Brisbane
Discover Brisbane, Queensland’s laid-back capital, where sunshine, friendly locals, riverside experiences, shopping, food and nature come together in Australia’s third-largest city.
© Tourism and Events QueenslandDiscover highlights of Brisbane
Whether you would like to cool off at Southbank and admire the view of the city from the Wheel of Brisbane or have a close encounter with a koala at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane is filled with spectacular activities to fill your days. Pop by the Eat Street Northshore open-air market, take a wander over the Story Bridge, or relax in Moreton Bay.
Experience Brisbane City through the eyes of the locals
Admire the beauty of Brisbane from another vantage point, hop on board the CityCat! One of the most enjoyable ways to explore the Brisbane River. And one of the fastest ways to get around the city. For the best views of Brisbane, drive to Mount Coot-Tha and watch the sunset. For a little culture, visit the Museum of Brisbane, or if you are a wine lover, be sure to visit Sirromet Wines.
For the sporting enthusiasts
The locals in Brisbane are sports fanatics and love to spend their spare time enjoying all sorts of sporting games. Enjoy a cricket match or ALF (Australian Football League) game at the Gabba. Watch the State of Origin, an annual Rugby League match between Queensland and New South Wales.
Watch a game with the locals
Cheer on the Brisbane Broncos at the Suncorp Stadium or play a game of golf at the large assortment of golf courses found in and around the city. Tennis, hockey, bowling, rock climbing, swimming, kite surfing - the possibilities are endless!
“We had a great trip! Everything was right, from the information beforehand to the careful planning, reservations and excursions. We were well prepared and enjoyed it from start to finish.”
— Rob and Renee, TravelEssence clients
Things to do in Brisbane
Enjoy authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the locals. Let your travel specialist know your interests, and they will advise what the best activities are for you.
There are small-group activities available, ranging from easy-going to adventurous, or private tours for a more intimate experience. We can take care of every detail, so you just have to show up and enjoy an experience to look back on for years to come.
Explore the neighbourhoods
With 190 mainland suburbs, Brisbane offers a diverse range of places to explore. From the upmarket and sophisticated CBD, Southbank, and the hip and colourful Fortitude Valley to the north side and the southern bayside areas of Moreton Bay.
There is so much to discover in this relaxed and friendly city. Enjoy a coffee at Oxford Street in Bulimba, see live music in the West End or spend the day at the races in Ascot.
Discover places nestled beside the Brisbane River
Stay at a boutique hotel in South Bank and enjoy views over the Brisbane River. Or explore Petrie Terrace, an inner suburb of Brisbane that is bursting with sports bars and brewpubs.
Discover heritage-listed buildings throughout the city, and be sure to spend a full day wandering through the CBD, one of the best free things to do here.
Shopping & markets
Brisbane is a shopping haven with plenty of options to choose from. From the Queen Street Mall to the DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) near the airport, you are sure to find a large collection of stores to satisfy your shopping needs.
Westfield malls are located in several parts of Brisbane and provide many options. For a local taste, be sure to visit the Valley Markets, The Collective Markets at Southbank, the Riverside Sunday Markets, or the Brisbane City Markets.
Dining & local cuisine
Visit Brisbane and enjoy the local foodie scene. Wake up and enjoy an Aussie brunch on the terrace or taste the local coffee culture at one of the many high-end coffee shops. Visit world-class restaurants and savour modern Australian cuisine. Lose yourself in one of the biggest pubs in the world, Eatons Hill Hotel, or visit the Chinatown Mall and the surrounding area for a feast!
An extensive selection of dining opportunities
West End and Southbank have a good selection of cafes and restaurants. And for an indulgent breakfast on the weekend, visit the Sirromet Winery. Be sure to visit one of the local pubs at Petrie Terrace and order a local favourite, surf & turf!
Where to stay
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in Brisbane and beyond. Whether you prefer a luxury hotel in the heart of the CBD, an apartment overlooking the Brisbane River in Southbank or a quirky bed & breakfast in the Glasshouse Mountains, we have found the perfect place for you.
Your travel specialist will match you up with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.
Museums
Brisbane is filled with cultural, art, and historical attractions, some of which are located within the Queensland Cultural Centre at South Bank. Go on a tour and discover the best of Brisbane.
Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art
Gallery of Modern Art
Museum of Brisbane
Queensland Museum
Queensland Sciencentre
Queensland Maritime Museum
Parks & nature
Soak up the 'no worries' lifestyle by taking a wander around some of Brisbane's most beautiful parks. With more than 2160 parks, there is no shortage of nature to discover in Brisbane.
The Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Roma Street Parkland, New Farm Park, or Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park are all ideal for a picnic and a game of cricket! In some of the parks, you will find free barbecues, bathroom facilities, playgrounds, unique wildlife, and much more.
Say G'day to Aussie wildlife
Nearby Brisbane, you can visit the Australia Zoo and have a close encounter with unique Australian wildlife such as koalas and kangaroos. Explore the walks found in Mount Coot-tha and check out the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. Conquer the parks in South Brisbane and discover a variety of rainforests in outer Brisbane.
Visit the islands
Did you know Brisbane is home to a variety of beautiful islands? Go on a tour and visit North Stradbroke Island, a local's favourite! Feed wild dolphins at Moreton Island or marvel at the Tangalooma Wrecks.
Close to the shoreline, you can find Coochiemudlo Island, Lamb Island, Peel Island, and Karragarra Island. Or if you head a little further south, be sure to see the wild kangaroos on South Stradbroke Island, or further north, go fishing off the waters of Bribie Island.
Public transport
Need to get around the city? Brisbane offers an affordable and very reliable public transport system. The free City Loop and Spring Hill Loop bus services provide high-frequency public transport access within the Brisbane Central Business District (CBD). Services also run between the CBD and Spring Hill areas.
Would you like to visit Burleigh Heads Beach? You can catch a train from Central Station and then a bus from Varsity Lakes. The CityHopper ferry runs daily along the Brisbane River between Sydney Street (New Farm) and North Quay. We recommend purchasing a Go Card from Translink to make getting around the city easier and you can buy this at any news agency.
Surrounding areas
There are so many wonderful places to discover around Brisbane. From the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa in the north to the Gold Coast Hinterland and Tamborine in the South. Discover the Scenic Rim or Lamington National Park, or take a two-hour drive inland to the city of Toowoomba.
Approximately two hours south of Brisbane, you will find the colourful beach town of Byron Bay. A tour of Southeast Queensland is sure to be an unforgettable experience during your stay in Brisbane.
Let's design your holiday together
We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped-out itinerary from us, but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied.
We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.
Frequently asked questions
Our favourite times to visit Brisbane are usually March to May and September to November, when the weather is warm but less humid than summer. December to February can be hot, humid and wetter, while June to August is generally mild and dry, which suits city exploring and day trips.
Yes, Brisbane is worth visiting, especially if you want a relaxed city break with easy access to nature. It combines riverside dining, galleries, markets, parks and island escapes such as Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island, so it works well as more than just a stopover.
Most travellers need 2 or 3 nights in Brisbane itself. That gives you time for South Bank, the CityCat ferry, Mount Coot-tha, a good local dinner and perhaps Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, without rushing before moving on to the Sunshine Coast, Noosa or the Scenic Rim.
