🗺 Tourism Information
Overshadowed by the other 3 major cities in Australia, (Sydney, Melbourne and Perth), Brisbane is growing as a popular destination for both leisure and business as it enjoys glorious weather year round with a modern infrastructure and plenty of options to see and do on your trip.
Located within the state of Queensland, it is widely recognised as the country's holiday playground. Nicknamed the 'Sunshine State', it is known for its hot weather, glorious coastlines and, in particular, the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Beyond Brisbane, the coastline is known as the Gold Coast. Here you can swim and surf all year round, along the 70km of coastline. Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland. Brisbane boasts some world-class attractions too, such as the iconic Story Bridge and the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the world, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where lucky visitors can feed, pet and hold the lovable koalas.
Don’t miss the opportunity to include Brisbane in your next holiday to Australia!
Brisbane Street Beach is must see place right in the centre, enjoy a swim anytime of the year! Comment from Author: Many people had told me that there is not much to see in Brisbane. However I was happily surprised to see that there is much more to see and do at a first glance. It might seem a modern metropolis with many new buildings and office blocks taking over the skyline, but when you look closer there are many leisure and green spaces within the city where you can enjoy a nice walk, tasty food and lots of seating areas. Brisbane has a river which divides the city and makes it quite unique to travel along it and see the sights aboard the connecting ferries. There are many vantage points to see in Brisbane, most free of charge and if you travel a little further you can also reach the Golden coast which is heaven for those loving soft sands and surfing. Brisbane is a very comfortable and safe city to travel within and there is always good options to eat depending on your budget, from local restaurants and pubs to all different types of international cuisines, with Asian being the favourite. I would recommend not to miss this city as you travel around Australia and take a few days to enjoy its city culture, scenery and relax by its beaches on the Golden Coast!
Brisbane is situated in a great location, which enjoys sunny weather year round. Most of the time, you will experience blue sky clear days with abundant sunshine, so brining sun protection is essential no matter when you visit. During the Summer (December to March) the sun can get quite hot here and temperatures can easily reach in the high 30’s. Sunglasses, hats and drinking plenty of water is advised to stay cool and avoid getting any heat related issues. During this time, it’s also best to do more nature activities, beach and scenery, rather than the city which can get very hot during the day. However, in the evening its pleasant to be out and the humidity is not high so you won’t be sweating.
During the Winter, Spring and Autumn, temperatures stay relatively moderate and only range a few degrees colder in Winter which rarely seems Brisbane going below 10C. There is an average temperature oscillation of about 10 C during Winter but not as much during the rest of the year.
Rains do happen occasionally, with high winds and clouds also bringing in colder temperatures.
Arriving at Brisbane can be done directly by international flights flying from Asia and the Middle East. Plenty of domestic cities connect Brisbane with the rest of Australia daily and flying from Sydney is only about an hour flight or 2 hours from Melbourne.
Once landed, you can take the fast train which connects both terminals, domestic and international to the city centre in only 30 min. Tickets can be bought using cards and smartphones with contactless services. Trains take you to the Central Station or Roma Station which offer most onward connections to your hotel or accommodation.
Once in the city Brisbane is well served by public transport, busses, trains and ferries are the major modes used and only cost 0.50 AUD to ride with free transfers for one hour. Again you can pay with your cards or smartphones, so there is no need to buy a transport card.
Other ways of travelling to Brisbane within Australia are by national rail or bus. Times are significantly longer, but can be an interesting option if you are on a budget. Busses are operated by Greyhound Australia and take 17 Hours from Sydney.
Below you can check/ download the transport maps for Brisbane:
The transport is efficient and very cheap! Brisbane flanks both sides of the Brisbane River, with a number of iconic bridges spanning the river and a fun system of ferries to travel around on the water. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. Additionally, it’s one of the greenest cities in the country, with lots of beautiful parks and botanic gardens to explore, making it a great spot if you enjoy getting outside in nature. Below you will find the highlights of what to see and do in Brisbane:
South Bank Parklands is a must-do while in Brisbane. This sprawling riverside district is home to pubs, restaurants, rainforest walks, barbecues and picnic areas. The area is a vibrant hub for a variety of festivals and events, everything from street food festivals to the renowned Riverfire festival. There is always something happening at South Bank.
South Bank Parklands is also home to the iconic Streets Beach, a man-made beach in the heart of the city. It is complete with crystal-clear lagoons and sandy shores. There are even water play areas and lifeguards, making Streets Beach the perfect day out for families.
There is so much more to explore at South Bank Parklands, from cool art installations to lush gardens and endless spots to grab a bite. South Bank really has something for everyone!
Right in the centre, you can enjoy a good swim! 
It's free to access! 
Clear waters and lifeguards at hand, make it a safe family must see. The West End is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Brisbane. It’s a thriving area filled with incredible restaurants, coffee shops, farmers’ markets, fitness studios, and more.
One of the most relaxing experiences is at Soak Bathhouse. A modern Australian bathhouse with magnesium-rich mineral pools, hot spas, cold plunges, and cedarwood saunas. You can also book a private spa service, like a well-needed massage. West End is famous for its various fitness studios, from Pilates to hot yoga. The neighbourhood is also walkable, so you don’t need a car or public transit to easily meander around.
If you’re someone who loves art, then you must explore the local street art. There is also loads of shops, from exclusive designer boutiques to local Australian shops.
Eat Street Northshore: is a popular weekend market in Brisbane. It features over 70 food stalls, live music, and a lively atmosphere within a large venue constructed from recycled shipping containers. It operates on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 PM to 10 PM and Sundays from 4 PM to 9 PM, with a A$6 entry fee per person. Visitors can access the market via the CityCat ferry to the Northshore Hamilton Ferry Terminal or by driving to Macarthur Avenue for the free car park.
From Fish&Chips to Asian or Mexican, there is plenty to eat! 
Original stalls for snacks and any cravings you desire can be found! 
There is also live music at weekends! Brisbane CBD: Brisbane’s CBD is well worth spending a couple of hours exploring, especially if you’re into architecture, shopping and/or street art. Some of the best places to check out in the city centre include the Old Windmill, which is the oldest surviving convict-built structure in Queensland, the ANZAC Square memorial and gallery, the Brisbane City Hall Clock Tower (which you can actually go on a tour of inside), the Museum of Brisbane, the Queen Street Mall if you want to do some shopping and St Stephen’s Cathedral.
The ANZAC Square 
Brisbane Cathedral 
You will also find plenty of shops and malls in the CBD. The City Botanic Gardens in Brisbane’s Central Business District is a large city park full of meandering trails, unique flora, and beautiful scenery everywhere you look. The gardens are just off Alice Street or can be accessed from the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge.
The City Botanic Gardens are a great place for anyone to come to and enjoy a wide range of activities, whether that be simply strolling down one of the many trails, exercising, enjoying a family picnic, or bird watching. There is also a fun Sunday Market in the gardens where vendors sell a wide range of items from arts and crafts to jewellery. Don’t forget to grab a snack and freshly brewed coffee while walking around the market.
The Botanical Gardens offer many trails, unique flora, and beautiful scenery 
Only a 10 min walk from the CBD! Brisbane River: Since the city is sprawled out on either side of the winding Brisbane River, there are many spots to enjoy this river. Anytime you catch a ferry to other parts of the city you’ll be able to enjoy the views, or you could choose to do a special sightseeing river cruise with lunch if you want to learn more about the river as you go. You can also do special experiences like kayaking on the river, kayaking on the river at night or even a sunset jet ski tour!
There are many spots to enjoy this river. 
Views from the SkyDeck (The Star Hotel) 
Catch a ferry and enjoy the views and the night breeze! 
Story Bridge is a main sight to go under when you explore the river! Mount Coot Submit and its’ Botanical Gardens: The Submit and the gardens are located about 8 km west of the city centre and have free entry. You can drive and park in the free parking available, but you can also go by bus. You just catch bus number 471 from near the city hall, and ride for about 30 minutes. The bus continues to the Coot submit, so you can choose in which order to do the stops, but most people like watching the sunset at the submit naturally. It gets most busy on weekends. (note that the busses stop running after 6pm at weekends).
The gardens themselves are beautiful, including a tropical dome, a Japanese garden, rainforests, a lake, and a cactus house. You can see various birds, lizards, frogs, and even snakes. The gardens are open from 8am to 6pm September to March, and 8am to 5pm April to August.
Mount Coot gets busy at evenings to watch the sunset. 
It's the best location to watch a panoramic view of Brisbane. Want to get out of town for the day? Brisbane is surrounded by fascinating destinations to discover. Take your pick of coastal cities, island getaways and hinterland mountains topped with lush forests. Some of the most notable highlights include:
Gold Coast: Located, 80 Km from Brisbane, the glitzy Gold Coast, attracts plenty of pint-sized thrill seekers keen to spend a day at one of its theme parks. But it's not just kids who will enjoy the region. With a thriving food scene, great shopping, pumping nightlife and even a well-established health and wellness offering, it's easy to see why "the Goldie" is a favourite getaway spot. You can sign up for a surf lesson along the iconic beachfront with Get Wet Surf School before relaxing at one of the Gold Coast's best day spas or restaurants.
Redcliffe: Located 45 min North of Brisbane, this coastal city lies between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, has one big musical claim to fame: it’s where the Gibb brothers, of Bee Gees fame, spent part of their childhood in the 1950s and signed their first music contract. The city pays homage to the stars with Bee Gees Way, a 70-metre (230-foot) long multimedia walkway that's free and open day and night. The walkway runs between Sutton Street and the waterfront Redcliffe Parade (stroll along the promenade to enjoy views of Moreton Island). Redcliffe is also a spectacular seafood destination. For something more adventurous, you can hire a boat or jet ski from Boab Boats for a day cruising the waters of Moreton Bay.
Moreton Island: located 40 kilometres off the coast of Brisbane. You can take the 75-minute ferry to reach the island. It is a favourite day trip for Queenslanders, but don't rule out an overnight adventure. Those who love four-wheel driving can ferry their vehicles to the island and explore the bush and beach tracks. Those who prefer modern comforts can head to Tangalooma Island Resort, which offers a variety of activities, including quad biking, kayaking, parasailing and scenic flights. Snorkelling or diving the partially-submerged Tangalooma Wrecks that lie just offshore is also popular. The island is home to an interior desert with soaring sand dunes offering a hefty dose of adrenaline-inducing activity.
Scenic Rim: Located about an 1.5-hour drive south-west of Brisbane. If photogenic mountains are your thing, head to the Scenic Rim in the Gold Coast hinterland. Known as Australia's Green Cauldron, these lush mountains were once a volcanic hotspot. Choose from over a dozen trails that take you to breathtaking lookouts, rock pools and rainforest gorges. It’s also possible to see the area by Hot Air Balloon.
One key place to head for Night entertainment, live music and bars is Fortitude Valley. Home to Australia’s largest live music precinct, the streets around come alive long after dark with the sound of live bands and pumping nightclubs.
Or if you’re looking for places to dine, find the culinary action over at Howard Smith Wharves, Fish Lane, or Eat Street Northshore. There are also many rooftop bars for a cocktail, while looking over a sea of twinkling lights or get lost down an alleyway lined with boutique bars for a cheeky whisky or sophisticated wine bar. You can also cruise the Brisbane River under the stars on a CityCat. Make a stop at the dining precincts of South Bank, Eagle Street (Riverside), Racecourse Road (Brett's Wharf), or New Farm.
For a free ride between North Quay, Brisbane City and Sydney Street, New Farm, catch a CityHopper (KittyCat). Services run every 36 minutes from 5.30 to midnight, Sunday to Thursday, and later on Friday and Saturday nights.
Eat Street, is a perfect place for evening fun, eat, listen to music and drink! 
Brisbane Southbank Parklands come alight at night! The City is home to Brisbane’s largest open-air shopping mall, Queen Street Mall. This shopping destination is home to over 500 retailers, ranging from international and luxury brands to local and high street designers. With six major shopping centres and heritage-listed arcades to explore, it’s a shopping experience like no other.
Fortitude Valley plays host to a haven of local designers and high-end fashion on lush tree-lined James Street, whereas Latrobe Terrace in Paddington is best for homewares, books, and vintage finds. In the suburb of Bulimba is Oxford Street with quaint village charm and is perfect for a brunch and browsing session, while in West End, you'll find the luxe boutiques of West Village and eclectic street.
Thanks to the size of the city not being so big, its not hard to find plenty of accommodation options suitable for all budgets. Along the river and downtown you will find most of the best Hotels and boutique hotels which offer the high standards and services with good views across the city. If you are looking for something more affordable, there are many independent hotels and motels which offer private or shared rooms and are still located within 10 to 15 min travel time to the centre. On a budget expect to pay around 70 AUD for Private Double rooms.
If you are coming to Brisbane for the first time, it would be best to combine the Gold Coast as well, due to the proximity to Brisbane. You can make the most of both city and a beach trip. Staying 2 to 3 nights in Brisbane and explore the city on foot, taking the ferry and visiting some of the local cultural places would be enough to complete your day and get a general view of the city. It can get quite hot here, so if visiting during the Summer, it might be best to stroll along the city in the evening and visit galleries, museums and take trips during the sunny time.
