Brisbane, Australia

A laid-back Queensland river city of subtropical gardens, koalas, and nearby islands.

brisbane and sunset in Brisbane, Australia

🏛️ Sights & Attractions in Brisbane

  • South Bank Parklands — The South Bank Parklands are located at South Bank within the suburb of South Brisbane in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The parkland, on the transformed site of Brisbane's World Expo 88, was officially opened to the public on 20 June 1992.
  • Brisbane River — The Brisbane River is the longest river in South East Queensland, Australia. It flows through the city of Brisbane, before emptying into Moreton Bay on the Coral Sea. John Oxley, the first European to explore the river, named it after the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Thomas Brisbane in 1823. The penal colony of Moreton Bay later adopted the same name, eventually becoming the present city of Brisbane. The river is a tidal estuary and the water is brackish from its mouth through the majority of the Brisbane metropolitan area westward to the Mount Crosby Weir. The river is wide and navigable throughout the Brisbane metropolitan area. It is affectionately known by locals as the "Brown Snake", on account of its silty waters and long, winding course.
  • Story Bridge — The Story Bridge is a heritage-listed steel cantilever bridge spanning the Brisbane River built to carry vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic between the northern and the southern suburbs of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is the longest cantilever bridge in Australia.
  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary — is an 18-hectare (44-acre) koala sanctuary in the Brisbane suburb of Fig Tree Pocket in Queensland, Australia.
  • Brisbane Botanic Gardens — The Brisbane Botanic Gardens are located 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from the Brisbane CBD at the foot of Brisbane's tallest mountain, Mount Coot-tha in the suburb of Mount Coot-tha, Queensland, Australia. The gardens receive around 1.4 million visitors a year. Entry to the gardens is
  • City Hall — Brisbane City Hall is a heritage-listed building in King George Square, completed in 1930. The sandstone-faced building features a clock tower and houses the Museum of Brisbane on its third floor.
  • Museum of Brisbane — The Museum of Brisbane (MoB) is a history and art museum in Brisbane, Australia. The museum explores contemporary and historic Brisbane through a program of art and social history exhibitions, workshops, talks, guided tours, and children's activities. Located on Level 3 of Brisbane City Hall in the Brisbane CBD, the MoB and its staff are well-regarded for their innovation and international practice across the museum and gallery sectors.
  • Gallery of Modern Art — The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) is an art museum located within the Queensland Cultural Centre in the South Bank precinct of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The gallery is part of QAGOMA.
  • Queensland Museum — The Queensland Museum is the state museum of Queensland, funded by the Queensland Government, of natural history, cultural heritage, science and human achievement. The museum, operating under the Queensland Museum Act 1970, has custody of over 15.2 million items relating to the S
  • Roma Street Parkland — Roma Street Parkland covers 11 hectares in the centre of the City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The Roma Street Parkland is adjacent to the former Brisbane Transit Centre and the Roma Street railway station from which it takes its name. There is pedestrian access to the Roma Street Parkland from the Roma Street railway station, as well as from Albert Street, and from the section of the Parkland which was formerly called Albert Park on Wickham Terrace. Roma Street Parkland is open to visitors 24 hours a day, except for the Spectacle Garden and Rainforest Walk, which are open daily from dawn until dusk.
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🥾 Trails & Hikes in Brisbane

  • New Farm Riverwalk — A suspended boardwalk hugging the Brisbane River from New Farm Park to the CBD, offering unobstructed water and city skyline views.
  • Kangaroo Point Cliffs Walk — A riverside path along the base of the heritage-listed cliffs connecting to the Story Bridge and South Bank with stunning city views.
  • Mount Coot-tha Summit Track — A 1.9km walking track from JC Slaughter Falls to the summit lookout through eucalypt forest, taking approximately 30 minutes each way.
  • City Botanic Gardens Riverside Walk — A scenic riverside path through Brisbane’s oldest gardens, passing ancient bunya pines, mangrove boardwalks, and Story Bridge photo opportunities.

🏖️ Beaches in Brisbane

  • Streets Beach South Bank — The South Bank Parklands are located at South Bank within the suburb of South Brisbane in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The parkland, on the transformed site of Brisbane's World Expo 88, was officially opened to the public on 20 June 1992.
  • North Stradbroke Island beaches — North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), colloquially Straddie or North Straddie, is an island that lies within Moreton Bay in the Australian state of Queensland, 30 kilometres (19 mi) southeast of the centre of Brisbane. Originally there was only one Stradbroke Island but in 1896 it split into North Stradbroke Island and South Stradbroke Island separated by the Jumpinpin Channel. The Quandamooka people are the traditional owners of North Stradbroke island.
  • Redcliffe Beach — Redcliffe Beach is a beach on the Redcliffe Peninsula north of Brisbane, with a jetty, beachfront promenade, and views of Moreton Island, popular for swimming and fishing.
  • Scarborough Beach — Scarborough Beach is a beach on the Redcliffe Peninsula north of Brisbane, with a beachfront park, boat ramp, and views of Moreton Island, popular with families.
  • Deception Bay — A beach in brisbane with swimming, sunbathing, and coastal views, popular with locals and visitors alike.
  • Bribie Island beaches — Bribie Island is the smallest and most northerly of three major sand islands forming the coastline sheltering the northern part of Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. The others are Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island. Bribie Island is 34 kilometres long, and 8 kilometres at its widest. Archibald Meston believed that the name of the island came from a corruption of a mainland word for it, Boorabee meaning koala. However, the correct Joondaburri name for the island is Yarun.
  • Dutton Park Beach — Dutton Park Beach is a small beach on the Brisbane River at Dutton Park, with a riverside walk and city views, popular with local residents.
  • Banksia Beach — A popular beach near Brisbane, offering sand, sea, and a relaxing coastal atmosphere for swimming, sunbathing, and waterfront walks.
  • Woorim Beach — A popular beach near Brisbane, offering sand, sea, and a relaxing coastal atmosphere for swimming, sunbathing, and waterfront walks.
  • Flinders Reef — Flinders Reef is a small isolated reef near Moreton Island, 5 kilometres (3 mi) north-east of Cape Moreton in South East Queensland, Australia. It has the highest number of coral species of any subtropical reef system along Australia's east coast and is the nearest true coral reef to Brisbane. Flinders Reef is one of South East Queensland's most popular dive sites. The reef is located within the Moreton Bay Marine Park and is monitored by the Reef Check conservation program. The reef is located within the Tweed–Moreton marine biogeographic region.
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🍽️ Restaurants in Brisbane

  • Esquire — A two-hatted fine dining restaurant led by chef Ryan Squires offering innovative contemporary cuisine in an elegant Eagle Street setting.
  • Stokehouse Q — A contemporary riverside restaurant at South Bank with sweeping city and river views, featuring modern Australian cuisine in a glass-walled building.
  • Aria Brisbane — Matt Moran’s flagship fine dining restaurant at Eagle Street Pier offering sophisticated modern Australian cuisine with Story Bridge views.
  • Felons Brewing Co — A riverside brewery at Howard Smith Wharves brewing craft beers on-site while serving modern pub fare under the Story Bridge.
  • OTTO Ristorante — A modern Italian restaurant on absolute riverfront at South Bank’s River Quay, celebrated for its vibrant glamour and fresh produce-driven menu.
  • Il Centro — An iconic Eagle Street Pier Italian fine dining establishment since 1992, renowned for its sand crab lasagne and sweeping river views.
  • Gambaro Seafood Restaurant — Brisbane’s oldest seafood restaurant since 1953, famous for its world-renowned seafood platter and premium mud crab dishes.
  • Black Hide Steak & Seafood — A hatted steakhouse on Caxton Street specialising in premium dry-aged beef and fresh seafood, located steps from Suncorp Stadium.

🍸 Bars & Nightlife in Brisbane

  • Brooklyn Standard — An underground live music bar tucked away in Eagle Lane, known as Brisbane’s premier intimate venue for local and touring bands.
  • Savile Row — A Fortitude Valley craft cocktail bar hidden behind an iconic orange door, featuring an impressive whisky selection and London-inspired decor.
  • Felons Barrel Hall — A Howard Smith Wharves entertainment venue hosting live music and events alongside Felons Brewing’s craft beer under the Story Bridge.
  • Antico — An Italian-style cocktail bar in historic Burnett Lane specialising in classic cocktails made with fresh local produce in an intimate 50-seat setting.
  • The Gresham Bar — A heritage-listed bar in the former National Australia Bank building on Queen Street, purveying fine whiskies, rums, and cocktails in an old-world atmosphere.

🎯 Activities & Tours in Brisbane

  • Ultimate Brisbane Walking Tour (Small-Group, Drink Included) — Discover the story of Brisbane on this expert-led small-group walking tour, while hitting all of the city’s main attractions. Perfect for those who have just arrived, as well as locals and those who want to go deeper in learning about Brisbane’s history, culture, society & Firs
  • Sunset City Lights Cruise: 5.30pm or 6pm *seasonal (90min) — The best way to see Brisbane is from the river. This tour provides you with a stunning sunset (*seasonal) as the tour commences which is soon replaced by the city lights that is being reflected in the water. Treat yourself to a relaxing evening with ambient music and a gourmet ch
  • Morning Sightseeing Cruise: 10:30am-12pm (90min) — Have a relaxing 1.5-hour river cruise along Brisbane River. Take advantage of several photo opportunities as you glide through the water and see iconic sights such as Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Brisbane City Center and Story Bridge. Learn about the colorful history and local legends
  • Cruise to Lunch Package: 10:30am – 2pm (3.5hr) — Aboard the boat, the sights will be accompanied by informative commentary about the region as well as a morning tea to satisfy your on board cravings. The morning cruise will last for 45 minutes until you reach your next point of call; the Breakfast Creek Hotel. This old place oo
  • South Bank Combo Cruise & Lunch; 10:30am-2pm (approx) — Three of Brisbane's most notable operator have joined forces to create the SOUTH BANK COMBO PASS.  • River City Cruises • The Wheel of Brisbane • The Plough Inn Tavern
  • Mid-Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise: 2:30pm-4pm (90min) — Have a relaxing 1.5-hour river cruise along Brisbane River. Take advantage of several photo opportunities as you glide through the water and see iconic sights such as Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Brisbane City Center and Story Bridge. Learn about the colorful history and local legends
  • Midday Sightseeing Cruise: 12.30pm-2pm (90min) — Have a relaxing 1.5-hour river cruise along Brisbane River. Take advantage of several photo opportunities as you glide through the water and see iconic sights such as Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Brisbane City Center and Story Bridge. Learn about the colorful history and local legends
  • Rock Climbing at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs in Brisbane — Challenge yourself in the great outdoors and experience climbing the weathered walls of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Get up close and personal and climb to the top of the 20 metre cliffs where you can take in Brisbane’s best views of the city and river! Climbs of various levels of
  • Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary — See Australia’s amazing animals on a day trip to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary from Brisbane. Your river cruise takes you from the bustling waterfront of Southbank to the lush parklands of Lone Pine, with the chance to see iconic sights as you glide along the water. At the Lone Pine
  • Brisbane Whale Watching Cruise from Redcliffe or Brisbane City — Enjoy exciting, up-close encounters with humpback whales as they migrate through the crystal clear waters of Brisbane’s Moreton Bay between the months of June and November. Be amazed as you watch these gentle giants of the sea breech and play within meters of the luxury high-spee
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🏨 Hotels & Stays in Brisbane

  • The Calile Hotel — The Calile Hotel is a luxury luxury hotel in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. It offers elegant rooms and premium amenities and a central location for exploring the city for travelers exploring Brisbane. It is a 5-star property.
  • W Brisbane — W Brisbane is a luxury luxury hotel in CBD, Brisbane. It offers elegant rooms and premium amenities and a central location for exploring the city for travelers exploring Brisbane. It is a 5-star property.
  • Hilton Brisbane — Riverside Centre is a heritage-listed office building at 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Harry Seidler, and was built in 1986. Completed in 1986, it contains 40 storeys and rises 146 metres (479 ft) above ground. The building is owned by GPT.
  • Brisbane Marriott Hotel — Brisbane Marriott Hotel is a mid-range hotel in CBD, Brisbane. It offers elegant rooms and premium amenities and a central location for exploring the city for travelers exploring Brisbane. It is a 5-star property.
  • Sofitel Brisbane Central — Aurora Melbourne Central is a 270.5-metre (887 ft) high residential skyscraper in Melbourne, Australia. It is Melbourne's third-tallest building and the fifth tallest building in Australia.
  • The Westin Brisbane — Brisbane Skytower is a 274.3-metre (900 ft) skyscraper at 222 Margaret Street in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The 90-storey residential tower was the third tallest building in Australia at the time of its completion and is currently Brisbane's tallest building, the tallest bu
  • Stamford Plaza Brisbane — Stamford Plaza Brisbane is a mid-range luxury hotel in CBD, Brisbane. It offers elegant rooms and premium amenities and a central location for exploring the city for travelers exploring Brisbane. It is a 5-star property.
  • Crystalbrook Vincent — Crystalbrook Vincent is a mid-range hotel in Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane. It offers elegant rooms and premium amenities and a central location for exploring the city for travelers exploring Brisbane. It is a 5-star property.
  • Ovolo The Valley Brisbane — Ovolo The Valley Brisbane is a mid-range boutique hotel in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. It offers individually designed rooms and personalized service and a central location for exploring the city for travelers exploring Brisbane. It is a 5-star property.
  • Emporium Hotel South Bank — Emporium Hotel South Bank is a mid-range luxury hotel in South Bank, Brisbane. It offers elegant rooms and premium amenities and a central location for exploring the city for travelers exploring Brisbane. It is a 5-star property.
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