Visiting Brisbane for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

Start your exploration of Brisbane with some of its top neighborhoods. Take the Story Bridge (or the pedestrian-only Goodwill Bridge) across the river to South Bank, a neighborhood with no shortage of things to get up to. There, you can ride on the Wheel of Brisbane before cooling off with a fuss-free dip in the pools at Streets Beach.

Otherwise, opt for a more creative look at the southern banks of the city with a stroll through the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), and venture farther from the river into the low-key West End neighborhood. Enjoy live music and a cocktail at The Bearded Lady, explore the impressive offering of street art around the area, and, on Saturdays, peruse the options at Davies Park farmers market and pick up some local products.

Queen Street Mall, sitting right in the center of Brisbane’s CBD (Central Business District), is home to shops and brands from across Australia and around the world. Curate your souvenir haul by shopping at a blend of high-end and more down-to-earth shops, including a collection of Brisbane-based designers’ stores in the Brisbane Arcade. The Mall’s central location also places it just steps from other landmarks such as King George Square, the Customs House and Parliament House, so you can do some easy city sightseeing, too.

Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley neighborhood is home to a serious nightlife scene all weekend long. Dance the night away at 70s-themed Superfly Disco or grab a drink at any number of dive bars in the area. The Valley is also home to live music venues such as The Fortitude Music Hall, The Tivoli, and the Greaser, all of which host performances from established and indie artists. Keep the fun going the morning after the night before with brunch along James Street, or have a Sunday session at local pub Sixes and Sevens.

Kangaroo Point Cliffs provided rock for government buildings in the Brisbane area’s early history as a penal colony, and are now a State Heritage Site and popular destination for scenic walks and photo ops. See the sun set over the river from the top of the cliffs or book a rock-climbing experience to brave the cliffs yourself.

If you prefer to stay on the ground, though, try working through the Kangaroo Point natural history trail. The trail allows you to walk around Kangaroo Point and take in its sights with pit stops to learn about key figures in Brisbane’s natural history such as Harry Oakman, who shaped the landscapes of Brisbane’s streets and city parks.

The aforementioned Story Bridge stretches across the Brisbane River and connects the CBD to the South Bank neighborhood, shrinking the city and providing easy access to both banks for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists. Take a leisurely stroll across for a view of the river and the city’s skyline or get out on the water with a river cruise. Alternatively, you can tap into your adventurous side and climb all the way to the top of the Story Bridge for a panoramic view.

It’s just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane to the Australia Zoo, helmed by the Irwin family, which offers plenty of opportunities to see Australian wildlife including kangaroos and Tasmanian devils. Book a tour for easy transport from the city and admission included, or visit independently and dive into the zoo’s animal encounter experiences and live shows.

If you’re looking for a quicker animal excursion, book a river cruise for a scenic trip from Brisbane’s city center to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for chances to meet and feed koalas at the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the world.

Mt. Coot-tha is easily accessible by city bus from downtown Brisbane and is the perfect destination in which to explore Queensland’s landscape if you’re short on time or want to stay within city limits. The mountain boasts plenty of creeks, waterfalls, and eucalyptus-lined trails to accommodate various activity levels, including a dedicated 7.4 mile (12 kilometer) mountain bike circuit if you’re looking for a challenge—it’s mostly uphill.

Once you’ve taken an hour or two to hike (or bike) to the top, take in the panoramic view of Brisbane’s skyline, Moreton Bay, and the Gold Coast. As you head back down, stop by the City Botanic Gardens or explore more of the universe with a show at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.

Brisbane takes its sports seriously, and Suncorp Stadium is best known as the home turf of the Brisbane Broncos rugby league team (though it also hosts rugby union, football, cricket, and some major touring acts’ Brisbane concert stops). You can tour the stadium for a behind-the-scenes perspective and access to the stadium’s coaches’ boxes, media rooms, and sidelines for an up-close look at The Cauldron.

Otherwise, it’s just as much fun to visit on a game day and join the city’s boisterous fans in cheering on the Broncos. The season runs through the southern hemisphere autumn and winter months, roughly April through September. For some extra fire, attend a match between the Broncos and their biggest rivals, the North Queensland Cowboys.

The Gold Coast, about an hour from downtown Brisbane by car or public transportation, has a host of theme parks with options for the whole family, such as Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld, and Wet’n’Wild waterpark. Get the most out of your stay by taking a trip to the idyllic Tamborine Mountain National Park for walking trails, swimming at Curtis Falls, and plenty of spots to picnic and relax.

The Gold Coast is also home to a variety of beaches to kick back on, from the secluded South Stradbroke Island to the surf-ready waves at Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.

Noosa Heads is a popular local getaway from Brisbane thanks to its laid-back pace and beautiful sunny beaches. Just 86 miles (138.5 kilometers) north of the city, a weekend in Noosa is perfect for long, barefoot days by the beach spent swimming, boating, and soaking up the sunshine—just remember your SPF.

Here, take a cruise to explore the beauty of one of only two everglades systems in the world, or catch glimpses of whales and dolphins on a tour of Noosa National Park. Then, head over to Hastings Street for a bite to eat at one of its airy cafés and to do some shopping at local boutiques such as Little Cove Collective for a keepsake to commemorate your days at the beach.