10 Best Things to Do in Brisbane
What is Brisbane Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Brisbane include exploring the city’s popular attractions, world-class museums and galleries, and cool neighborhoods. These points of interest make visiting the vibrant capital of Queensland a more enjoyable experience.
This coastal metropolitan area is famous for its beautiful parklands, scenic lookouts, bustling local markets, and vibrant waterside districts. You can take leisurely walks along the Brisbane River, visit world-class museums and galleries, enjoy the local cuisine at restaurants and cafes, or simply relax in one of the many parks or gardens.
What are the best things to do in Brisbane?
1. South Bank
A vibrant riverside parkland and entertainment neighbourhood
Good for: Families, Shoppers, Food
South Bank is a vibrant riverside neighborhood situated just south of Brisbane’s city center, spanning 17 hectares along the Brisbane River. It’s a premier cultural destination that boasts expansive parks and bathing neighborhoods, top-notch restaurants, and year-round events.
At the heart of South Bank lies the picturesque South Bank Parklands, offering free bathing facilities, a riverside walking track, picnic neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks like the Wheel of Brisbane and the Brisbane sign. The bustling Gray Street, which runs parallel to the river, is home to many international restaurants, hotels, and art galleries, making it a must-visit destination for foodies and art lovers.
South Bank
2. Roma Street Parkland
Expansive gardens, waterways, and playground area
Good for: Families, Budget, Group
Roma Street Parkland is Brisbane’s lush and beautiful park area that you can easily reach after a 10-minute walk from Brisbane’s CBD. The park’s grounds span 16 hectares with beautifully landscaped gardens, expansive lawns, children’s playgrounds, and historical landmarks – all spaces within the park provide a welcome respite from the bustle of the business district.
The parkland is a wonderful spot for a relaxing family picnic. But you’ll be in for a real treat if you visit in spring when Roma Street Parkland’s colorful flowers burst into full bloom. Free barbeques are often held on the lawns. And as the sun sets, the park takes on a magical vibe, with the Moonlight Cinema offering a unique outdoor cinematic experience.
Location: 1 Parkland Blvd, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Roma Street Parkland
3. Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout
Scenic views over Brisbane
Good for: Photo, Group
Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout is the highest point in Brisbane and is where you can enjoy the best views over the city. You can reach the lookout after a 20-minute drive west from the CBD, beyond the Mount Coot-Tha Botanic Gardens. It offers stunning panoramic views across the city, the surrounding parkland, and the Brisbane River.
The drive from Brisbane CBD to Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout is equally pleasant, with lush vegetation and rolling hills along the way. There is ample parking at the lookout, and it is just a short walk further up to the hilltop. Outdoorsy types can enjoy any of the several forest hiking and biking trails around the lookout.
Location: 1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-Tha QLD 4066, Australia
Phone: +61 (0)7 3403 8888
Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout
4. Queen Street
Brisbane CBD’s main shopping street
Good for: Shoppers, Food
Queen Street is one of the major thoroughfares in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. Its southern half is home to the Queen Street Mall, a bustling open-air pedestrian shopping spot that hosts well over 700 stores. You’ll find a diverse range of shops in this primary shopping precinct, ranging from street-front stores and heritage-listed arcades to smaller malls clustered together along the strip.
Major flagship stores call Queen Street home. Well-known brands you’ll find include Portmans, Zara, Mecca, Saint Laurent, and Burberry. The precinct also features the largest department stores in the city, namely David Jones and Myer. Dining options also abound, either in the form of fast-food chains, wine bars, cafes, or cool spots inside hotels.
Queen Street
5. The West End Markets
A weekend farmers’ market in West End
Good for: Shoppers, Budget
Head down to Davies Park by the Brisbane River for the West End Markets, held every Saturday. This lively hub features an eclectic mix of independent creators and vendors. With over 150 vendors attending each week, it’s no surprise that the West End Markets are one of the best places to browse for a 1-time find.
At the West End Markets, you’ll often be hopping from one section to another, checking out fresh produce, delectable hot foods, handicrafts, and boutique fashion items. The market is bustling with activity, with stalls, family-friendly events, and live music from early on Saturday morning and throughout the day. As parking can be limited, it’s best to get here by public transportation or bike.
Location: Montague Rd &, Jane St, West End QLD 4101, Australia
Open: Saturdays from 6 am to 1 pm
Phone: +61 (0)4 3584 0810
The West End Markets
6. Queensland Art Gallery
A premier art gallery on Brisbane River
Good for: History, Group
The Queensland Art Gallery is located within the Queensland Cultural Center in South Brisbane. As part of the impressive precinct situated on the Brisbane River, the gallery showcases a variety of contemporary and ancient art from Australia and across Asia. It focuses on art that depicts various historical events and cultural trends.
Visitors can explore the special exhibitions on display, as well as the permanent collections across the various gallery halls. Surrounding the gallery, you can also admire some fascinating sculptures in the precinct. Just 150 meters away, you can pay a visit to the joint Gallery of Modern Art, which opened in 2006, and the Children’s Art Center, an interactive facility for kids and families.
Location: Stanley Pl, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +61 (0)7 3840 7303
Queensland Art Gallery
7. Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Famous botanic gardens on the Brisbane River
Good for: Families, Photo, Group
The Brisbane City Botanic Gardens is a heritage-listed garden space located in the Brisbane CBD. Situated on the banks of the Brisbane River, just a short walk from Queen Street, the gardens cover 17 hectares of land in front of Old Government House. The garden features various parts, including open lawns, rainforest, lily ponds, mangroves, and water fountains.
Entry to the Botanic Gardens is free, making it a perfect budget-friendly place to visit in Brisbane. Inside, visitors can explore numerous walking and cycling paths that take them between the different neighborhoods of the gardens. Additionally, the Riverstage outdoor venue plays host to music and other live events throughout the year.
Location: 147 Alice St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Phone: +61 (0)7 3403 8888
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
8. New Farm River Walk
A shared path along the Brisbane River
Good for: Photo, Budget, Group
The New Farm River Walk is a riverside pathway that links New Farm to the Howard Smith Wharves. The wide path is partly suspended in the water as it winds its way along the riverbanks from one neighborhood to the next, making it the perfect way for pedestrians and cyclists to get around and explore the city of Brisbane.
The New Farm River Walk starts at the end of Riverview Court in New Farm and heads up to Howard Smith Wharves. Visitors can then connect onto the city boardwalk, which runs down the other side of the river to the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.
Location: Riverview Ct, New Farm QLD 4005, Australia
New Farm River Walk
9. Queensland Museum
The science, culture, and history museum of Queensland
Good for: History, Photo, Group
The Queensland Museum is the hub of science, culture, and history in Australia’s easternmost state. Situated within the Cultural Center precinct in South Brisbane, the museum is a highly popular family-friendly attraction in the city, and the best part is, it’s free to visit!
At the museum, visitors can explore permanent and special exhibitions and collections that showcase the natural history, cultural heritage, and scientific achievements of Australia and around the world. There are also numerous children’s programs and experiences available during school vacations. While onsite parking is available, public transportation and bicycle paths are in close proximity too.
Location: Corner of Grey and, Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm
Phone: +61 (0)7 3153 3000
Queensland Museum
10. Howard Smith Wharves
A bustling waterside precinct with restaurants and breweries
Good for: Photo, Food, Nightlife
Howard Smith Wharves is a lively waterfront development situated north of Brisbane’s CBD. It’s located just across the famous Story Bridge, near Fortitude Valley, and has been converted into one of the city’s premier foodie and lifestyle destinations.
Inside the precinct, you’ll find many excellent restaurants and bars with outdoor seating that extends onto the decks overlooking the water. You can choose from a range of cuisines and places, including Japanese, Greek, local breweries, trendy wine bars, and more. At night, the area is a hub of activity, with the city lights illuminating the scene, and the bars remaining open until late.
Location: 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Phone: +61 (0)7 3188 9090
Howard Smith Wharves
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.