Queensland, also known as the “Sunshine State,” is home to Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city (after Sydney and Melbourne). As befits a place endowed with pleasant temperatures throughout the year, residents and visitors enjoy a wide range of outdoor pursuits. The Brisbane River, which winds through the city’s heart before reaching the ocean, is the site of many of these activities.
Besides its pleasant year-round temperature and abundance of fun things to do, Brisbane also boasts a thriving restaurant and bar scene. The city has a beautiful Gallery of Modern Art and many other theatres and music venues, contributing to the city’s thriving arts and cultural sector. Besides being a significant tourist attraction in its own right, Brisbane is also a jumping-off point for trips to the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. When you travel to Brisbane, make the most out of your trip by exploring the best places to see.
The top places to see in Brisbane
- Mount Coot-tha Lookout
Mount Coot-tha, which stands at the height of 287 meters and is referred to as the “Place of Honey” in the local indigenous language, is the highest peak in the region. It is a great area to go hiking because it is covered in thick rainforest. Although several routes and trails wind their way up the mountainside, most visitors drive up to the peak.
You’ll find a lovely viewing platform and a kiosk perched atop the mount. From the kiosk, you can grab a bite to eat or something to drink, and from the platform, you can take in one of the most breathtaking views of Brisbane and the area around it. It is called the Lookout, and it is open throughout the day. Because of this, it is well worth getting up early to watch the dawn break over the city, or it is well worth arriving later in the day to see the breathtaking sunset.
- South Bank Parklands
The South Bank Parklands, which are situated directly over the river from the Central Business District of Brisbane, are regarded as one of the most popular places to see in the city by both locals and visitors. Everything from fountains and public squares to cafes, restaurants, and little market stalls selling local artwork and crafts can be tucked away in the mesmerizing landscape of the park, which features a captivating combination of well-kept lawns and dense jungle.
The enchanting Nepal Peace Pagoda and the Courier Mail Piazza, which organizes various entertaining and free activities, may be found tucked away among the many other attractions in this area. In addition to all of these things, the South Bank Parklands are home to Streets Beach, a fantastic lagoon created by humans, the Grand Arbour, which is covered in bougainvillea, and a delightful riverfront promenade that offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding city. Because there is constantly so much going on, the atmosphere is almost always very active. When in Brisbane, you certainly shouldn’t miss the opportunity to go there.
- Roma Street Parkland
This lovely park, which can be found tucked away among the numerous big structures and towers of the city, is one of the best places to see, unwind and rest in. The Roma Street Parkland has a lot of dense rainforests, ferns, and water features, and it is reminiscent of Central Park in New York City. It is the largest subtropical garden in a city center in the world, and it is located in the heart of Roma.
It was a train station before it was converted into a park in 2001. Throughout the recreational areas, themed gardens may be seen coexisting with amenities such as playgrounds, exercise stations, and BBQ facilities. The wild yet landscaped gardens provide a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city for both locals and visitors alike. The gardens are very peaceful to wander around.
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Have you ever had the urge to pet a koala? At the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, you will have the opportunity to fulfill a desire you have had since childhood. You may also get up and personal with more than seventy species of cute Australian animals. During feeding, you can give kangaroos and kookaburras food from your hand, laugh along with the kookaburras, and watch as swarms of rainbow lorikeets descend from the sky. This small sanctuary is located on the Brisbane River, and it is home to a variety of native Australian animals, including snakes, wallabies, dingoes, wombats, and even crocodiles.
Animal enthusiasts are kept interested by the keeper’s talks and participatory demonstrations. Some daily contacts and activities include flight displays of birds of prey, feedings of dolphins, keeper talks about Tasmanian devils, and meetings with barn animals. It should come as no surprise that paying a visit to this well-known destination in Brisbane is one of the most recommended things to do in Brisbane with the kids. A photograph of you embracing a koala is the quintessential gift, but you may also get your picture taken with a dingo or a snake as a memento of your visit.
- Sightsee on a River Cruise
A river cruise is, without a doubt, one of the top ways to take in the sights and sounds of Brisbane. The Brisbane River cuts right through the middle of the city, and along its banks are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, all wanting your attention. The Story Bridge, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and even some of the local fauna, like as the fruit bats that assemble along the wetlands on the riverbank, can all be seen from this vantage point, which makes it an excellent opportunity to acquire a new perspective on some of Brisbane’s most famous monuments.
After getting a birds-eye perspective of the city from the sea, it will be much easier for you to orient yourself and decide where in the city you want to spend most of your time during your visit.
River City Cruises is responsible for operating some of the most well-known tours. The cruises can last anywhere from 90 minutes in the morning or afternoon to longer trips that include sunset sails. The Cruise to Lunch Package, which lasts for three and a half hours, is an excellent option. While you sip your Devonshire tea and take in the glistening river views, your guide will regale you with intriguing tales about Brisbane’s past and point out significant landmarks in the city.
Kookaburra River Queens’ has the perfect setting for high tea, lunch, and evening cruises, all of which can be booked through the company. Do you prefer to act as your captain? Electric picnic boats are available for rent from GoBoat Brisbane. There is no requirement for a boat license, and picnic tables are a part of the package.
- Queen Street Mall
Need to satisfy that shopping itch? Your pocketbook will get a good workout in the bustling mall that is Queen Street. More than 700 stores displaying local, national, and international styles and labels call this renowned shopping center in Brisbane’s CBD (central business district) home.
You can find anything here, from well-known Australian brands such as R.M. Williams, Zimmermann, and Lorna Jane to luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and Dior. This place has it all. The Myer Centre Department Store, which is six stories tall, serves as the mall’s anchor tenant. It is a rewarding experience to explore the complex because of the complex’s maze of heritage-listed arcades and the bustling cafés that are filled with shoppers throughout the day. You’ll discover some valuable secrets if you go down there.
On a budget? You need not be concerned because H&M, as well as other budget businesses, can be found in this area. The area at the bridge end of the mall is transformed into the bustling Brisbane City Markets almost every Wednesday. At these markets, local goods such as produce, flowers, and artisanal goods are sold.
- Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Story Bridge is an iconic structure in Brisbane that was built in the 1930s, during the height of the Great Depression in Australia. It is made of steel and has a charming appearance. In addition to being one of only three bridge climbs in the entire world (the other two being in Sydney and Auckland), this one offers something unique: the opportunity to abseil down. The experience lasts two hours and takes place 80 meters above the Brisbane River, providing participants with unobstructed views of the city below. Participants must be at least ten years old and of any fitness level to participate.
One of the new attractions is called “Walk the Plank,” and it allows participants to channel their inner pirate while walking down a plank suspended 80 meters above the ground while cars and trucks zoom by below. The Cantilever Lean Out presents yet another brand-new challenge. If you choose to participate in this excursion, the guides will hold your harness while you try to extend your reach as far as possible from the precarious heights. After completing the Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb, participants will receive a complimentary group photo as well as the services of an experienced guide and a safety demonstration.
- Moreton Island
The heart of Brisbane can be reached by ferry in an hour and a half, making Moreton Island the ideal destination for a day vacation. Moreton Island is one of the most well-kept secrets in the state of Queensland. It is the 3rd biggest sand island in the world, and more than 98 percent of the island is protected as a national park.
The lush flora frames the turquoise seas that wash up on the snow-white sand beaches. Activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling, the numerous shallow-water wrecks, quad biking, and participating in other water activities such as whale-watching excursions, fishing, and sea kayaking are among the most popular to do here. Sandboarding and other four-wheel drive excursions are likewise quite well-liked. If you’re in the area, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to see the breathtaking scenery from the Cape Moreton Lighthouse. River to Bay is a tour company that provides day trips along the Brisbane River and to the stunning Moreton Bay. Some focus more on nature and include activities like guided walks and snorkeling. Others emphasize culture and history.
- Eat Street Northshore
The flavors at Eat Street Northshore will make you feel like you’ve been invited to a celebration. This trendy club features cuisine from around the world, a carnival-like atmosphere, and excellent live music. As a pedestrian district, Eat Street is a great place to take the kids and the dog for a stroll. The food is the best part. From Malaysian to Mexican to Peruvian to paella, hundreds of merchants offer goodies worldwide. It’s not fine dining by any stretch of the imagination, but if you’re craving some inventive takes on classic comfort dishes from around the world, here is your spot.
Would you like to have a burger with macaroni and cheese on it? Perhaps it’s time to try some Japanese pizza? Toasted camembert? This is the one-stop shop for everything you need. It can be a little intimidating to see such a staggering variety of cuisine. An excellent tactic is to order many plates to share so that everyone can sample a bit of everything. The kids will go crazy for the puffy clouds of fairy floss (cotton candy), but the adults might not be so keen once the kids’ sugar rush wears off.
You probably shouldn’t visit if you’re trying to stick to a healthy eating plan. However, several businesses offer options for those with celiac disease. Eat Street is committed to sustainability, so while you’re stuffing your face with doughnut fries, you can feel good about yourself. All the vendors operate out of bright shipping containers, harvest is grown on-site, the packaging is biodegradable, and waste is recycled whenever possible. There are multiple stages with live music and novelty acts, allowing you to choose a stage based on the type of music you enjoy and travel from table to table throughout the night.
- Gallery of Modern Art
The Gallery of Modern Art, located in a striking edifice on the Brisbane River, is an integral part of the Queensland Cultural Centre and is widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest museums. The museum is committed to modern and contemporary art and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that feature the works of Australian, Asian, and Pacific artists.
Its vast collection uses various formats to delve into a wide range of intriguing themes, including activism, Aboriginal rights, and environmental concerns. Artworks such as sculptures and paintings, as well as movies and photographs, are on show. The Gallery of Modern Art is a must-see for any art lover because of the thought-provoking exhibits it features.
- Botanic Gardens Mt. Coot-tha
These spectacular Botanic Gardens, located at the base of the city’s largest peak, Mount Coot-tha, were opened to the public in 1976 and were the second such facility to be created in Brisbane, following the City Botanic Gardens. The garden is divided into many areas, including a rainforest biome, bamboo groves, and a lagoon where visitors can relax among the tropical plants.
The Bonsai House and Japanese Garden are two of their many spectacular features. A pleasant stroll awaits you, and in addition to the National Freedom Wall marking the conclusion of World War II, there is a fantastic planetarium to explore.
- City Hall
The magnificent City Hall structure, which dates back to 1920 but was not opened to the public until 1930, is one of Brisbane’s most significant and spectacular historical sites. Once the city’s tallest structure, it has since lost its crown to several other skyscrapers. The cultural, political, and social center of Brisbane, City Hall has played host to royalty and rock legends alike.
City Hall’s largest room is the Main Auditorium. A copper dome with a diameter of 31 meters towers above the space; it is the largest of its kind in Australia. Because the dome rests on a masonry foundation, the Main Auditorium’s interior is entirely free of columns. The City Hall building was built in the ‘inter-war academic classical’ style. During the 1920s and 1930s, critical public structures were frequently designed in a classical style that drew inspiration from Ancient Rome and Greece.
The Queensland City Hall is a cultural and historical landmark of the state. For locals, especially those whose ancestors worked on the building’s design and construction, City Hall holds significant cultural and historical value. The interior is just as impressive as the exterior, with a massive lobby and auditorium on the third floor beside the Museum of Brisbane. With daily tours of the clock tower and free performances regularly, this unique historic structure can be experienced in a variety of ways.
- Museum of Brisbane
The Museum of Brisbane provides a fascinating look into the history, present, and future of this bustling metropolis through its many engaging and informative exhibits. This book takes you on a whirlwind tour of Brisbane’s history, from the area’s first inhabitants to the present day and beyond to the city’s potential future.
About five thousand paintings, photographs, and sculptures documenting the city’s inhabitants and culture are on display. Located on the third floor of the city hall, the Museum of Brisbane frequently features rotating exhibitions. Every time you come, there will be something fresh to see, and all displays are geared toward attracting guests of varying ages. The majestic clock tower, which offers panoramic city views, only adds to the atmosphere. The best part is that both the admission and the excursions are free!
- Customs House
This majestic 19th-century structure is owned by the University of Queensland and serves as a cultural and educational center for the community. Indeed, Customs House is primarily a venue for private events. Still, it has several public areas, such as an indoor/outdoor café with stunning river views and Story Bridge.
High tea is served here every day, and it’s highly requested by both locals and tourists alike, so make sure to book in advance. On Sundays, you can take a free tour of the building and listen to live music in the Long Room.
- Wheel of Brisbane
South Bank is abundant in green spaces, plazas, and promenades, and it was the initial site of the World Expo in 1988. Also, the precinct plays host to several unique Brisbane events and movie screenings.
The heart of this riverbank paradise is Streets Beach, located immediately across from the central business district. On a hot day, many people in Brisbane head to the man-made lagoon for a refreshing swim. Free exercise classes, a trip to the Epicurious Garden, and a stroll or ride along the paths are among commonplace activities for those who visit the South Bank. Also available are various free tours and activities designed just for kids.
In 2008, the Wheel of Brisbane opened to the public in honor of Queensland’s 150th anniversary. You may ride the giant Ferris wheel for 10 to 12 minutes and get a breathtaking perspective of the river and the city, making it one of the most popular attractions on the South Bank.
Conclusion
The city of multiethnic Queensland still hums with activity because of its numerous popular tourist spots and exciting annual events, and other historical places to see. The town is peppered with lush parklands, connected by a network of biking and pedestrian lanes, and brimming with an emphasis on innovation and creativity.
The finest way to see the wonders of a city is from a river cruise. Elegant old buildings in Brisbane peek out from behind the gleaming skyscrapers that straddle the city’s eponymous waterway, connected by bridges. Take a cruise to get an overview of the area, then return to explore your favorite sites on foot. You may make the most of your time when you travel to Brisbane by visiting the aforementioned museums, taking a cruise, and checking out the city’s other cultural attractions.