Audio tour Brisbane City Botanic Gardens - A Heritage Tour of the City Botanic

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Audio tour Summary

  • 1 Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
  • 2 Ornamental Ponds
  • 3 Bodhi Tree
  • 4 Circle of Cuban Royal Palms
  • 5 Alice Street Figs
  • 6 Bidwill Avenue
  • 7 Platypus Love Seat
  • 8 Figs and Floods
  • 9 Plant Form
  • 10 Crows Ash
  • 11 Flood Mark and Bamboo Avenue
  • 12 Building Blocks of Life

Brisbane Botanic Gardens - City Botanic…

I’ve lived in Brisbane all my life and loved going through the park with this guide. It showed me things I’d never noticed before. Great job!

Jop Haverkamp

Very interesting stories! love it!

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Brisbane City Council

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Brisbane City Botanic Gardens | Free Tours & Playground + Dogs Are Welcome!

City Botanic Gardens in Brisbane is a heritage-listed botanic garden, located on Gardens Point in the Brisbane Central Business District (CBD) . The Gardens comprise three major sections: the former Queen’s Park along Alice Street, the Botanic Gardens proper (adjacent to the river), and the former Government Domain at the rear of the Queensland University of Technology . The City Botanic Gardens were formerly known as the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.

Brisbane City Botanic Gardens-Big tree

Visiting the Gardens | Hours & Admission Fees

Brisbane City Botanic Gardens was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on February 3rd, 1997 and is described in the Register as “the most significant, non-Aboriginal cultural landscape in Queensland, having a continuous horticultural history since 1828, without any significant loss of land area or change in use over that time. It remains the premier public park and recreational facility for the capital of Queensland, a role it has performed since the early 1840s.”

Admission to the Gardens is free of charge, and the Gardens are open 24 hours a day all year-round, with lighted pathways after dark. Dogs on leashes are allowed in the park. Volunteers provide free tours of the Gardens twice a day, six days a week.

Touring Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

With its meandering grounds, City Botanic Gardens include Brisbane’s most mature gardens and are bordered by shade trees which create avenues and groves. A lake and formal lawns, gardens and structures provide a diversity of recreational activities. A series of interconnecting paths link a riverside concourse with other perimeter paths. City Botanic Gardens contain an avenue of Bunya Pines (Araucaria bidwillii) planted in the 1850s and an avenue of Weeping Figs (Ficus benjamina) planted in the 1870s. Also contained are a variety of other rare plants, particularly cycads and bamboo, as well as palms and figs – some in formal planting arrangements within the lawns, others within mass planted gardens – and an avenue of Cook Pines (Araucaria columnaris).

Check In to City Edge Brisbane Hotel , Step Out to Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

Hotels in Brisbane-City Edge Brisbane Hotel

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Brisbane City Botanic Gardens-Green lawn

City Botanic Gardens Attractions

Attractions at City Botanic Gardens include the Bamboo Grove, Weeping Fig Avenue, ornamental ponds and so much more.

Baldwin Lawn Playground

Baldwin Lawn Playground, which includes an accessible carousel and an accessible sand digger, is an all-abilities playground that provides a variety of play experiences, no matter the visitor. It provides access for children in wheelchairs, has a mix of equipment that is stimulating and interesting and is a place where children of all abilities can play together in a safe environment. The playground has wider pathways to allow caregivers to walk alongside wheelchairs and accessible toilet facilities.

Bamboo Grove

Bamboo Grove is a collection of 23 bamboo species. It was planted to commemorate the bamboo collection that was lost in 1937. This occurred when the gardens’ Fern Island attraction was drained and filled as a result of mosquito complaints.

Jemmy Morrill and the Brolgas sculpture

Queensland artist, Lindsay Daen, created a bronze sculpture of a 22-year-old seaman, Jemmy Morrill, who was the sole survivor of a shipwreck on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef in 1846. Aboriginal people found him, and he lived with them for 17 years before returning to a European settlement in the Bowen district . He went on to play a key role in improving relations between the Aboriginal people and early settlers.

Ornamental Ponds

Harry Oakman, a landscape architect and former Manager of Brisbane City Council’s Parks’ Department, designed the top ornamental pond. It was created between 1958 and 1960. The lower ornamental pond was part of the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens’ original natural creek system.

Since it was opened in 1989, over 1.5 million people have enjoyed Riverstage. It’s estimated that every year more than 100,000 people attend events at this 1980s grassed amphitheater located to the south of Residence Hill.

Walter Hill Fountain

In 1867, the Walter Hill drinking fountain was built to provide much-needed drinking water to the public. The fountain was used until 1930 when new bubble fountains were installed. These were more hygienic than drinking with a cup, which was the case with the ornamental fountain.

Weeping Fig Avenue

The Weeping Fig Avenue was planted in the 1870s as a barrier between the northern boundary of the City Botanic Gardens and Queen’s Park .

Check In to Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane , Step Out to Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

Hotels in Brisbane-Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane

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18 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Brisbane

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Karen Hastings and photographer Brian Hastings love visiting Brisbane for a culture fix when they're based on the Sunshine Coast. They last visited in December 2022."

Brisbane (or "Brissie" as Aussies affectionately call it) offers sophisticated big-city attractions in a sun-splashed riverside setting. In every season, you'll find countless things to do in this clean, green Queensland capital. Lush parklands punctuate the city, bike and walking paths radiate throughout, and the city hums with innovation and creativity.

Aerial view of Brisbane

River cruises are the best way to sightsee in the city. Brisbane is linked by bridges, with elegant historic buildings peeking out amid the gleaming skyscrapers. Hop aboard a cruise or ferry for an overview, then focus on your favorite spots later on foot.

In the Cultural Centre, you can ogle Indigenous art and cutting-edge contemporary creations alongside works from European masters.

East of the city, the blue waters of Moreton Bay hold even more allure. You can head out on rewarding day trips from Brisbane to subtropical islands. Families also appreciate the city's abundant free attractions and kid-friendly adventures .

Discover the best places to visit in this relaxed riverside city with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Brisbane.

See also: Where to Stay in Brisbane

1. Explore South Bank Parklands

2. cuddle a koala at lone pine koala sanctuary, 3. hop on a brisbane river cruise, 4. visit the museums & galleries in the cultural centre, 5. stroll through brisbane botanic gardens mount coot-tha, 6. admire the views from the brisbane lookout mount coot-tha, 7. find inspiration at the queensland art gallery & gallery of modern art (qagoma), 8. bike or stroll along the brisbane riverwalk, 9. take the kids to roma street parklands, 10. feast at eat street northshore, 11. ride the wheel of brisbane, 12. shop at queen street mall, 13. climb the story bridge, 14. take a day trip to moreton island, 15. learn about the city's history at the museum of brisbane, 16. take a tour of customs house, 17. learn about aboriginal culture at spirit of the red sand, 18. catch a show at suncorp stadium, where to stay in brisbane for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to brisbane, map of attractions & things to do in brisbane, brisbane, australia - climate chart.

Lagoon at South Bank Parklands

One of the best places to visit in Brisbane is South Bank Parklands. Strolling through the riverfront precinct on a sunny day is a great way to soak up the spirit of the city. This was the original site of World Expo in 1988, and it still buzzes with activities and events today.

Parklands, plazas, and promenades encourage you to linger in this popular pedestrian area. It sits directly opposite the CBD, with Streets Beach at its center, and a swim in the man-made lagoon here is a popular choice on a warm Brisbane day.

You'll also find a diverse array of restaurants at South Bank, and the precinct hosts some exciting Brisbane events and film screenings.

Restaurants at South Bank

Ready to shop? The Collective Markets at South Bank sell everything from hand-made crafts and crystals to jewelry, vintage clothing, collectibles, and more. You'll find them on Little Stanley Street every Friday (5pm to 9pm), Saturday (10am to 9pm), and Sunday 9am to 4pm.

Other popular things to do in South Bank include working out at the free fitness classes, visiting the Epicurious Garden, and biking or strolling along the trails. You can also sign up for a host of free children's programs and tours .

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Ever wanted to cuddle a koala ? At Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary , you can tick this lifelong dream off your bucket list.

You can also get up close with more than 70 species of other lovable Aussie animals. Hand-feed kangaroos, cackle with kookaburras, and watch as flocks of rainbow lorikeets descend during a feeding. Wallabies, wombats, dingoes, snakes, and even crocodiles also live in this compact sanctuary nestled on the Brisbane River.

Keeper talks and interactive demonstrations keep animal lovers engaged. Daily encounters and experiences include bird of prey flight demonstrations, platypus feeding, sheep dog and shearing shows, Tasmanian devil keeper talks, and barn animal encounters. Not surprisingly, visiting this famous Brisbane attraction is one of the top things to do in Brisbane with the family.

In addition to the ultimate cuddling a koala photograph, you can also take home a souvenir snap of you with a dingo or snake.

A popular way to travel here is on the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Admission with Brisbane River Cruise . The cruise departs from Brisbane's Cultural Centre Pontoon.

Address: 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland

River Cruises

One of the best ways to go sightseeing in Brisbane is aboard a river cruise. The Brisbane River runs through the heart of the city, and many of the city's top attractions line its banks. This is an excellent way to gain a fresh perspective of Brisbane landmarks such as the Story Bridge , Kangaroo Point Cliffs , and even some of the wildlife, like the fruit bats that gather along the mangroves on the riverbank.

Once you experience a scenic overview of the city on the water, you can get your bearings, and pinpoint places to spend more time during your visit.

Brisbane River Cruise

River City Cruises run some of the most popular tours. They range from 90-minute morning or afternoon cruises to sunset cruises and longer excursions. A great choice is the 3.5-hour Cruise to Lunch Package . Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories about Brisbane's history, and point out key Brisbane sites, all while you enjoy Devonshire tea with glittering river views.

Kookaburra River Queens offers lunch, high tea, and dinner cruises aboard their multi-tiered timber paddle wheelers. You can also hop aboard a Miramar Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Prefer to captain your own boat? GoBoat Brisbane rents eco-friendly electric picnic boats for up to eight people. You don't need a boat license, and picnic tables are included.

CityCat on the Brisbane River

Alternatively, hop aboard a CityCat . Gliding the twists and turns of the Brisbane River seven days a week, the fleet of CityCats and City Ferries offer 24 hop-on, hop-off terminals with a range of different cruises. Many include informative narration about the history and sights of the city. From the magnificent University of Queensland to the North Shore, the route takes in redeveloped industrial sites, riverside mansions, bridges, and parklands.

In the Brisbane city core, the CityHopper ferry service offers free cruises , stopping at attractions like South Bank 3 and the Maritime Museum.

State Library of Queensland

On the banks of the Brisbane River, the heritage-listed Cultural Centre in South Bank is a fantastic, family-friendly destination for a day out. Here, you'll find an impressive collection of museums, galleries, and performance venues. Award-winning architecture adds to the precinct's beautiful setting on the river near picturesque parklands.

You'll find plenty of things to do here for the whole family. Browse the excellent collections at the State Library of Queensland ; keep the kids entertained with the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre's interactive exhibits; or admire thought-provoking, cutting-edge art at the popular Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).

Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC)

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) here stages world-class performances of everything from opera and ballet to comedy shows and contemporary music concerts.

Right nearby are the South Bank Parklands , where you can relax on the riverfront amid the lush lawns and gardens, or take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane .

Address: Grey Street, South Brisbane, Queensland

Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha

Green thumbs are spoiled for choice when it comes to gardens in Brisbane. Lush parks and gardens punctuate every corner of the city, and Brisbane's botanic gardens are renowned for their impressive collections of subtropical plants.

First stop should be the stunning Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha (Mt. Coot-tha Road, Toowong) , about seven kilometers from the city. Offering panoramic city views, this top tourist attraction is a favorite place to visit with locals and visitors alike. Plus, it's one of the top things to do in Brisbane for free.

Diverse themed gardens take you on a journey through 128 acres of horticulture. Highlights include the beautiful Japanese gardens and the largest collection of Australian rainforest trees in the world , as well as sections dedicated to fragrant plants, bamboo, cactus, indigenous plants, and more.

Budding botanists will love the Hide 'n' Seek Children's Trail through the rainforest, and you can take advantage of the free guided walks and minibus tours. Best of all, entry to the gardens is free.

While you're in the area, stop by the Brisbane Lookout Mount Coot-tha , about a four-minute drive from the gardens.

Garden lovers should also save time to check out the 17-hectare, heritage-listed City Botanic Gardens (147 Alice Street, Brisbane). This serene oasis and prime picnic spot sits smack bang in the center of the city. Lily-topped ponds, fountains, bamboo groves, river views, and giant fig trees provide the perfect escape from the city buzz.

View of Brisbane from Mount Coot-tha at sunset

For one of the best views of Brisbane , drive up to the Brisbane Lookout Mount Coot-tha. Here, you can breathe in a breathtaking panorama over the entire area, with the city skyscrapers sprouting in the distance. Walking tracks weave through the national park, and a restaurant serves up delicious food with superb views.

If you're looking for things to do in Brisbane at night, many locals and tourists come here in the evening for views of the city at sunset.

The lookout is only about a four-minute drive from the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha, and it makes a perfect complement to a garden tour.

Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

The excellent — and free — Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) occupies two adjacent but contrasting buildings along the waterfront in the South Bank Cultural Precinct . Together, they display more than 1,700 works of art from around the world, with a special focus on Australia, the Pacific, and Asia.

This bold collection is sure to spark animated conversations between art lovers of all stripes. Even the Gallery of Modern Art's award-winning, glass-encased building makes a statement.

Permanent exhibitions at the Queensland Art Gallery include the International and Asian Collection, with classic and contemporary works; the Indigenous Australian Collection; and the dramatic sculptures gracing the grounds. The interior is beautiful. Water features and giant chandeliers reflect the light that floods in through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Giant chandelier and water feature inside QAGOMA

At the Gallery of Modern Art , exhibits span all mediums, including sculpture, painting, video, film, and photography. Special exhibits mean there's always something new to see here. Don't miss the fascinating contemporary art installations.

Also within the complex, Australian Cinémathèque screens stimulating films from around the world, and the interactive exhibits at the Children's Art Centre keep little hands busy.

Before you leave, pop into the gallery's River Lounge for beautiful city views.

Address: Stanley Place, South Brisbane, Queensland

Brisbane Riverwalk

Paralleling the Brisbane River, the 5.3-kilometer Brisbane Riverwalk is another great way to see the city. You can stroll, jog, or bike along the Riverwalk — cycling and pedestrian lanes are separate — and the promenade perches right over the water, providing beautiful water views across to Kangaroo Point and beyond.

Officially, the route starts at Riverview Court in New Farm, one of Brisbane's hip inner city suburbs, and stretches all the way to Howard Smith Wharves . Here, you can relax at one of the many restaurants and cafés.

Feel like more of a workout? Continue walking all the way around the river to the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens . And if you're a couple looking for free things to do in Brisbane at night, this is the perfect place for a romantic stroll with the lights of the city shimmering on the river.

Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane

Looking for things to do in Brisbane with kids? Let them run wild at Roma Street Parklands. This 39-acre city park is the perfect spot for pint-sized travelers to get their wiggles out — especially if you have a busy day of museum- and gallery-hopping planned.

Playgrounds, climbing equipment, and swings tempt the tiniest members of the family, and they'll also love checking out the herb and veggie patch.

Roma Street Parklands are also the perfect place for a picnic. Spread out your blanket under one of the towering fig trees and soak up the botanical beauty around you. The park hosts one of Australia's finest contemporary display gardens . Mass plantings of palms and bamboo form a lush backdrop, and color-themed flower beds catch the eye.

Free guided walks provide insight into the park's history and horticulture, and a year-round lineup of events offer even more ways to enjoy this lush oasis in the heart of the city.

Address: 1 Parkland Blvd, Brisbane, Queensland

Eat Street Northshore entrance

Eat Street Northshore is like a party for your taste buds. You can eat around the world at this nightlife hot spot , soak up the carnival-type atmosphere, and listen to rockin' good live music at the same time. Eat Street is a pedestrian precinct, and you can wander around here with the whole family - even your pooch.

Food is a highlight . Hundreds of vendors dispense treats from around the globe, from Malaysian to Mexican cuisine, and Peruvian to paella. It's not haute cuisine by any measure, but if you're looking for some international comfort foods - and creative versions of them - this is your place.

Mac and cheeseburger, anyone? Japanese pizza? Deep-fried camembert? You'll find it all here. The mind-boggling array of foods can be a little overwhelming. A great strategy is to buy some plates to share and taste a little bit of all your favorites. Kids will love the giant clouds of fairy floss (cotton candy).

Inside Eat Street Northshore

This is not a great place to come if you're on a diet. That said, some vendors do cater to celiacs. Eat Street strives to be sustainable - all the vendors are in colorful shipping containers, fresh produce is grown on-site, packaging is compostable, and as much waste as possible is recycled.

Several stages host live musicians and novelty acts, so you can find a table based on your music tastes, and move around throughout the evening.

Parking is free, but a fun way to arrive here is by catching a ferry to Northshore Hamilton Ferry Terminal, a short 250-meter walk away. Wear your walking shoes - and stretchy pants.

Wheel of Brisbane

You can't miss it. The Wheel of Brisbane rises 60 meters above the riverfront and is one of the top tourist attractions in South Bank. It opened in 2008 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the state of Queensland.

Hop aboard for an exciting 10- to 12-minute ride with a bird's-eye view over the river and city. Each enclosed, air-conditioned gondola seats up to eight people.

You can ride the giant Ferris Wheel during the day; at sunset, when the Brisbane skyline ignites with fiery colors; or at night as the city lights twinkle and reflect on the river. Your ride includes an audio tour of the Brisbane landmarks you can see far below.

You don't need a reservation to ride the Wheel of Brisbane. Just show up and buy a ticket, or pre-purchase one online before you arrive.

Address: Russell Street, South Brisbane, Queensland

Queen Street Mall

When it comes to shopping in Brisbane, you have plenty of choice. The vibrant Queen Street mall in Brisbane's Central Business District is home to more than 700 retailers showcasing local, national, and international designs and labels.

You'll find everything here from Aussie favorites like R.W. Williams, Lorna Jane, and Zimmermann to high-end labels like Chanel, Dior, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton. The six-level Myer Centre department store anchors the mall.

Cafés buzz with shoppers throughout the day, and a labyrinth of heritage-listed arcades make it rewarding to explore the complex. On a budget? Don't worry, H&M and other discount retailers live along here, too.

Shops along Queen Street Mall

Most Wednesdays, the area at the bridge end of the mall transforms into the bustling Brisbane City Markets selling local produce, flowers, and artisan products.

If you're on a mission to explore more of the best shopping in Brisbane, don't miss the high-end designer and home decor stores in Fortitude Valley . For vintage treasures, thrift stores, and antiques head to Paddington . It's also a popular breakfast spot.

Address: Queen Street, Brisbane, Queensland

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Constructed during Australia's Great Depression in the 1930s, the attractive steel Story Bridge is a much-loved Brisbane landmark. As one of only three bridge climbs in the world (after Sydney and Auckland), this one also offers something totally unique: the choice to abseil the descent .

Catering to people of all fitness levels and those 10 years of age or older, the two-hour experience takes you 80 meters above the Brisbane River for uninterrupted views of the city.

Story Bridge and the Brisbane skyline

New offerings including Walk the Plank , where you can conjure your inner pirate and tiptoe out on a plank 80 meters above sea level as traffic rushes past below. Another new adventure is the Cantilever Lean Out . If you sign up for this tour, guides hold your harness as you lean out as far as you can from the dizzying heights.

The Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb includes an expert guide, safety demonstration, and a complimentary group photo after your climb.

Address: 170 Main Street, Kangaroo Point, Queensland

Beach at Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island

Looking for an idyllic island escape a short hop from the city buzz? You've found it! Easily accessible via a 75-minute ferry ride, Moreton Island is the perfect Brisbane day trip and one of Queensland's best-kept secrets. It's also the third largest sand island in the world .

Azure waters lap the powdery-white beaches, backed by perfectly arching palms, and the island is a wonderland for family-friendly outdoor adventures. More than 98 percent of Moreton Island is designated as a national park, with abundant wildlife both on land and in the sea.

Hop aboard a Day Cruise to Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island to explore this pristine paradise. This full-day cruise includes sand tobogganing, a wildlife/whale-spotting cruise, snorkeling the famous shallow-water wrecks, or an ATV Quad Bike Tour.

Quad biking at Tangalooma Island Resort

Other bucket-list adventures here include feeding wild dolphins, kookaburra and pelican feeding, helicopter tours, Segway beach rides, and more.

Museum of Brisbane

Housed in one of Brisbane's premier heritage buildings, this intriguing museum was redeveloped and reopened in 2013. This "small in size, big in stories" museum occupies the top level of City Hall , and brings the history of Brisbane and its people to life through a series of state-of-the-art exhibitions covering everything from convict history to Brisbane's floods.

Temporary exhibitions mean there's always something new to see at the Museum of Brisbane , and all the exhibits are designed to engage visitors of all ages.

Adding to the experience are the sweeping views of the city from the magnificent clock tower. Best of all, entry, and most of the tours are free!

Address: Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, Adelaide Street, Brisbane

Customs House

Owned by the University of Queensland, this magnificent 19th-century building offers a cultural and educational experience. Although operating as a function center, Customs House includes plenty of public spaces, including an indoor/outdoor restaurant offering unparalleled river and Story Bridge views.

The daily high tea here is popular with locals and visitors, but reservations are essential. Free guided tours of the building are available on Sundays, and free music concerts are often staged in the Long Room.

Address: 399 Queen Street, Brisbane, Queensland

At the Spirit of the Red Sand Indigenous storytelling experience , you can learn all about the Earth's oldest culture. It's about a 30-minute drive from the CBD, but it's well worth the time to gain insight into a key piece of Queensland's history.

During the day, enjoy a traditional Welcome to the Country ceremony . This 1.5-hour interactive experience incorporates Dreamtime stories and cultural activities - listen to the thrumming of a didgeridoo; taste some Aussie bush tucker (food); and take part in traditional customs, like boomerang painting.

The evening dinner and theater experience is equally enthralling. In the gardens of the Beenleigh Historical Village, you'll enjoy an evocative performance of Aboriginal song and dance. The performance portrays the culture clash between the Indigenous people and the British, and is told through the eyes of Aboriginal families. What makes this performance so moving is the fact that the performers actually experienced some of these events. Along with the entertainment, you'll enjoy a delicious three-course meal spotlighting Indigenous ingredients.

Address: 205 Main Street, Beenleigh, Queensland

Official site: https://spiritsredsand.com/

Suncorp Stadium

Attending a concert or sports game at Suncorp Stadium is one of the top things to do in Brisbane for music lovers and sports fans. This is Brisbane's main events venue. Rock concerts, international soccer (football) matches, rugby league, and rugby union games are just some of the events you can see at this world-class 52,500-seat stadium.

If you're planning a visit to Brisbane, it's a good idea to check the schedule of events to see if anything takes your fancy. You can attend a Brisbane Broncos rugby match or watch performances by international mega-stars — Elton John, Justin Bieber, and Ed Sheeran are among the many performers on the star-studded lineup.

To find out more about Suncorp Stadium, consider booking a stadium tour. You'll learn all about the history of this popular entertainment venue, and even find out what's involved in staging a top sporting event or concert.

Address: 40 Castlemaine Street, Milton, Queensland

For first-time visitors to Brisbane interested in experiencing all the city's top attractions, the best place to stay is in the city center. Within walking distance are the parklands, promenades, and restaurants of South Bank; the Cultural Centre, with its museums and galleries; and Queen Street Mall. Here are some highly rated hotels in these areas:

Luxury Hotels:

  • In Brisbane's CBS, the new Emporium Hotel South Bank oozes elegance and style - think curvaceous sofas, gold-leaf mirrors, and marble bathrooms. Highlights include the rooftop infinity pool, pillow menus, and dazzling views of Brisbane.
  • A little farther out but still within walking distance of the city's top attractions is The Inchcolm by Ovolo . Decor is eclectic, with dramatic black accents and "Neo-Georgian design," and echoes the history of this heritage building - with a contemporary twist.
  • Echoes of mid-century modern Hollywood design make The Calile Hotel a great new boutique choice in Fortitude Valley. Stroll to nearby Brisbane shopping, relax in a cabana by the sparkling pool, or unwind at the wellness spa.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • In Kangaroo Point, Il Mondo Boutique Hotel offers friendly service in a convenient location - the Story Bridge and free City Hopper ferry is a short stroll away. Choose from four different room types, ranging from motel-style rooms to one-bedroom apartments and penthouses with full kitchens. Take advantage of the free parking and sun-splashed swimming pool during your stay.
  • In a superb location, close to public transport hubs and an easy stroll from Queen Street Mall, the Cultural Centre, and South Bank, Meriton Serviced Apartments Brisbane on Herschel Street , offers exceptional value - especially for extended stays and families.
  • In an Art Deco-inspired heritage building, Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane is a short stroll from Queen Street Mall and South Bank. Decor strikes a pleasing balance between classic and contemporary, and accommodations range from studios to three-bedroom apartments with full kitchens.

Budget Hotels:

  • The family-owned and run Riverview Motel sits in a handy Hamilton location, a two-minute walk from the Brisbane River and a stroll from the cruise terminal and Eat Street. Rooms are cute and homey.
  • Clean, bright, and recently refurbished, the George Williams Hotel is a great budget choice in the CBD. Stroll to Queen Street Mall in five minutes or cross the river to South Bank in 15 minutes.
  • See the Sights: The small-group Brisbane Segway Sightseeing Tour is a great way to see the main tourist attractions in just over two hours. Cruise along the Brisbane River, through South Bank Parklands, and capture photos of Kangaroo Cliffs. Segway instruction is included, and you can choose either a morning or afternoon departure.
  • Springbrook & Tamborine Forest Day Trip : Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the breathtaking beauty of a World Heritage-listed wilderness on the Springbrook and Tamborine Rainforest Tour . This full-day wilderness adventure includes a visit to Springbrook National Park, where you'll see beautiful waterfalls and the Natural Bridge. The tour also includes a stop at the Tamborine Mountain glow worm caves and a scenic drive and hike through the Numinbah Valley. This is a small-group tour, with a maximum of 21 people, and includes expert guides, coffee and tea, transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, national park fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

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Australia Travel Guide

brisbane garden tours

Brisbane and SE Queensland

Brisbane and South East Queensland is in the heart of Australia's subtropics and a popular tourist destination for those looking for sun, sand and surf, dense subtropical rainforests, graceful 'Queenslander' traditional homes, palms and lagoons. However Brisbane and South East Queensland are also wonderful destinations for garden tourists, with vibrant subtropical gardens to visit that often feature colourful foliage plants, as well as dry-tropics flowering trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs.

  • Tours/Stays/Events

Garden Travel Guide to Brisbane and South-east Queensland

Getting to/from/around.

Brisbane is a city of 2 million people on the Brisbane River, located on the eastern coast of Australia in the state of Queensland. Brisbane has an International Airport with connecting flights to/from all major cities.

Brisbane is a 1:20 hour flight from Sydney and 2:10 hours from Melbourne.

Brisbane city’s parks and botanical garden are an easy walk or bus ride from the city centre.

When travelling within Brisbane and South-East Queensland you can buy a  go card ‘touch-on, touch-off’ electronic ticket from TransLink which you can use on public transport throughout South-East Queensland on bus, train, tram and ferry. Driving is relatively easy and there are several cashless toll roads.

The Gold Coast is a sprawling metropolis of half a million people 70km (1:15 hour drive) south-east of Brisbane, stretching from Coolangatta on the NSW-Queensland border to Southport and South Stradbroke Island in the north and the picturesque Tamborine Mountain in the east. Many of its coastal towns and suburbs are built on extensive canals and lagoons, or feature long, golden-sand beaches along the Pacific Ocean. Coolangatta Airport has direct flights to several of Australia’s major cities.

The Sunshine Coast is 100km north of Brisbane (1:20 hour drive) and covers the area from Bribie Island in the south to Noosa Heads and inland to the elevated districts of the Glasshouse Mountains, Maleny and Montville. Its rapidly growing population (now over 300,000 people) enjoy coastal living, sandy beaches and there are many new housing estates on extensive canal and lagoon systems. As it’s a popular tourist destination, Sunshine Coast Airport at Marcoola has direct flights to Sydney and Melbourne.

Brisbane and South-east Queensland climate

Brisbane and South East Queensland have a subtropical climate with warm to very warm and humid weather for most of the year and 1000 to 1500mm of rainfall annually. There is a distinct dry season from August to November followed by a wet season with a summer rainfall peak (January-March), very humid days, thunderstorms and occasional flooding in low-lying areas.

Brisbane and South East Queensland have summer maximum temperatures averaging around 30°C although it’s usually a few degrees cooler on the coast and also in the inland elevated districts. Winter is generally drier and mild, with daily temperatures from 11-20°C.

Brisbane and South-east Queensland natural vegetation

Because of Brisbane’s natural environment it is often considered one of Australia’s best places to live and work. Brisbane City Council manages over 8,000 hectares of natural areas within a total park estate of more than 14,000 hectares of bushland, wetlands, waterways and habitat corridors.

Like many large international cities, Brisbane’s landscape has been extensively cleared of natural vegetation since white settlement in the 1820s but there are several National Parks including Moreton Bay, D’Aguilar, Daisy Hill, Mount Barney and Naree Budjong Djara.

The Gold Coast has many vegetation types, from the Gondwana rainforest of Lamington National Park with its huge antarctic beech, to tall wet eucalypt forest, open eucalypt-dominated forest and woodland, paperbark swamps, mangroves, heathland and dunes. There are several National Parks where you can enjoy unspoiled natural vegetation.

The Sunshine Coast has seven National Parks from coastal vegetation in the Great Sandy NP and Noosa NP to the tall forests, gorges and waterfalls of Conondale, Kondalilla, Mapleton, Mapleton Falls NP and the heath, open woodland and forest of the famous Glasshouse Mountains NP with its distinctive craggy volcanic peaks.

Brisbane and South-east Queensland garden styles

Brisbane’s and the coast’s subtropical climate encourage gardeners to design and plant gardens that withstand spring drought, heavy summer rains and high humidity. Many feature large shade trees and palms, a swimming pool, some of the more lush native plants and subtropical exotics often with colourful foliage such as bromeliads, crotons, cordylines, iresine, duranta and alternanthera. Gardens are mostly designed around enjoying the subtropical climate and an outdoor life style. Frangipani, bougainvillea, gingers, tabebuia, leopard tree, aroids, hibiscus are also common plants.

In the elevated inland districts of South East Queensland you can find more traditional European-style gardens which include cool-climate plants, deciduous trees and ferns.

Best time for seeing gardens in Brisbane and South-east Queensland

April to November are good months for garden lovers to visit Brisbane and South East Queensland with warm, sunny days of 15-25ºC, lower humidity, several garden shows and many private gardens open for visiting.

Best open gardens to see in Brisbane and South-east Queensland with FREE entry

Best open gardens to visit in brisbane.

•  City Botanic Gardens – 10 minute walk from city center, with a bamboo grove, mature palms, riverside walk, lakes, fountains and ornamental ponds, and avenue of weeping figs. Self guided and free guided tours available (11am and 1pm from Monday-Saturday).

•  Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha – 15 minute drive from city center or 25 minutes by bus. Fern house, bonsai collection, arid zone, fragrant plants and herb garden, National Freedom Wall, Japanese garden, bamboo grove, rainforest, children’s trail, tropical display dome. Self guided and free guided tours (11am and 1pm Monday-Saturday). Open 8am-5.30pm September-March and 8am-5pm April to August. Café, mobility map available.

•  Roma Street Parklands – a contemporary-designed public park on the northern side of the CBD. Includes the Spectacle Garden (always filled with eye-catching colour), a mist-filled rainforest and fern gully and the Lake Precinct. Café and full accessibility.

•  South Bank Parklands – southern bank of the Brisbane River, includes public art along the promenade, the bougainvillea-covered one kilometre-long Grand Arbour, sand and swimming at the huge Streets Beach lagoon, and the productive Epicurious Garden. Cafés and restaurants, full accessibility.

•  Brisbane Koala Bushlands – 800 hectares, the ideal place for koala and birdlife spotting. Alperton Rd, Burbank

•  Eden Gardens Carlesdine – large retail nursery with several designer display gardens

•  Redcliffe Botanic Gardens – features many indigenous plants, Chorizema spring, Wallum heathland and Quota Garden maintained by the Society for Growing Australian Plants. Large Peninsula herb garden. 30 minute drive north from Brisbane CBD. Open 6am-6pm daily.

•  Java Coast Cafe – George St Brisbane – a small green oasis in the CBD University of Queensland Global Change Institute greenwall and carbon-neutral building. 30 minute weekly tour on Tuesdays at 11.30am bookings required. Cloudland – bar and restaurant with large indoor garden and greenwall. Fortitude Valley

•  Bunker Coffee – nature is busy reclaiming the façade of this hole-in-the-wall café. Milton.

•  Rare Pear Café – Balinese-inspired gardens, Samford Valley

Best open gardens to visit on the Gold Coast

•  Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens – 31 hectares, 10 minutes drive from Surfers Paradise, sensory garden, native butterfly garden, araucaria forest, dry rainforest, rose garden, mangroves to mountains trail, lake, café. Open dawn to dusk each day.

•  Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens – perennial garden, Japanese garden, hydrangea garden, witeria pergolas, rose garden, camellia garden. Open dawn to dusk 7 days. Donations appreciated. Forsythia Drive, Tamborine Mountain

Best open gardens to visit on the Sunshine Coast

•  Maroochydore Regional Bushland Botanical Gardens – 82 hectares includes eucalypt forest, rainforest, lagoons, cascades, palm gullies, sculpture garden. Tanawah. Open 7am-5pm April-October and 7am-6pm November-March.

•  Noosa Botanic Gardens – 8 hectares including fern house, lily pond, Greek-style amphitheatre, bush chapel. Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy

Fairhill Native Plants and Botanic Gardens – native plant nursery and extensive 4 hectare (10 acre) garden for native subtropical plants, Ninderry. 8.30am-5pm daily.

•  Yandina Community Gardens – permaculture-based community produce garden. 8am-12pm Saturday, Monday and Tuesday.

Best open gardens to see in Brisbane and South-east Queensland with PAID entry

You can find private gardens to visit at Open Gardens in South-east Queensland , Open Garden Events Queensland on Facebook, and also advertising in nurseries, tourist information centers or on local radio. Many are open during the cooler months of April to October.

•  The Giving Garden – 1 acre garden in Birkdale, open one weekend in late November

•  Sunshine Coast – Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World

•  Bellingham Maze – star-shaped lilly pilly maze, Tanawah

•  Stringybark Cottage Garden – Noosa, group tours only

•  ‘Bellis’ – the private sustainable garden of Gardening Australia’s Jerry Coleby Williams is open 1-2 times each year, often Mother’s Day weekend

•  ‘Lindmar’, Morayfield – open for groups by appointment

•  Coucals Garden, Mount Crosby – occasional public open days and groups by appointment

•  ‘Viola’s Patch’, Bahr’s Scrub – private garden and nursery, some public open days and open by appointment

•  ‘Joncia’, Logan Reserve – wedding venue with occasional public open days

Brisbane and South-east Queensland garden festivals

•  Ipswich Plant Expo – mid March •  Wondai Autumn Garden Expo, Wondai, mid April •  Brisbane Plant Collectors’ Fair – My Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, mid May •  Lindmar Plant Lovers Fair, mid June •  Esk Garden and Lifestyle Fair, Esk, mid June •  Queensland Garden Expo, Nambour, mid July •  Noosa Botanic Gardens Plant Fair – early September •  Brisbane International Garden Show – October •  Bromeliad and Foliage Frenzy – early October •  Buderim Garden Festival – mid October •  Tropical Foliage Festival – late November

Alternatives to garden activities in Brisbane and South-east Queensland

•  Visit Queen Street Mall •  Visit the ‘Worlds’ (Sea World, Wet and Wild, Movie World) •  Surfing and whale watching •  Enjoy a cruise on the Brisbane River •  Brisbane hosts a number of international arts and sporting events •  Day trips to see South East Queensland’s many national parks •  Climb Brisbane’s Story Bridge… and abseil down

•  South East Queensland is often affectionately called ‘Bris-Vegas’ due to its cosmopolitan lifestyle. Brisbane is known as ‘Brizzie’ to the locals. The indigenous name for Brisbane is Mian-Jin meaning ‘place shaped as a spike’. •  The QLD Parliament building was the first in the British Empire to have electric lights. •  The world’s first cultivated macadamia tree (a nut tree that’s native to Australia) was planted in Brisbane’s botanical gardens in 1858. It is still standing. •  The ‘sister’ of the Liberty Bell (which was rung with the declaration of independence in the USA) is in Brisbane. •  Brisbane’s South Bank was once a coal port, then the site of Expo ’88. Today it is a popular urban park and home to a beach lagoon the size of five Olympic pools.

Ornamental pond in Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Photo Brisbane City Council

Hidden Design Festival comes to Brisbane

Hidden Design Festival Queensland showcases 6 stunning rarely-seen, professionally designed, constructed and maintained gardens in Brisbane on Saturday 5 March 2016, plus you can meet our top garden designers.

brisbane garden tours

Guilfoyle and his warm climate plants

A few years ago, whilst researching Polyscias (commonly called Aralia) cultivars for a magazine article, I came across mention of their discovery and introduction by William Guilfoyle during his voyage […]

brisbane garden tours

Coucals Cottage, Queensland

When: Available on demand/by appointment

Countries: Australia- Queensland

Highlights: Ideally situated only a 30 minute drive from Brisbane, Coucals Cottage offers a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom self-contained home surrounded...

brisbane garden tours

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Brisbane Edible Gardening

brisbane garden tours

This page showcases lovely everyday gardens growing low maintenance local food.

brisbane garden tours

Ketah’s Perennial Garden (Brisbane Edible Gardening)

BOGI Presentation (June 2023)

BOGI Presentation (June 2023)

Edible Exchanges Map

Edible Exchanges Map

Ornamental Edible Gardening

Ornamental Edible Gardening

Vegetable patches are wonderfully productive areas however they aren’t always as attractive as the rest of a garden. With annual plants in different stages of dying back and compost piles they may be beautiful to a gardener’s eye, but they are decidedly less so to a visiting relative or passer-by. As a result, food production…

Late November in Olga’s annual veggie patch

Late November in Olga’s annual veggie patch

We have been making the most of the cool, overcast weather here in Brisbane at the moment by taking the opportunity to put in a summer crop. We spent the morning digging over Olga’s annual veggie patch and planting corn, capsicum, eggplant, dwarf beans, perpetual spinach and summer lettuce. We also added a few more…

Retirement Village Community Education

Retirement Village Community Education

On Wednesday 28th July, Brisbane Edible Gardening visited the lovely Sugarwood Grove Retirement Village to talk about the best backyard food crops for our local climate. What an enthusiastic chat we had about edible foodscaping, lots of taste testing as well a local garden tour to see these wonderful plants in action (thank you Nina!).…

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brisbane garden tours

This booklet is an introduction to the hardiest, most reliable and nutritious backyard food crops for Queensland. Contact us for a physical copy .

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Maiala Rainforest Tour

Kangaroos, mangroves and the ocean, north stradbroke island tour, bellthorpe rainforest tour, bribie island birdlife tour, tamborine mountain rainforest tour, mount glorious to mount mee car tour, the phoenix sculpture garden, tawny trails.

  • Frequently asked questions
  • Recommendations
  • Wildlife Rescue Queensland
  • Call us: +61 474 102 618

brisbane garden tours

The Maiala Rainforest Tour will show you the flora and fauna of a subtropical rainforest with its majestic trees and beautiful canopy. The characteristic calls of the Whipbird, Catbird and Woompo Dove will help you to spot them. Besides the countless little birds, you might be lucky to see skinks, Land Mullets or Lace Monitors.

Kangaroos, mangroves and the ocean

This coastal tour takes you to several different natural habitats with the chance to observe land and sea birds, mangroves, and kangaroos. There will be ample time and plenty of opportunities to photograph the wonderful variety of environments and their inhabitants throughout the day. This tour is wheelchair-friendly.

North Stradbroke Island Tour

The North Stradbroke Island Tour takes you to some of the hot spots on the island, including spectacular coastal views on the North Gorge Walk, the small creek Myora Springs and the well-known Brown Lake. The walks will be relaxing and suited for all levels of fitness. We will take our time to spot and photograph the wildlife, both land and sea.

Bellthorpe Rainforest Tour

If you like to explore the rainforest without the crowds, this tour is made for you. Bellthorpe Stays is 400 private acres high in the hills of the hinterland at Bellthorpe, just over one hour north of Brisbane. At nearly 600 meters above sea level, the country varies from density-rich rainforest to open forest, with changing habitats in-between, including palm groves, wetlands, and open paddocks.

Shorebirds on Bribie Island Birdlife Tour

If you are looking for an island getaway with abundant birdlife, look no further. Bribie Island is a hidden gem connected to the mainland by only one bridge. This island is a paradise and has a lot to offer. This walk has excellent birdwatching opportunities and wildflowers. The views over the Glass House Mountains are stunning.

Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Tour

The Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Tour focuses on the different types of rainforest around Tamborine Mountain. During the tour, we will see a rainforest with distinctive Piccabeen Palm groves, a wet eucalypt forest dominated by tall Flooded Gums, an open forest with Bracken Fern understorey, and woodland.

Mount Glorious to Mount Mee Car Tour

The Mount Glorious to Mount Mee Car Tour gives you the possibility to enjoy beautiful views without having to drive yourself or having to walk long distances. Especially during the warm summer days, an airconditioned car tour is very comfortable.

The Phoenix Sculpture Garden

The Phoenix Sculpture Garden, privately owned and funded by Graham Radcliffe, has been open to the public since 1995. With the creation of this Garden, Graham fulfilled his vision, in which the combination of the beauty of nature and his life’s work of sculptures and paintings create an ambiance where Peace becomes a reality.

Tawny Trails

Experience nature in a new light and expand on your love for nature with Tawny Trails, an art trail experience designed for passionate nature lovers. Discover how the local wildlife and landscape serves as a profound muse for talented artisans.

THE 10 BEST Brisbane Tours & Excursions

Tours in brisbane.

  • Sightseeing Tours
  • Walking Tours
  • Wine Tours & Tastings
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Chinese (Simplified)
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

brisbane garden tours

1. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Admission with Brisbane River Cruise

brisbane garden tours

2. Premium Springbrook Natural Bridge, Glow Worm Cave & Skywalk

brisbane garden tours

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

brisbane garden tours

4. Australia Zoo Day Trip from Brisbane

brisbane garden tours

5. All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane

brisbane garden tours

6. 90min Brisbane River Cruise/Tour

brisbane garden tours

7. Springbrook andTamborine Rainforest Tour Incl Natural Bridge and Glow Worm Cave

brisbane garden tours

8. Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast

brisbane garden tours

9. Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb

brisbane garden tours

10. Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa Day Trip from Brisbane Incl Eumundi Markets

brisbane garden tours

11. Private Professional Vacation Photoshoot in Brisbane

brisbane garden tours

12. Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Brisbane

brisbane garden tours

13. North Stradbroke Island SUNSET Tour

brisbane garden tours

14. Dunwich: Moreton Bay Islands Boat Tour with Swimming

brisbane garden tours

15. Brisbane Segway Sightseeing Tour

brisbane garden tours

16. Byron Bay, Bangalow and Gold Coast Day Tour from Brisbane

brisbane garden tours

17. Sunset River Cruise

brisbane garden tours

18. 3-Hours Walking Tour in Brisbane

brisbane garden tours

19. Brisbane Sirromet Winery Helicopter Experience

brisbane garden tours

20. North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) Day Trip from Brisbane

brisbane garden tours

21. Private Helicopter Scenic Tour of Brisbane - 25min

brisbane garden tours

22. Brisbane River Cruise 12.30pm

brisbane garden tours

23. Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain

brisbane garden tours

24. XXXX Brewery Tour

brisbane garden tours

25. Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide Brisbane

brisbane garden tours

26. Deluxe Wine Tour to Tamborine Mountain, includes two course lunch

brisbane garden tours

27. Haunted Brisbane CBD Ghost Tour

brisbane garden tours

28. Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport to Noosa for 1 to 3 people

brisbane garden tours

29. Lone Pine, Brisbane Highlights and Lunch!

brisbane garden tours

30. Brisbane Dark Stories True Crime Tour

What travellers are saying.

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  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Admission with Brisbane River Cruise
  • Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast
  • All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane
  • Australia Zoo Day Trip from Brisbane
  • Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb
  • Hop On Brewery Tours
  • Hit the Road Tours Brisbane
  • Jet Ski Brisbane
  • Brisbane Crime Tours - Crime Tours Australia
  • Dear Australia,
  • Tangalooma Island Resort Day Cruises
  • Wildside Tours
  • Pterodactyl Helicopters
  • X-Wing Mini Segway Tours
  • Mirimar Cruises
  • Queensland Day Tours
  • Professional Dive Services - Day Tours
  • QTour Australia - Day Tours
  • Brisbane By Bicycle
  • Kangaroo Segway Tours
  • Brisbane Greeters
  • Prestige Day Tours
  • Eco Safaris Queensland

brisbane garden tours

17 Free Guided Tours in Brisbane

Whether you live in Brisbane or are just visiting for the first time, taking a guided tour is a great way to learn something new. The best part about these guided tours of Brisbane is that every single one of them is free!

Solo travelers can easily sign up for a free guided tour to not only explore Brisbane and learn about the area but also to interact with other travelers and locals. Tours are great for groups as well. In most cases, groups of 10+ need to sign up for their own tour.

Dates, times, and starting points tend to change, so make sure to check with each tour for up-to-date and accurate information.

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Free Outdoor Guided Tours in Brisbane

#1 brisbane greeters free guided walking tours.

Outside of Powerhouse in Brisbane

  • 2-4 hour tours
  • choose from various neighborhoods, and specific themes, or let the guide decide where to take you
  • current neighborhood tours include Brisbane City, Chelmer to Graceville, New Farm and Teneriffe, Paddington, Bulimba, Fortitude Valley, Fish Lane & West End, and Nundah
  • explore Walter Taylor Bridge, Australia’s only bridge with a residence built inside of it
  • up to 6 guests per tour
  • bookings required: Brisbane Greeters

#2 Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Free Guided Tour

Flowers at Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

  • 1-hour walk
  • Tuesday-Saturday at 11 am and 1 pm, except on public holidays
  • meet at the City Botanic Gardens Information Kiosk
  • bookings aren’t required for groups under 10
  • for more information: Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Guided Tour

#3 Brisbane Botanic Gardens: Mount Coot-tha Free Guided Tour

  • Monday-Saturday at 11 am and 1 pm, except on public holidays
  • Meet at the Mt Coot-tha Visitor Information Centre
  • for more information: Mount Coot-tha Guided Tour

the rose garden at Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Roma Street Parkland Free Guided Tours

Roma Street Parklands garden with buildings in the background

Free guided tours of Roma Street Parkland begin at The Hub which is located by a parking lot and information booth in Roma Street Parkland.

For those who wish to explore Roma Street on their own, a self-guided tour of the parkland is available at the Information Booth at The Hub.

Roma Street has a cafe, The Garden Room , that is a great place for a tea or meal before or after your free guided tour.

Roma Street Parkland Garden Cafe

#4 Bushtucker and the Rainforest Guided Tour at Roma Street Parkland

Roma Street Parkland

  • 90-minute tour
  • select Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
  • learn about the diverse range of edible fruits, roots, nuts, seeds, and leaves that grow in the Australian bush
  • bookings required: Bushtucker and the Rainforest Guided Tour
  • high tea can be added on after some of the Bushtucker and Rainforest Tours for an additional cost

#5 20 years of Roma Street Parkland Guided Tour

Water dragon at Roma Street Parklands

  • select weekdays and Saturdays
  • learn about the history of Roma Street Parkland and how it was designed
  • bookings required: 20 Years of Roma Street Parkland

#6 Spectacle Garden in Colin Campbell Place at Roma Street Parkland Guided Tour

Roma Street Parkland

  • select weekdays and Sundays
  • explore the beautiful Spectacle Garden including some of the world’s most colorful and unique subtropical foliage and flowering plants
  • bookings required: Spectacle Garden Tour

#7 Art in the Park at Roma Street Parkland Guided Tour

  • on select weekdays
  • learn about the unique artwork in Roma Street Parkland
  • bookings required: Art in the Park Tour

#8 Upper Parkland Heritage Guided Tour at Roma Street Parkland

  • learn about the last 145 years of history of Albert Park, the current Roma Street Parkland
  • the tour route has steep inclines
  • bookings required: Upper Parkland Heritage Tour

#9 Fort Lytton Historic Military Precinct

  • Guided Tours start at 10:30, 11:30, 12:45 and 1:45
  • Call ahead to make sure tours are running
  • Self-guided tours are encouraged
  • for more information: Guided Tours of Fort Lytton

Free Indoor Guided Tours in Brisbane

#10 free guided brisbane city hall organ tour.

  • 45-minute tour
  • 1:30-2:15 on select Tuesdays
  • all ages are welcome, up to 20 people
  • wheelchair accessible
  • tours begin at King George Square Foyer at Brisbane City Hall
  • gain rare access to Father Henry Willis and Sons Organ built in the 1890s
  • bookings required: Brisbane City Hall Organ Tour

#11 Brisbane City Hall Free Guided Tour

City Hall Brisbane

  • 10:30, 11:30, and 1:30 daily
  • discover the secrets and learn the history of Brisbane’s City Hall
  • bookings required: Brisbane City Hall Tour

#12 Museum of Brisbane Free Guided Highlights Tour

  • 30-minute tour
  • 11 to 11:30 am daily
  • tours begin at Brisbane City Hall, level 3 (The Museum of Brisbane)
  • bookings required: Museum of Brisbane Highlights Tour

#13 Free Guided Clock Tower Tour

Brisbane City Hall and the Clock Tower

  • 15-minute tour
  • 10:15 am – 4:45 pm daily, every 15 minutes
  • tours begin at City Hall level 3, Museum of Brisbane
  • ride in one of Brisbane’s oldest cage lifts to the top of the clock tower in Brisbane’s City Hall
  • look behind Australia’s largest analog clock faces
  • explore the observation platform with a great view of Brisbane City
  • bookings required: Clock Tower Tour

#14 QAGOMA Free Guided Art Tours

  • options include GOMA highlights, gallery highlights, and Indigenous Australian art
  • tours begin at 11 am and 1 pm
  • check-in at the information desk
  • for current guided tour options: QAGOMA Guided Tours

#15 Queensland Parliament House Free Guided Tour

  • Monday-Friday, except on public holidays
  • If the Parliament has a “sitting day,” a tour is held at 2 p.m. only
  • On all other days, tours begin at 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm.
  • up to 15 people
  • Meet in the visitor information area located on the ground floor, inside the Annexe Building
  • bookings are not required but are available
  • for current information: Parliament House

#16 Government House Queensland Free Guided Tour

  • March-December
  • go behind the scenes and learn about the history of Government House
  • for current information: Government House

#17 Anzac Square Memorial Galleries Free Guided Tour

  • Wednesdays at 10:30 excluding public holidays
  • tours depart from the main entrance of the Anzac Square Memorial Galleries
  • bookings required
  • for current information: Anzac Square Memorial Galleries

Free Guided Walking Tours in Brisbane Wrap-Up

Brisbane offers a wide variety of guided walking tours that are always free. From parks to museums, galleries to neighborhoods, locals and tourists can learn about Brisbane through a guided tour.

Free guided tours are offered in Brisbane every day of the week in a wide variety of locations. Not all guided tours require a booking, though it is a good idea to book a tour in advance.

More Fun in Brisbane

  • The Best Free Things to Do in Brisbane with Kids
  • How to Spend a Relaxing Day Alone in Brisbane on a Budget
  • Day Tours from Brisbane

Pin for Later!

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Lanie is the owner and author of Make More Adventures, a family travel blog that helps families make the most of their holidays. Lanie is an American living in Australia with her husband and 2 kids who love to travel almost as much as she does. When she is not traveling, working on her blog, or planning her next vacation, Lanie is watching Bravo, reading, or working with kids.

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IMAGES

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  4. anythinglily: Brisbane City Tour Pt 2: Brisbane Botanic Gardens

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COMMENTS

  1. Brisbane Botanic Gardens guided walks

    Brisbane Botanic Gardens guided walks. Take a free volunteer guided walk to learn about the plants and features at one of Brisbane City Council's three premier gardens: City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha and Sherwood Arboretum. Walks are taken at a gentle pace for about one hour. Free guided tour events.

  2. Your Guide to Brisbane's City Botanic Gardens

    The Gardens Club — Known to many as the 'Brisbane Botanic Gardens Cafe, the garden's sole café is located in the heritage-listed Curators Cottage and offers a seasonal menu, coffee and picnic baskets for a leisurely lunch on the lawn. It's open 6.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday and 6.30am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

  3. Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane

    Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Audio Tour FREE Ticket. Embark on this in-app audio tour of the esteemed Brisbane Botanic Gardens, an open-air museum showcasing diverse plant collections that will captivate nature enthusiasts. Admission to the gardens is free. Explore the legacy of the original curator, Walter Hill, whose contributions paved the ...

  4. The BEST Brisbane Garden & park tours 2023

    These Brisbane Garden & park tours are taking additional COVID-19 precautions: Brisbane: Midday River Sightseeing Cruise; Brisbane: Attractions & Sightseeing Segway Tour; Brisbane: Highlights Daytime or Nighttime Segway Tour; Brisbane: Illuminated River Night Kayak Tour; Brisbane: Abseiling at Kangaroo Point Cliffs

  5. What's on at the City Botanic Gardens

    Find out about events, as well as the free guided walking tours. ... City Botanic Gardens, 147 Alice Street, Brisbane City. Mon 11 Mar 2024, 1:00pm. Free. Free guided tour - City Botanic Gardens. Take a free volunteer guided walk to learn about the plants and features at the City Botanic Gardens. Our volunteer guides all have a love for ...

  6. City Botanic Gardens

    The riverside City Botanic Gardens are Brisbane's original botanic gardens. Attractions at the gardens include the Bamboo Grove, Weeping Fig Avenue, Riverstage, ornamental ponds and more. Booking sites are available for special events. Entry to the gardens is free, outside of ticketed events.

  7. The BEST Brisbane City, Brisbane Garden & park tours 2023

    Our most recommended Brisbane City, Brisbane Garden & park tours. 1. Brisbane: Attractions & Sightseeing Segway Tour

  8. Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

    The oldest botanic gardens in the State, Brisbane City Botanic Gardens are considered to be the most significant non - indigenous cultural landscape in Queensland. Easily accessible from the city's centre or from Southbank, stroll through grand old 19th century trees and contrasting contemporary sculptures while discovering the Garden's ...

  9. Best Things to do in Brisbane's Botanic Gardens

    Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. The Brisbane Botanic Gardens are also home to the Planetarium, which opened in 1978 and is home to the Cosmic Skydome - a 12.5-metre-diameter projection dome. Visitors to the Planetarium can enjoy a space-themed show (including a tour of Brisbane's night sky), and tour the Display Zone as well as observatory ...

  10. The Best Botanic Gardens and Flower Festivals in Queensland

    Located on the edge of Brisbane River, the City Botanic Gardens are the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle and catch your breath among the trees.On the other side of Alice Street, this oasis hooks around where the city juts into the river. Combining beautiful gardens with historical centrepieces, the gardens feature ponds, fountains, a bamboo grove, paths lined with Weeping Figs, and ...

  11. THE 5 BEST Brisbane Gardens (Updated 2023)

    1. Roma Street Parkland. 2,966. Parks • Gardens. Open now. By Q7840EUdanl. It is indeed spectacular and enchanting with the amazing displays, manicured lawn areas, lake and water features, bri...

  12. Brisbane Nature Tours

    Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or want to book a tour. Sundays, I do tours on request. The best way to contact me is by email: [email protected]. Anita Greeck. Phone: +61 474 102 618. Email: [email protected].

  13. Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

    Admission to the Gardens is free of charge, and the Gardens are open 24 hours a day all year-round, with lighted pathways after dark. Dogs on leashes are allowed in the park. Volunteers provide free tours of the Gardens twice a day, six days a week. Touring Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

  14. 18 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Brisbane

    Address: 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland. 3. Hop on a Brisbane River Cruise. River Cruises. One of the best ways to go sightseeing in Brisbane is aboard a river cruise. The Brisbane River runs through the heart of the city, and many of the city's top attractions line its banks.

  15. Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Tours

    These Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Tours are taking additional COVID-19 precautions: Brisbane: Attractions & Sightseeing Segway Tour; Brisbane: Highlights Daytime or Nighttime Segway Tour; Top Attractions in Brisbane. 1 Moreton Island. 2 Brisbane Airport. 3 Stradbroke Island. 4 Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

  16. The Best Guided Tours of Brisbane

    For a higher dose of adrenalin down the Brisbane River, hang on tight with Jet Ski Tours Brisbane. Riding their own Jet Ski, guests will experience the ultimate day out enjoying sights passing South Bank, the Botanical Gardens, the Brisbane City skyline and out to Moreton Bay, all while being accompanied by an experienced instructor.

  17. Brisbane and SE Queensland

    Fern house, bonsai collection, arid zone, fragrant plants and herb garden, National Freedom Wall, Japanese garden, bamboo grove, rainforest, children's trail, tropical display dome. Self guided and free guided tours (11am and 1pm Monday-Saturday). Open 8am-5.30pm September-March and 8am-5pm April to August.

  18. Brisbane Nature Tours

    Full-day Tours. 6+ hours. If you like to explore the rainforest without the crowds, this tour is made for you. Bellthorpe Stays is 400 private acres…. Free cancellation. from. $133. per adult. Reserve.

  19. Garden Tours

    On Wednesday 28th July, Brisbane Edible Gardening visited the lovely Sugarwood Grove Retirement Village to talk about the best backyard food crops for our local climate. What an enthusiastic chat we had about edible foodscaping, lots of taste testing as well a local garden tour to see these wonderful plants in action (thank you Nina!).….

  20. Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha

    The Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha are recognised as Queensland's premier subtropical botanic gardens. They are a key attraction in the Brisbane City Council Mt Coot-tha precinct.. Founded in 1970 and officially opened in 1976, the 56-hectare gardens open daily from 8am-6pm in summer (September to March) and 8am-5pm in winter (April to August).

  21. Tours

    The North Stradbroke Island Tour takes you to some of the hot spots on the island, including spectacular coastal views on the North Gorge Walk, the small creek Myora Springs and the well-known Brown Lake. The walks will be relaxing and suited for all levels of fitness. We will take our time to spot and photograph the wildlife, both land and sea.

  22. THE 10 BEST Brisbane Tours & Excursions

    Tours Photos. 7,404. Feb 19, 2024 - Find & Book the top-rated and best-reviewed tours in Brisbane for 2024. From prices and availability to reviews and photos, Tripadvisor has everything you need to create that perfect itinerary for your trip to Brisbane.

  23. 17 Free Guided Tours in Brisbane

    10:15 am - 4:45 pm daily, every 15 minutes. tours begin at City Hall level 3, Museum of Brisbane. ride in one of Brisbane's oldest cage lifts to the top of the clock tower in Brisbane's City Hall. look behind Australia's largest analog clock faces. explore the observation platform with a great view of Brisbane City.