Brisbane guide | Brisbane attractions and things to do

Located on the south-east of Queensland province, Brisbane is one of most popular tourist destinations in Australia and is the country’s third-largest city. The city’s history is most evident in its architecture, with several impressive buildings dating back to the early 19th century.

However, make no mistake that this is a truly modern and vibrant urban centre, with the historical landmarks sitting side by side with dazzling skyscrapers. The sprawling city also boasts top-class shopping centres, superb restaurants, stunning weather and glorious, sandy beaches.

How to get to Brisbane

The closest international airport to Brisbane is Brisbane Airport, which is located 13km from the city centre and offers daily scheduled flights to and from a large number of domestic, Asian and international destinations. There are no direct flights to Brisbane from the United Kingdom, with connections taking place in Asia.

Bus services run regularly between the airport and the Roma Street Transit Centre in the city centre. Trains are also available via the Airtrain service, as well as taxis and car hire companies.

When to visit Brisbane

Brisbane is pleasant to visit at any time, with glorious sunshine almost ever-present. The city’s summer months of December, January and February are particularly hot, with  temperatures regularly climbing well into the 30s and sometimes higher, although there may be an occasional downpour at this time of the year.

During the autumn months of March, April and May the climate cools, but remains warm, and this is one of the most popular times of the year to visit Brisbane. Spring runs from September to November and whilst there is more chance of rain and overcast weather at this time of the year, the sun is never slow in showing its face once more.

Things to do in Brisbane

Attractions and Activities

Some of the most popular attractions in Brisbane include the Australian Woolshed which offers fun sheep shearing, indigenous Australian wildlife in the Koala Bushlands, and walking trails at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs and Mount Coot-tha.

Another major draw for visitors is the glitzy Conrad Treasury Casino, guided tours of Brisbane’s Coca Cola Factory, and the Mount Gravatt Lookout, where you can find stunning views of the region’s natural beauty that includes the D'Aguilar Range and the Glasshouse Mountains.

Brisbane and its surrounding region also boasts some of the world's most stunning beaches, many of which are within a simple drive of the city centre. To the north of the city, the famous Sunshine Coast runs for more than 70 km, and to the south, the Gold Coast stretches 35km.

Sightseeing

Brisbane is teeming with impressive landmarks and monuments, many of which date back to the early 19th century, including Anzac Square, Brisbane City Hall, Story Bridge and Parliament House.

For a unique way to view the city, you may consider a Brisbane Hot Air Balloon Ride. You can book trips with Fly me to the Moon, who offer daily balloon rides over the city.

For Families

Brisbane has several attractions for children of all ages, including amusement and theme parks, adventure playgrounds, water and aquatic parks, zoos and aquariums – including one of Queensland's prime attractions, Sea World.

There are also a number of museums in Brisbane that offer interactive exhibits specifically for children, as well as parks and gardens that are child-friendly, such as Marchant Park and Peace Park.

Eating out

The majority of Brisbane restaurants are located in and around the city centre. Popular areas for dining include the Riverside Centre and Eagle Street Pier on the north-eastern riverfront, the South Bank Parklands, Caxton Street and Given Terrace.

The West End of Brisbane is your best bet for fine dining, with several top-end restaurants in this area. Other parts of the city with good eating options include Breakfast Creek, Milton, New Farm, Petrie Terrace and Spring Hill.

Day trips and Excursions

There are a vast number of attractions, including historic sites and national parks within easy reach of Brisbane. Some of the most popular destinations for day trips and excursions from Brisbane are North Stradbroke Island, Coochiemudlo Island, Bribie Island, Macleay Island, Lamb Island, Karragarra Island, Russell Island and the South Lagoon.

In addition to all of this, Brisbane is also within reach of Australia's spectacular Great Barrier Reef.

What’s on in Brisbane

February

The Brisbane International Motor Show is an exciting car show featuring everything from the world of motoring.

May

The Paniyiri Greek Festival is a multicultural event showcasing Greek culture, with over 20,000 people from Brisbane's Greek community participating in the revelries.

June

The Brisbane Medieval Fayre features a variety of cultures and time periods, with battle re-enactments and a wide range of entertainment.

July

The Valley Fiesta is a food and music festival held in the Chinatown and Brunswick areas of Brisbane, and attracts large crowds each year.

September

The Brisbane Riverside Festival is an arts event, with food, entertainment and fireworks, over twelve days.

November

The Pinnacles Music Festival is a 15-day celebration, featuring jazz and improvised music.