Hemmed in by the beaches of the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane is the perfect cultural antidote to a sun-and-surf overdose. Effortlessly laid-back yet surprisingly fashion-forward, Queensland’s capital city is always changing, with museums hosting some of Australia’s most cutting-edge exhibitions, and new restaurants, pop-up stores, and seasonal events springing up constantly. Highlights of a trip to Brisbane include climbing the famous Story Bridge, strolling the lush City Botanic Gardens, and spotting koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Lone Pine is a 20-minute drive from downtown Brisbane, but it’s more fun to float there on a river cruise that departs from Southbank, with views of Brisbane’s landmarks along the way. As the gateway to Queensland, Brisbane also makes a good base camp for exploring the region’s highlights. The beaches of North Stradbroke Island or Moreton Island are a short ferry ride away, while the world-class theme parks and beaches of the Gold Coast are just an hour’s drive south of the city. To experience Queensland’s diverse flora and fauna, tours are your best bet. A guide can lead you to waterfalls and glowworm caves on a rain forest tour of Springbrook National Park, 62 miles (100 kilometers) south of Brisbane, and Mt. Tamborine National Park. Or join a multi-day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Fraser Island (one night at a beach resort included) or the Great Barrier Reef, where you can swim, look for turtles and humpback whales, and snorkel ’til your heart’s content.
The sun shines year-round in Brisbane, but mild winter temperatures mean locals still spend the majority of their time outdoors, enjoying night markets, open-air cinemas, and festivals such as the Royal Queensland Show and Queensland Music. For those using Brisbane as a base to explore the surrounding beaches and islands, visit in autumn (March through May) for warm weather and fewer crowds.
Brisbane is the capital of Queensland state and Australia’s third-largest city. It’s located on the Brisbane River and is famous for its hot, sunny climate. Well-known attractions include the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the botanic gardens, and the South Bank Parklands development, which features a central-city river beach.
...MoreThere are many things to do in Brisbane, which is one of Australia’s largest cities. Well-known attractions are the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the botanic gardens, and the South Bank Parklands development, which includes a central-city river beach. With a famously warm climate, many activities in Brisbane can be enjoyed outdoors.
...MoreMany of Brisbane’s main attractions are at or near the Brisbane River that runs through the city, including promenades, cruises, and the central city river beach at the South Bank Parklands. Other attractions include the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the botanic gardens, and Mt. Coot-tha.
...MoreBrisbane is an outdoorsy city, so there are many free things you can enjoy. Stroll along the banks of the Brisbane River, relax or swim at the South Bank Parklands beach, or take a picnic to one of the parks or botanic gardens and find a spot in the shade.
...MoreYes. Brisbane is worth visiting if you enjoy vibrant cities with a range of outdoor and indoor cultural attractions. There are activities and attractions to suit every kind of traveler, from relaxed river cruises and city beaches to wildlife sanctuaries and day trip opportunities to nearby mountains, forests, and islands.
...MoreBrisbane’s warm climate means there are many outdoor activities to enjoy. These include relaxing or swimming at the South Bank Parklands river beach, hiking to the summit of Mt. Coot-tha, strolling along the banks of the Brisbane River, or day-tripping to nearby North Stradbroke Island.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 45 |
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Number of Tours | 225 |
Number of Reviews | 7,728 |
Currency | AUD |
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