Brisbane in Queensland is a sunny, laid-back city that's absolutely brimming with energy. With over 2.5 million residents, a subtropical climate and a gorgeous spot on the Brisbane River, this is a city that makes you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. What makes Brisbane so special is how its relaxed vibe sits perfectly alongside a huge range of things to see and do. From lively markets and stylish rooftop bars to gorgeous walking trails and inspiring museums, Brisbane has it all. On this page, we're sharing the best sights, favourite hotspots and unique tours you won't want to miss on your visit to this fantastic city.
Heart of the City
The places you really can't miss in Brisbane
Must-see
South Bank
South Bank is one of our favourite spots and the buzzing heart of Brisbane on the river. Here you'll find lush green parks, breezy walking paths, great restaurants and cafés, an inner-city beach called Streets Beach, and plenty of art and culture thanks to several museums. South Bank is the perfect place to unwind, soak up some sun or take a stroll along the river while you look out over the Brisbane skyline. It's somewhere we keep coming back to, and we can highly recommend it.
Nature
Brisbane Botanic Gardens
Isn't it lovely to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and lose yourself in nature and wildlife for a while? The Brisbane Botanic Gardens are the perfect place to do exactly that. Wander along the green paths, breathe in the scent of flowers and the sound of birdsong, and leave the city buzz behind you for a bit. Keep your eyes peeled during your walk: among the plants and shrubs you'll regularly spot lizards, and if you're lucky, even a snake.
Beach
Streets Beach
If you want a proper beach in Brisbane, you'll have to travel a little way out of town, as the real beaches aren't right on the city's doorstep. Luckily, Brisbane came up with a clever solution: Streets Beach. This artificial beach sits right in the middle of South Bank, directly on the river, and brings a slice of tropical paradise into the city. With white sand, crystal-clear blue water and skyline views, it's the perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer's day.
Free
Sky Deck
One of Brisbane's newest crowd-pleasers is the impressive Sky Deck. Perched 100 metres up, it offers breathtaking views over the city, from the iconic skyline all the way to Moreton Bay and Mount Coot-tha. Settle in at one of the three stylish restaurants or bars, or dare yourself to walk across the spectacular glass floor. And the best part? A visit to the Sky Deck is completely free.
Free
Hop on the Free Ferry
One of the best ways to explore Brisbane is by hopping on a ferry, and the best part is, it's completely free! For years, travellers have been able to use the CityHopper, a free ferry that crosses the Brisbane River and offers an ideal way to see the city from a completely different angle.
Icon
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
The Story Bridge is, without a doubt, Brisbane's most iconic bridge. You can explore it at your own pace by walking across the footpath, or go all out with the Story Bridge Adventure Climb: with a guide, you'll climb all the way to the top, where you're rewarded with a jaw-dropping panoramic view stretching all the way to the Glass House Mountains and Moreton Bay.
Book the Story Bridge Climb
Free
Queensland Museum
The Queensland Museum in South Bank is one of Brisbane's best free outings. Inside you'll find a life-size whale skeleton, the iconic Muttaburrasaurus, fascinating Aboriginal cultural history, and the interactive Sciencentre for the kids — there's always something new to discover here. Entry is free, though some exhibitions do charge admission. Its location near the river also makes it easy to combine with a walk along the water.
Read more about the Queensland Museum
Beer
Saccharomyces Beer Cafe
Saccharomyces Beer Café is a great spot for craft beer lovers, especially if you're partial to a Belgian brew. It's a cosy café where locals and beer fans gather to kick off the weekend. The Belgian meatballs with gravy or mushroom sauce are well worth ordering.
Architecture
Brisbane Arcade
Brisbane Arcade is one of the most charming shopping arcades in the city. This historic shopping centre, built in 1923, oozes elegance with its beautiful art-deco architecture, gleaming mosaic floors and charming boutiques. During the Christmas period, Brisbane Arcade turns completely magical, dressed up with twinkling lights and a warm, festive atmosphere.
Tours & Activities
Story Bridge Climb, Moreton Island, Glass House Mountains and more
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Compare pricesNeighbourhoods & Food
Dive into Brisbane's buzzing neighbourhoods and food scene
Hike
Glass House Mountains
If, like us, you love hiking and getting out into nature, a visit to the Glass House Mountains is an absolute must. These striking rock formations offer beautiful walking trails for every level. Simply hop on the train from Central Station towards Nambour Station and get off at Beerburrum Station — from there it's about a 15-minute walk to the start of the hike.
Read more about the Glass House Mountains
Favourite
Bakery Lane
One of our absolute favourite places to eat in Brisbane is Bakery Lane. Through a moodily lit little laneway, you'll come out onto a cosy courtyard filled with restaurants. We had a great meal at Nom Nom Korean Eatery, but Bakery Lane has plenty more to offer: from the trendy The New Black to the laid-back Kiosk Beer Garden and the flavour-packed Gung Ho! Dumpling Ramen Bar.
Neighbourhood
West End
If you love a good weekend market, artisan produce and cosy microbreweries, West End is a neighbourhood you shouldn't skip. It's known for its diverse food scene (Vietnamese, Greek, Mexican), and Peters Lane in West Village blends historic charm with hip cafés, boutiques and great places to eat.
Park
Roma Street Parkland
Roma Street Parklands is one of Brisbane's most beautiful green escapes, known for its colourful gardens, waterfalls and winding walking paths. Right next to Roma Street Station, it's easy to reach and perfect for a relaxed outing. In and around the park you'll also find cosy coffee spots, our favourite being The Garden Room.
Food
Eat Street Northshore
Foodies and live music fans really shouldn't skip Eat Street Northshore. Right on the river you'll find this lively, permanent food festival, built from colourfully stacked shipping containers. With countless food stalls, fairy lights everywhere and live performances galore, you'll struggle to want to leave.
Read more about Eat Street Northshore
Gardens
Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
If the City Botanic Gardens feel a bit too small for you, a walk through the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha comes highly recommended. This sprawling park is home to several themed gardens and walking trails winding past striking flora and fauna. Along the way you'll spot colourful birdlife, and you'll regularly see lizards darting off the path.
Experiences, Culture & Day Trips
Unique experiences, culinary hotspots and trips beyond the city
Dining
The Officers Mess
The Officers Mess is a genuinely brilliant spot for a meal or simply a drink, just outside the city on the river. There's often live music or a DJ, and in the evening the jacaranda trees around the terrace are lit up with thousands of tiny lights, creating a properly magical atmosphere.
Read more about The Officers Mess
Day tour
Moreton Island
One of the absolute highlights of our trip was the day tour to Moreton Island: just an hour and a half by boat from the Port of Brisbane, with crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches and the impressive snorkelling spot around the Tangalooma Wrecks — around fifteen shipwrecks overgrown with colourful coral and swarming with tropical fish.
Book the Moreton Island day tour
Day trip
Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo isn't just any old zoo, it's a tribute to Steve Irwin and his boundless love for animals. Just an hour from Brisbane, you'll wander past koalas, crocodiles, cheetahs and Tasmanian devils in a park that feels bigger and greener than you'd expect. The undisputed highlight is the Crocoseum, where a spectacular wildlife show takes place daily, packed with passion and energy. A visit will easily eat up half a day, but you'll head home with more than just great photos — a deeper appreciation for nature too.
Read more about Australia Zoo
Aussie
Banana Bender Pub
The Banana Bender Pub in Palmview is anything but your standard pub: kitted out in full Aussie theme, complete with a room honouring legends like AC/DC and INXS, plus its own surf room. Play a round on the 18-hole mini golf course, enjoy some live music, and combine it with Aussie World next door — great fun for all ages.
Lookout
Wild Horse Mountain Lookout
Wild Horse Mountain Scenic Lookout is under an hour's drive from Brisbane and makes a perfect quick stop on the way to the Sunshine Coast. Within just a few minutes' walk you'll reach the top, where you're rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view over the Glass House Mountains and, on a clear day, even the Brisbane skyline.
Read more about Wild Horse Mountain
Friends
Friends & Flowers Cafe
Fans of the sitcom Friends can get their fix at Friends & Flowers Cafe in Deagon, just outside Brisbane. The vibe instantly brings the iconic show to mind, with comfy couches straight out of Central Perk. Pair your visit with a trip to nearby Sandgate, where you can enjoy a beautiful walk along the coast.
Music
Bee Gees Way
Pay a visit to Bee Gees Way in Redcliffe, where Barry, Robin and Maurice grew up dreaming of music stardom. From colourful murals to striking statues, every corner tells part of the story of their legendary musical journey and the icons who changed pop music forever.
Hidden gem
Enoggera Reservoir
Not far from Brisbane lies Enoggera Reservoir, a hidden gem tucked away in nature. Take a gorgeous loop walk with water views the whole way round. Along the track you'll regularly spot wildlife, from turtles and goannas to colourful birds and, every now and then, a snake.
Hidden gem
Boondall Wetlands
Just half an hour from Brisbane lie the Boondall Wetlands, a vast 1,100-hectare nature reserve teeming with mangroves, marshes and eucalyptus forest. Whilst out walking, you can spot a variety of fascinating animals, including snakes, lizards, birds, butterflies and crabs. There are several walking trails, and you can also go canoeing and kayaking. Entry to the area is free.
Read more about Boondall Wetlands
History
Old Petrie Town
Just outside Brisbane you'll find Old Petrie Town, a charming spot where history and good vibes come together. Think authentic old buildings, small shops and the Pine Rivers Heritage Museum. A nice bonus is the Queensland Fire Brigade Heritage Museum, and especially on weekends the place comes alive with lively markets full of local produce.
Read more about Old Petrie Town
National park
Tamborine National Park
About 1.5 hours' drive from Brisbane lies the beautiful Tamborine National Park, a subtropical rainforest full of ancient trees, waterfalls and impressive walking trails. We did the Palm Grove Circuit: a short but unforgettable hike through dense rainforest with towering palms and a chorus of birdsong. Along the way, we even spotted pademelons.
Read more about Tamborine NPWhere to stay in Brisbane
After several trips to Brisbane, we've found two hotels we happily return to time and again.
As you can see, there's an incredible amount to see and do in Brisbane, the sunny capital of Queensland. This buzzing city genuinely surprised us. Feeling inspired too? Tap the hearts above on your favourites and download your very own Brisbane list — or go ahead and start discovering this fantastic Australian city for yourself.