Brisbane

Travel Guide
Brisbane

Brisbane Travel Guide Video

Sunny Queensland’s laid-back capital city is the perfect base from which to explore riverside parks, subtropical islands and rugged mountains.

Brisbane is home to over 2 million people, but maintains a relaxed atmosphere thanks to the warm weather and easygoing locals. “Brissie” has plenty of nightlife and art galleries, but with its location on the banks of a major river in beautiful sunny Queensland, the biggest attraction is definitely the outdoors.

During the humid summers, catch a cooling breeze along the waterfront. Rent a kayak to paddle along the Kangaroo Point cliffs or spot dolphins and turtles around Moreton Island National Park. Enjoy a balmy night with “fish ‘n chips” and locally brewed XXXX beer along the Brisbane River.

The cooler, dry winters are good for whale watching and fitness activities, such as climbing the Story Bridge or the Glass House Mountains. The winter days are short, but the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Brisbane Powerhouse and the bars in Fortitude Valley keep you entertained at night.

Brisbane offers many free facilities such as pools, barbecues, playgrounds and frequent cultural festivals. You don’t have to pay for the government-funded attractions and nature reserves either, including the Roma Street Parkland, Gallery of Modern Art, Museum of Brisbane, Botanic Gardens, and Mount Coot-tha.

Apart from walking, the public transport and bike-share systems are convenient ways to get around. Start at South Bank, Brisbane’s attractive cultural riverfront area. From the Maritime Museum, follow the bougainvillea archway past streams with ibis and water dragons, palm tree-lined swimming lagoons, markets, food venues and street performers, all the way to the Ferris wheel, with wooden a Nepalese temple nearby.

Take the public ferry downstream to New Farm Park or book a scenic cruise upstream to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Alternatively, continue along South Bank to the state’s major museums, including the Queensland Museum and art galleries.

Brisbane is surrounded by stunning nature, so book a tour or rent a car to explore. Nothing is rushed here, so relax and take your time to enjoy the cultural displays and natural beauty in the capital of the Sunshine State.

Where to stay in Brisbane

Brisbane Central Business District which includes a river or creek, a sunset and a city

Brisbane Central Business District

4.5/5(120 area reviews)

Densely concentrated skyscrapers and parks define this central business hub, with attractions like City Hall, Story Bridge, and City Botanic Gardens. Enjoy seamless connectivity via road bridges, public transport, and the scenic Brisbane Riverwalk.

Brisbane Central Business District
Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport

Located 14km northeast of Brisbane's CBD, this coastal suburb boasts the Skygate Airport Village, featuring retail, commercial spaces, a GP Clinic, and Novotel airport hotel. Easily accessible via Domestic and International Terminal railway stations, it offers convenient connections to the city.

Brisbane Airport
Southbank Parklands

South Bank

Brimming with cultural and recreational attractions, South Bank offers diverse dining options on Grey Street and Little Stanley Street, as well as easy access to public transport, including ferries, buses, and trains.

South Bank
Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley

Brimming with nightlife, nightclubs, and bars, this inner suburb features Brunswick Street Mall and Chinatown for pedestrians. Shop at James Street precinct, visit Valley Pool, or explore heritage-listed sites like Howard Smith Wharves.

Fortitude Valley
South Brisbane

South Brisbane

Directly connected to the central business district, South Brisbane boasts the vibrant South Bank Parklands, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and attractions like the Wheel of Brisbane. Enjoy shopping and dining on Grey Street, and easily explore via CityCat ferry services.

South Brisbane
Tangalooma which includes tropical scenes, a beach and landscape views

Tangalooma

Indulge in resort accommodation, hand-feed wild dolphins at sunset, and explore the Tangalooma Wrecks while snorkeling. Discover Moreton Island National Park and enjoy whale watching cruises nearby.

Tangalooma
The Point Brisbane Hotel
The Point Brisbane Hotel
4.5 out of 5
21 Lambert Street, Kangaroo Point, QLD
The price is CA $129 per night from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2
CA $129
CA $142 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"A"

Reviewed on Mar. 24, 2024

The Point Brisbane Hotel
Pacific Hotel Brisbane
Pacific Hotel Brisbane
4 out of 5
345 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, QLD
The price is CA $122 per night from Apr. 7 to Apr. 8
CA $122
CA $134 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,023 reviews)
"Parking underground was deplorable, actual sign stating worst hotel car park in Australia - voted by the staff."

Reviewed on Mar. 27, 2024

Pacific Hotel Brisbane
Royal On The Park
Royal On The Park
4.5 out of 5
152 Alice Street, Brisbane, QLD
The price is CA $147 per night from Apr. 28 to Apr. 29
CA $147
CA $164 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,016 reviews)
"Very nice old fashioned hotel"

Reviewed on Mar. 27, 2024

Royal On The Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Brisbane Skytower by CLLIX
Brisbane Skytower by CLLIX
4 out of 5
222 Margaret Street, Brisbane, QLD
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,685 reviews)
"Beautiful property near botantical gardens. Lovely view and clean apartment will definitively go back again!"

Reviewed on Mar. 25, 2024

Brisbane Skytower by CLLIX
Royal Albert Hotel
Royal Albert Hotel
4 out of 5
167 Albert Street, (cnr Elizabeth St), Brisbane, QLD
Stay at this aparthotel in Brisbane. Enjoy breakfast, room service, and valet parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,414 reviews)
"Spacious, clean and great location"

Reviewed on Mar. 26, 2024

Royal Albert Hotel
Evolution Apartments
Evolution Apartments
4.5 out of 5
18 Tank Street, Brisbane, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star aparthotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,228 reviews)
"Nice and close to CBD"

Reviewed on Mar. 24, 2024

Evolution Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Brisbane

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
50
" "5 - Excellent 68.4931506849315%
4 - Good
18
" "4 - Good 24.65753424657534%
3 - Okay
5
" "3 - Okay 6.8493150684931505%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Feb. 29, 2020

Brisbane is one of the cleanest large cities I have ever been too. It was a very enjoyable time. Very interesting to hear about it’s history, mistakes and how it has adapted over time.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Feb. 25, 2020

Great city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jan. 30, 2020

Bike share system worth using. Arts Theater close by, worth taking in a play. Very walkable City.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Dec. 17, 2019

Love the amount of greenery and parks along the River. Christmas light displays were great! And the pedestrian bridge is genius. Many cities could learn from their infrastructure!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Nov. 16, 2019

Beautiful city. Love the transportation system. We purchased a Go Card. Access to trains/buses/boats! We were only there 2 days and just missed out on the Eats Market North Shore and were told it has many vendors and the food is world class.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Oct. 9, 2019

What a lovely city!

Cities near Brisbane