim in if the river is too adventurous for you.

Lastly, don’t forget to stop at the Brisbane sign for the obligatory photo.

4 Day Brisbane Itinerary

You’ll need a car for this day. You’ll want to start your morning at Mt. Cootha. Here you can overlook all of the city.

Next, consider a day trip to the Australia Zoo . This zoo was made famous by Steve Irwin and is a sprawling zoo north of town. This is definitely a day trip and the zoo is large and takes quite a bit of time to explore. This combined with the drive time there makes this a full day trip. If you drive yourself there, you’ll want to budget $67 AUD/adult. Or you can take one of the tours below.

What To Budget For Brisbane

We thought Brisbane was the most affordable large city in Australia that we visited. It was much cheaper than both Sydney and Melbourne .  

Also, there are tons of free things to do in Brisbane, which was not the case in other Australian destinations. We’ve included the cost of admission for activities in the itinerary above. So if you plan on following our Brisbane itinerary, you’ll want to budget for those activities.  

Brisbane hotels and home stays average around $180 AUD/night. Plan on spending more if you are in the CBD. We paid $180 AUD/night for our hotel just outside of South Bank.

By some magic, we had amazingly fancy sit down meals for under $30 AUD/person. We visited in the off season so I’m sure we got some deals, like 50% off at one restaurant. However, we’d recommend budgeting about $50 AUD/person for mid-level meals each day. We saved on breakfast by getting a hotel with breakfast included.  

You’ll either want to budget for taxis, ride shares and public transportation or a rental car. We think $15-20 AUD/day is good enough for taking public transport. If you would like a rental car, you’ll want to budget more and also ensure that your accommodations have free parking as many don’t.

Our Brisbane Budget 

If we were to redo this trip in 2024, we would spend:

• Activities – $116AUD/adult
• Hotel – $140AUD/night
• Rental Car for 2 days – $100AUD
• Food – $400AUD/person

This brings our Total Brisbane Budget to $1036 AUD for two people to spend 4 days and 3 nights in Brisbane. At the time of writing this it equates to about $700 USD.

What To Pack For Brisbane

Brisbane is a very walkable city, which means your feet will be pretty sore by the end of the day. So make sure you have a good pair of shoes.

Australia uses the type I electric socket. So if you are traveling from outside of Australia, make sure you bring a travel adaptor.  

For clothing, you’ll be visiting one of the sunniest cities. So generally, you can dress in warm weather clothing. However, if you’re visiting in the winter (June-August) make sure you pack some outer layers for cooler temperatures. And with all that sun, don’t forget your sun protection, like sunscreen, sunglasses and hats. Make sure your sunscreen is reef safe to protect the amazing life  off of Australia’s shore. Also, we love our floating sunglasses which are great for the city and the beach.

Overall, we think Brisbane is a great starting point for your Australian vacation . The mild year-round weather and ease of getting around make it a great vacation destination. If you have any questions or comments about visiting Brisbane, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.  

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You might also like.

Lake Huron Day Trip: Michigan’s East Coast

One Day in Arches National Park

Two Great Days in Salt Lake City: Full Itinerary

The top 13 things to do in Brisbane

Jan 30, 2022 • 8 min read

The artificial lagoon at South Bank Parklands offers sandy shores, azure water and swaying palms, right in the heart of Brisbane © Peter Adams / Getty Images

Australia’s third-largest city makes its own waves. In exciting  Brisbane , you’ll find Australia’s largest public gallery of contemporary art, some of its most inspired chefs and musicians, and spectacular cycling trails right in the heart of the city.

So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a happily returning convert, these are the 13 best things to do in Brisbane.

1. Sample locally made favorites at a farmers market

Crates of fragrant mangoes, stalls piled high with fresh pastries, neighbors discussing weekend plans over takeaway almond lattes – to really luxuriate in Brisbane’s subtropical lifestyle, spend a morning at a farmers market. Saturday favorites include the Jan Powers Farmers Market in New Farm and the West End Markets . Shaded by giant figs, the latter has an especially bohemian vibe, complete with a caravan coffee cart and stalls selling everything from sustainable cork handbags to summery frocks. 

If it’s Sunday morning, catch the train to suburban Woodridge for Global Food Markets , where sizzling woks and stalls piled high with tamarind, taro, mangosteens, jackfruit and heady spices channel steamy Southeast Asia. Whichever market you choose, get there early.

2. Cool down at South Bank Parklands

Squint hard enough, and you could be in the  Whitsundays . Yet you’re in the heart of Brisbane, at Streets Beach . This large artificial swimming lagoon comes complete with sandy shores, azure water and swaying palms. Free and popular with families, it’s the centerpiece of the 17-hectare (42-acre)  South Bank Parklands , a fabulous riverfront park within walking distance of major museums and galleries. 

There are showers and changing rooms on-site, so bring a change of clothes to continue your explorations in nearby Little Stanley St, where the  Collective Markets peddle locally designed clothing, art and gifts on Friday nights and the weekend.

3. Catch an exhibition by the river

A short walk north of South Bank Parklands lie Queensland’s foremost public art museums: the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). While the former houses important works by both past and present Australian artists, the latter is the nation’s largest contemporary art gallery. 

Dedicate an entire morning or afternoon to exploring either venue, both of which offer free general admission. If you have little culture vultures in tow, check what’s on at GOMA’s dedicated Children’s Art Centre .

4. Hear a few Brisbane stories at City Hall

Though the walls at Brisbane City Hall don’t talk, the tour guides thankfully do. Free, 45-minute tours of Australia’s largest city hall reveal some fascinating anecdotes, including the building’s connection to both Michelangelo and the Rolling Stones. Shorter, 15-minute tours of the soaring, panoramic Clock Tower are also free, reached via a vintage elevator. 

Combine either tour with an hour or more exploring City Hall’s free, family-friendly Museum of Brisbane , where exhibitions explore the city’s rich tapestry through themes as diverse as contemporary art, fashion and music. Book guided tours of the building and clock tower via the museum website.

5. Scale Story Bridge

The wow factor provided by Story Bridge – Australia’s longest cantilevered bridge – lies in the view: a high-impact, Manhattan-esque sweep of skyscrapers towering over the Brisbane River. You can safely walk or cycle its 282m (925ft) span, though nothing beats scaling the beast. From the top of the bridge, 80m (262ft) above muddy river waters, the 360-degree panorama is simply superb. 

Story Bridge Adventure Climb runs numerous bridge-climbing experiences for people aged six and up, from standard climbs to abseiling and daredevil lean-outs. If possible, book the Twilight Climb to watch the city slip into its glittering evening cloak.

6. Pedal along the waterfront

One of the most relaxing (and sustainable) ways to explore Brisbane’s beautiful riverfront is on a bike. Dedicated cycling and pedestrian trails flank large tracts of the city’s eponymous waterway, leading through parkland and past chic warehouse conversions and affording commanding skyline views. The ideal time to hit the pedal is in the morning before the heat and humidity really kick in. 

In Kangaroo Point, Riverlife rents out good-value adult and kids’ bikes. From here, consider cycling north over Story Bridge, then southwest around the perimeter of the CBD, crossing the river to South Bank and following the river back to Riverlife. Alternatively, cross Story Bridge and head southeast along the river to reach the Brisbane Riverwalk , an 870m (2854ft) trailway built directly over the water. An official map of the city’s cycling trails is an essential resource.

7. Taste the world at Eat Street Northshore

Upcycling gets an epicurean twist at riverfront Eat Street Northshore , a street-food village made up of 180 repurposed shipping containers. Come ravenous (and ideally with company) for a global food crawl, leaping from freshly shucked oysters to Japanese yakisoba , Chinese bao and Greek loukoumades . 

More than just a place to eat, this is a place to spend an afternoon or evening, with bars, musicians and a handful of shops adding to the all-ages carnival vibe. To really make it special, sail in on the CityCat  ferry, playing “Which waterfront property would I buy if I won the lottery?” en route.

8. Find art and cocktails in a laneway

Good things come in small packages, including vibrant alleyways Burnett Lane and Fish Lane . In the Central Business District (CBD), Burnett Lane is Brisbane’s oldest laneway and is packed with quirky details and exceptional eateries and bars. Be sure to seek out guerrilla artist Mace Robertson’s tiny red door and Blu Art Ninja’s duck in a top hat. 

Next, reward yourself with brunch at perennially cool cafe  Felix for Goodness , tapas at Alba , or an impeccable cocktail at Death and Taxes . Across the river in South Brisbane, Fish Lane and its surrounds are speckled with sculptures and murals by Brisbane creatives like Kuuki and Fintan Magee. Explore the latter mid-afternoon, just in time to score a coveted bar seat at pocket-sized Maker .

9. See and be seen on James Street 

A verdant strip of boutiques and sophisticated bars, Fortitude Valley’s James Street is the perfect spot to show off that new outfit (or hunt down your next new favorite look). The street boasts boutiques from a number of high-end Australian designers, including celeb-approved Sass & Bide and Camilla . It also claims some of the Valley’s most lauded eating and drinking spots. 

If possible, shop the strip in the afternoon before an aperitif at Gerard’s Bar and dinner at Thai-Australian standout Same Same . The best seats at the latter are at the counter (and should be reserved online in advance).

10. Catch a show at the Powerhouse

Brisbane Powerhouse has had numerous incarnations: 20th-century power station, derelict homeless shelter, graffiti magnet. These days, it’s a hulking culture hub, pumping out a year-round program of top-notch theater, music, cabaret, stand-up comedy, kids’ shows and exhibitions. Even if you don’t catch a show, the ground-floor cafe-bar is an excellent spot for a riverside coffee or beer. Flanking the center is the urban oasis New Farm Park, home to a fantastic children’s adventure playground and skyline views, with old figs and jacarandas beckoning with shade.

11. Sail to a lesser-known cultural asset

The University of Queensland Art Museum is one of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets, home to a highly regarded art collection. Exhibitions are engaging, timely and thought-provoking, showcasing innovative Australian and international artists exploring themes as diverse as technology, colonialism and cultural identity. 

The most scenic way to get here is on the CityCat , which terminates at the university’s lush, sprawling grounds. While here, look out for the university’s Great Court, a sweeping quadrangle flanked by beautiful heritage buildings in multi-hued Helidon sandstone.

12. Tap into the live-music scene

Mallrat, Ball Park Music, Hatchie, Jaguar Jonze: Queensland’s capital claims some of Australia’s top indie music acts and catching a gig at notable venues like the Zoo , Tivoli , Triffid and Bearded Lady is as Brisbane as an afternoon summer storm. An especially good time to visit is in September, when emerging talent takes over Fortitude Valley for the Bigsound festival, Australia’s biggest and most important showcase for new music. 

Whatever the time of year, music lovers should drop by Jet Black Cat Music in West End. Not so much a sharply curated record store as a local institution, its staff will happily direct you toward your new favorite “Brissie muso” (musician).

13. Escape to Mt Coot-tha

Mt Coot-tha offers more than the lofty view from its summit lookout (one that extends as far as the Sunshine Coast hinterland on a clear day). Some 6km (4 miles) west of central Brisbane, the city’s tallest peak is just as good for a tranquil, wildlife-spotting bushwalk. Gentle trails trace its wooded slopes, ranging from easy wanders to more-challenging treks. 

At the base lie the beautiful Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium , both serviced by bus route 471 , which reaches the summit. If you’re not driving, be mindful that the last city-bound bus leaves just after 4pm (5pm on weekends). If you do have your own wheels, stay for the sunset.

You might also like: Everything you need to know about Brisbane, from etiquette to sunscreen tips The 12 best free things to do in Brisbane Brisbane on a budget: the ultimate cent-saving guide

Explore related stories

Feb 4, 2024 • 6 min read

From sampling wine from cellar doors to hiking through national parks, here are the top things to do in southeast Queensland’s stunning Scenic Rim.

Oct 24, 2023 • 9 min read

Jul 14, 2023 • 4 min read

Mar 21, 2023 • 8 min read

May 3, 2022 • 3 min read

Jan 3, 2022 • 8 min read

Dec 13, 2021 • 6 min read

Dec 13, 2021 • 5 min read

Nov 29, 2021 • 6 min read

Nov 25, 2021 • 6 min read

The ultimate travel guide to Brisbane

Blessed with an idyllic subtropical climate all year round, and everything from relaxation through to adventure, Brisbane seems to have it all. Queensland’s buzzing capital is right in the middle of the ocean and national parks, set on the banks of the Brisbane River.

While it’s a hive of activity, the city remains true to the classic Queensland laid-back style and serves as the gateway to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast .

Top things to do in Brisbane

sponsored post

Your ultimate 3-day Brisbane itinerary for a luxurious getaway

Discover city sights and island delights on this three-day itinerary showcasing the many sides of a Brisbane getaway. B...

Brisbane is Australia’s third biggest city, and with that comes a wealth of things to do . If you’re an art lover and want to explore the thriving Brisbane art scene, check out our guide to the top Brisbane art galleries .

If getting outdoors more tickles your fancy, don’t miss our best trails for hiking in Brisbane or where the best views and lookouts are in Brisbane . To check out the vibrant music scene and some of the local talent, have a look at these live music venues in Brisbane .

There’s also lots on that the whole family will enjoy , not to mention all the incredible swimming spots throughout the city and the stunning beaches to soak in the Queensland sun .

Don’t forget to explore some of Brisbane’s nearby islands while you’re here: North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is only a 40-minute drive away, and the breathtaking Moreton Island is a short ferry ride away .

5 ways to jump on this year’s biggest travel trends at up to 40% off

Set sail with this incredible sale from Royal Caribbean around Australia and over the seas. Back to work blues setting in? It's n...

A real-life Bluey attraction to open in Brisbane

Hit Australian children’s TV show Bluey is about to come to life in Brisbane. You’d be hard-pressed to find a child in Austra...

Brisbane to Newcastle: The coastal gems every Aussie needs to see

Extend your drive from Brisbane to Newcastle, immersing yourself in the natural wonders of Australia’s eastern coastline. If yo...

Discover city sights and island delights on this three-day itinerary showcasing the many sides of a Brisbane getaway. Brisbane’...

A guide to things to do in Brisbane for families

Keep the whole family entertained in Brissy with these activities. Travelling with kids can be tough if you’re unsure what acti...

10 best views and lookouts in Brisbane

Whether you want water views, panoramic vistas, adrenaline-fuelled adventures or lazy days on relaxed islands, Brisbane is packed ...

10 best trails for hiking in Brisbane (no matter your skill level)

Get those legs moving all while exploring more of Queensland’s natural beauty. Brisbane is full of incredible restaurants, a bu...

A guide to the top Brisbane art galleries

Whether you’re an art connoisseur or simply appreciate the beauty and talent that goes into it, the art scene is a thriving metr...

The ultimate guide to things to do in Brisbane

Whether you’re looking for cool things to do in Brisbane today, this weekend, or next month, there’s always something happenin...

The ultimate Brisbane to Sydney road trip

Find out where to stop, stay and play along the Pacific Highway. A Brisbane to Sydney drive (or the reverse) is a rite of passage...

The best live music venues in Brisbane

Put on your dancing shoes and check out Brisbane’s renowned live music scene. From the early days of The Saints and the Go-Betw...

A guide to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

Discover the second-largest sand island in the world. Endearingly referred to as ‘Straddie’ by the locals - and known as Minj...

An insider’s guide to the best Brisbane beaches

Brisbane is blessed with a stunningly sunny climate, boasting some of the warmest year-round temperatures of any Australian capita...

Take a dip at Brisbane’s best swimming spots

Cool down at these highly recommended pools in Brisbane. With blue skies all year round, it’s always a good time to take a dip ...

8 of the best things to do in Stafford, Queensland

It’s hard to imagine that dairy cows and tanneries once dotted the landscape now home to cool cafes, coffee roasters and creativ...

The ultimate inland road trip from Sydney to Brisbane

The coast road from Sydney to Brisbane is perfect if you want to put your foot down and take the direct route north. However, if ...

Where to eat, stay and play on Moreton Island

Leaving city life far behind isn’t hard when Brisbane’s Moreton Island is involved. It’s easy to overlook the simple beauty...

Best places to stay in Brisbane

No matter the type of traveller you are, there is an accommodation to suit you in Brisbane. If you’re travelling with the fam, use this list of family accommodation to guide you. Is a luxury stay more your style? We’ve got you covered there too with the ultimate luxury accommodation in Brissy . Head to the W if you’re a fan of quirky and the Calile if you want relaxation to encompass you .

There’s also a bunch of Airbnb and Stayz properties to explore if you want to see how the locals do it, or if you’re on Moreton Island you can check out these camping spots .

5 luxurious long weekends along the East Coast​

From city stays to reef breaks, Crystalbrook proves you can have your dose of luxury and travel lightly too. There’s ...

From city stays to reef breaks, Crystalbrook proves you can have your dose of luxury and travel lightly too. There’s nothing be...

Top 12 family accommodation in Brisbane

The kids will sleep like a log at these family-friendly stays. Finding the ideal spot to rest your head after a big day of explor...

Review: The W Hotel, Brisbane

Big, bold and brash, the W Brisbane brings unmatched vibes to the sunshine state. When the W Hotel in Brisbane opened its doors, ...

The ultimate luxury accommodation in Brisbane

There’s no such thing as run-of-the-mill when it comes to luxury accommodation options in Brisbane. From enhancing a summer hol...

Brisbane’s best Airbnb and Stayz lodgings

Check out these 10 short-term rentals in Brisbane with a unique twist. While an influx of new and innovative hotels has overtaken...

Review: The Calile Hotel, Brisbane

Brisbane’s first urban resort feels like a glamorous trip to Palm Springs. Take a peek at Australia’s first urban resort. Cel...

A complete guide to camping on Moreton Island

Indulge in the majesty of Mother Nature Unspoilt coastline overlooks the kind of turquoise blue that instantly invites serenity o...

Where to eat in Brisbane

Top 30 restaurants in Brisbane to try now

Brisbane’s culinary renaissance is in full swing and there is a plethora of restaurants that are simply to dine for. ...

Brisbane’s dining scene is in fine form with so many amazing places to eat, no matter your preferences. Whether you love a brunch moment at a cute cafe , prefer dining at one of Brisbane’s most incredible restaurants or are obsessed with finding the best dumplings the city has to offer , we have you covered. We’ve also narrowed down our top 10 must-eat dishes while you’re in Brisbane , which was no easy feat.

10 trend-setting hotel restaurants to plan your next holiday around

From the sultry Edwin Wine Bar and Cellar in Melbourne to the Asian fusion of Perth’s Miss Mi, these next-generation hotel resta...

Get it girl: Here’s how to enjoy girl dinner around Australia

Whatever you think of this craze to graze, we see the concept of #girldinners as a low-maintenance easy meal. Here is the ultimate...

Brisbane’s 10 must-eat dishes

Have a limited time to explore Brisbane and only want to eat the best? We’ve narrowed down a selection of the city’s best dish...

12 best cafes in Brisbane

No longer playing second fiddle to Sydney and Melbourne, the cafe scene in Brisbane has exploded in recent years. From hidden lan...

The best dumplings in Brisbane

Poached or grilled, tightly packed with all things sweet or savoury: there’s a lot to love about the humble dumpling. Have your...

Tours and packages in Brisbane

Whether it’s a river cruise, a culture tour on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) , or a sightseeing tour around the city, there are so many options for tours.

There are also adventure tours that include abseiling, rock climbing, kayaking and snorkelling.

Other Queensland destinations to explore

• Daintree Rainforest
• Great Barrier Reef
• Outback Queensland
• Sunshine Coast
• The Whitsundays
• Tropical North QLD
• Port Douglas
• Hamilton Island

© Australian Traveller Media 2024. All rights reserved.

Brisbane travel guide

Brisbane tourism | brisbane guide, you're going to love brisbane.

Brisbane is Australia's third largest city and the capital of Queensland. With two million people, it is rapidly growing, creating an exciting and vibrant atmosphere.

The city oozes confidence and a positive, can-do attitude, fueled by youthful enthusiasm. It's said to be the friendliest big city on Australia's east coast, and strong migration from Southeast Asia and elsewhere has created a diverse cultural mix.

The spectacular scenery in the surrounding area, along with a comfortably warm year-round climate, friendly locals, and laid-back atmosphere make Brisbane an engaging and welcoming location.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Brisbane

1. manly boat harbour.

Manly Boat Harbour connects the city to Moreton Bay, with stunning waterways and lots of islands to explore. Manly Harbour Village has a beautiful marina with lots of restaurants and interesting stores to enjoy.

2. Mount Coot-tha

Mount Coot-tha is the tallest mountain in the Brisbane area and provides great views of the city. It is also home to the Planetarium and Botanic Gardens. It has scenic drives, along with walking and cycling trails through the forest.

3. South Bank

South Bank was the site of World Expo 1988 and has been transformed into an area of shops and restaurants with extensive parks and an artificial beach. It's a great place to hang out and enjoy a free swim on a hot day.

4. Roma Street Parkland

Roma Street Parkland is the biggest urban subtropical garden in the world, and is home to nearly 2,000 unique plant species. It has rainforest walks and many art exhibits, summing up the urban/outdoor spirit of Brisbane.

5. Greater Brisbane Country

The area around Brisbane is full of national parks, vineyards, lakes, and rainforests. The McPherson Range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers an experience of the spectacular Australian wilderness.

What to do in Brisbane

1. lone pine koala sanctuary: fuzzy wuzzy heaven.

The world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary is set on the banks of the Brisbane River, and it has a long history of delighting tourists by arranging one-on-one encounters with these cuddly creatures. Besides the opportunity to embrace a cute koala, the sanctuary also invites visitors to learn about wombats, Tasmanian devils, kookaburras, emus, and more local species. There is even a kangaroo enclosure where you can pet and feed the hopping joeys to your heart's content!

2. Brisbane's Cultural Precinct: Culture of Queensland

Brisbane boasts a thriving cultural center at its heart. Tourists cannot miss the Queensland Art Gallery or Gallery of Modern Art, both featuring world-class collections and internationally renowned shows. Meanwhile, the Performing Arts Center puts on phenomenal performances. In between all this cultural immersion you can kick back on the South Bank Parklands along the river, and perhaps catch a CityCat Ferry elsewhere. The Wheel of Brisbane overlooks it all, so hop in for unforgettable views.

3. Story Bridge: Industrial Wonder

A feat of design and engineering, this iconic bridge is one of the most recognizable sights in the city. Connecting the northern suburbs of Brisbane with the Central Business District, it is traversed by thousands daily - whether by car, bike or foot. Walking the bridge provides gorgeous views of the surrounding area, and dare-devils can even arrange to attempt a bridge climb. After sundown, the marvel becomes even more stunning as it lights up the night sky.

4. Brisbane City Hall: Local History Comes to Life

Built in Italian Renaissance style, the Brisbane City Hall stands out in the heart of downtown with its regal atmosphere and assertive aura. Elegant but sturdy, a clock tower rises into the sky and chimes every quarter hour, heard as far as the neighboring suburbs. Inside, tourists enjoy tours of the historic building and tower, as well as the Brisbane Museum on the rooftop for a dose of local lore. Lovely cafés are also found on the premises, the perfect opportunity for a little break.

5. City Botanic Gardens: Australia's Famous Flora

Spend a soothing day in the City Botanic Gardens, set along the Brisbane River and teeming with delectable sights and smells. These grounds have flourished with local species for over a hundred years, and they continue to be the horticultural pride of Queensland. Contemporary sculptures now also complement the landscape, and visitors to the park will relish in the contrasts of the natural and human-made world. For a more upbeat experience in these public gardens, rent a bicycle to get around.

Activities & attractions in Brisbane

Food, Drinks, & Nightlife

Other activities

Where to Eat in Brisbane

The Beach House Bar & Grill on Albert Street is a good budget eatery, serving bar food in larger portions while offering live entertainment. Expect to pay A$15 for a dish with a drink. Little Tokyo is Brisbane's oldest Japanese restaurant, with some fine and authentic food. For the best steaks in town, and maybe in Australia, head over to Cha Cha Char Wine Bar & Grill on Eagle St. Expect to pay around A$75 for a three-course meal for one without wine.

When to visit Brisbane

One of the joys of Brisbane is its excellent year-round climate. It avoids the worst of northern Australia's wet season and stays warm when the south gets cold in summer. Summer temperatures peak around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, with winter temperatures rarely falling below 68.

How to Get to Brisbane

The city's main airport is Brisbane Airport (BNE), which is around 12 miles northeast of the city center. It has good connections to all major Australian cities and connections via Southeast Asia to Europe and North America. The airport is also well connected to the city. The Airtrain leaves every 15 minutes and costs A$17, taking around 30 minutes to get into town. CoachTrans will take you to your Brisbane accommodation for A$20, while a taxi to the city center will cost around A$35.

Brisbane is well served by two rail networks. Countrylink connects the city to other major Australian cities such as Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney, while Queensland Rail offers services from other Queensland locations.

Visitors driving from the major southern cities can reach Brisbane via the New England or Pacific Highways. The A1 connects the city with northern Queensland, while the M1 runs to the Gold Coast.

The Premier Motor Service links most of the centers on the east coast, while Greyhound Australia has connections to almost all major cities.

Airports near Brisbane

Airlines serving brisbane, where to stay in brisbane.

South Bank - this area offers lots of restaurants, an urban beach, and riverside boardwalks. It also houses Brisbane's Cultural Precinct, with the Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and Gallery of Modern Art.

Popular Neighborhoods in Brisbane

Fortitude Valley - this is the center of Brisbane's nightlife and alternative shopping district. It is also home to the city's Chinatown. You will find lots of edgy bars and clubs with some great DJs. It is widely thought to be the best district for live entertainment and music in Australia.

New Farm - this is Brisbane's upscale shopping and dining area. This is the place to see and be seen, and it is widely frequented by Brisbane's local in crowd.

Where to stay in popular areas of Brisbane

Most booked hotels in brisbane, how to get around brisbane, public transportation.

Brisbane has three public transport networks, consisting of buses, ferries, and trains. They all share a common ticketing system, TransLink, which lets you transfer between the networks to complete your journey. Fares start at A$4 for a one-way journey. Another option is to buy a go card, which starts at A$10. This takes the hassle out of figuring out the correct ticket to buy and can simply be touched to the terminal as you enter the vehicle and topped up as required.

Taxis in Brisbane are plentiful and reliable. The main companies are Black & White Cabs and Yellow Cabs. They all take cash and credit cards and can be hailed from the street. The exception to this rule is Friday and Saturday nights in the city center, where they will almost exclusively pick up from taxi ranks. These are well policed by ushers and can be found throughout the city center. Alternatively, book a cab before you travel. Taxis will cost around A$22 for a five-mile journey.

The one-way system in the city center can make driving in Brisbane a little confusing. Roads in the center become clearways in rush hour and you will be fined and towed if you are parked on one. City center parking is, however, widely available, costing anywhere between A$15 and A$40 for a day's parking. There are lots of toll roads and rush hour traffic can be extremely slow. Tolls don't accept cash, so you will need a pre-paid transponder or you can post-pay on the Queensland Toll Road website. Expect to pay around A$50 per day for car hire; Avis, Budget, and Thrifty are all present.

Best car hire deals in Brisbane

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

5 Adults, 3 Bags

The Cost of Living in Brisbane

Shopping streets.

You will find most of the major stores in the CBD. The Queen Street Mall is the main shopping destination in Queensland. It has more than 700 stores across six shopping centers. It sells everything from fashion to jewelry and hunting gear, and also has restaurants, a casino, a cinema, and street entertainment. More artsy, diverse, and local stores can be found at the West End and in Paddington.

Groceries and Other

Brisbane has a wide range of supermarkets, including Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, and IGA. Expect to pay around A$2 for a pound of Apples and A$1.5 for a quart of whole milk.

• Places to go
• Things to do
• What's on
• Inspiration

Visitor Guide

The Digital Brisbane Visitor Guide provides visitors with a comprehensive overview of things to see and do across the city and surrounding regions. The guide showcases the latest experiences and events on offer as well as providing information that helps support the visitor experience.

Click here to download the Digital Brisbane Visitor Guide

The new format printed visitor guide will include a tourist map and an overview of things to see and do across the city and surrounding regions. For printed orders of 200+ new format visitor guides , please complete the form below to be placed on the waitlist - we will be in touch with you when they are available to confirm your order and quantity.

Be inspired

Brisbane, Australia: The Ultimate Backpacker Travel Guide

Brisbane is the state capital of sunny Queensland and the 3rd largest city in Australia. With plenty of things to keep you busy in the city from funky bars and restaurants to a manmade lagoon all on the banks of the famous Brisbane River! Stay tuned for my full travel guide to learn everything you need to know about Brisbane.

Know for its all-year-round warm climate Brisbane is a destination you can visit anytime! As Brisbane is located in a tropical state and can be no stranger to tropical downpours, the optimum time to visit is in the Autumn between March to May. However, that being said I was there from Jan to Feb and all though I did witness a fair few downpours/lightning storms it never prevented me from doing much! In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the lightning storms they fascinated me.

Getting Around

The public transport in Brisbane is good, however not as extensive as some other Australian cities, so If you are looking to be able to explore beyond the city limits, renting a car may be something to consider.

That being said, there are trains and a tram linking Brisbane to the Gold Coast, which are at affordable prices, it just requires a change. You can also hop on a train from the airport straight into the centre of Brisbane, with the two main stations being Brisbane Central or Roma Street.

As the city is split by the Brisbane river the ferries can be a great option for getting around and the red ferry also known as the City Hopper can be used for free, this runs from the North Quay to Sydney Streets with 5 stops along the way!

I would recommend getting a GoCard if you will be using public transport, similar to an Oyster Card, where you top up as you go and it also saves you about 30% off your fares on trains, trams, ferries and buses in the Brisbane area.

The city is also well equipped for cycling with dedicated paths and bike storage, if you want to explore whilst getting your workout in.

Where To Stay

Brisbane has 4 main areas in which people tend to stay, Central, Upper Roma Street, Southbank and Fortitude Valley.

Surprisingly enough this area is the centre of Brisbane! Whilst you may pay a premium to stay in the heart of the city you’ll be close to many transport links, shops and restaurants. If you have a bit more room in the budget, I can recommend the Ibis Brisbane if you need a break from hostels for a night to two.

Upper Roma Street

Just a short walk from the centre, this is the perfect location for a backpacker with a street packed full of hostels for you to choose from, so shop around and get the best deal! I can recommend Brisbane City YHA , there’s a great rooftop pool so make the most of the amazing city views, especially at sunset!

Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley, although slightly out of the city centre, is known for its nightlife and there’s a popular hostel here called Bunk , it’s not the most budget-friendly but if you like a party atmosphere it’s the place for you. If you have a group together or more of a flexible backpacker budget there is so many great Air BnB rentals here, a lot of them with cool views and swimming pools.

The only area of Brisbane I didn’t actually stay in, however, I can see the appeal to staying in this area, close to the Southbank Parklands and the surrounding cafes/restaurants. The accommodation in this area is mostly upmarket hotels and serviced apartments. There are a few hostels in this area and one I have heard good things about is Somewhere to Stay Backpackers.

Where To Eat and Drink

Here are some of my recommendations for eating and drinking in Brisbane.

Eat Street Northshore – Just slightly along the Brisbane River, you will find this place full of different stalls whipping up all sorts of cuisines. As well as food stalls you will find shops, drinks vans and entertainment so can be the perfect place to spend a Friday night with friends.

Tipplers Tap – Serving plenty of different tipples with American style food, I enjoyed this place for a bit of comfort food. With 2 restaurants now in Brisbane, I recommend the Southbank one and whilst you are there take a look down Little Stanley Street which is home to plenty more places to get some munch!

Wholly Crumpets- A super lovely cafe in the Brisbane suburb of Bulimba that serves great coffee and stacked crumpets, what more could you ask for!

Sixes and Seven – The restored old public house has a lovely vibe and is the perfect place for some afternoon/day drinks before going on to explore the nightlife of Fortitude Valley!

• Climb Mount Coo-that for the best views of the city
• Take a river cruise or kayak tour along the Brisbane River
• Take a Saturday morning trip to the Farmers Market in the West End
• Watch the sunset at Kangaroo Point
• Have a beach day at Street Beach and explore the Southbank Parklands
• Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
• Explore the Glass House Mountains
• Grab a picnic and chill in the Botanic Gardens
• Walk across or take a guided climb on Story Bridge
• Visit Australia Zoo, home of Steve Irwin
• Get all creative with free entry to GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art)
• Do a bar crawl around Fortitude Valley
• Want to know more about the city? Take the free Brisbane City Hall Tour, tickets here.

Brisbane is the capital of the state of Queensland a beautiful and diverse part of Australia. The city is located in the South of Queensland but is surrounded by plenty of great places for day trips, some of which I have shared with you below.

The Gold Coast is a popular holiday destination for Aussies and it’s easy to see why. With endless beaches, surfing spots and cool cafes it’s the perfect place to kick back.

And from Brisbane, it’s only a short train/tram ride away! Just jump on the train at any of Brisbane’s main stations heading to Helensvale this is where you will find the start of the G-link (the tram that covers the main stops on the Gold Coast).

The most visited area would be Surfers Paradise which is home to a long stretch of beach which guess what is great for surfing. It is also home to plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, mini-golf and other entertainment venues to keep you busy and well-nourished!

With plenty more to see in this region than just the tourist honeypot of Surfer’s Paradise is a great place to extend your day trip to a few nights away. Check out the more quiet spots such as Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay or head in land and discover the Glowworm Caves and the area around Tamborine Mountain.

Morton Island

A perfect day out to escape the city madness and get yourself outdoors in nature. Morton Island is a gorgeous protected island that is home to the Tangalooma Wrecks. With many tours being offered from Brisbane it’s simple to get to and you can kick back and relax knowing it’s all organised for you.

I found a tour similar to the one I did, which I can highly recommend! It contains the ferry ride over, transport from your accommodation, snorkelling, bodyboarding, clear kayaking around the Tangalooma Wrecks, a 4WD tour around the island and sandboarding (which I tell you is a thrill and a half).

If you are a beach lover this day trip is totally for you, check out the tour here!

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a gorgeous beach town on the Sunshine Coast and roughly about a 2-hour drive or bus from Brisbane. Whilst completely achievable to do on a day trip, some backpackers may choose to stop for a few nights the way up the Queensland Coastline. From hiking in Noosa National Park or taking a dip in the Fairy Pools or you could even learn to surf on the main beach.

If you want to get properly stuck into holiday mode and less backpacker adventure there is a Wet’n’Wild waterpark and Warner Brothers Movie World theme park about 45 minutes south of Brisbane both a great way to spend the day.

With plenty to keep you busy in the Sunshine city of Brisbane, it’s a lovely place to add to your Australian bucket list!

PIN FOR LATER

more Australian travel guides

Sydney, Australia: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Blue Mountains: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Ultimate Travel Guide: Cairns, Australia

Similar Posts

Mexico City: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Ultimate Travel Guide: Montezuma, Costa Rica

The Best Interrail Route For 3 Weeks Travel Around Europe

The Top 5 Islands To Visit In The Philippines

Ultimate Travel Guide: Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• Australasia
• coastal-queensland
• Travel guide
• Local Experts
• Itineraries
• Travel Advice

Accommodation

Having grown rapidly to more than two million residents in recent years, BRISBANE is by far the largest city in Queensland, its fortunes booming. However, despite having many of the trappings of a business and trade centre – urban sprawl, high-rise buildings, slow-moving traffic, crowded streets – there’s little of the pushiness that usually accompanies them. To urbanites used to a more aggressive approach, the atmosphere is slow, but to others the languid pace is a welcome change and reflects relaxed rather than regressive attitudes.

Aboriginal Brisbane

Brisbane festivals, the brisbane river, gay and lesbian brisbane.

Home to a glut of good cafés, gourmet restaurants and music venues, the city is focused around the meandering loops of the Brisbane River , with the triangular wedge of the business centre on the north bank surrounded by community-orientated suburbs. At the city’s heart are the busy, upmarket commercial and administrative precincts around Queen Street and George Street, an area of glass towers, cafés and century-old sandstone facades that extends southeast to the lush Botanic Gardens tucked into the bend of the river. Radiating north, the polish gives way to less conservative shops, accommodation and restaurants around Spring Hill, Fortitude Valley and New Farm, and the aspiring suburbs of Petrie Terrace and Paddington. Houses in these areas are popular with Brisbane’s aspiring professional class, and while office buildings and one-way streets are beginning to encroach, there’s also an older character reflected in the many high-set, wooden-balconied and tin-roofed Queenslander houses still standing – some lovingly restored to original condition.

To the west of the city is a blaze of riverside homes at Milton and Toowong, beyond which lies Mount Coot-tha. Across the river, the major landmarks are the South Bank Cultural Centre and South Bank Parklands, which curve round to Kangaroo Point, the city’s activity heartlands, crowned by the Story Bridge. Beyond them are the bohemian, bustling streets of South Brisbane and the West End, which tend to feel infinitely more relaxed than their northern counterparts.

Brisbane is a fairly easy place to find casual, short-term employment , and the healthy, unpredictable social scene tempts many travellers to spend longer here than they had planned. As for exploring further afield, you’ll find empty beaches and surf on North Stradbroke Island and dolphins around Moreton Island – both easy to reach from the city.

Brief history

In 1823, responding to political pressure to shift the “worst type of felons” away from Sydney, the New South Wales government sent Surveyor General John Oxley north to find a suitable site for a new prison colony. Sailing into Moreton Bay , he was shown a previously unknown river by three shipwrecked convicts who had been living with Aborigines. He explored it briefly, named it “Brisbane” after the governor, and the next year established a convict settlement at Redcliffe on the coast. This was immediately abandoned in favour of better anchorage further upstream, and by the end of 1824 today’s city centre had become the site of Brisbane Town.

Twenty years on, a land shortage down south persuaded the government to move out the convicts and free up the Moreton Bay area to settlers. Immigrants on government-assisted passages poured in and Brisbane began to shape up as a busy port – an unattractive, awkward town of rutted streets and wooden shacks. As the largest regional settlement of the times, Brisbane was the obvious choice as capital of the new state of Queensland on its formation in 1859, though the city’s first substantial buildings were constructed only in the late 1860s, after fire had destroyed the original centre and state bankruptcy was averted by Queensland’s first gold strikes at Gympie. Even so, development was slow and uneven: new townships were founded around the centre at Fortitude Valley, Kangaroo Point and Breakfast Creek, gradually merging into a city.

After World War II, when General Douglas MacArthur used Brisbane as his headquarters to coordinate attacks on Japanese forces based throughout the Pacific, Brisbane stagnated, earning a reputation as a dull, underdeveloped backwater – not least thanks to the Bjelke-Petersen regime.

Since his time, escalating development has impressed upon the city’s skyline and for the past decade Brisbane – Australia’s third most populous city – has boasted the country’s highest internal migration figures and a quarter of the national population growth . This has resulted in booming house prices and a snazzy redevelopment of the dilapidated Brisbane River foreshore into upmarket apartments and an influx of top-notch celebrity-endorsed restaurants along with a scattering of bars.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Australia, created by local experts

12 days  / from 2900 USD

Explore Western Australia from Perth to Broome

Western Australia is the country's largest state, covering more than a third of Australia. This self drive itinerary allows you to explore sunny Perth, stunning national parks and waterfalls, the remote wild west outback, empty beaches and much more.

16 days  / from 3300 USD

Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory

Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory on this self-drive adventure. Start in Adelaide and make your way over the Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon, and Alice Springs to the Kakadu National Park and ultimately Darwin.

23 days  / from 4150 USD

Cross Western Australia to Darwin

Western Australia offers wonderfully remote outback experiences: from spectacular national parks to sandy deserts, pristine beaches to working cattle stations. This itinerary allows you to explore the way from Perth to Darwin in depth and at your own pace, in your own rental car.

14 days  / from 10070 USD

Classic Australia - Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast

Explore the best of Australia's cities and nature! From Sydney and Melbourne's urban charm to the scenic wonders of the Great Ocean Road, Cairns' reef adventures, to the lush rainforests of Kuranda. End with nature's embrace at Burleigh Head and Lamington National Parks on the Gold Coast.

10 days  / from 6900 USD

The Best of Australia

Discover Australia's allure through this tour! You'll witness Sydney's iconic landmarks and explore the beauty of the Blue Mountains. Dive into Cairns' reef and rainforest wonders before marveling at the breathtaking beauty of the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne.

John Oxley recorded that the Brisbane Aborigines were friendly; in the early days, they even rounded up and returned runaways from the settlement. In his orders to Oxley on how to deal with the indigenous peoples, Governor Brisbane admitted, though in a roundabout way, that the land belonged to them: “All uncivilized people have wants … when treated justly they acquire many comforts by their union with the more civilized. This justifies our occupation of their lands.”

But future governors were not so liberal, and things had soured long before the first squatters moved into the Brisbane area and began leaving out “gifts” of poisoned flour and calling in the Native Mounted Police to disperse local Aborigines – a euphemism for exterminating them. In the later part of the nineteenth century, survivors from these early days were dispossessed by the Protection Act (in force until the 1970s), which saw them rounded up and relocated onto special reserves away from traditional lands.

A trace of Brisbane’s Aboriginal past is found at the Nudgee Bora Ring about 12km north of the centre at Nudgee Waterhole Reserve, at the junction of Nudgee and Childs roads. Last used in 1860, two low mounds where boys were initiated form little more than an icon today, and you’ll probably feel that it’s not worth the trip. More rewarding are the several Aboriginal walking trails at Mount Coot-tha; the City Hall information desk has leaflets on these which explain traditional uses of the area.

As Australia’s fastest-growing city, Brisbane has a shortage of inner-city accommodation, with hostels bursting with travelling casual workers, and the luxury boutique apartments often rented long-term by the expanding business and law fraternity. You should book at least a week ahead, longer if your visit will coincide with the Brisbane Cup horse race in June, the Royal Queensland Show (the “Ekka”) in August, or the week-long Brisbane Festival in September. Prices at high-end places may drop at weekends and during December and January, due to the scarcity of business customers and competition from the Gold Coast.

Brisbane Festival September brisbanefestival.com.au . World-class arts festival with music, theatre, comedy, dance, opera and circus events held across the city.

Brisbane Writers Festival September bwf.org.au . Four days of talks, readings, workshops and fringe events.

Fête de la Musique June fetedelamusiquebrisbane.com.au. Free outdoor performances across the city to commemorate World Music Day.

Northern Exposure October brisbears.org.au . Seven days of gay-friendly events.

Pride Festival September gayprideaustralia.com.au . Month-long celebration of Gay Pride.

Queensland Music Festival July qmf.org.au . Biennial state-wide musical events.

Supafest April supafest.com.au . Australia’s largest urban music festival.

The sluggish, meandering Brisbane River is, at four hundred million years old, one of the world’s most ancient waterways. It flows from above Lake Wivenhoe – 55km inland – past farmland, into quiet suburbs and through the city before emptying 150km downstream into Moreton Bay. Once an essential trade and transport link with the rest of Australia and the world, it now seems to do little but separate the main part of the city from South Brisbane; though it’s superficially active around the city centre, with ferries and dredgers keeping it navigable, most of the old wharves and shipyards now lie derelict or buried under parkland.

If the locals seem to have forgotten the river, it has a habit of reasserting its presence through flooding . In February 1893 cyclonic rains swelled the flow through downtown Brisbane, carrying off Victoria Bridge and scores of buildings: eyewitness accounts stated that “debris of all descriptions – whole houses, trees, cattle and homes – went floating past”. This has since been repeated many times, notably in January 1974 when rains from Cyclone Wanda completely swamped the centre, swelling the river to a width of 3km at one stage. Despite reminders of this in brass plaques marking the depths of the worst floods at Naldham House Polo Club , the construction of the Lake Wivenhoe dam, completed in 1984, gave property developers (and their insurers) the confidence to build some of Brisbane’s poshest homes beside the river, notably at Yeronga, Graceville and Chelmer, southwest of the centre. However, the dam couldn’t contain the sheer volume of rain that fell in January 2011 and the river burst its banks once again, causing millions of dollars’ worth of damage. Disastrous though this was, renovation work proceeded speedily and most buildings and services had reopened within a few weeks.

Brisbane’s foodie credentials have been improving at quite a rate in recent years. Fortitude Valley has a dense grouping of Asian restaurants (and a fashionable café society) while South Brisbane’s Boundary Street has more of a European flavour. The counter meals offered by many downtown hotels (especially during the week) are the cheapest route to a full stomach – aim for lunch at around noon and dinner between 5 and 6pm – or try one of the scores of cafés and food courts in the centre (Post Office Square’s a good one) catering to office workers.

Brisbane’s gays and lesbians revel in a loud and energetic scene that gets better every year. In September the Pride Collective hosts the annual Pride Festival (brisbanepridefestival.com.au), a varied month-long event with a street march, fair, art exhibitions, a film festival, sports events and general exhibitionism, kicking off with the Pride Festival Opening Gala. Other events to look out for include Northern Exposure in October, organized by Brisbears ( brisbears.org.au ).

The gay scene is largely clustered around the suburbs of Spring Hill, Fortitude Valley, New Valley, New Farm and Paddington. For up-to-the-moment information, listen to the Queer Radio slot on 4ZZZ 102.1FM, read the fortnightly issue of Qnews ( qnews.com.au ) or Queensland Pride from gay nightclubs, street distributors and some coffee shops. Nightlife focuses on The Wickham Hotel , Sportsman Hotel and The Beat . Bent Books is the longest-established gay bookshop in Brisbane.

Brisbane is a hotbed of musical talent: bands and artists such as Savage Garden, Powderfinger, Keith Urban, The Grates and Yves Klein Blue all hail from here. While there are plenty of central places to fire up with a few drinks on Friday and Saturday nights, the big push is out to Fortitude Valley’s bars and clubs . Live music venues are very fluid and tend to open and close in the blink of an eye; places listed below should be here to stay, but check with music stores such as Rocking Horse, or have a browse through Scene mag ( scenemagazine.com.au ) or Time Out Brisbane ( au.timeout.com/Brisbane ) for up-to-the minute reviews and listings. There’s no standard charge for club entry, and many places offer free nights and deals.

Discover more places in Australia

• Travel Guide Morocco
• Travel Guide Namibia
• Travel Guide South Africa
• Travel Guide China
• Travel Guide India
• Travel Guide Indonesia
• Travel Guide Japan
• Travel Guide Laos
• Travel Guide Malaysia
• Travel Guide Myanmar (Burma)
• Travel Guide Nepal
• Travel Guide Philippines
• Travel Guide Singapore
• Travel Guide South Korea
• Travel Guide Sri Lanka
• Travel Guide Taiwan
• Travel Guide Thailand
• Travel Guide Australia
• Travel Guide Fiji
• Travel Guide New Zealand
• Travel Guide Belize
• Costa Rica Travel Guide
• Travel Guide Cuba
• Travel Guide Guatemala
• Travel Guide Honduras
• Travel Guide Jamaica
• Travel Guide Nicaragua
• Travel Guide Panama
• Travel Guide Puerto Rico
• Travel Guide Trinidad and Tobago
• Travel Guide Albania
• Travel Guide Austria
• Travel Guide Belgium
• Travel Guide Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Travel Guide Bulgaria
• Travel Guide Cyprus
• Travel Guide Czechia (Czech Republic)
• Travel Guide Denmark
• Travel Guide England
• Travel Guide Estonia
• Travel Guide Finland
• Travel Guide France
• Travel Guide Germany
• Travel Guide Greece
• Travel Guide Hungary
• Iceland Travel Guide

The Rough Guides to Australia and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Australia?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

Yamanashi blog — The Yamanashi travel guide & top things to…

Guide to Suzhou nightlife — 5+ what & best things to…

Kunming travel blog — The fullest Kunming travel guide for first-timers

Must eat in Cambodia — 15+ must try, most famous, popular…

What souvenirs to buy in Cambodia? — 11+ best gifts &…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

When is the best time to visit Malaysia? — The best,…

When is the best time to visit Busan? — The best,…

Best coffee shops in Bali — Top 10 best cafes in…

Where to eat in Shenzhen? — 9 best restaurants in Shenzhen

Must eat in Malaysia — 15+ most popular, famous dishes &…

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Brisbane travel blog — the fullest brisbane travel guide for a great budget trip for first-timers.

Besides the famous Sydney, ancient Melbourne or vibrant Perth, Australia also has Brisbane – a city of interesting things, full of festivals that visitors should not miss when coming to the land of the Kangaroo. Brisbane is the capital city of the state of Queensland, about 900km to the North of Sydney. Right here in Brisbane, visitors can experience an unforgettable trip when experiencing life in mid-town villages, exploring offshore islands, a little further is the very famous coral reef of Great Barrier that also known as a world heritage site. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect trip to Brisbane? – the beautiful coastal city of Australia for the first-time? Let’s check out our Brisbane travel blog (Brisbane blog, Brisbane trip blog) with the fullest Brisbane travel guide (Brisbane guide, Brisbane tourist guide) from how to get, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

• Great Ocean Road blog — The Great Ocean Road travel guide for first-timers
• Australia itinerary 10 days — What to do & how to spend 10 days in Australia perfectly?
• Melbourne itinerary 7 days — How to spend 7 days in Melbourne for a budget trip?
• 1 day in Melbourne — How to spend 24 hours in Melbourne & Explore the best of Melbourne in a day perfectly?
• 7 day Australia itinerary — How to spend 7 days in Australia for the first-timers pefectly?

Brisbane attracts any visitor because of its natural scenery, exciting festivals, attractive beaches and beautiful island bays. Brisbane is Australia’s third largest city, it is located in southeastern Queensland, close to the east coast of Australia about 900km from the north of Sydney. This place is a young, vibrant, modern city, but also extremely attractive with many interesting landscapes and attractions for tourists.

Brisbane travel blog: Overview of Brisbane

Brisbane bring a mixture of a modern city and traditional features. As the third largest city in Australia (after Sydney and Melbourne), Brisbane is young, full of features of Australia, and a livable place. Many travelers traveling to Brisbane prefer to visit scenic spots and bustling such as the Queensland Museum, Queen Street Mall and South Bank Parklands. The weather here is very pleasant, so outdoor dining services are also varied and popular: Dining under the trees and starry skies, or in elegant riverside restaurants. Of course, this place also has no shortage of trendy bars to choose from.

Brisbane has pleasant weather, life is quite comfortable and not too expensive. With easy and convenient public transport, it is not difficult to explore Brisbane’s beautiful sights and unique culture features. If you are looking for a peaceful place to relax yet still modern, Brisbane is the best choice for you.

Brisbane blog: When to visit?

Brisbane has a subtropical climate, with warm weather all year round. However, the temperature in each season will be different and this also has a great influence on your travel itinerary.

Spring (September to November)

Springtime in Brisbane is usually warm during the day and cool at night. Occasionally there will be gentle rains, creating a truly spring atmosphere. This is the ideal time for you to explore the natural beauty of this beautiful city.

Featured tourist places that you can visit such as: Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Moreton Bay, Roma Park, … In addition, you can also visit other prominent places such as Queensland Cultural Centre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), New Farm, …

If you choose to travel to Brisbane in the spring, you will also have the opportunity to experience many outstanding events and festivals such as Brisbane Spring Festival, October Festival, Brisbane Writers Festival, Music Festival, … Ekka’s (Royal Queensland Show), fireworks and evening performances are usually held in August, the Brisbane Festival is held in September, and the Brisbane International Film Festival takes place in November which giving you the most interesting and memorable experiences.

Summer (December to February)

December to February in Brisbane temperatures range from 31 degrees Celsius to 33 degrees Celsius. The weather is quite hot and high humidity, but not too harsh. This is the best time for outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, hiking, city cycling, get fun at water parks, … Summer is considered to be Peak travel time in the city of Brisbane.

Some famous beaches for you to cool off summer days in Brisbane such as Streets Beach, Bongaree Beach, Pandanus Beach, … And yet, you can also make plans to climb mount Coot-tha, picnic at the park Rona Street, entertainment in Kalinga, and more.

For those who love to experience world culture, will surely enjoy being immersed in summer events such as Woodford Folk Festival, BrisAsia Festival, Brisbane Comedy Festival, Seasonal Music Festival Summer, Street Food Festival, … This is an opportunity for you to experience with all your senses and bring yourself the most memorable feelings.

Autumn (March to May)

Autumn is the perfect time for tourist activities in Brisbane. The temperature is now from 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. From March to April, you will enjoy a fresh, gentle atmosphere with beautiful natural scenery. If spring is a brilliant season with flowers bloom everywhere, in autumn you will admire a romantic Brisbane in beautiful multicolored leaves. You can walk on the streets, Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Fortitude Valley, Roma Street Park, …

For young people who love to live virtual, this is the ideal time for you to “hunt” dozens of beautiful photos. Not only that, the autumn of Brisbane also has many outstanding events and festivals such as: Brisbane World Science Festival, Redcliffe Festival, Bicycle Week, Brisbane Comedy Festival, CMC Rocks QLD, …

Winter (June to August)

Winter in Brisbane is not too cold, the temperature is only from 11 to 18 degrees C, quite cool and pleasant. At this time you can comfortably to explore tourist attractions, enjoy outdoor activities and make picnic plans with your family. At night, the weather is a bit cold, so you need to wear warm clothes.

Winter is also considered a festive season in Brisbane, you will experience cult events such as Out Of The Box Festival, Queensland Music Festival, Food and Wine Festival, Royal Queensland Exhibition , and many other interesting and interesting activities.

Brisbane travel guide: How to get there?

Currently, plane is the most convenient way to get to Brisbane. Some airlines operating flight routes to Brisbane can be mentioned as Bangkok Airways, Malindo Air, Jetstar, Vietnam Airlines, … Depending on each specific route, the price of air tickets to Brisbane fluctuates differently. For Hanoi – Brisbane route, the round trip ticket is priced at $258 or more. Air ticket from Saigon to Brisbane is priced at $195 to $315. As for the Da Nang – Brisbane route, the round-trip fare is in the range of $360 – $510.

Brisbane Airport is located 20 km to the northeast of the city center in Eagle Farm. There are also many direct flights from Canberra or some other regions inside and outside Australia to Brisbane. Some domestic airlines that operate routes to Brisbane include: Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Qantas.

Private Brisbane Airport (BNE) Transfers for Brisbane CBD

Getting from the airport to the city

Every 15 minutes with a trip, stopping at the central area, South Bank, Fortitude valley and Roma Street train station. If you go to the last station in the city, price: $16 / ticket / adult, round-trip ticket: $30 / ticket / adult. Time running for full route: 30 minutes; Operation time: 5:00 am – 10:00 pm. See more here .

Coachtrans (a type of coach) & Con-X-ion bus

You can go to Brisbane city or go to Gold Coast by this vehicle. Ticket price to the city center: $20 / ticket / adult, ticket to Gold Coast: $44 / ticket / adult. Vehicle travel time depends on traffic conditions, about 20 – 60 minutes.

The Con-X-ion bus , 40-minute with a trip. One way: AU$ 20, round-trip AU$ 36. Discount for two or more passengers traveling together. Travel time: 30 minutes.

Shared Brisbane Airport Transfers (BNE) for Brisbane

The most economical way to travel is to take the T-bus to DFO/Number 1 Airport Village, then catch bus 369 to Eagle Junction station, from there you will catch the train into the city center. You should buy a Go Card at the Airtrain stations for convenience of traveling ($30/card with $5 deposit that can be get refund and $25 for traveling) and save, fares are only $3 – $5 / ticket / one-way.

Visitors are advised to use the “Go Card” card to take bus, airtrain, ferry and train. This card is sold at most newspaper stalls and Translink offices at the tourist information booths at Queen Street Mall (Address: Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia).

Visitors can also tour the city with the fast, convenient and free Loop bus service. This type of bus operates from Monday to Saturday, from 7am to 6pm, there is a trip every 10 minutes.

From the airport to the center, it costs about $35 – $45. You can ask taxi driver for the package price.

Brisbane guide: Getting around Brisbane

You can rent a bike at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens or CityCycle area, for about $2 / day. Note that cycling a bike in Brisbane requires a helmet, otherwise it can result in a fine of up to $120.

An environmentally friendly taxi, carrying up to 2 adults and 2 children. It can be found in the West End, South Bank, the CBD (administrative center), the Fortitude valley and along the riverside. The starting price is $5 / km and also takes passengers on tour.

Many but the fare is quite expensive.

Many roads in Brisbane are only one way, if you drive yourself you should look at the city map and select the route first. In the city center there is a parking lot, costs $40 / day and $15 if park before 9am and leaving after 4pm. Some suburban roads or underground tunnels collect fees (eg Clem 7 tunnel), only prepayment is accepted via website. You can rent a car at the airport or downtown.

The administrative center is quite crowded and lacks car parking, so traveling by motorbike is more convenient and does not have to pay roadside parking fees. However, scooters (small displacement motorcycles, under 50cc) are not allowed to travel on some highways and have a speed limit of just under 55km / h.

Public transport

Passenger ferries (cityferry and citycat), trams, and buses all sell tickets at the Translink system. Visitors can buy with a Go Card as mentioned above.

Brisbane travel blog: What to do and where to go?

Brisbane regularly hosts world-class art activities at locations such as the Queensland Art Gallery and The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) , which located on the south bank of the Brisbane River. is as beautiful as a glittering crown emerging in the bustling cultural scene. It is the largest modern art museum in the southern hemisphere and is famous for its unique domestic and international exhibition events. Visitors to Brisbane should take the time to visit the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) (Address: Cnr Grey and, Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia) – A venue for value ballet, opera or symphony performances. The Queensland Museum and the State Library of Queensland . And  Queensland Cultural Centre in South Bank: Admiring the famous works of Australian artists at the Queensland Art Gallery and the Queesland Museum (Address: Stanley Pl, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia/Hours: 10AM–5PM)

Natural wonders

Moreton island.

The world’s third largest sand island is located right next to Brisbane. Moreton Island with crystal clear lakes and lagoons, not to mention many wild flowers, pristine beaches and towering sand dunes. The main activities here are diving to see shipwrecks and coral reefs, hand-feeding dolphins in the sunset. Four wheel drive (ATV) and sand slide are also fun activities.

The beautiful Moreton Island National Park is 75 minutes by ferry from Brisbane. The beautiful group of islands with North Stradboke, Scarborough (where the famous Great Barrier coral reef is located), Bribi Island or Moreton Island … Visitors can take a boat tour to visit the entire bay, scuba diving to watch coral or participate in other interesting sea sports, hiking, fishing or camping.

Follow the trail up to the observatory on Mount Tempest – a breathtaking viewing spot. This is the highest coastal sand dune in the world, with an altitude of 280m. See birds and crabs on Desert Track. Or head inland to enjoy the clear blue waters of the Blue Lagoon full of fish and frogs.

Note that there are only a few cafes and shops on the island. So please remember to bring food reserves.

Kangaroo Point

Climb the Kangaroo Point Cliff early in the morning or evening when the city is lit up by lights.

Redcliffe Peninsula

Just 30 minutes away from Brisbane’s north: Where you can see whales at firsthand and relax in the pure ocean space.

Fortitude Valley

Brisbane’s cultural hub: Listen to live music, shopping along the bustling outdoor shops and host a party in Chinatown.

Right next to the Fortitude valley is New Farm, where visitors can sit in stylish cafes to watch passersby, buy your favorite foods at famous food shops and picnic at the parks by riverside.

Experience life

To avoid the bustling city center, the bars, shops, restaurants and cultural venues in South Bank are perfectly interwoven with the lush green canopy, public beaches, lagoons and picnic areas would be good choices.

Story Bridge

This bridge attracts tourists not only because of its special historical value, but also a famous bridge-climbing site. When night falls, the bridge is brilliantly colored with light. To see the bridge from its best angle, take a cruise or take a ferry along the Brisbane River.

The most distinctive features of the bridge are the system of torsion beams and pedestals. Those who love adventure can try swinging on the bridge. Watching the sparkling skyscrapers when swing by the side of the bridge is an enjoyable experience. You can rest assured that you will be carefully monitored for the safety of visitors.

If you are lucky enough to come to the city during the Brisbane Festival in September or New Year’s Eve, you can watch the bridge glow in the wonderful fireworks.

Address: State Route 15, New Farm QLD 4169, Australia Construction started: May 24, 1935 Clearance below: 30 m Opened: July 6, 1940

Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha

With green space, close to nature, this garden gives us a feeling of great relaxation. Just 7km from the city we will reach here.

The diverse themed gardens take visitors on a journey through 128 acres of gardens. The highlights include beautiful Japanese gardens and the largest collection of Australian rainforest in the world. You can take advantage of the free guided walking and small walking tours. Best of all, the entrance fee to the garden is also free.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Lone Pine is the largest Koala sanctuary in Australia. It is home to more than 130 species of extremely cute animals. Visitors can feed and pet many animals. According to the law, a tourist can only hug Koala once. Make sure that each Koala is only hug for no more than 30 minutes a day. Visitors will see that these animals besides smooth and gentle as shown in the photos, they are surprisingly heavy.

If you do not want to cuddle Koala, you can still visit the barn on the tree to see them lying limply on the branches or sitting leisurely gnawing the eucalyptus leaves. Lone Pine is open year round, except for major holidays. Parking is free.

Address: 708 Jesmond Rd, Fig Tree Pocket QLD 4069, Australia Hours: 9AM–5PM

Unique bars

The typical Queensland-style houses with tin roofs and long front porches lie proudly side by side on the corner of Alfred and Constance streets in the Fortitude Valley suburb. There are 6 old-style eateries and bars, open from 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. on weekends until late at night.

Brisbane’s Chinatown located on Duncan Street (Fortitude Valley) opened in 1987. It is a commercial, social and cultural hub of Brisbane’s Asian community and you will notice that the streets names are written in both English and Chinese with lots of authenticity.

This Chinatown area is centered around the pedestrian mall on Duncan Street, but many shops and restaurants also open up so Chinatown now stretches from Alfred Street to McLachlan Street and Gipps Street to Constance Street.

Brisbane travel guide: What to eat?

Brisbane is famous for its delicious and interesting dishes that you can freely explore when you come here, typically grilled kangaroos, beetroot hamburgers, BBQ, grilled Australian crocodile, and cakes made from wheat flour, or dishes made from Australian beef… are extremely delicious and attractive.

Dinner and wine for connoisseurs

Foodies should pay attention: Esquire is the most popular dining venue when visiting the Queensland capital. Manager chef Ryan Squires and lead chef Ben Devlin are talented in blending a variety of flavors and unique layouts to create impressive, delicious dishes.

Guests can also choose the Esq restaurant right next to it with an rich order menu. These two restaurants share a varied wine menu and diners can choose to try many different dishes combining Argentine wine, or enjoy special dishes such as ribs or chicken wings. This place is highly rated for its beautiful riverside location, unique décor and good service. Remember, don’t leave here without trying the famous Parfait popcorn.

Brisbane travel blog: Shopping

Queen Street Mall: Traveling is a must to shop, right? Queen Street is a paradise for you. Here, there are rows of long street shops with six impressive indoor shopping areas. Here, you can freely shop from books to fashion, dine in a restaurant or bar and watch great street performances. You should enjoy a delicious meal or a beer at Burnett Lane. It is located parallel to the shopping mall.

Brisbane blog: Where to stay?

One of the quality and cheap places to stay that is the Brisbane Backpackers Resort ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) . This place has a variety of facilities and services. Which includes free service on bus routes. In addition, visitors can also refer to other names such as: Some Rooms Backpacker ( Agoda.com ) , Brisbane Manor Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) ,…

Below we recommend more best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Next Hotel Brisbane , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $120/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Stamford Plaza Brisbane , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $114/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Meriton Suites Herschel Street, Brisbane , a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $77/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Royal On The Park Hotel & Suites , a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $93/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

You can find more hotels in this city on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Brisbane you can refer to

• Brisbane’s Best Sightseeing Day Tour
• Gold Coast City Sights with Transfers from Brisbane
• Outdoor Rock Climbing Experience in Brisbane
• Grand Brisbane Tour
• Brisbane by Bicycle Tour
• Greyhound Australia Whimit Coach Pass from Brisbane (Consecutive 3, 5, 7 Days)
• Brisbane City Tour with Cruise from Gold Coast
• Grand Brisbane Tour from Gold Coast
• Morning Brisbane City Tour with Cruise
• Brisbane Segway Tour
• Dreamworld Tickets with Transfers from Brisbane
• {Unp by Op} Gold Coast Water Park Admission Tickets with Transfers from Brisbane
• Guided Kayaking Tour in Brisbane

Are you looking for more top things to do in Brisbane: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Yamanashi blog — the yamanashi travel guide & top things to do in yamanashi, guide to suzhou nightlife — 5+ what & best things to do in suzhou at night.

Yunnan travel blog — The fullest Yunnan travel guide for first-timers

When is the best time to visit Philippines? — The best, worst, affordable & best season to travel to Philippines

Nanjing itinerary 2 days — What to do & how to spend 2 days in Nanjing perfectly?

What to do in Battambang? — 12+ must, top & best things to do in Battambang

When is the best time to visit kyoto — the best, worst, affordable & best season to visit kyoto.

Gyeongju 1 day itinerary — How to spend one day in Gyeongju, South Korea

Editor picks.

Yamanashi blog — The Yamanashi travel guide & top things to...

Guide to Suzhou nightlife — 5+ what & best things to...

POPULAR POSTS

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1448
• Trip Inspiration 469
• Thailand 209
• Food + Drink 203
• Coasts + Islands 193
• South Korea 168
• Vietnam 166
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

BRISBANE TRAVEL GUIDE: Itinerary, Budget, Things to Do

When I set foot in Brisbane for the first time, a weird feeling took over my senses.

There I was, at the sixth and final stop of our tour around Australia, but it felt as though I was just starting the journey. Weeks of being in the middle of flat, barren deserts and isolated, small islands had left me adjusting again. Suddenly, multi-story buildings and parades of cars are strangers that I needed to get to know or lost friends I would need to reconnect with. Perhaps the feeling was brought about by sheer exhaustion. By the time we hopped off the train from the airport, we were almost bereft of energy.

That’s why I was so excited to return. I enjoyed Brisbane thoroughly the first time, but seeing it with renewed enthusiasm would allow me to see parts of the city that I missed and document enough useful information for this guide.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Understanding Brisbane

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland. Unlike most Aussie metropoles, Brisbane is not a beach city. It lies on the banks of the Brisbane River, which cuts across the city before emptying into Moreton Bay.

Despite being Australia’s third largest city (next only to Sydney and Melbourne) and still developing rapidly, Brisbane is pretty laid-back. It’s vibrant and youthful, but life here seems to move at a gentle pace. It’s able to maintain at atmosphere that feels more relaxed than intimidating. There are plenty of greens surrounding tangled streets and towering buildings. And that’s one of the reasons I love this city.

• Language : English is spoken by the majority. But over 1% of the population speak Mandarin and Vietnamese.
• Currency : Australian Dollar (AUD). AUD1 is roughly USD0.74, EUR0.64, PHP39.75 (as of July 2018). If you have Maestro, Cirrus, Visa, MasterCard Debit cards, you can withdraw from ATMs. Or before your flight, go to your local bank and buy AUDs.
• Modes of Payment : Cash and credit cards are both commonly accepted.
• Electricity Info : Australian standard is 230V, 50Hz. Make sure you check your device’s voltage requirement before plugging them in. Most usual power socket is Type I, the one with slanted prongs.

When to Visit and What to Wear

Brisbane takes pride in having at least 280 days of sunshine per year, making Brisbane a year-round destination! But when is the best time to visit? April to May, according to the tourism officers we talked to. That’s considering all things: weather, crowdedness, and prices.

Brisbane enjoys a sub-tropical climate, so expect torrential showers even when the day starts all sunshiny. Summer is hot and wet; winter is mild and relatively dry.

The summer months of December-February — Australia is in the southern hemisphere — can get too hot with chances of thunderstorms. But if you’re visiting this period, prepare light clothes.

Weather-wise, winter is great for tourists. The air is cool, pleasant for sightseeing and just walking around. It doesn’t get too cold. All you need is a light jacket or sweater and you’ll be fine. An overcoat can be over the top, even at night.

How to Get to Brisbane

Brisbane and the larger South East Queensland area are served by Brisbane Airport. In 2016, it was named one of the world’s best-performing large-size airports with 86.71% on-time performance. Although it is the third busiest airport in Australia, it is not too large or complicated, so you don’t need to worry about getting lost. Airport processes are standard and streamlined.

Note, however, that Australia is painstakingly strict and thorough when it comes to customs inspections and it’s also true at Brisbane Airport. To avoid any trouble, make sure you’ve read the policies well, have proper documents for restricted items, and don’t try to come in with prohibited items. There are dog-sniffers and x-ray machines around, so don’t even bother.

For a complete list of prohibited and restricted items, visit this page .

Manila to Brisbane

From Manila, the easiest and most convenient flights are offered by Philippine Airlines. PAL, the country’s four-star flag-carrier, uses a brand new Airbus A321neo, a narrow-body aircraft that can fly from Manila to Brisbane for only around 7 hours! It is the first single-aisle aircraft to fly non-stop from PH to Australia.

Regular fares can go as low as USD372, which can still go lower when there’s a promo. All bookings come with FREE 25kg baggage allowance and a hot meal, a snack, and complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

All seats are equipped with personal TV screen (10.1-inch for economy, 15.6-inch for business class) featuring an impressive collection of movies and series, and in-seat USB power supply! It’s also myPAL wi-fi enabled!

Brisbane Airport to City Center

Brisbane City is situated southwest of Brisbane Airport, 20-30 minutes away. Your destination will most likely be either Central Station or Roma Station. You can take any of these options:

• By Train . The Airtrain can take you the the city center in around 20 minutes. I’ve tried before and the journey was smooth. The regular fare is $18.50 for one way or $35 round-trip. But if you book online in advance, you can snag up to 15% discount. A ticket booked online 6 days ahead is only $15.73 one-way or $29.75 round-trip. Kids 14 and below are FREE of charge as long as they’re accompanied by an adult with a ticket.
• By Taxi . The taxi is a good option if you’re a group of three or more. We haven’t tried this, but I asked the taxi drivers how much it would usually take to the city center, and they said around $50.
• By Uber . Cheaper than taxi! We tried it and were charged only $32! If you’re a group of 3 or more, this is your most economical option.

Note that the taxi, shuttle and Uber are traffic-dependent so it can take longer than 30 minutes to reach the city center especially at peak hours.

How to Get Around Brisbane

With the exception of Mt. Coot-tha and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, most of the tourist spots are concentrated in two areas: the Central Business District (CBD) and South Banks. These two districts are separated by the Brisbane River, which is straddled by a number of bridges.

The CBD and much of the South Bank Parklands are flat, which makes any stroll here a walk in the park. Brisbane is a very walkable city. If you have the energy in a pleasant, sunshiny day, you won’t feel the need to take any form of transportation. Within these areas, the only time I took paid for transportation was when we switched hotels from near Central Station to near Roma Station, and only because it was raining. If the skies were clear that day, I would have walked too, even with a suitcase in tow.

But here are other public transportation options in case walking is out of the question.

By Train, Bus, and Ferry

Brisbane’s major public transportation options — bus, ferry, and train — are connected by a single ticketing system called Translink. This makes any journey within the city and surrounding areas seamless and stress-free. To make it work, they implemented a tariff system that divides the greater South East Queensland area into eight concentric zones.

The fare depends on how many of these concentric rings you cross. Brisbane’s city center is at the very center of it and occupies Zone 1. If you stay within the city center, then you only travel within one zone. But if you go on a trip to, say, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary which is in Zone 2, the journey will be straddling two zones (1 and 2). Hence, you’ll be paying more for it.

To see which zones your destinations are located, the links below will take you to the zone maps:

• Brisbane City Center and Suburbs
• Brisbane and South East Queensland

Translink also offers go card , a contactless stored-value card that passengers can use without having to pay for a ticket each time. Having this will let you save 30% on fares. However, it’s not recommended for tourists because a $10 deposit is required and getting a refund (for deposit and unused value) can be a difficult process. Also, because again, you might not need to use the public transportation that much anyway.

Here are the regular adult fares and concession fares (for children and elderly):

Important Notes:

• Brisbane Airport is NOT covered by the usual Translink fare system. Special fares apply. So even if the airport is actually in Zone 2, prepare to pay more.
• The red CityHopper ferries that crisscross Brisbane River is FREE OF CHARGE. Yep, no tickets required. Just hop onto the ferry. Only the red City Hopper! The blue ones are the regular ferries and are still covered by the fare zones.
• If you’re traveling beyond Brisbane and around South East Queensland, you can get a SeeQ Card, which is designed for tourists. A SeeQ card will allow you unlimited travel using the Translink bus, train, ferry and tram services for three or five consecutive days. It also covers 2 Airtrain services within the network, including the Brisbane Airport-city center route. Prices are $79 for 3 days and $129 for 5 days.
• Make sure you have a valid ticket when taking public transportation. Inspections happen often and inspectors are strict in implementing fines.

Brisbane is a wonderful city to see on bike. The inner city has 20km of bikeway. But like most things in Australia, bike rental is expensive. One of the more reputable bike hire companies is Bike Obsession , located a couple of blocks from the City Botanic Gardens. The cheapest rates they have are the following:

• 2 hours: $25
• Day Rate (within business hours): $35
• 24 hours: $45
• Additional night: $10

Every rental comes with a helmet, flat pedals, lock, pump, spare kit, and water bottle holder.

A cheaper option is CityCycle , a bike rental program initiated by the Brisbane City Council wherein you can use a bike at any of the 150 stations throughout the city center. It’s primarily for locals. But tourists can take advantage of the so-called Casual Pass , which will give you 24-hour access to these bikes for only $2 .

But here’s the catch: helmets are not included. And helmets are required by law. Registration is required. For more info, visit their official website .

Taxi rides are pricey in Brisbane. Flagdown rates are as follow:

• 5am-7pm: $2.90
• 7pm-12mn: $4.30
• 12mn-5am: $6.30

The meter will then add $2.17/km or $0.82 per minute of waiting. On top of that, a $1.50 booking fee is charged if you ring or text a company to arrange a cab. This doesn’t apply to cabs that you hailed in the street or those you catch at a designated taxi rank (except at airport ranks).

The main taxi ranks are located at the following:

• corner of Queen and George Streets (near Treasury Building)
• corner of Elizabeth and Albert Streets
• along Eagle Street
• along Edward Street
• along Ann Street
• Petrie Terrace

But you can also just wait by the kerbside and hail a cab like usual. You’ll know the cab is vacant if the sign on the roof is lit. No booking fee is collected this way, either.

Cheaper than taxi! If you’re a group of 3 or more, this is an economical option, especially if you’re carrying some bags.

One thing we noticed though is that cash isn’t accepted, only credit cards. I’m not sure if this is true for all Uber units in the city or just some. But the many times we attempted to ride an Uber, the app requires a credit card enlisted in the account.

Also, make sure you know the exact address of your destination.

Internet Connection in Brisbane

If you’re flying with Philippine Airlines, you can rent a myPAL Roam device, a pocket wi-fi that can give you unlimited 3G or 4G connection in over 90 countries. You can connect up to 5 devices per unit. The rate can go as low as P390 per day.

To get one, just visit the small kiosk at Terminal 2, in front of Manila Cigars booth. After passing through final security, turn right. You’ll see the kiosk on the right side. It’s easy to miss. You can also book one in advance online! Book here!

Each unit comes with a charger plug, cable, and instructions on how to use it. But it’s pretty simple really. After turning it on, press the power button again an dit will display the connection name and password. Connect to it and enter the password on your device and you’re good to go.

In Brisbane, free wi-fi is available in over 30 parks and public places across the city. This includes the Queen Street Mall, South Bank, Parklands, Roma Street Parkland, Mt. Coot-tha Lookout, and on CityCats. Speed is awesome too! It’s part of the Brisbane City Council’s mission to make the city more accessible and connected.

IMPORTANT : Yes, free public wi-fi is great, but always remember that connecting to public wi-fi isn’t always safe . Hence, it’s better to rent a pocket wifi or find a local SIM. If you really want to use the public wifi, a good way to protect your data is to purchase VPN. We use NordVPN when we travel abroad. More info here: Best VPN .

Things to Do in Brisbane

Here are some of the top places to visit in Brisbane City and surrounding suburbs.

Free Brisbane Greeters Tour

There’s no better way of seeing the city than through the eyes of a local. And the government of Brisbane believes that. Brisbane Greeters is an ambassador service, wherein locals volunteer to give visitors a tour of the city. And yep, for FREE.

You can choose the program or you can let the greeter make the decision for you, but rest assured that they will try their best to make the tour enjoyable and hassle-free. There are over 100 greeters as of today, with 20 languages available.

Reservation is required. You can do that here .

Mt. Coot-tha

The tallest mountain in Brisbane, Mt. Coot-tha is a magnificent viewpoint. From here, you’ll get a fantastic vista of the central business district’s buildings towering above the city. It’s also a popular make-out spot for locals. Lol.

To get here, take Translink Bus 471 from Adelaide Street in CBD. (Uber and taxi will cost around $23 and $37 respectively.)

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Lone Pine is one of the few places on earth where you can interact and have a photo holding a koala. Established in 1927, it takes pride in being the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary and conservation site. According to the staff, it has been a home for rescued koala. There’s also a vast space for kangaroos and wallabies. But many parts kind of resemble a zoo, to be honest.

Guests can have photos taken while holding a koala for an additional fee. I didn’t try it for I feel no need for having to hold them. But it’s still up to you.

To get there, you may take Bus #430 from Platform 2C, Queen Street Station or Bus #445 from Stop 41, Adelaide Street. Fare: $5.70 (adult), $2.90 (kid).

Entrance Fee is $36. But for visitors from Asia, Klook sells tickets at a discounted price, $31.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

There are only three bridge climbs in the world, at least that we know of. And Brisbane’s Story Bridge is one of them. Yep, you can climb to the top of this iconic landmark safely. You’ll be prepped and you’ll have a guide who will also tell you about the history of the bridge and Brisbane in general. You don’t need to be gym-fit to enjoy this as it’s done at a gentle pace for different ages and fitness levels.

Skydive Brisbane Winter18

Surprisingly, tandem skydiving in Brisbane isn’t that expensive! It can cost only $224 (USD166, PHP8857) if you do it mid-week and without photos/videos. That’s much cheaper than in most countries!

Jump out of a plane at 15,000 up in the air and enjoy free-falling while enjoying spectacular views of the Australia and the ocean! With a partner professional skydiver, of course. You’ll be landing on a beach! This is definitely an experience that will give you memories for keeps.

Riverlife Extreme Activities

Riverlife promotes itself as a lifestyle and entertainment playground. Situated on the bank of Brisbane River and at the base of Kangaroo Point Cliffs, they provide a fantastic venue for many functions (especially weddings) and adventures. For tourists, Riverlife is best-known for the many extreme activities it offers.

We’ve tried rappelling before (also known as abseiling in this part of the world), and we had a grand time. The view from the top of the cliff was fantastic, our instructor entertaining, and the activity itself unforgettable.

Here some of the activities they offer.

They provide all the equipment needed for these activities. In the case of abseiling: harness, helmet, rope, and gloves.

XXXX Beer Brewery Tour

Australia is known for their love of beer! Brisbane is no different. In Brisbane, the most iconic brand is XXXX. (It isn’t Brisbane’s or Australia’s best brew, if you ask locals. But it is arguably the most well-known.)

XXXX’s history stretches 135 years, making it an icon. Klook’s 90-minute tour will take you around the brewery and introduce to you the brand’s ingredients and brewing methods. The tour ends with a beer-tasting session! It’s a must for beer-lovers!

Free Attractions in Brisbane

Aside from the activities and the tours above, Brisbane also has a lot of FREE attractions to offer to shoestring travelers. Here are some of them:

• King George Square. One of the city’s most visited public squares, just next to the Brisbane City Hall.
• Queen Street Mall. The most popular pedestrian mall in Australia, with 700 choices of apparel stores, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
• Albert Street Literary Trail. Albert Street is punctuated with 32 brass plaques installed on the pavement, all bearing literary quotes from 32 Queensland writers, who have lived in the city at one point in their lives.
• City Botanic Gardens. The oldest park in Brisbane, this was once a land tended by convicts to produce crops for the prison colony but was later transformed into a public space for recreation.
• South Banks Parkland. Opened to the public in 1992, this complex of plazas, restaurants, greens, and rainforest cover what used to be the site of the World Expo 88. There’s a lot to see here, including the Streets Beach (an artificial beach) and the Nepal Peace Pagoda.
• Fashion and Art Weekend Markets. Explore one and you might find something that matches your taste, from quirky trinkets to handmade accessories, and vintage souvenirs to limited edition art pieces.
• ANZAC Square War Memorial. ANZAC is an acronym for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and these monuments around the country pay tribute to everyone who has served Australia in the great wars that she has participated in.

For more information about the free attractions above, we created a dedicated post for them: 10 FREE THINGS TO DO IN BRISBANE .

Where to Stay in Brisbane

Three major areas have the highest concentration of accommodations.

• Central Area. At the very heart of the city. This is the area surrounding Central Station, which means accessibility isn’t an issue. Most major hotels like Sofitel, W, Ibis, and Best Western are here. There are also a few budget options scattered around. What’s great about it is its accessibility and proximity to most of the city’s key landmarks and shopping street. Buses going to Mt. Coot-tha and Lone Pine also stop here.
• Upper Roma Street. For budget travelers. This short street is lined with hostels and budget hotels including Brisbane City YHA, Chill Backpackers, Yellow Submarine, and Eton House Hostel. Prices are usually half of the usual hotel’s, sometimes even lower. The nearest station is Roma Street, which is directly connected to the airport.
• South Banks. Plenty of lodging options, from hostels to the pricier end of the spectrum. The properties near the river are usually more expensive. As you walk farther from the river, you’ll find cheaper options like Brisbane Backpackers Resort, Gonow Family Backpacker Hostel, and Somewhere to Stay. These are often the cheapest in the city.

I’ve tried staying both in the Central and Upper Roma areas. The former really is the best place to stay because you’re in the middle of all the action, surrounded by key landmarks, bus and train stations, shops, and restaurants.

That’s not to say that Upper Roma Street is bad, no, not at all. It’s a few blocks from Roma Station and a bit detached from everything else, so prepare to walk a bit every day. But it’s not that far, just enough dose of exercise.

Top Hostel: Brisbane City YHA

On my first time in Brisbane, I was invited by Brisbane City YHA to stay with them. When I returned to the city, I decided to stay there again, this time as a paying guest, because I truly enjoyed my first time here. Not much has changed. Rooms are clean and very affordable. The staff was helpful, friendly, and always cheerful. Lots of amenities in the common areas, especially their big, spacious kitchen. Food in Australis is expensive, so the kitchen mattered to me a lot. There’s also a mall with a Coles supermarket on the other side of the street so you can easily shop for ingredients if you intend to cook your food at the hostel.

CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

Other Brisbane Hostels

• Base Backpackers Brisbane Uptown Hostel. Check Rates & Availability .
• Summer House Brisbane Hostel. Check Rates & Availability .
• Aussie Way Backpackers. Check Rates & Availability .
• Breeze Lodge. Check Rates & Availability .

Search for more Brisbane Hotels!

Sample brisbane itinerary.

Below is a sample Brisbane itinerary. It assumes you’re staying in a dorm room of a hostel in the city for $35 per night. For breakfast and dinner, just hit the supermarket on your first day and cook at hostel. For lunches, since you’ll probably be outside exploring, your budget is $15 per meal. Prices below are in Australian dollars.

Day 1: ARRIVAL 09:20am – Arrival in Brisbane 10:38am – Airtrain to city center, $35 roundtrip 11:00am – Walk to hostel 11:20am – Drop bags 12:00nn – Lunch, $15 01:00pm – Brisbane Greeters Tour, FREE 04:00pm – Supermarket, $30 05:30pm – Hotel check-in, rest 08:00pm – Dinner 10:00pm – Lights out

Day 4: DEPARTURE 07:00am – Check out 08:12am – Airtrain to Airport 08:40am – Arrival at Airport 09:00am – Check-in 11:00am – Flight out

If you spend only $35 on lodging, the itinerary above will cost you AU$350 (USD260, EUR221, SGD354, PHP13860), excluding airfare.

A big bulk of it goes to Riverlife kayaking or abseiling. If you’re not into either, you can replace it with another free activity to bring down the cost to only AU$301 (USD224, EUR190, SGD304, PHP11920), excluding airfare.

More Brisbane Travel Tips

• Walk when you can. Although the city is commuter-friendly, many attractions can be reached just by walking. Many key museums and landmarks stand next to each other or within walking distance of each other.
• Hit the supermarket. A meal at a restaurant plays within the $8-18 range. The best way to save on food is to buy from the grocery, supermarket, or cheap food stalls and just eat it in your hostel. Choose a hostel with an open kitchen.
• Eat out for lunch. Should you wish to eat out and experience some of the city’s restaurants, do so for lunch, not for dinner. Lunch is much cheaper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tipping policy in brisbane.

The short of it is: You don’t need to tip. Tipping isn’t obligatory in Brisbane or anywhere in Australia. But if you can if you enjoyed the service! 5% is safe. For exceptional service, 10% should suffice. You can also just round off the bill.

Where is the best place to exchange money in Brisbane?

I didn’t see that many money changers. If you have Maestro, Cirrus, Visa, MasterCard Debit cards, you can withdraw from ATMs. Or before your flight, go to your local bank and buy AUDs.

Is Brisbane safe?

YES, Brisbane is safe and tourist-friendly. Many locals we talked to said they feel safe walking alone at night.

What is the power socket used in Brisbane?

Most usual power socket is Type I, the one with slanted prongs.

Australian standard is 230V, 50Hz. Make sure you check your device’s voltage requirement before plugging them in.

Do we need a visa to visit Brisbane?

YES. For nationals of many countries (including the Philippines), an Australian visa can be obtained online. All you need to do is accomplish a lengthy but easy application form and upload some supporting documents and you can get a Visit Visa (tourist or business) in a matter of days, sometimes hours.

We have written a separate, dedicated post about it, which you will find here: Australian Visa Requirements and Application Process

Updated: 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ • 1️⃣ • 1️⃣7️⃣

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• DARWIN ON A BUDGET: Free Itinerary & Travel Guide
• Brisbane City YHA: Where to Stay in Brisbane, Australia
• Riverlife Abseiling in Brisbane, Australia
• 10 FREE Things to Do in BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
• ALICE SPRINGS & ULURU ON A BUDGET: Budget Travel Guide
• 5 Rooftop Bars with Cheap Eats in Brisbane
• MELBOURNE TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary
• SINGAPORE: Budget Travel Guide (Updated 2014)

• Recent Posts

• FLIGHT RESERVATION for VISA • How to Get Dummy Ticket for Schengen, Canada and Other Visa Applications - 22 March 2024
• 2024 Cebu Pacific Promos & PISO SALE with List of Covered Destinations - 4 March 2024
• Top 13 FREE Attractions to Enjoy in MACAU - 19 February 2024

Your tips are amazing, all this info is so helpful! I’m even sharing this article with my friends. Btw, it’s nice to see that you recommend using NordVPN, it’s my favourite VPN service, too.

Wow! A very detailed itinerary! I really appreciate it! Thanks for the share Yoshke!

I’ve been to Brisbane too. i just walked to south bank and kangaroo point cliffs naligaw pa nga ako kung saan yung paakyat sa pedestrian bridge nakapasok ako sa museum na may bayad approachable naman sila tinuro lang sa akin san yung daan. nag stay ako sa gabba Central apartment ang lapit sa coles kaya hindi mahirap mag shopping babalik ako ulit sa April this year. na visit ko na din pala yung lone pine koala sanctuary the best thing is i got a student discount when they ask me if I’m a student i just said yes hindi naman nag hanap ng ID haha kasi naka bagpack lang ako nun mukha talaga student. maganda pag nag Brisbane kayo daan na din kayo sa gold coast sa surfers paradise maganda kung magkakaroon kayo ng friend na local duon para may driver na kayo ganun kasi ginagawa ko mag nakakatipid tapos bili nalang kayo sim card mas matipid yun. last November 2018 lang ako nag BNE

Hi Ms. Anne, first time ko mag Au this April at magisa lang ako got a tourist visa pero Magstay po ako sa friend ko. Im worried kasi if hahanapan ako nag documents ko for my accomodation yung bookings?

Haha. thanks for sharing, Mary Anne!

First time ko mag Au this April at magisa lang ako got a tourist visa pero Magstay po ako sa friend ko. Im worried kasi if hahanapan ako nag documents ko for my accomodation yung bookings?

If ang idedeclare mo is you’re staying with a friend, get a letter from your friend and yung exact address and contact numbers niya. Mas strict ang PH Immigration pagdating sa ganyan. Pero may chance din na hingin ng AU Immigration.

As a fellow Brisbane Local, you have certainly covered a lot here for sure. I’ve never really thought of Brisbane as a great place for Tourists to visit, but also a great Gateway to go elsewhere and I love living here. Given the situation at the moment it has made me find so many other little spots to venture and capture while travelling elsewhere really isn;t allowed..Thanks for sharing :)

Featured On

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

Brisbane   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Demosthenes Mateo Jr | Getty Images

10 Best Things To Do in Brisbane

Updated February 11, 2021

Much of Brisbane's activity takes place around the winding Brisbane River, which slithers its way through the city and other parts of southeastern Queensland. Make the most of the water by taking a free river cruise on a CityHopper . Prefer to admire

• All Things To Do

Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha free

After you've admired the sweeping views at the Brisbane Lookout, Mount Coot-tha , walk (or drive) about 1.5 miles northeast to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha. At this 138-acre subtropical conservatory, you'll find a host of native and exotic plants, not to mention the largest collection of Australian rainforest trees in the world. Within the garden you'll come across several themed spaces, including the Japanese Garden, the Lagoon and Bamboo Grove, the Fern House and the Fragrant Plants and Herb Garden – all containing different varieties of plantlife. When you're not admiring the spectacular flora, see if you can spot the fauna: Visitors say you'll likely come across iguanas and other reptiles, not to mention plenty of insects and birds.   

Past visitors said the gardens provided a beautiful setting for kids to burn off some energy. The Brisbane City Council also offers a "Hide 'n' Seek Children's Trail" with surprises and facts for youngsters to discover as they make their way through the garden. And do be sure to bring your camera since this outdoor attraction boasts plenty of photo-op-worthy spots, including areas with superb views of the city.

City Botanic Gardens City Botanic Gardens free

If you're searching for a quiet respite from the city bustle, you don't have to go far: The City Botanic Gardens are less than a mile southeast of the CBD. In fact, visitors can get to this free attraction by walking, renting a bike from a local vendor, riding the ferry to the QUT Gardens Point terminal or taking the complimentary City Loop bus to several nearby stops. Limited free parking is also available. Once you've reached the gardens, which were the first in Brisbane, you'll find all sorts of relaxing spaces, including the Bamboo Grove, two ornamental ponds, a riverfront cycling area and the Weeping Fig Avenue.

To explore the gardens, travelers can take a self-guided tour using the Brisbane City Council's points of interest map  or a free guided walk with one of the City Botanic Gardens' volunteers. Guided walks leave twice daily – at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. – from the property's rotunda. Whichever option you choose, visitors say you'll encounter stunning scenery.

Story Bridge Story Bridge free

Story Bridge operates as more than just a link between Kangaroo Point, central Brisbane and Fortitude Valley: It's also a major attraction – and not just for photo-ops. With an experienced guide leading the way, you can traverse catwalks more than 260 feet above sea level to reach the top. During your two-hour trek – which includes a briefing and a safety demonstration from Story Bridge Adventure Climb – you'll climb from one side of the bridge to the other, stopping to take in the Brisbane skyline as you go. You can also abseil down its side or travel beneath it in a kayak or on a CityCat ferry.

Travelers rave about the views from the top of Story Bridge. However, expect to shell out at least 99 Australian dollars (or roughly $76) to climb or abseil down the structure. For a more affordable way to see the bridge, visitors recommend taking the ferry – which costs AU$2.56 ($2) to AU$4.60 ($3.50) per ride – or renting a kayak for about AU$30 ($23) to AU$45 (about $35.50) per person.

Popular Tours

Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast

(431 reviews)

from $ 112.04

Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

(1034 reviews)

from $ 65.63

Australia Zoo Day Trip from Brisbane

(68 reviews)

from $ 118.67

Roma Street Parkland Roma Street Parkland free

It's the largest urban subtropical garden in the world, but travelers just think of Roma Street Parkland as a slice of urban reprieve. Roma Street Parkland, which stretches across nearly 40 acres, is divided into five distinct districts: the Spectacle Garden at Colin Campbell Place, the Celebration Precinct, the Forest and Fern Gully, the Lake Precinct and the Upper Parkland. Some of the most popular areas include the Forest and Fern Gully and the Upper Parkland. True to its moniker, Fern Gully features a rainforest with verdant ferns, bubbling creeks and walkways that will lead you into the lush forest canopy. Families should retreat southeast of this area if they want to explore the Upper Parkland, home to the children's playground, amphitheater and the Harry Oakman Pavilion.

No matter what area you explore, past travelers said you'll find well-maintained gardens at every turn. To make the most of this beloved park, take a free hourlong guided walk. Tours leave from an information center known as "The Hub" (located in the center of the park) at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily.

Brisbane Lookout, Mount Coot-tha Brisbane Lookout, Mount Coot-tha free

For sweeping views of Queensland's capital, head up to the Brisbane Lookout, Mount Coot-tha. Located 5 miles southwest of Brisbane's city center, this free viewing platform offers more than just a spectacular vantage point: The lookout sits on a 544-acre bushland reserve with several attractions and scores of walking trails.

Start at the observation deck, which features coin-operated telescopes, a gift shop, a restaurant and a cafe. The Kuta Café offers small bites, while the Summit Restaurant & Bar features contemporary Australian fare, such as barramundi (a type of seabass). Past visitors say grabbing a drink at the bar while watching the sunset from the lookout is an amazing way to enjoy the vantage point. However, once you've seen the view, travelers admit there isn't much to do at the lookout. After you've taken advantage of the photo-op, move on to the area's other activities.

Museum of Brisbane Museum of Brisbane free

Housed on the fourth floor of Brisbane City Hall, the Museum of Brisbane aims to showcase Brisbane's residents and locals throughout the years. More than 120 exhibits are on display in the museum's five galleries, including artwork by local artist Richard Randall, historic ceramics and various multimedia presentations. What's more, the property offers a small theater, a gift shop, two cafes, restrooms and the Dome Lounge, where travelers can take a break from the attraction's exhibits.

Whether you're a history buff or have kids in tow, odds are you'll enjoy checking out this museum. In fact, many former visitors appreciated the property's informative displays and complimentary admissions. To make the most of your time while in Brisbane City Hall, travelers recommend joining the free city hall and clock tower tours, which are offered several times daily. Tickets for city hall tours can be arranged by phone or online , while a limited number of clock tower tour tickets are provided on a first-come, first-served basis from the museum's reception counter.

Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) free

Travelers are consistently impressed with Brisbane's arts scene, and perhaps the best way to experience it is to pay a visit to this comprehensive institution. Made up of two distinct venues – the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art – QAGOMA features a diverse lineup of more than 17,000 paintings, sculptures, decorative art pieces and multimedia installations created by both Australian and international artists. Careful not to ignore the interests of its youngest visitors, QAGOMA also boasts a Children's Art Centre, where interactive exhibitions and activities – often curated by artists exhibiting within the gallery – are available for kids of all ages.

Visitors regularly praise both galleries for their engaging and informative presentations, as well as their top-notch collection of Australian and Aborginal works. However, some caution that ongoing renovations make parts of the facilities feel a bit sparse. Nevertheless, many are quick to recommend QAGOMA for those days when it's too hot or too rainy to do much outside.

CityHopper CityHopper free

One of the best ways to take in Brisbane's sights is to travel along the Brisbane River on a CityHopper ferry. Part of the TransLink transportation network, CityHoppers offer free service between North Quay and Sydney Street. The ferry passes by or under popular attractions like the City Botanic Gardens and Story Bridge , giving passengers a chance to snap some superb photos and take in the sights. Visitors are welcome to ride the entire voyage or hop on and off along the way.

Travelers rave about this convenient, reliable and cost-effective service. But keep in mind that this ferry is slower than the city's fee-based CityCat service, with most journeys between the route's first and last terminals lasting approximately 45 minutes. Also, consider sitting on the top deck when the weather is nice to enjoy some of the route's best vistas.

Dracula's Cabaret - Gold Coast

(396 reviews)

from $ 74.12

All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane

(203 reviews)

from $ 131.93

Premium Springbrook Natural Bridge, Glow Worm Cave & Skywalk

(126 reviews)

from $ 139.22

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

For many, a trip Down Under wouldn't be complete without a koala bear sighting. Pay a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and you won't just see these snuggly creatures up close; you'll also have the chance to cuddle with them. Here at the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, where conservation and research is the reserve's main mission, these marsupials are the star attraction. You don't have to pay extra to hold a koala, but you will have to fork over 18 Australian dollars (about $14) to have your photo taken with one. You can take your own photos with the koala, but only after you've purchased a professional photo from the sanctuary.

Aside from the 130 koalas that call the sprawling sanctuary home, there are plenty of other native Australian animals to see. You can hand feed kangaroos (for an added fee) and hold pythons. You can also catch several animal presentations throughout your visit with the sanctuary's resident lorikeets, platypuses and sheep dogs. Even if you're not one to get up close and personal with animals, you should still consider the sanctuary a worthwhile visit. Recent visitors say its verdant atmosphere and its seat on the Brisbane River make the sanctuary a pleasant (if pricey) place to experience Queensland's landscape. The sanctuary hosts two cafes, but past visitors say you can save some money (and enjoy a little more meal variety) by packing your own picnic lunch; it allows outside food to be brought in.

Suncorp Stadium Suncorp Stadium

Situated about 2 miles northwest of Brisbane's Milton neighborhood, Suncorp Stadium regularly hosts rugby matches for local and national teams like the Wallabies, the Queensland Reds and the Brisbane Broncos. Football (or soccer) games for the Brisbane Roar and various concerts are also held here. On non-event days, visitors can take a public tour of the facility.

According to former visitors, the stadium's design ensures that seats at all price points offer great views. However, for afternoon games in the summer, some recommend booking seats on the building's west side to avoid overheating and facing the sun. Facilities here also receive high praise. Several travelers report clean restrooms and speedy and tasty (albeit a little pricey) food and beverage concessions. A gift shop with sports apparel and memorabilia is located on-site.

Explore More of Brisbane

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

Rachael Hood November 16, 2023

44 Cheap Tropical Vacations That Feel Expensive

Holly Johnson|Alissa Grisler November 10, 2023

• The Netherlands
• Switzerland
• The Philippines
• South Africa
• The United States of America
• New Zealand
• French Polynesia
• Our destination wedding
• Budget tips
• Travel photography
• Packing lists
• Hotel guides
• Travel guides
• Itineraries
• Work with us
• Search for: Search Button

Travel guide Brisbane, Australia: 12 things to do in 3 days in hotspot Brisbane!

Travel guide 72 hours in brisbane: what to do and where to eat.

We are in Brisbane! A relatively young city in the northeast of Australia. Many people skip Brisbane and prefer Sydney or Melbourne. A shame, because Brisbane has a lot to offer, is full of highlights and has beautiful weather year-round. Our advice: go and explore Brisbane!

How many days do you need for Brisbane?

In three days you can already see a lot of Brisbane. If you travel at a slower pace, then five days is perfect. This way you can take it easy and take more time for the beautiful places and sights of Brisbane.

Three days with 12 cool activities, sights and hotspots in Brisbane!

Below is a handy itinerary for when you have three days, 72 hours in Brisbane. A lot of the sights and activities are free, so perfect if you’re travelling through Brisbane on a budget or as a backpacker!

Day 1 in Brisbane: Museums and Parks in the South Bank and West End Districts!

You start the day in  CBD but soon you will also visit the South Bank and West End districts. You end the day in Kangeroo Point.

Brisbane tip: put on comfortable shoes because you’ll walk a lot today!

1. City Hall tour: a cool sight in Brisbane!

Walk from City Hall through the Southbank district to the West End district.

Food hotspots in Brisbane: Brunch in Brisbane with a delicious breakfast at Jo-Jo’s restaurant on Melbourne Street. We can really recommend the poached eggs here. Also nice, and the same owner is interior store The Bach Living, next to Jo-Jo’s. If Jo-Jo’s is full, go to The Garden Pantry where you can eat in a beautiful city garden. More hungry for something sweet? Then Gelato Messina ice cream shop is the place for ice cream in Brisbane.

2. Must do hotspot on Saturday in Brisbane: Visit the Farmers Market in the West End

Continue along the Brisbane River towards Southbank. Here you will find several (free) museums.

3. Visit the Gallery of Modern Art and the Queensland Art Gallery (both free!)

Very cool: many Brisbane museums are free! For instance the Gallery of Modern Art and the Queensland Art Gallery which are located next to each other. The Gallery of Modern Art has three floors full of cool exhibits, often interactive. The Queensland Art Gallery has an impressive exhibit of native Australian art.

We did not visit all the exhibitions but saw part of both museums in two hours.

Walk along the Brisbane River towards the South Bank Parklands

Curious how much our trip through Australia cost? Then read our Australia travel budget blog!

4. Relax in South Bank Parklands or take a splash in the free pool

South Bank is a delightful park built on the Brisbane River. You will not only find large lawns and beautiful flowers here, but there is also a Ferris wheel and swimming pool with a beach. Perfect for relaxing for an hour, cooling off in the water and enjoying the beautiful weather.

Are you starting to feel a bit hungry again? Near the Collective Market bordering South Bank Parklands is Eat Southbank where you can grab a tasty snack. Also a nice place for buying art, jewellery and souvenirs.

Continue along the Brisbane River all the way to Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park, don’t forget to stop at the supermarket along the way!

5. Watch the sunset with a picnic from Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park!

You will end the day with a homemade picnic with a view of the sunset and Brisbane skyline. And that is best done on top of the cliffs of Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park . Rest your feet after the intensive day today and enjoy cheese, baguette and a glass of wine!

Tip: make sure you have mosquito repellent with you. Once it is dark, you will otherwise be a picnic for the mosquitoes!

A must-visit in North East Australia: Fraser Island . Read all about a self-drive on this beautiful island here!

Day 2: CBD, James Street and Story Bridge

Today you start again in the CBD district, where you will now see more. Then you go via the New Farm district towards the hip Fortitude Valley.

6. Free guided tour by locals in Brisbane!

So much fun, Brisbane organizes free tours given by… Brisbanites (Brisbane residents). This Brisbane Greeters walking tour takes you through the highlights of Brisbane from the local guide. If you have a certain area of ​​interest for Brisbane and want to hear more about it, book the Your Choice tour, where you will be matched with someone who has the same interest.

Don’t forget to book in advance through this site .

Walk south through City Hall towards the Botanical Garden.

7. City Botanical Gardens

Take the free ferry (the City Hopper) to the Brisbane Powerhouse. It is still a bit of a walk, so maybe an Uber is also nice.

8. Visit hotspot Brisbane Powerhouse

A bit charged up again and in the mood for something cultural? Then visit the Brisbane Powerhouse . This old factory hall has been converted into a cool event hall with theatre performances, musical performances and cabaret. In the summer there is even an open-air movie theatre!

Brisbane Food Hotspot: If there is no show going on, enjoy a drink on the terrace at Mary Mae’s Bar & Kitchen.

Walk towards James Street, if it’s too hot perhaps the bus is a good alternative

9. Shop and eat on James Street

Today you end your day in Fortitude Valley, a hip neighbourhood of cosy restaurants, shops, beer brewers and coffee shops. St James Street, in particular, is teeming with hip hotspots. Very nice here is the City Winery , a winery in the middle of the city! You can do a wine tour, wine tasting and even extensive dining.

Looking for a nice itinerary for the East Coast of Australia? Then read our Australia east coast itinerary blog!

Day 3: Brisbane River Cruise, Story Bridge and Mount Coot-tha

During your last day in Brisbane, you will explore the city from the water. Next, visit the Story Bridge and end up out of town on Mount Coot-tha.

10. Cruise on Brisbane River

The Brisbane River runs in the middle of Brisbane. With all its twists, the river passes several neighbourhoods that look very different from the water. So it’s time to see the city by river cruise. Click here for an hour and a half cruise.

Food hotspot in Brisbane: Are you already getting a bit hungry? Vegetarian restaurant Govinda’s on George Street, serves a delicious Indian lunch for little money!

Get dropped off by boat near the Story Bridge

11. Drinks under Story Bridge

You have already seen it during the cruise: the imposing Story Bridge. This steel bridge built-in 1940 is Brisbane’s landmark. And now leave a very nice brewery just under the Story Bridge where you can enjoy the view of this beautiful bridge with a drink!

Felons Brewery is a hip brewery which is especially popular every Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Not surprising because you have sun here all afternoon, drink nice beers and have a lawn where you can even picnic. Just stop by to enjoy the sun, the brews and the view.

Take bus 471 to the Brisbane Lookout Mt Coot-tha

12. Watch the sunset from Mount Coot-tha

Get a 20% discount on a Spaceships campervan for your last minute vacation in Australia! Book & travel before the 20th of December and have the pick up your van in Brisbane!  Click here for the deal and more information!

How do you travel to Brisbane?

Brisbane is located in the state of Queensland. From the Netherlands, you travel to Brisbane in about 23 hours. This flight always includes a transfer, usually in the Middle East or Singapore. You can already fly to Brisbane from €366 one way. Click here to find this ticket and other flight deals for Brisbane.

Map of Australia with Brisbane:

Is your next destination Noosa ? Read the travel guide we wrote about this cool city! Or what about Byron Bay ?

Where to stay in Brisbane?

Below are three nice hotels right in the centre of Brisbane. The first is perfect for backpackers. The other two are good if you have a little more budget. All of these hotels in Brisbane have a pool!

This cozy hostel right in the centre of Brisbane is quite luxurious! There is a swimming pool, large kitchen and private rooms with shared bathroom. You stay here from €40 per night (2 persons).

The hip Next hotel is located in the Central Business District of Brisbane. There is a swimming pool on the roof, a gym and the rooms are very spacious! You sleep here from € 72 per night.

Are you ready for design and luxury? Then spend a night at Hotel W! The rooms ridiculously beautiful, there’s a rooftop pool and a cool bar! You sleep here from €126 per night.

Click here for an overview of hotels in Brisbane.

Curious which hotels, hostels and accommodation we like in Australia? Then read our Australia hotels east coast blog!

Like this post? Pin it!

More travel blogs on Australia

Hotel guide australia: the best hotels on the east coast of australia, budget australia and prices: what does a road trip in australia cost, things to do in byron bay australia: 9 hotspots and the best beaches, fraser island 4x4 self drive: a 3 day itinerary to this famous island in australia, diary blog australia: brisbane, fraser island, noosa and the fear of the coronavirus, itineraries east coast australia: ultimate road trips for 2 to 6 weeks traveling along the coast, diary blog | the impact of the coronavirus on our world trip: immediately going home, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

How Do I Clean and Maintain Cast-Iron Cookware?

There’s nothing cast-iron cookware can’t do. It’s durable and affordable, is stovetop and oven compatible, has amazing heat retention, and even has some nonstick properties if you care for it correctly. Still, its reputation as a high-maintenance material persists, and people often disagree about the best way to care for it. Here, I set out to answer the question once and for all: How do you clean and maintain cast-iron cookware?

So how do I clean my cast-iron cookware?

It’s fairly simple. Once your skillet has cooled down after cooking, wash it as you would anything else: with water, dish soap, and a nonabrasive or lightly abrasive sponge. Contrary to the hard-to-shake urban legend,  soap will not damage a well-seasoned skillet  (and more on seasoning below) .  If that doesn’t work and you still have stuck-on food, try a  silicone scraper  or a chain-mail scrubber. If  that  doesn’t work, simmer some water in the pan for three to five minutes, let it cool enough to be able to touch it, and scrape or scrub again. Then be sure to dry your skillet thoroughly with a dish towel .

Just note: While it’s fine to clean your skillet with water, do not leave it to soak (or even air dry) and never put your skillet in the dishwasher as this will cause rust and degrade the seasoning.

And how do I season it?

Seasoning — a.k.a. applying a thin coating of oil on the surface of your cast-iron skillet to prevent rust and impart a smooth cooking surface — is the most integral part of keeping cast-iron cookware in good shape. These days, you’ll pretty much only find pre-seasoned pieces on the market, meaning whatever company you buy from has already treated it with oil. But if you’ve inherited an old pan, bought one used, or let your once-new model get worse for wear, you’ll want to season it yourself.

To get the exact how-to of this procedure, I consulted Shannon Van Dusen, associate product and test-kitchen manager at Lodge, which is perhaps the most well-known cast-iron company around. (She also used to work in customer care, so she’s seen it all.) Van Dusen says to start by scraping off any loose surface flakes you see with something rough, like a scouring pad or even steel wool. Wash the skillet with soap and water and towel dry thoroughly. Then, pour a small amount of neutral oil — like canola or vegetable — onto the surface and rub it all over (including the bottom and side walls) with a paper towel. (Olive oil isn’t a hard no, but because its smoke point is lower, you’ll have to be more careful when you heat it.) It should be covered but not thickly glossed. Place the skillet upside down in your oven and bake it at 450-to-500 degrees for an hour. This position allows any excess oil to drip off (some people are more heavy-handed than they realize, Van Dusen says). If you place it upright, it’s likely to pool and create a sticky residue.

Two additional pro tips: Put a baking sheet underneath the skillet to catch drips, and let it cool down inside after you turn the oven off so you’re not handling it while blazing hot.

Okay, but do I need to season regularly, even if everything looks fine?

“The more you use your skillet, the better it gets,” Van Dusen says. “When you brown ground beef, when you bake in it, when you fry in it, you’re seasoning.” For this reason — especially if you use your pan a fair amount — you don’t need to worry about a dedicated seasoning until you start seeing some degradation or discoloration on the surface.

Still, both Van Dusen and I regularly add a very thin layer of oil to the surface after washing and drying, just as a little extra insurance. (This is also helpful to do every once in a while on the bottom, which doesn’t get the benefit of the oil you use for cooking, especially so if you have a gas range where the flame makes direct contact and can burn off seasoning over time without reinforcement.)

What’s the deal with enameled cast iron?

Enameled cast iron — also used to make some skillets I love , and even more famously used to make Dutch ovens — is simply cast iron with one to a few layers of enamel coating over top. The upside: This makes the pieces even more durable and easy to maintain. The downside: This means that for the most part, they’re significantly more expensive than standard cast iron. (And though Joanna Rosenberg, chief sales officer at Staub, says chipping or scratching is very rare, and all enameled cast iron should be able to hold up to stainless-steel utensils , I will add that if the bottom gets damaged somehow, it can’t be reseasoned.)

To learn about the cleaning process, I talked to Rosenberg and Sara Whitaker, director of category marketing at Le Creuset. They both say to start by cleaning the way you would anything else: with soap and a sponge. And they both say that putting pieces in the dishwasher is okay — though Whitaker notes that hand-washing is recommended to preserve the finish over time, as “constant dishwashing may lead to some dulling of the enamel coating,” she says.

If you still have bits that won’t release, Rosenberg says you can graduate to Bar Keeper’s Friend , which is totally safe to use on the surface, and scrub with the more abrasive side of a two-sided sponge or a Scotch-Brite pad — really, “anything that’s a step down from steel wool,” she says. That should take care of it, but if you’re still having trouble, try adding water to the pot or pan, letting it boil for a few minutes and then giving it another go. Soaking is okay and can help here, too.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

• the strategist
• cookware and utensils
• strategist explains

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• 10 Things That Delighted Us Last Week: From Bird Feeders to On-Sale Sunglasses
• The 15 Very Best White Sneakers for Women
• The 15 Very Best Protein Powders
• The Very Best Body Washes
• All the Best Walking Shoes We’ve Ever Written About
• The Best Strategist-Approved Deals From Amazon’s Big Spring Sale (So Far)

Shop with Google