Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland and the third-largest city in Australia, with a population of over 2.6 million people (June 2021). The official language in Brisbane is English, making it easy for English-speaking travellers to navigate and communicate. Brisbane is known for its warm, sunny climate and boasts over 2,000 kilometres of coastline, offering visitors many outdoor activities. With our guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about exploring the top attractions, hidden gems, and insider tips for a memorable trip to this stunning city.
Brisbane
Brisbane, Australia! This vibrant city is known for its warm climate, friendly locals, and unique cultural experiences. One of the standout features of Brisbane is its food scene, which boasts a variety of fresh and flavourful dishes that highlight the best of Australian cuisine. Brisbane has no shortage of delicious dining options, from seafood to steak to gourmet burgers and fusion restaurants. The city also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with museums, galleries, and cultural events throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures or urban exploration, Brisbane has something to offer every type of traveller.
The city of Brisbane has a rich and varied history, dating back to the traditional owners of the land, the Indigenous Jagera and Turrbal peoples. The first European settlement in Brisbane was established in 1824, and over the years, the city has become a thriving metropolis and an important cultural and economic centre. Throughout its history, Brisbane has been shaped by various influences, from its convict past to its role as an important port during World War II. Today, visitors to Brisbane can explore the city’s fascinating history through its museums, historical landmarks, and cultural events.
Brisbane is a vibrant, multicultural city with a rich and diverse cultural landscape. From its traditional Indigenous heritage to its contemporary arts and music scenes, Brisbane offers visitors a wealth of cultural experiences to discover. The city boasts a thriving performing arts scene, with theatres and music venues showcasing local and international talent. Brisbane is also home to several museums and galleries featuring exhibits on everything from contemporary art to natural history. With its unique blend of cultural influences, Brisbane offers travellers an unforgettable experience that celebrates the best of Australia’s diverse cultural heritage.
Unfortunately, there are currently no World Heritage sites in Brisbane. However, several nearby World Heritage sites are worth visiting for those exploring the region. Here are some of the most notable:
Located just a short flight or boat ride from Brisbane, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. This vast underwater ecosystem is home to thousands of species of marine life and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in snorkelling, diving, or exploring the ocean’s wonders.
The Great Barrier Reef
Located a few hours’ drive south of Brisbane, the Gondwana Rainforests are a World Heritage-listed collection of subtropical and temperate rainforests. These ancient forests are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna and offer visitors the chance to hike, camp, and explore the region’s natural beauty.
The Gondwana Rainforests
Located off the coast of Queensland, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and a World Heritage site. This unique destination is home to dense forests, freshwater lakes, and pristine beaches, making it popular for camping, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Fraser Island
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, Australia, is a vibrant and exciting destination for travellers of all ages. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, this beautiful city has many tourist attractions. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Brisbane:
Located in the city’s heart, South Bank Parklands is a must-visit destination for travellers. This beautiful park offers stunning views of the Brisbane River, the city skyline, and various outdoor activities, including swimming, cycling, and picnicking.
South Bank Parklands
Located just a short drive from the city centre, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary. Visitors can get up close and personal with these adorable creatures and other Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers. This guided climb takes visitors to the top of the iconic Story Bridge, offering breath-taking views of the city and the Brisbane River.
Art lovers will want to take advantage of a visit to the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). This contemporary art museum features an impressive Australian and international art collection and regular exhibitions and events.
Gallery of Modern Art
Another beautiful park in Brisbane, Roma Street Parkland, offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets. This park features a variety of gardens and walking trails, as well as a theatre and a lake.
Roma Street Parkland
Located just a short distance from the city centre, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens offer visitors a chance to explore a variety of gardens, including a rainforest walk, a bamboo grove, and a cactus garden.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens
The Queensland Museum and Sciencentre is a must-visit destination for those interested in science and history. This museum features exhibits from dinosaurs to space exploration, interactive displays, and hands-on activities.
Queensland Museum and Concentre
Brisbane has many hidden gems that are worth exploring. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these secret spots offer a unique glimpse into the city’s culture and beauty. Here are some of the best-hidden gems in Brisbane to explore.
Located just across the Brisbane River from the CBD, Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. The park offers breath-taking views of the city skyline and an excellent spot for rock climbing. It’s also home to the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, which provides a unique way to see the city from above.
Distance from the city centre: 1.5 km
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park
North Gorge Walk is a hidden gem located on North Stradbroke Island. This beautiful walk takes you through bushland and rocky outcrops, and the ocean views are absolutely stunning. You might even spot whales or dolphins in the water if you’re lucky.
Distance from the city centre: 34 km (including ferry ride)
Brisbane is home to several hidden beaches that are worth exploring. The best ones include Honeymoon Bay, Moreton Island, and Flinders Beach. These secluded beaches offer a peaceful escape from the crowds and are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
Distance from the city centre: Varies
Secret Beaches
The Scratch is a hidden bar in Milton, just a few kilometres from the city centre. This cosy bar is known for its excellent selection of craft beers, friendly staff, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day.
Distance from the city centre: 3 km
The Scratch
While Roma Street Parkland is not exactly a hidden gem, tourists often overlook it. This beautiful park has a stunning array of gardens, water features, and picnic spots. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.
Distance from the city centre: 1.5 km
Roma Street Parkland
Over the years, the city has produced many famous personalities who have significantly impacted various fields, including sports, entertainment, politics, and business. In this blog, we will look at some of the most famous personalities of Brisbane.
Courtney Act was the first Australian to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Before she became famous, she lived in Sandgate and went to the Fame Theatre Company in Albion after school. Since she won UK Celebrity Big Brother, hosted her reality dating show called The Bi Life, and was part of the first same-sex couple on Dancing with the Stars, she has become one of the most successful drag queens in the world.
It’s crazy that you might have seen her dancing on stage in the 1990s at the Strathpine, Toombul, or Chermside shopping centres.
What a great segue, as you know who else, like Courtney Act’s little friend, ALSO went to the Fame Theatre Company after school? THE VERNONS! Growing up in Albany Creek, Jessica, and Lisa Origliasso spent their time singing and dancing. One of Australia’s most popular musical acts, they have given us absolute bangers like “Untouched” and “Hook Me Up,” taken home a ton of Aria Awards, and are soon to debut their reality show on MTV.
Yes, one of the most popular comedians in Australia grew up in Brisbane. Josh was born in Central Queensland and moved to Brisbane soon after. He grew up in the suburbs of Chapel Hill and Westlake before going to Kenmore State High School and getting his diploma. After taking the comedy scene by storm early in his career, he co-wrote and starred in Please Like Me, a semi-biographical series based on Josh’s life now streaming on Netflix. Everything’s Gonna Be Okay, his new show coming to Hulu in January, is a sign that 2020 will be a big year.
Claire Holt is the pearl, and Brisbane is the oyster since she is not ordinary. Before she acquired over 5 million followers from starring in hit shows such as The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Pretty Little Liars, she captivated us as Emma the mermaid in H2O: Just Add Water. But before THAT, she was a Brisbane native who attended Stuart Holme Collegiate and grew up in the western suburb of Towing.
Brisbane is a city with various attractions catering to every taste. From natural landscapes to iconic landmarks and cultural experiences, these must-visit places will ensure an unforgettable trip to Brisbane.
Below, we will explore some of the must-visit places in Brisbane that you should take advantage of on your next trip.
Located on the coastal plains of Queensland, the Glass House Mountains are a group of thirteen volcanic hills that offer a picturesque landscape. Tibrogargan and Ngungun are two of the mountains that are open to the public for bushwalking and climbing. The mountains are home to various native flora and fauna, and the area was added to the Australian National Heritage List in 2006.
The Story Bridge is an iconic structure in Brisbane that connects Kangaroo Point, Fortitude Valley, and the Brisbane CBD. This bridge is the most prominent landmark in the city and has appeared in many Indian movies. It is also a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly bridge, with over 30 million cars used yearly.
Story Bridge
The Wheel of Brisbane is a transportable Bussink Ferris wheel that stands at 60 meters, providing a 360°view of the city below. Each capsule is air-conditioned, and the ride lasts for 12 minutes. The wheel stops at the top during each of the four revolutions, and an audio plays, revealing the significant places to visit in Brisbane.
Wheel of Brisbane
The Nepal Peace Pagoda is an intricately carved structure in the middle of a rainforest grove in Brisbane’s parklands. It was first set up in the Nepal Pavilion at the Expo and later reinstated permanently in this garden. If you’re looking for a unique sight in Brisbane, head to the Pagoda for some peace and an insight into the Nepalese style of architecture.
Nepal Peace Pagoda
Stretching across 17 hectares of lush parklands, South Bank is a must-visit destination in Brisbane. The area boasts a range of eateries, scenic river views, and hundreds of events year-round. Some prominent tourist attractions in South Bank include the Queensland Conservatorium, the Wheel of Brisbane, the Nepal Peace Pagoda, Streets Beach, and the Grand Arbour.
South Bank
If you’re planning to visit Brisbane and looking for something exciting, then attending one of the city’s unique festivals is a great option. To help you decide which festival to attend, we’ve compiled a list of some of Brisbane’s most popular and exciting festivals.
The World Science Festival Brisbane featuring Curiosity is a must-attend festival for science enthusiasts. It brings together some of the greatest minds from around the world to South Brisbane and offers talks, interactive displays, and events for all ages. Curiosity, which is part of the festival program, is a vibrant, visually stunning, and thought-provoking event that merges science and art in the city.
If you’re looking for a good laugh, then the Brisbane Comedy Festival is the perfect festival for you. It boasts a killer line-up of big-name comedic talents from across the globe and offers glitzy stand-up performances and side-splitting improvs against the backdrop of iconic Brisbane venues such as the Brisbane Powerhouse, The Tivoli, and The Fortitude Music Hall.
The Brisbane Writers Festival is a must-attend festival for aspiring writers and bookworms. It features two days of writing workshops, author Q&As, and presentations, giving attendees the chance to meet some of their literary heroes. The festival is held in the imposing State Library of Queensland building.
The Brisbane Marathon Festival is perfect for runners or anyone looking for a challenge. Held against the backdrop of iconic Brisbane landmarks such as the Story Bridge, South Bank, and Riverstage, this festival offers various distance options, including the full marathon, the 21.1km, 10km, 5km, or 2km fun run. Participants can enjoy free entertainment and food stalls at the race’s finish line.
The Brisbane Festival is an annual multi-arts festival that celebrates the city’s creativity and culture. It offers a diverse program of events, including music, theatre, dance, circus, and visual arts, showcasing local and international talent. The festival takes place across various venues in Brisbane, including the South Bank Cultural Forecourt.
If you’re a food lover planning a trip to Brisbane, you’re in for a treat. The city is home to a thriving food scene, with a wide range of dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. From fresh seafood to greasy finger food, Brisbane has it all. Here are some of the must-try food items you should give it a try when in Brisbane.
These marine crustaceans are also known to be flathead lobsters, named after the coast of Brisbane. The most common way to serve it is either by grilling or barbecuing it. It will taste similar to traditional lobster. You can try these delicacies George’s Paragon (On front of waters), Gambaro in Petrie Terrace.
Moreton Bay Bugs
Brisbane is known for its creative range of breakfast-for-dinner offerings. One of the most popular spots is Morning After which is located in West End, that serves very tasty mushrooms and pancetta carbonara. Hawthorne’s Sister Cafe is another excellent option, offering breakfast gnocchi.
Brisbane comprises of excellent bakeries, with doughnuts being the city’s specialty. NoDo is very popular in Brisbane owing to it tasty and gluten- free doughnuts. Brewbakers is another excellent spot to snag a sourdough variety, while Doughlux offers slow-rise doughnuts.
Doughnuts
Queensland produces 50% of entire beef consumed in Australia, hence you will might view Brisbane as burger purveyors. Ze Pickle, Miss Kay’s, and Grassfed Vegan are all great options, as most of the restaurants are working with local producers’ meat like grass-fed, organic, and free-range.
Burgers
If you love Chinese Food, then visiting Chinese restaurants is a great idea. The recipes are authentic as Brisbane’s Chinese community prepares them. Dumplings are a must-try dish, and Donna Chang is a great spot to try Moreton Bay bug dumpling and spice- mixed lamb buns. New Shanghai and Umami are recommended choices.
Chinese Dumplings
Travelling is best accompanied with good snackable food, thus chicken wings in Brisbane are must try. From the past four years, King of the Wings has won popular votes. It has converted from food truck to fine dining, hence fits in bucket list. Lucky Egg and Buffalo Bar are also great spots to try out.
Chicken Wings
Brisbane is a shopping paradise, with plenty of malls and shopping centres to choose from. Brisbane has plenty of shopping options to suit all preferences and budgets. These shopping points offer a wide range of stores, restaurants, and cafes, making them ideal for a day of fun and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for high-end designer boutiques or bargain deals, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best shopping points in Brisbane:
Emporium BNE is a must-visit for those looking for a luxurious and sophisticated shopping experience. This upscale mall offers a wide selection of designer boutiques, top-notch restaurants, and trendy cafes. The mall boasts a chic and stylish ambiance that is perfect for a relaxing day of shopping with friends.
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all your shopping needs, then Westfield Chermside is the place to go. This mall is the third largest in Australia and offers a wide variety of stores catering to all ages and interests. From clothing and accessories to electronics and home decor, you’ll find everything you need under one roof. The mall is also beautifully decorated during the festive season, creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere.
DFO Brisbane is a great choice for those looking for a quick and affordable shopping experience. Located in an easily accessible area, this mall offers a range of stores that sell essential items, including clothing, shoes, and home goods. There are also a few eateries nearby, perfect for a quick bite in between shopping.
For those who love boutique shopping, Westfield Carindale is a must-visit. Located in Queensland, this mall is home to 450 stores, including high-end designer boutiques and specialty shops. The mall also offers 6000 car parking spaces, making it convenient for shoppers to access. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends or unique gifts, you’ll find it all here.
From luxurious hotels with exceptional amenities to boutique hotels that exude charm, there is something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best hotels and accommodation options in Brisbane that you should consider for your next visit.
The Calile Hotel is a luxurious urban oasis located in the fashionable James Street precinct of Brisbane. It boasts a sleek, contemporary design with exceptional dining options, day spa, and poolside cabanas. You can indulge in a long lunch at Greek-inspired Hellenika or sink into The Lobby Bar. The hotel offers a perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and relaxation.
The W Brisbane is a stunning 34-storey building located in the heart of the city centre. It features contemporary design and art-pop flair, making it the perfect choice for guests who appreciate a playful approach to luxury. The hotel offers superior amenities, including a W Mix Bar, Bluetooth speakers, and a signature W bed. You can enjoy a dip in the pool at the WET Deck, recharge at the AWAY spa, or enjoy a meal at the award-winning paddock-to-plate restaurant, Three Blue Ducks.
Crystalbrook Vincent is a six-story hotel located beneath the iconic Story Bridge. It offers a stylish and sustainable luxury experience, with upcycled furnishings and an ethos of “responsible luxury.” Guests can enjoy a rooftop bar and infinity pool with river views, making it an ideal choice for those who want to experience the best of Brisbane.
Spicers Balfour is an award-winning boutique hotel located in fashionable New Farm. It features a combination of luxury and Queensland charm, with each room offering modern comforts and old-world charm. The hotel is just minutes away from the city centre and Howard Smith Wharves, making it the perfect base to explore the city. The on-site restaurant, The Balfour Kitchen, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, nestled amongst frangipani trees on the wrap-around verandah.
The Emporium Hotel is located in the vibrant South Bank precinct, forming part of the $600 million Southpoint precinct on Grey Street. It offers 143 luxuriously appointed suites, some with freestanding marble baths that offer floor-to-ceiling city views. The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Signature, celebrates the best of Australian produce with the five-course tasting menu being a highlight. You can choose between the classy Piano Bar or the Terrace, which offers magnificent views over the city.
Whether you are visiting for pleasure or work, getting around the city can be a challenge without the right transportation services. Fortunately, Brisbane has an extensive network of public transportation, as well as several private transportation options to suit your needs. Before, we will cover the different transportation services available in Brisbane, including public transportation, ride-sharing services, taxis, and car rentals, so that you can choose the best option for your travels.
Brisbane Airport is the primary airport serving the city of Brisbane and the surrounding areas. It is a hub for both domestic and international travel, with millions of passengers passing through its terminals every year. To make your travel experience as seamless and stress-free as possible, it is important to know about the different airport services available in Brisbane. In this article, we will cover everything from airport parking and transportation to dining and shopping options, so that you can make the most of your time at Brisbane Airport.
Brisbane’s railway system is an integral part of the city’s public transportation network, providing an efficient and affordable way for commuters and visitors to get around. With over 150 stations and over 1000 km of track, Brisbane’s railway system is the second-largest in Australia, and connects the city with its surrounding suburbs and regional areas. In this article, we will explore the different railway services available in Brisbane, including trains, trams, and light rail, as well as ticketing options and other useful information to help you navigate the city’s railway network with ease.
When it comes to getting around Brisbane, there are many local transport services available to suit your needs. Whether you are a visitor exploring the city for the first time or a local looking for an efficient and convenient way to get around, Brisbane’s transport options are plentiful. From buses and trains to ferries and taxis, there are plenty of options available to help you navigate the city with ease. In this article, we will explore the different local transport services available in Brisbane, so that you can choose the best option for your travels.
