Brisbane

Queen Street Mall

This street, which crosses the CBD from the river to river, is the main east / west street that cuts through the city centre and also the heart and meeting place of Brisbane. Part of it is pedestrianised and is the main shopping location in the city. Along it's route, you can find several covered areas, space for musicians, all the high street shops you could want, the visitor information centre, and many historical buildings. It is also the location of many of the cities events.

See or Climb Story Bridge

An icon of Brisbane, this bridge spans the river on the eastern side of the city and should be on your list to take a look and snap a few photos. Completed in 1940, is steel structure is impressive in it's nature and you may want to consider a walk along it to get a bit of height and views of the CBD. For an exciting view of the bridge and city, you can hook yourself on and climb up the bridge - search for the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Nearby, underneath the bridge are the Howard Smith Wharves drinking and dining area (See below) and, beyond the bridge, you can find the riverwalk (also below).

Southbank Parklands

Southbank is just over the bridge from the CBD and is home to many state institutions - QAGOMA, State Library, Qld Art Gallery, Qld Museum, Performing arts centres (see below) - and the parklands along the river front have attractions such as the observation Wheel of Brisbane and a man made beach which you can swim in. It is a lovely green space great for wandering along, has plenty of good options for a meal and has some nice features such as the Nepalese Pagoda and The Arbour - a kilometre long contemporary flowered walkway.

Mt Coot-tha

This lookout point is a well loved spot for overlooking Brisbane, particularly at sunset, where a spectacular view can be found. Just a twenty minute drive West of the CBD, you will find a visitor centre at the top with a restaurant and cafe. There are walking trails and waterfalls around, mountain biking opportunities and, for a longer visit to the area, the botanical garden and planetarium at the base (see below for details) are definitely worth checking out. There is a public bus (no 471) that runs to the top every hour.

Get On The River

The Brisbane river meanders majestically around the CBD as it flows towards the ocean. Getting onto the river is therefore a great way to see the city. There are a few ways to do this. The free City Hopper runs from North Quay to Sydney Street in New Farm, every 30mins. Paid public transport is more frequent and allows you to go a little further - to the University of Queensland in St Lucia, east, and to Northshore in Hamilton to the west (at Eat Street - see below) - using the city cats ferries. The third option is a river boat tour, with lots of types available. One will take you to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (see below), whilst others do various routes and packages.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Out near Mt Coot-tha, this is the most impressive of Brisbane's botanic gardens and described as "Queensland premier subtropical botanic garden". Constructed at the foot of the hill and covering 56 hectares, the garden features several themed areas, a tropical dome, waterfalls, a Japanese garden and a fern house. There is also a children's playground. You can take a bus to reach the garden in under thirty minutes. Consider combining the visit with the adjacent Planetarium (see below) and the lookout at the top of Mt Coot-tha (see above).

Howard Smith Wharves

Directly under the iconic Story Bridge, these historic 1930's wharves have been lovingly converted into a great riverside entertainment district for dining and drinking. Spread across several buildings, this area is just a short walk from the CBD and joins onto the Brisbane Riverwalk (see above).

The Riverwalk

This winding walkway hovers above the river water as it twists it's way along the Brisbane river beside the edge of New Farm. It runs from the bottom of the peninsula that New farm sits on and heads north to end at the Story Bridge. You get great views of the city. Consider taking a boat or bus to get to New Farm and then walk back to the city. Cycles are also accommodated.

City Botanic Gardens

These historic gardens lay at the bottom of the peninsula that the Brisbane CBD occupies and is worth an exploration to enjoy the park and check out some of it's notable features. Whilst being nothing spectacular in comparison to botanic gardens in other capital cities (and arguably it's sister attraction near Mt Coot-tha) it does have a great spot alongside the river, many impressive weeping fig trees, a canon, bamboo garden, ornamental ponds and maybe the odd lizard hanging about.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Lone Pine is a sanctuary with a strong focus on housing Koala's but they have plenty of other assorted Australian wildlife to view too. Whilst this may sound similar to any other wildlife attraction in Australia, Lone Pine is different in that it gives the opportunity to get up close and touch a Koala (But not to hold - they don't do that anymore). Additional fees apply for this experience ($35+). You can also have a photo with a Dingo or Snake, or feed Kangaroos. Rarer animals on display include Cassowary and Platypus.

Sunset Food and Drinks

Brisbane's sub-tropical air and permanently sunny weather make it ideal to relax and dine or drink outside. You will find it hard to walk around without feeling like joining the locals who take delight in enjoying the evening sipping by the river or on a rooftop. There are spots in many locations along the river. Howard Smiths Wharves are a newer addition (see below). Southbank and Fortitude Valley also have plenty of options.

GOMA

The Gallery Of Modern Art is Queenlands most prominent contemporary art museum. It is located within the cultural centre alongside the Queenland Art Gallery, Queensland museum and state library. Opened in 2006, this gallery is the largest of it's type in Australia and features permanent and temporary exhibits by contemporary artists from around the world, including first nations people. A children's art centre and a cinema are also housed in the building, alongside two restaurants and a shop.

Roma Street Parklands

This well designed park sits just north of the CBD, stretching from close to City Hall and up the hillside behind Roma Street Train Station. Inside you will find the historic windmill (see above), the spectacle garden, enchanted garden, an ornamental pond and a small amphitheatre that holds events.

Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park

This lesser known park is interesting due to the cliffs that gives it it's name, the modern sculptures and for the wonderful views of the city. The cliffs were created when the rock was quarried out long ago by convicts. Now it leaves an impressive wall that can be rock climbed or abseiled (see below) as you take in the views of the city from the parks advantageous location. Kayaking is also available for a lower water level view of the city.

Farmers Markets

There are plenty of markets that pop up throughout the city on a regular schedule and they are worth seeking out to enjoy the local Queensland food on offer. The easiest to access is the Brisbane City Market which opens on Wednesday and Thursday morning to lunch time. Jan Powers markets are well known in Brisbane and there are three locations with the one at Powerhouse in New Farm being the easiest to reach. For handcrafted gifts, clothing, art and street food, try The Collective Market in Southbank (on Friday night and all day on weekends), the Riverside Sunday Markets in the botanic gardens in the CBD or The Brisbane Twilight Market.

Brisbane Arcade

This historic shopping arcade is on Queens Street Mall (see above), so it's hard to miss. Opened in 1923, it's period design and the boutique shops that occupy are well worth a look as you explore the city centre.

Castlemaine Brewery

XXXX is synonymous with Queensland, and they have been brewing it for 140+ years. You can learn all about the method of the making, the history of the brewing, and get a tasting session included, by taking this 90min long tour that operates at selected times from Fridays to Sundays - book ahead. To get there, simply take a train to Milton station, or walk for about 2km from Southbank or City Hall.

Fortitude Valley

The Valley is an entertainment district known for Brunswick street, which is partially pedestrianised, and full of restaurants, bars and shops. This is a busy area with lots of activity, including live music. You will find Chinatown (see above) just a block away from Brunswick street, which gives an idea of the multi-cultural aspect of the area, with lots of cheap dining options. James street, further east, is more upmarket and has wine bars an expensive shops.
Come here for nightlife, weekend jaunts, the cafe brunch lifestyle and local shopping.

Australia Zoo

North of Brisbane, and pretty much on the Sunshine Coast, is this charming and rather unique zoo, which gets that reputation from the man who built the place - the late and great Steve Irwin. His stamp is all over it, as well as his face, and you can go there to enjoy a relaxing and exciting day whilst being wowed by the incredible crocodile show inside the "Crocoseum", watch Tigers leap into the air for food, and see loads of native and non-native wildlife on display. To get there, it takes up to two hours on public transport via train and a courtesy zoo bus. It will be a little over an hour if you can drive or take a tour bus called the Croc Express.

Queensland Art Gallery

Established in 1895, this state gallery is housed in the Queensland cultural centre, designed in 1982, and sitting alongside GOMA (See above), Queensland museum and the state library. The gallery houses a collection of traditional and modern paintings and sculptures by Australian (including Aboriginal and Queenslander), Asian and International artists along with temporary exhibitions. There is a cafe and a shop inside. There is a children's art centre located in the same building as GOMA.

Sunshine Coast

An hour or so drive north of Brisbane is the laid back holiday region of the Sunshine coast. On the way there you will pass the Glass House mountains and Australia Zoo (see below) and when you get there, you will find a collection of small coastal towns that offer beaches, strolls along foreshores and whale watching along with an assortment of small attractions. The final town is the best - Noosa - which is more up market, has the best beach, a delightful coastal walk through a forest (with a chance to see wild Koala's) and plenty of tourist amenities. Eumundi markets are definitely worth checking out too, as is the hinterland. Using a car is easiest, but public transport is possible.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast lives and breathes tourism and it's only a short way down the coast from Brisbane. Here you will find three major theme parks and a water park (see below), a very well developed and built up city which centres around Surfers Paradise, a fantastic coastline, massively tall buildings, and a plethora of tourist centred attractions, bars, restaurants and shops. The hinterland is also worth a day.
You can now get there in under two hours from Brisbane via the train to Helensvale station before boarding a tram, or drive in 1hr 20min.

Theme Parks

Three theme parks and two water parks are located an hour or so south of Brisbane on the Gold Coast. Each of them are better than any other park that Australia has to offer. Warner Bros Movie World focuses on movie themed rides and attractions, with characters like DC superheroes and Looney Tunes. Big rollercoasters are the main draw here. Sea World also has rollercoasters and rides, plus all manner of aquatic animals. Wet and Wild is a less well themed but action packed water park. All three are owned by the same company so you can buy a multi day pass. Dreamworld is a theme park with a mixture of rollercoasters, rides and animal attractions. They also have a decent water park called White Water World.

Glass House Mountains

North of Brisbane, at the entrance to the Sunshine Coast, and near to Australia Zoo, is this relatively small but remarkable area which features 11 different mini mountains, spread across a beautiful green landscape. It's a great place to go for a day trip to drive up to the lookout and perhaps hike up one of the rocky mountains that seem like they have popped out of the ground at random. Driving is easiest, since there is little public transport beyond the train that can get you there.

Queensland Museum

Also located in the Southbank cultural centre, this museum is the states museum of natural history, science and culture. Home to permanent and temporary exhibits, you can find dinosaurs, taxidermy, ANZAC history, and Sparklab, which is all about science.

Whale Watching

Humpback whales migrate up the coast of Australia and past Brisbane from June to November and Brisbane makes a decent location to take a trip to spot them. 'Brisbane Whale Watching' and 'Tangalooma Island Resort' offer the tours, with the later giving time on Moreton Island as well. If you are really fortunate, you will see the whales breaching the water in spectacular fashion. You may also get the chance to see dolphins, dugong or other impressive species.

Eat Street Northshore

This fun outdoor dining and shopping experience is a night market that's built from shipping containers and filled with live music. Located by the river and about a 45min train or boat ride from the CBD, or a 15min drive, it is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and features over 70 shops and street food stalls, plus five bars.

Planetarium

This planetarium's main attraction is the sky dome, which is used to project different shows that are played throughout the day. There is also a space themed display to check out as well as Skylore, a display on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander astronomy. Entry is free but tickets for the shows are paid. The planetarium is located directly adjacent to the botanic garden (see above) and close to the lookout at the top of Mt Coot-tha, so consider combining these for a great day out.

Day Tours and Activities

In addition to those mentioned, there are the following tours or activities available - Brisbane Greeters, Walking tours, Kayaking on the river, Feeding dolphins or Quad biking dunes on Moreton island, visit Lady Elliot Island, take a scenic Helicopter flight, Tour wineries or take a horse ride through a winery, V8 or rally driving experience, Fraser Island 4x4 tour, Camel farm and ride, Food tour, Harley motorbike tour, National Park tours, Byron Bay and Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast day tours, tours to various islands, and Segway tours. See the Tips section below for links to all these tours.

Museum of Brisbane

This museum, housed within the impressive city hall, has exhibits on Brisbane's art, culture and history, including some interesting temporary exhibits. Book in advance if you would like a free tour of city hall or the clock tower (where you can ride to the top in a cage lift).