Start your Brisbane itinerary at the South Bank Parkland, which offers a 17-hectare oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. Highlights include the Wheel of Brisbane, Streets Beach, and epic city skyline views from the River Quay Green.
Located in King George Square, the Brisbane City Hall is a majestic Renaissance-style building with beautiful art deco architecture. You can join a guided tour or climb up the clock tower to enjoy panoramic views of Brisbane.
Fortitude Valley is a unique neighbourhood that's worth exploring for its hipster cafes, vintage shops, street art, and vibrant nightlife. Check out Chinatown and the Emporium precinct for foodie delights and boutique fashion.
Queen Street Mall is the premier shopping destination in Brisbane, with over 700 retailers selling local and international brands. Alongside shopping, there are bars, restaurants, and buskers to keep you entertained.
New Farm Park is an idyllic place to have a picnic or a BBQ with the locals. You can also walk along the Brisbane River, watch the city cats go by, or visit the historic Powerhouse arts centre for exhibitions and shows.
Roma Street Parkland is another beautiful public park in Brisbane with lush gardens, water features, and walking trails. You can also visit the Parkland's amphitheatre, lake, and Brisbane Grammar School's historic buildings.
The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a thrilling experience that takes you to the summit of the Story Bridge for panoramic views of Brisbane and beyond. The climb is safe, fun, and scenic, and you can choose from dawn, day, twilight, and night climbs.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, where you can cuddle koalas, feed kangaroos, and see other Australian wildlife up close. There are also daily shows, presentations, and tours to join.
The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) is Australia's largest contemporary art gallery, showcasing the works of renowned Australian and international artists. You can admire artwork across a variety of mediums, attend exhibitions and workshops, or join a guided tour.
Brisbane's Botanic Gardens at the base of Mount Coot-tha is a sprawling 56-hectare park with a collection of gardens, including rainforest, bamboo, and cactus among others. You will also find a planetarium, Japanese gardens, and well-marked walking trails that lead to the summit of Mount Coot-tha for panoramic views.
Eat Street is a unique foodie destination and a cool place to hang out on the weekends. The massive market is filled with shipping containers that host different vendors for street food, drinks, gelato, jewelry, and much more. The atmosphere is buzzing, and the view of the Brisbane River is sensational.
The Queensland Museum and Science Centre is a fascinating attraction where you can explore Queensland's culture, natural history, and science through interactive displays, artefacts, and specimens. There is also a dedicated Kidspace area for children to play, learn and discover.
The Brisbane Lookout at Mount Coot-tha is the perfect place to enjoy panoramic views of Brisbane and beyond while enjoying a coffee or light meal. The lookout also has a fun park for kids, souvenir shop, and surrounding flora reserves.
The Riverlife Adventure Centre is where you can experience Brisbane from a different angle, by kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling, stand-up paddleboarding or cycling. This unique signature adventure experience also takes you past hidden secrets including riverside eateries and entertainment.
Finish your Brisbane itinerary with a splash of fun at Streets Beach, a man-made lagoon situated in South Bank Parkland. The clear blue water, white sand, and palm trees make it feel like a tropical beach. You can sunbathe, swim, or even have a picnic on the lawn in the area.
Public transportation is efficient and affordable in Brisbane. The most convenient way is to use Translink services such as buses, trains, and ferries. The Go Card fare payment system allows for seamless transfer between modes of transportation with Translink’s network that covers the whole metropolitan region. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Ola are also widely available, and renting a car is another option that should be considered given the parking and driving conditions.
A typical one-way journey on public transport costs $3-$6 depending on the distance, and a day pass costs $10-$20. Taxi and Uber fares can range from $20-$50 for short trips, and rental cars start from $30-$50 per day.
If you have more time, you can add a day trip to Moreton Island to experience sandboarding, snorkeling, or dolphin feeding. You can also visit the Queensland Cultural Centre or Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park. If you have less time, shorten your itinerary or explore downtown by foot instead of taking transport.
Brisbane Airport (BNE) is the primary airport in Brisbane, located 17 km (11 miles) from the city centre. It has two terminals (domestic and international) that are connected by the AirTrain or free shuttle bus. The airport has a range of services including shops, restaurants, lounges, car rentals, and taxi ranks. JFK and Newark airports are in Brisbane with a distance of 16-20 km from the city centre.