Brisbane is a warm, riverside city where laid-back outdoor living meets a thriving arts and dining scene. You can enjoy sunshine, green spaces, and easy access to beaches and hinterland escapes.
Discover Brisbane
Discover Brisbane
Why visit Brisbane?
What to expect
You will find a compact riverfront centre, leafy neighbourhoods, and a relaxed pace that still feels cosmopolitan. The city blends galleries, live music, and alfresco dining with scenic walks and river views.
Plan your trip
Brisbane works well as both a city break and a starting point for exploring the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and inland national parks. Allow extra days if you plan day trips along Queensland’s coastline.
Top sights in Brisbane
South Bank Parklands
Stroll along the riverfront, relax on the man-made Streets Beach, and visit cultural venues clustered in this lively inner-city precinct.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Meet koalas, kangaroos, and native wildlife at one of the world’s oldest sanctuaries, set on a peaceful bend of the Brisbane River.
Brisbane Riverwalk
Walk, cycle, or jog along the elevated Riverwalk between New Farm and the city for fresh air, skyline views, and photo stops.
Mount Coot-tha Lookout
Ride or drive up to this hilltop lookout for panoramic views across the city, river, and bay, especially beautiful at sunset.
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
Explore contemporary art, installations, and family-friendly exhibitions in a striking riverside building at the heart of Brisbane’s cultural precinct.
Howard Smith Wharves
Dine and relax under the Story Bridge at this revitalised riverside hub, with open-air venues and city views that glow after dark.
Moreton Island day trip
Take a ferry to Moreton Island for sand dunes, clear waters, and the chance to snorkel or kayak around the Tangalooma Wrecks.
Experience Brisbane’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use trains and buses to move between the airport, city, and outer suburbs, then hop on CityCat ferries for a scenic way to travel the river. For the last mile, rideshares and e-scooters are widely available in central areas.
Local life & culture
Brisbane’s culture is shaped by outdoor living, festivals, and a strong creative scene centred on Fortitude Valley and South Brisbane. You will notice a friendly, informal feel, with locals making the most of parks, riverside paths, and live music venues.
Where to unwind
Relax in the City Botanic Gardens or Roma Street Parkland, which offer shady lawns, walking trails, and quiet corners. Early morning and late afternoon are the most pleasant times for riverfront walks when the light is soft and temperatures cooler.
A taste of Brisbane
Street food & local specialties
Sample modern Australian favourites, fresh seafood, and global street food at markets such as Eat Street Northshore and neighbourhood hubs around West End. Many spots highlight local produce from Queensland’s farms and coastline.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Discover casual dining in riverside precincts like South Bank and Howard Smith Wharves, and in city malls where you can mix quick bites with relaxed meals. Menus often feature shared plates, making it easy to try several flavours in one sitting.
Signature & scenic dining
Book a table at riverfront restaurants with Story Bridge or city skyline views, or head up to rooftop venues in the CBD and Fortitude Valley. These spots combine creative menus with sunset vistas for a memorable evening out.
Retail therapy in Brisbane
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Queen Street Mall in the city centre gathers major brands, local boutiques, and dining in one pedestrian-friendly strip. Nearby, lifestyle precincts combine shopping with cafés and entertainment, turning errands into relaxed outings.
Markets & local crafts
Browse weekend markets for handmade crafts, fashion, and design, including stalls around South Bank, West End, and New Farm. These neighbourhoods are good places to find locally made gifts and independent labels.
Evening retail scene
Central streets and malls stay lively into the evening, especially on late-night shopping days when stores trade after work hours. Night markets and riverside precincts add a festive feel, and public transport makes it simple to travel back to your hotel.
Best time to visit Brisbane
Brisbane has a subtropical climate with mild winters and warm, humid summers. Peak season runs from December to February, when temperatures average around 21–29°C (70–84°F), with higher humidity and brief afternoon showers. Shoulder season falls in March to May and September to November, with averages of 16–27°C (61–81°F), more comfortable humidity, and plenty of sunshine. Low season is typically June to August, when days are clear and mild at about 10–22°C (50–72°F), making it a pleasant time for outdoor exploring with fewer visitors.