Discover Brisbane: A quick travel guide to exploring the city
Brisbane is Australia’s laid-back sunshine capital.
It combines urban sophistication and laid-back coastal vibes beautifully.
Although it’s not Australias largest city, you’ll still find lots to do there.
Enjoy the lush landscapes of South Bank, an up-close encounter with Australian wildlife, or simply, the scenic parks and gardens.
In this quick travel guide, we’re going to unravel the best of Brisbane, sharing insights on what to do, where to stay and how to navigate the city with ease ensuring you make the most of your short trip.
Plan your quick visit to Brisbane
Getting from the airport to the city
The Airtrain is a quick and efficient way to travel between Brisbane Airport and the city centre, with a journey time of approximately 20 minutes to Central Station.
If you’re travelling in a group or with a lot of luggage, a rideshare service (like Uber) or taxi from the airport to the city may be more practical and economical.
Getting around Brisbane
Getting around Brisbane is easy and convenient.
The city is relatively small in size and has pedestrian-friendly streets, a well-connected public transport system, and readily available rideshare and taxi services.
If you are in Brisbane’s CBD or the neighbouring areas, walking is one of the best ways to get around. Many attractions, restaurants, and parks are within walking distance of each other, making this a viable and enjoyable way to exploring the city.
Public transport is another great way to get around Brisbane. Operated by TransLink, it includes buses and trains that cover the city and its suburbs extensively.
Use google maps to see your options.
Public transport is via a tap on, tap off system that uses a ‘GoCard’. These can be purchased at various convenience stores.
The system can also use a contactless Visa, Mastercard and American Express debit or credit card – just tap on and off with the same card.
If you need to travel further, rideshares (such as Uber) and taxis are convenient. These are also widely available in Brisbane.
Things to Do in Brisbane
South Bank
South Bank is located just across the river from the city centre, and is easily accessible by walking or by public transport.
The area was originally the site of Brisbane World Expo in 1988.
Now, it consists of carefully landscaped gardens, a wide array of dining options, ice cream and dessert outlets, bars and pubs, fun activities, and occasional market setups.
It’s a place designed for relaxation and leisure, ideal for spending time with family and friends.
One of the main attractions is Streets Beach, a large lagoon-style artificial beach that’s surrounded by sand and subtropical plants. It’s free to swim and the views of the city are amazing!
Next to Streets Beach is the Boat Pool and Aquativity which is an interactive water-play park for children.
All of the swim areas are free to use and patrolled by qualified lifeguards throughout the year.
The facilities available at South Bank include BBQ areas, cafés, car parks, family-friendly amenities, picnic areas, public toilets, and swimming pools.
There, you’ll also find Brisbane’s answer to the London Eye – The Wheel of Brisbane – and the riverside walking path.
Meet some animals
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is renowned as the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary – and it is a popular destination for international travellers hoping to get a photo with a Koala.
The sanctuary offers close encounters with Australia’s iconic koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and various species of Australian birds and reptiles.
Other central spots to to see and learn about Australia’s unique wildlife include Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha and Daisy Hill Koala Centre.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
At Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha you can spot native birds and wildlife while exploring the other offerings of Mt Coot-tha, such as hiking and the lookout which has panoramic views of the entire city.
Daisy Hill Koala Centre
At Daisy Hill Koala Centre, which is a 30-minute drive from Brisbane, you can experience koalas in a natural setting.
While you can’t hold koalas here, the centre provides valuable educational resources about koalas and their conservation.
Go to the park
Brisbane has several parks in or near the city that are full of native trees, gardens and recreational areas.
In the city, there’s the Roma Street Parklands and Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.
Just outside of the city, you’ll find New farm Park and Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha (which we just mentioned).
Roma Street Parkland
Roma Street Parkland is one of the world’s largest urban subtropical gardens.
It offers a variety of themed gardens, flowering plants, a lake, and water features. It also has a network of boardwalks and pathways for walking, and hosts events and activities throughout the year like the enchanted forest in December.
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens are Brisbane’s original botanic gardens, situated on the Brisbane River forming part of the Queensland University of Technology City Campus.
The gardens are expansive and include mature trees, rare and unusual plant species, and a living museum of plant collections.
Key features include the Bamboo Grove, Weeping Fig Avenue, and the Riverstage, which is a popular venue for outdoor concerts.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha covers 52 hectares and includes native and exotic plants.
The gardens feature thematic sections such as the Japanese Gardens, the Fern House, and the Freedom Wall memorial.
New Farm Park
New Farm Park is known for its large rose gardens and is a popular spot for picnics, cycling, and outdoor activities.
Located at the eastern end of the suburb of New Farm and on the edge of the Brisbane River, the park has a unique charm with its wide open spaces, tree-lined avenues, and the historic Powerhouse, which is now an arts and cultural hub.
If you are travelling from the city centre to the park, make sure to catch the CityCat ferry which is an experience in itself, offering scenic views of the Brisbane River and the city skyline.
Explore Brisbane City
We think it’s worth just taking a wander and exploring Brisbane City.
You could walk through South Bank or along the river, take a CityCat Ferry, shop in Queen Street Mall, explore the Cultural Precinct or learn about the city’s history in Brisbane City Hall and Museum of Brisbane.
Brisbane’s Free Walking Tours
If history is your interest, Brisbane’s Free Walking Tours are run by local guides who offer their services on a tips-based model.
The guides share stories about Brisbane’s history, aboriginal heritage, and the development of the city, and often provide recommendations for local dining, entertainment, and cultural activities.
The tours cover many of the city’s highlights and hidden gems, often including Brisbane City Hall, King George Square, and parts of the Brisbane Riverwalk.
Clock Tower Tours
Another fun and unique option is Clock Tower Tours, – tours that are specifically focused on the iconic Brisbane City Hall clock tower.
These tours provide a unique opportunity to go inside one of Brisbane’s most famous landmarks, providing panoramic views of the city from the observation deck.
The Story Bridge
Adventurers can walk across The Story Bridge which is one of Brisbane’s most iconic structures.
We recommend checking out The Story Bridge Adventure Climb [save 10% with the coupon code ATT]. This is a guided climb to the top of the bridge, providing stunning 360-degree views of Brisbane, the river, and the distant mountains.
The Brisbane Riverwalk
For a bit of exercise, and maybe a cheeky drink at the Howard Smith Wharves, the Brisbane Riverwalk is a pathway that runs along the Brisbane River.
The walk offers pedestrians and cyclists a scenic route on a floating walkway that connects several areas and landmarks, including the CBD, New Farm, and Howard Smith Wharves.
Take a walk at sunset, enjoy the city’s ambience and spend some time at the Howard Smith Wharves; a historic area beneath the Story Bridge – now a popular spot for dining – with spectacular river views.
Get cultural
Check our Brisbane’s cultural precinct at South Bank.
There’s the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), the Queensland Museum, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).
Each offers unique experiences that highlight the arts, history, and performance.
the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)
QAGOMA stands as a dual venue holding an extensive collection of Australian and international art across two adjacent buildings.
It is renowned for its contemporary and modern art exhibitions, including indigenous Australian art, sculptures, and interactive installations.
The Queensland Museum
The Queensland Museum focuses on the natural history, cultural heritage, science, and human achievement of Queensland and the world.
It features permanent and changing exhibitions that cover a wide range of themes from dinosaurs, marine life, and ancient cultures to modern achievements in science and technology.
Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC)
QPAC is one of Australia’s leading venues for live performance, located on the South Bank of the Brisbane River.
It hosts a diverse program of live performances, including ballet, opera, theatre, dance, music, and comedy.
Where to stay in Brisbane
When visiting Brisbane on vacation, choosing the right place to stay depends on your interests, budget, and the experiences you wish to have.
CBD
Most people will want to stay in or near the CBD, so we recommend you stick to Brisbane City’s CBD (Central Business District), South Bank or Fortitude Valley.
Brisbane City’s CBD is ideal for first-time visitors, business travellers, and those who enjoy being central.
Remember, Brisbane isn’t a big city, so this is the best area for most people.
Some high-end hotels to check out include the Marriot, W Brisbane, Sofitel and Hilton Brisbane.
More affordable options include the Oaks Hotels, Mantra or Ibis.
South Bank
South Bank is ideal for families and anyone in town for a show.
The area is close to public transport options and is walking distance to the CBD, QAGOMA, the Queensland Museum, and QPAC.
For an amazing (but expensive) stay, look at the Emporium Hotel South Bank, which has an infinity pool that overlooks the South Bank Parklands, the river and the city skyline.
More affordable options include Rydges South Bank Brisbane and Mantra South Bank Brisbane.
Fortitude Valley
Fortitude Valley is best for young travellers and nightlife seekers.
This is where the nightclubs, live music and the bar scene are at their best.
A luxury highlight is The Calile Hotel, or there are many boutique offerings.
Alternative spots
Other options to consider include:
- New Farm – for those seeking a more relaxed, local experience
- West End – for travellers interested in multicultural experiences and alternative lifestyles
- Kangaroo Point – for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Where to eat in Brisbane
The city has several food hubs and a variety of cuisines and dining experiences to try.
South Bank
South Bank has many options and many different varieties.
There, you can find Turkish, Mexican and Italian restaurants. You’ll also find local pubs with cheap meals and views of the City.
Fortitude Valley
Fortitude Valley has a vibrant nightlife and offers upper class options in many cuisines such as Asian fusion, European delicacies, or Australian modern cuisine.
Check out Chinatown for authentic Asian cuisine, and James Street for trendy cafes and restaurants.
West End
West End also has a multicultural range of food options including Greek, Vietnamese, and Turkish restaurants.
Plus, Boundary Street is lined with a variety of eateries worth exploring.
New Farm
New Farm is know for its charming cafes and contemporary Australian cuisine. The area has a relaxed vibe, making it a great place for breakfast or brunch.
Howard Smith Wharves
Howard Smith Wharves borders the CBD, Fortitude Valley and New farm.
This area offers a selection of waterfront dining options, from luxury dining to casual eats, along with craft breweries. And the best part is the view of the river, Story Bridge and CBD.
We recommend you grab a locally brewed beer at Felons Brewing Co. at sunset!
Eat Street Northshore
Last but not least, Eat Street Northshore is a unique dining experience, offering a mix of food stalls, bars, and entertainment, housed in shipping containers.
It’s great for trying a variety of cuisines, deserts and drinks right by the river.
And there you have it, all of our favourite tried-and-tested Brisbane recommendations.
Happy travels!
Guest post by Jared Cavalli. For additional details on travelling to Australia, and to discover other activities in Brisbane and throughout the country, check out his Australian travel guide.
