Go where the locals go.
If the old adage is right, then make sure to include Brisbane in your next Australia holiday.
Sometimes overlooked by international visitors flying straight from Sydney or Melbourne to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, Aussies themselves have always headed to the Queensland capital to eat, drink and play.
A thriving, multicultural city, Brisbane offers cultural and gastronomic experiences to rival any major centre, as well as an up and coming fashion and arts scene. The jewel in its crown however has to be its expansive riverside parklands, in the heart of the city, which are a joy to wander, flat white in hand, or just to relax in on a sunny afternoon.
In easy reach of Brisbane, there are stunning landscapes to explore and wildlife encounters to be had, in rainforested National Parks and islands just off the shore. Continue reading for the best things to do in Brisbane and beyond…
There is much to see and do in Brisbane and getting around is simple. It’s easy to explore on foot and by public transport, with three free bus routes around the city centre and well priced fares to travel further afield.
A fun way to see the city is to catch a CityCat river ferry, with night services to get you home after testing out Brisbane’s rooftop bars!
As you would expect of a modern city, the Brisbane CBD is home to a growing number of high-rise glass fronted buildings, housing an array of financial institutions and other prominent businesses. It is also where many of the most prominent hotels in the city can found, so a good place to begin our Brisbane sightseeing tour!
Brisbane City Hall, now home to the Museum of Brisbane, is probably the most iconic historic landmark in the city centre. It is possible to join a free guided tour of the building, including the chance to go up the clocktower.
For those after a little retail therapy, nearby Queen Street has high street brands and Eagle Street Pier designer shops and award-winning dining. Nearby, Birrunga Gallery has a wonderful collection of local aboriginal art, whilst the riverside City Botanic Gardens, offer a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
Across the Brisbane River are the South Bank Parklands, 17 hectares of well-kept gardens, promenades and picnic areas. Grab a flat white from a coffee kiosk to drink by the river, or if you get hot cool down with a dip in the sparkling blue lagoon at the man-made Streets Beach, surrounded by tropical plants.
Elsewhere on the South Bank, a photo by the colourful Brisbane sign (photo above) is almost compulsory, as is a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane, which gracefully lifts you 60 meters into the sky for 360° views of the city, accompanied by insightful commentary.
Culture vultures should dedicate at least an afternoon to visit the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art, affectionately known by locals as “QAG” and “GOMA.” They are part of the riverside South Bank Cultural Centre, which also includes the Queensland Museum and State Library.
Another well photographed Brisbane landmark is Story Bridge, which connects the South Bank to the Fortitude Valley district. You can cross the bridge on foot using the walkway on the western side or, if you’re feeling adventurous, don a hard hat and climb to the top, for views of the city and out to the Glass House Mountains.
Fortitude Valley is a foodie’s delight with a number of waterside gastropubs and microbreweries at the Howard Smith Wharves, and a few blocks north, a mouth-watering selection of restaurants in Chinatown.
In between meals, you can browse the Valley Laneway Markets and boutique shops, then when night falls, throw a few shapes in the eclectic mix of bars and clubs, with live music into the early hours.
The neighbouring area of New Farm is a great place to enjoy a stroll along the Brisbane River, with views across to Kangaroo Point. You’ll find a plethora of cafés and coffee shops, in particular around the lovely New Farm Park.
Next door to the park, the Brisbane Powerhouse is a performing arts centre that hosts music and theatre as well as the Brisbane Comedy Festival.
Brisbane holidays and road trips by Freedom Destinations.
Brisbane | Sunshine Coast | Hervey Bay | Agnes Water | Rockhampton | Airlie Beach | Townsville | Mission Beach | Cairns
Melbourne | Phillip Island | Lakes Entrance | Canberra | Sydney | Hunter Valley | Byron Bay | Brisbane
Perth | Adelaide | Melbourne | Sydney | Brisbane
Brisbane | Sunshine Coast | Hervey Bay | Agnes Water | Rockhampton | Airlie Beach | Townsville | Mission Beach | Cairns
Melbourne | Phillip Island | Lakes Entrance | Canberra | Sydney | Hunter Valley | Byron Bay | Brisbane
Perth | Adelaide | Melbourne | Sydney | Brisbane
To the west of the city, the tranquil suburb of Paddington is becoming increasingly known for its bohemian vibes, with antiques and vintage clothing outlets, vegan cafés, family run breweries and gastropubs – where it is all too easy to spend an afternoon!
By contrast the nearby Suncorp Stadium that hosts both football and rugby is a huge modern stadium that dominates the surrounding area.
Brisbane is home to another famous sporting venue in the Gabba cricket oval, located in the Woolloongabba suburb to the south of the river. Cricket is one of Australia’s national sports and the Gabba hosts both Queensland’s domestic team as well as international matches such as the Ashes series against England.
Brisbane is not just a great city, but the perfect starting point to explore the surrounding area. Transport links around Brisbane are excellent and just a short journey from the city there are so many things to do. We suggest:
Just beyond Brisbane’s western suburbs is Mount Coot-Tha. A pleasant 1.9 km walk from the picnic area by J. C. Slaughter Falls gets you to the lookout at the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Brisbane city skyline.
At the foot of Mount Coot-Tha are Brisbane Botanic Gardens, free to enter and open 365 days a year. Its Tropical Dome houses exotic flora from around the world and Fern House over 80 varieties of this ancient species. There are also mini-rainforests, a Bonsai Garden, bamboo grove and lagoon to explore.
In the grounds of the Botanic Gardens is the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, with interactive displays and regular shows in the Cosmic Skydome (for which it’s best to book tickets online in advance).
Just an hour’s drive north of the city is Australia Zoo, founded in 1970 by the parents of the late Steve Irwin. His family is still involved in the management of the zoo with a continuing focus on conservation. Visitors to this large wildlife park will be able to enjoy the glamour of the live crocodile show and the opportunity to meet a friendly wombat, but it is the worldwide breeding programs for endangered species, such as rhino, where the most important work is being done.
The Brisbane River reaches the sea at Moreton Bay, where you will find North Stradbroke and Moreton Islands. Both large sand islands, with their inviting beaches and secluded freshwater lakes, can be reached by ferry and are great for swimming, fishing and hiking, or just relaxing.
On Moreton Island, the Tangalooma shipwrecks, sunk in the 1960’s and 70’s to provide sheltered mooring, now offer a unique location for diving, as well as atmospheric photos from the beach at sunset. If you stay at Tangalooma Island Resort you can also meet the island’s most famous residents, a pod of wild dolphins which, on their own accord, swim to shore most evenings for a fish supper.
Between June and November, the old lighthouse on top of Cape Moreton is a wonderful vantage point to spot humpback whales on their annual migration along Australia’s East Coast.
Just an hour’s drive south of Brisbane is the Gold Coast, famous for its long sandy beach, Surfers Paradise and an elaborate system of inland waterways, that has made it the holiday home capital of Australia.
The Gold Coast has become a major resort with the theme parks of Dreamworld and Sea World attracting domestic as well as international tourists year round. The tall buildings along the seafront are reminiscent of Dubai or Honolulu in Hawaii, though the nightlife and entertainment distinctive Aussie!
Just inland from the Gold Coast is Lamington National Park, a protected area of natural Gondwana Rainforest that hugs the McPherson Mountain Range. There are plenty of hiking trails that interlink through Lamington National Park and provide panoramic views across the valleys. In the winter, spectacular waterfalls erupt across the mountains, and if you are lucky, you may be able to view the rare Albert’s lyrebird that is native to the park.
To the north of Brisbane is the Sunshine Coast, where you’ll find welcoming resorts and surf towns, such as Noosaville, and a more rural feel inland. The area is home to the Great Sandy National Park, famous for its multicoloured sand dunes and Noosa National Park with mangrove forests and warm shallow lakes teaming with wildlife.
Brisbane is a year round destination. December to February, temperatures typically average between 21 and 30°C; perfect for embracing the Aussie outdoor lifestyle.
Winter months can be a great time to visit Brisbane as well however, when Australia’s southern cities are getting a little chilly, and hotel prices are off-peak.
“When I was living in the area a few years ago, Brisbane always felt like a destination for Australian tourists” says Lonnie, one of Freedom Destinations’ Aussie Specialists, “with international visitors passing through the city en route to the reef and rainforests in North Queensland.”
“That’s changing now, with more people enjoying at least a few days in the city as part of their Australia holiday – a great choice in my opinion. I just love the relaxed atmosphere, and the fact there’s nature on the doorstep, from the Hinterlands to the Everglades.”
To chat with Lonnie or another of FREEDOM’s Australia Experts please just get in touch.
Richard has more than 25 years of experience working within the travel industry. He has travelled widely in the USA, Australia and Africa and enjoys exploring National Parks and other wilderness areas.
