Brisbane

Treasury Building / Casino

This magnificent 1886 built building in the CBD used to be Queensland's treasury and is now Brisbane's 24hr casino. It houses the gaming floor, hotel, five restaurants and five bars. The casino also includes a separate building, the former Lands Administration building, which is located further south, on the other side of Queens gardens. The casino is being relocated and expanded with a massive development further south that is currently under construction and growing ever taller and will feature a rooftop 'skydeck' garden, dozens of shops and restaurants, and a new pedestrian bridge over the river. This is expected to begin opening in 2023.

Moreton Bay Islands

Moreton island is a sparsely populated national park island with sand dunes (for sandboarding), stunning beaches and the Tangalooma wrecks - purposely sunk ships that create a great area for snorkelling. 4wd vehicle (with permit) is needed to explore, unless you are happy to hike.
North Stradbroke is more developed due to it's mining history and has sealed roads with 3 settlements - Point Lookout has fish and chips, cafes, shops and resorts. This island also has great beaches and diving available. Both islands offer opportunity to see Dugongs, Whales and sharks. St Helena is a tiny island with tours available to look at it's convict history. Various ferries visit all three.

Explore a National Park

There are some fantastic national parks right on Brisbane's doorstep and easy to explore in a day or longer. Hike up mountains, wander through ancient world heritage listed rainforests, explore pristine beaches or dip into a pool at the bottom of a waterfall.

Rock Climbing Kangaroo Point

Brisbane is rather unique in having the opportunity to do a spot of rock climbing or abseiling so close to the city centre and with the river and the city skyline as your backdrop. Taking place on Kangaroo point cliffs, which were a former quarry, the climbing is relatively easy compared to other more natural formations, and is therefore a good place to start for those with no experience.

Chinatown

A single block of Duncan street in Fortitude Valley, just a 20min walk from the CBD or 5min walk from Story bridge, is Brisbane's Chinatown. It is the place to go for Yum Cha and other Chinese food and goods, see the Chinese overlay on the buildings and to grab a picture of the Chinese gates at the entry. One block over is the main street of Fortitude Valley, Brunswick Street (see below).

QUT

At QUT's campus at the southern end of the CBD, you can find three attractions. Old Government House is a historic building, Queensland first government house, and houses a gallery of artist William Robinson's work on the first floor. The QUT Art Museum is a contemporary art gallery that is also housed in a heritage building. Finally, The Cube, is billed as one of the world's largest digital interactive displays an allows collaboration with researches in the areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Anzac Square

Anzac square and memorial gardens sits directly opposite Central Train Station and features the state war memorial, shrine of remembrance and eternal flame. The Anzac square galleries, sitting below the site, are an interactive exhibit about Queensland's military history from world war one to the present. The galleries are closed on Saturdays. A free guided tour is available on Wednesdays.

Spirits Of The Red Sand

Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum is home to a collection of historical buildings and experiences with a decent focus on Aboriginal culture. By day you can visit to explore all this history and visit the cafe and gift shop. The evening experience, Spirits Of The Red Sand, consists of an Aboriginal theatre, song and dance performance, telling the story of an Aboriginal family, and accompanied by a three course meal. This immersive event will allow you to appreciate the history and beauty of the oldest culture in the world. Located south of the city and half way to the Gold Coast, it will take around 1 hour via public transport or 45min driving.

Maritime Museum

This museum focus on maritime history and includes the HMS Diamantina and some smaller vessels that you can explore alongside other permanent and temporary exhibits. The museum is located at the southern end of Southbank, on the river, and where the contemporary Goodwill pedestrian bridge joins from the CBD.

State Library

This contemporarily designed library has some interesting spaces and views, so it's worth visiting for the building itself. It is mostly about the books but includes some exhibitions that generally focus on the history of Queensland. There is also a cafe, a shop and things for kids to do.

Paddington

This neighbourhood is just a short walk or bus ride north west of the CBD and Roma Street Station. There's a lot of history here seen in the many quaint shops and houses. Come for an explore to grab brunch or enjoy the boutique shopping.

Fish Lane, South Brisbane

Leading away from Southbank (where the parklands and museums are located - see above), you can find Fish Lane. This laneway is dotted with art, popular dining options, and good places for drinks. Keep a lookout for the impressive street art.

Commissariat Store Museum

This museum, located on the riverbank (but sadly obscured by the highway and overshadowed by the adjacent casino construction) is in an interesting structure and dedicated to the history of Queensland. It is the oldest habitable building in Queensland and can be visited to look at the historic building itself and the displays inside. The exhibits are rotated and changed, so take a look at their website for the details of what's on.

Customs House

This grand heritage building used to deal with customs and excise duties for the colony. There are some limited public areas of the building you can check out, plus a restaurant on the river front side of the building, but the main draw is the exterior architecture.

Brisbane Powerhouse

This historic 1920's tram power station is now an arts centre and events space with loads of plays, concerts and shows scheduled. There are also two restaurants. The site is located on the river and adjacent to New Farm park. Getting there will take up to 30min on a boat or bus.

West End

The West End is another cool suburb that's worth wandering around to explore all the shops and dining options. West End Markets are held in Davies Park on Saturdays. Get there with a short us ride or a 2km walk from Southbank.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Whilst you can't take a balloon ride near the city centre itself, you can get in one and ride high into the sky in the nearby scenic rim, from Ipswich, where you can get great views of the region and Great Dividing Range. The Gold Coast also has some options. Usually the flights take off early and include breakfast, with champagne if you desire.

Old Windmill

Just up the road from City Hall is an historic convict built windmill, dating from 1828. It's position was a failure in capturing the wind, so rather grimly, they decided to punish the convicts by using them to turn it's wheels. It is only open on rare occasions, but it's located within a park so you are free to go and take a look.

Parliament House

Another heritage building is Parliament House, which you can take a tour of the see the history and democracy on display. The tours are free and operate during the week only. No booking required.

St John's Cathedral

This heritage listed catholic church is located just east of the CBD and worth a look for it's gothic revival architecture. The limestone built building features stained glass and wooden carvings.

Blackcard Cultural Tour

Blackcard offer a 90min Aboriginal cultural walking tour that stops at the Museum of Brisbane, King George square and Roma Street parklands. "Immerse yourself in a rich cultural experience where along the way you’ll discover some hidden installations in Meanjin (Brisbane City)".

Watch Some Sport

Sports are celebrated in Brisbane just as much as anywhere else in Australia. Rugby, AFL, Cricket and soccer are all played here. The Gabba is the best known stadium and is well worth a visit if there is something on during your trip - cricket and AFL. The Suncorp stadium hosts the rugby and soccer. Tennis also has a place as Brisbane hosts the ATP tour in the leadup to the Australian Open.
Sport is set to expand further as Brisbane is due to host the 2032 Olympic games, with the Gabba being the main athletics arena.

Boggo Road Gaol

This heritage listed prison used to be the largest in Queensland and has a notorious reputation. You can take a guided tour to learn about the history, stories, the building and more. Several tour options are available, including tours run by former officers and prisoners, ghost tours and live re-enactments. You can reach the gaol via an easy 15min train ride to the nearby Park Road Station.

Historic Houses

There are two historic houses to check out in Brisbane, Newstead Historic House and Miegunyah House museum, which are both walking distance away from each other just east of the CBD. Outside of the city you can also find Wolston Farmhouse and Ormiston House. All are heritage listed and constructed in the mid 1800's. They have limited opening hours, so check the website of any you want to visit.

Fort Lytton

This historical fort is protected by national park status. It consists of multiple exhibits and fortifications. It was built in 1881 and operational until the end of world war 2. You can explore on your own or with a guided tour. Sometimes they have re-enactments and canon firing - check their website for details. Open only on Sundays and public holidays. To get there will take a 25min drive. Public transport does not reach the location due it being surrounded by an industrial area.

Visit Coochiemudlo Island

This tiny island is only five square kilometers in size but well populated. It's small enough taht you can walk the entire island and explore it's many beaches. There are three dining options and public bbq's. Take the ferry here for a half or full day and you will discover a nice little island to relax on. Accommodation available. Boats and other water sport equipment hire (SUP, kayak, etc) available from Coochie Boat hire. Access to the island is via ferry from Victoria Point. The bus takes around 1.5hr from Brisbane.

Queensland Police Museum

On the ground floor of Queensland's police headquarters you can find a museum with 25 displays on the history of policing in the state. Open Monday through Thursday, it is surprisingly engaging and makes good use of fake crime scenes and historic pieces like a police motorbike.

Brisbane Tramway Museum

This museum showcases the trams that are now long gone and were used in Brisbane from from 1897 until 1969. They have a small track amount of track laid out, so you there is an opportunity to take a ride. They only open on Sunday afternoons. It is located on the western fringe of the city and is easily reached with a 1hr train ride or a 30min drive from the CBD.

Army Museum South Queensland

This museum is housed in Victoria barracks that were first opened in 1864 and exhibits the history of British, Colonial Armies and the Australian Army in South Queensland. Entry is via a guided tour on selected days (usually Wednesday's). It is located just a stones throw away from Roma Street Train Station. Another military focused museum, Fort Lytton (see above), may also be of interest.

Telstra Museum

This museum deals with the history of telecommunications and involves working manual and automatic phone exchanges, Morse code sets and working pairs of teleprinters. Visitors are guided through the exhibition by volunteers who used to work in the industry. Opens on Wednesday's, 9am to 2pm. Entry is free but donations welcome. Located north of the CBD, it requires a 30min train / walk or bus ride to get there.