Brisbane Travelers Recommend

Autumn in Brisbane is ideal for sightseeing, with fewer crowds and less competition for spots on tours or accommodations. Make the most of the cooler weather and enjoy coastal outdoor activities or head inland to explore the hinterlands. Here are some ideas for things to do in Brisbane this fall.

• Take a day trip to Moreton Island, where activities include snorkeling, kayaking, and sandboarding.

• Enjoy wine tasting at the boutique wineries of Mt. Tamborine.

• Get your adrenaline pumping at Gold Coast theme parks like Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild, and Sea World.

• Zip along Brisbane’s riverfront, and take in the views from Kangaroo Point on a Segway tour.

• Spot native wildlife on a guided bushwalk in the Springbrook National Park.

• See Aussie animals including koalas, kangaroos, and platypus at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Australia’s third-largest city has plenty to see and do. Three days gives you ample time to tick off the highlights and explore Brisbane’s beaches and hinterlands. To make the most of your time, look for tours that combine multiple attractions or choose a custom tour to create your perfect itinerary. Here are some ideas.

Day 1: Sightseeing in the city

Kickstart your trip with a half-day city tour that covers the main attractions and a few Brisbane neighborhoods. Choose between walking, cycling, or riding a Segway, and then cross the Brisbane River via the famous Story Bridge and climb up to Kangaroo Point for sweeping city views. Stop along the way to admire landmarks such as King George Square, the Cathedral of St. Stephen, and City Hall, and browse the shops around Queen Street Mall. 

In the afternoon, escape the downtown crowds at the summit of Mt Coot-tha, Brisbane’s closest mountain. Tours of Mt Coot-tha often stop at the nearby Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can spot Australian animals such as koalas, kangaroos, and Tasmanian devils. 

Continue sightseeing into the evening hours with a dinner cruise on the Brisbane River, during which you’ll see Brisbane’s illuminated skyline reflected in the water.

Day 2: Explore the Sunshine State

With the Sunshine Coast to the north, the beaches and theme parks of the Gold Coast to the south, and mountainous hinterlands just next door, Brisbane has a day trip option to suit every traveler type. 

Beach lovers can set sail for Stradbroke island, where you’ll spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and spotting sea turtles, dolphins, and manta rays. Hikers can explore Springbrook and Tamborine national parks, while naturalists can look for wildlife in O’Reilly’s Rainforest. Australia Zoo is a great choice for travelers with kids in tow. 

Another popular choice is a day trip to the Gold Coast. Tours transport you between seaside towns such as Burleigh Heads and Surfers Paradise with ease, and typically include a cruise and shopping time at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. Alternatively, a trip to the Sunshine Coast visits the famous Eumundi Markets, the world’s largest Ginger Factory, and the Glass House Mountains. 

Day 3: Markets and Museums

Spend your final day discovering why Brisbane is one of Australia’s coolest cities; Fortitude Valley, full of boutiques, hip bars, and music venues, is one of the best places to do so. Head there to browse the Valley Markets (weekends only), enjoy Australian-style brunch, and stroll around Chinatown. 

In the afternoon, head across the river to South Bank to take a swim at the Streets Beach lagoon, ride the Wheel of Brisbane, and explore the South Bank Parklands, which hosts open-air festivals and events all through summer. Some of Brisbane’s best museums are also here, including the Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Maritime Museum, and the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre. 

End the day with a visit to the Eat Street Markets, where you’ll find some of Brisbane’s best street food—take a walking or cycling tour of the markets for the inside scoop on where and what to eat. 

Miles of golden sands and glorious sunny weather year-round, give the Sunshine Coast its name, and it’s little surprise that it’s one of Australia’s most popular vacation spots. Here are your options for exploring the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane. 

Eumundi Tours

Explore the famous Eumundi Markets—renowned for their huge variety of arts, fashion, and artisan foods—on a full-day tour from Brisbane and soak up the atmosphere of local life on the Sunshine Coast. Perhaps combine your shopping trip with a visit to the surf town of Noosa Heads, a Noosa River cruise, or free time to swim or sunbathe at Sunshine Beach.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Tours

The green mountains and lush rainforest of the Sunshine Coast hinterlands are the perfect excuse to leave the beaches behind. Take a full-day tour from Brisbane and visit the hilltop town of Montville, marvel at views of the Glass House Mountains, hike through the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, or stop by the Ginger Factory at Yandina. 

Things to Know

• The Sunshine Coast is located about 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of Brisbane in south Queensland.

• Full-day tours from Brisbane typically last nine hours and include round-trip transport.

• The Australian sun can be strong even during winter, so be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat.

With just one day in the capital of Queensland, planning ahead will help you maximize your time. Choose a Brisbane tour that covers all the top sights—you don’t want to waste time queuing or getting lost—stroll the South Bank, and more. Here’s how to spend your one day in Brisbane.

Morning: Walk, Bike, or Segway

A half-day city tour is a good way to get your bearings. Explore downtown sights on a walking tour, or travel further on a bike or Segway tour. Stop to see landmarks such as City Hall, King George Square, and Cathedral of St. Stephen; browse the shops and Brisbane City Markets (weekends only) around Queen Street Mall; and take a stroll through idyllic City Botanic Gardens. Continue along Brisbane River's scenic waterfront, with views from Kangaroo Point Cliffs lookout. Follow the waterfront gardens to Story Bridge, one of Brisbane’s most photographed landmarks—adventurous travelers can challenge themselves to a guided bridge climb.  

Afternoon: Strolling the South Bank

The South Bank district (on Brisbane River's southern shore) is the city’s main cultural precinct, and there’s plenty to see and do. Cool off with a swim at Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner city beach; ride the Wheel of Brisbane for a view over the city; and visit landmarks such as the Nepalese Pagoda and Bougainvillea Arbour. Some of Brisbane’s most important museums are also located here, including the Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Maritime Museum, and Queensland Museum and Science Centre. 

Night: Sunsets and Sundowners

Set sail along the Brisbane River on a traditional paddle steamer and watch the sunset along the riverfront. Enjoy on-board dinner and live entertainment as you cruise under the Story Bridge and past the glittering city skyline. Back in Brisbane, head to the Fortitude Valley quarter, just north of the Story Bridge, where you find a buzzing nightlife scene, full of bars, pubs, live music venues, and nightclubs that stay open well into the early hours.

Two days in the Queensland capital gives you time to see top city attractions such as Brisbane Story Bridge, as well as experience nature and wildlife at spots such as Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Customize your itinerary with a private tour, or combine several tours to match your interests. Here’s how to spend two days in Brisbane.

Day 1:  Explore Brisbane’s Neighborhoods

**Morning:**Get your bearings by joining a walking, bike, or Segway tour of top sights. Along the way, see City Hall, King George Square, and Cathedral of St. Stephen, and take in the views from Kangaroo Point Cliffs. To join a bridge climb at Brisbane Story Bridge, be sure to book in advance.

**Afternoon:**Take a walk through South Bank Parklands, which stretch along the Brisbane River, and browse the handicrafts markets (weekends only). Cool off with a swim at Streets Beach Lagoon, and visit a museum, such as the Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Maritime Museum, or the Queensland Museum and Science Centre.

**Night:**Stick around to watch the sunset along the river and take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane to admire the glittering skyline. Afterwards, cross the river to the Fortitude Valley quarter where there are dozens of bars, pubs, live music venues, and nightclubs—a bar-hopping tour helps you find the best spots. 

Day 2: Mountain Views and Wildlife

**Morning:**Head just outside the city to Mount Coot-tha, which stands watch over Brisbane’s west side. Stretch your legs and enjoy a stroll through Brisbane Botanic Gardens. From the top, panoramic views span the entire city, reaching as far as Moreton Bay.

**Afternoon:**Spend the afternoon visiting Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can spot Aussie animals including koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, and platypus. For the best value, opt for a tour from Brisbane with transport included—for a fun twist, it’s even possible to arrive by boat on a cruise down the Brisbane River. 

**Night:**On your final night, set sail along the Brisbane River on a romantic dinner cruise. Float past the city’s illuminated landmarks on a traditional paddle steamer while enjoying dinner and live music. Alternatively, join a night Segway tour or snap some final shots of the city on a night photography tour.

The sun shines in Queensland year-round, but the cooler temperatures of winter are ideal for both sightseeing in Brisbane and participating in outdoor activities along the coast and Hinterlands. Here are some ideas for things to do in Brisbane this winter. 

• Zip around the beaches and sand dunes of Fraser Island on a 4WD tour.

• Spot Aussie wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, and wombats at Australia Zoo or Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

• Take a day trip to Noosa and the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands, and visit the famous Eumundi Markets. 

• Spot humpback whales during their annual migration on a whale-watching cruise around South Stradbroke Island or Mooloolaba.

• Sample regional specialties and discover Brisbane’s culinary scene on a food tasting tour.

• Take a tour of the famous XXXX brewery, founded in 1878.

• Experience’s Brisbane dark past on a ghost tour of Boggo Road Gaol.

For many Australians a visit to Brisbane wouldn’t be complete without visiting the theme parks in the area.

Without a doubt, the most popular and well known are the big four. Movie World, Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild and Dreamworld all sit within a few kilometres of each other on the Gold Coast, just 40 minutes south of Brisbane.

Owned by Villiage Roadshow Theme Parks, Movie World, Sea World and Wet ‘n’ Wild tickets are often available in combination, helping visitors to greatly reduce their entry costs. Sea World is the zoo-come-fun-fair theme park, with attractions like seals, polar bears, thrill rides and family entertainment. Spend the day hopping between rides and animal interactions – and don’t forget to check out Henry, the polar bear cub! As well as being a theme park, Sea World also runs the Sea World Research and Rescue Foundation, funding and promoting independent marine research projects.

Movie World is the hardcore thrill ride to Sea World’s zoo feel. Filled with movie themed rides like the Green Lantern Coaster and the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster, and regular shows including the Hollywood Stunt Driver show and Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs experience, you’ll have a ball seeing your favourite movies come to life.

Sometimes though, it’s all about the rides. Wet ‘n’ Wild is a water fun park where just about every ride, attraction or experience involves you getting wet. Make sure to pack a change of clothes and a towel – staying dry is impossible in this park.

If going to three different parts to see get the wildlife, thrills and fun park experience isn’t your cup of tea, then Dreamworld is the park you need to visit. One giant complex, Dreamworld combines the best of the theme parks to provide the ultimate day out. Heart-stopping rides like The Claw, the magnificent Tiger Island, tie-ins from Disney Pixar movies and the new Whitewater World section combine to provide one intense theme park experience.

In the opposite direction of the big name theme parks, Australia Zoo is a less adrenaline filled day out. Australia Zoo prides itself on its keeper talks, animal interactions and conservation efforts. Visitors can become keepers for a day, feed the animals or take part in animal encounters including behind the scenes tours and getting up close to wildlife.

The warm spring weather in Brisbane makes it a perfect time to hit the the beach, cruise around the coastal islands, or enjoy wildlife watching in Queensland’s National Parks—and with far fewer crowds than in summer. Here are some ideas for things to do in Brisbane this spring. 

• Enjoy hiking, swimming, and wildlife watching on a day trip to North Stradbroke Island.

• Spot Aussie animals including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

• Zip around Moreton Island on a 4WD tour, and try fun activities such as sandboarding and snorkeling.

• Explore natural wonders including glowworm caves and waterfalls on a hike through Springbrook National Park. 

• Spot humpback whales during their annual migration on a whale-watching cruise from Brisbane.

• Admire Brisbane’s skyline on a scenic lunch or dinner cruise. 

• Set out on a multi-day tour from Brisbane to Fraser Island and the Great Barrier Reef.