Best Things to Do in Brisbane: A Complete City Guide

Last Update: September 2026

Brisbane is Queensland’s sunny capital and a city that has changed enormously over the years. With its winding river, beautiful parklands, outdoor lifestyle, lively dining scene and easy access to islands, beaches and national parks, there is much more to Brisbane than many visitors expect.

We spent seven months living in Brisbane and loved discovering the city beyond the usual tourist attractions. From catching the CityCat along the river and watching sunset from Kangaroo Point to exploring the gardens, neighbourhoods and nearby islands, there is plenty to keep you busy.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying a little longer, here are some of the best things to do in Brisbane, along with our tips for getting around, where to stay and places to eat.

Best things to do while in Brisbane

Take a cruise on the river

The Brisbane River runs through the middle of the city. This makes it a wonderful city to explore from the water. The twists and turns of the river pass through several neighbourhoods that look amazing from the water. 

There are many river cruises you can take, such as River City Cruises or BrisVegas cruises. However, we recommend simply taking one of the City Hoppers or “Kitty Cats”. The Kitty Cats are free to hop on and they service most of the city’s main attractions. You’ll see the river just as well and will also get to meet the friendly locals who use it as a free means of transportation.

If you want to travel further along the Brisbane River, hop aboard a CityCat. They cover a much larger stretch of the river and stop at numerous locations along the way. Best of all, Translink journeys now cost just 50 cents, making the CityCat one of the cheapest ways to explore Brisbane.

You can simply tap on and off with a contactless debit or credit card, phone or smartwatch, so there’s no need to buy a Go Card just for your visit.

Take a free walking tour with Brisbane Greeters 

One of the best ways to get to know a city is through the eyes of a knowledgeable local. Managed by the Brisbane City Council, the Brisbane Greeters program offers free walking tours for locals and tourists alike. The Brisbane Greeters tours are run by proud and passionate volunteers who are keen to share Brisbane’s stories and eager to show you some of the best spots in the city.

Find out more about the Brisbane Greeters Program and/or book here.

Check out the view from Mount Coo-tha

The Mt Coot-tha Lookout is the highest point in Brisbane with stunning panoramic views over the city and as far away as Moreton Bay. It is one of Brisbane’s most popular tourist attractions and really is a must-see for any visitor to Brisbane. Enjoyable both by day and night, it is extremely popular at sunrise and sunset.

If you enjoy hiking, there are multiple hiking trails around the lookout which are very popular with locals and are good for spotting wildlife.

You can drive to Mt Coo-tha, catch a uber or take the 471 bus from the CBD.

Tip: Another lookout spot to get a great view of the city is Mount Gravatt Lookout, south of the city. There are also many hiking trails to and from the Mount Gravatt Lookout. During our hike up to Mount Gravatt Lookout, we even spotted a snoozing koala!

Visit the Roma Street Parklands

The Roma Street Parklands were my favourite Brisbane city gardens to explore. They are just so stunning.

Covering 16 hectares, they are right in the centre of Brisbane, a short 10-minute walk from Brisbane’s CBD. They are open 24 hours a day and entry is free. It’s a great place to admire the magnificent gardens, exotic trees and of course, the cheeky water dragons that call the gardens home.

Go to the Botanic Gardens

There are two Botanic Gardens in Brisbane. The smaller ones (called the City Botanic Gardens) are south of the CBD and easily accessible for anyone without a car who is staying in the city. They cover 17 hectares and were the original Botanic Gardens. Located by the riverside, they are an amazing place for a morning walk or a relaxing picnic.

The second Botanic Gardens are called the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and are in Mt Coot-tha. They are accessible by car if you have one or by bus (catch the 471 bus). Spanning over 56 hectares of gardens, they are an oasis for wildlife and feature plants and flowers from all over the world. They are another fabulous spot for a picnic and, being in Mount Coo-tha, there’s even a lookout with lovely views of the CBD skyline.

Both botanic gardens are free to enter.

Rock climb in Kangaroo Point

Challenge yourself on the Kangaroo Point Cliffs with a rock-climbing adventure. Kangaroo Point is Brisbane’s outdoor climbing gym. It is one of the most user-friendly crags around, with gigantic concrete bollards at the top of the 20m high cliff face for setting up anchors. If you are inexperienced or don’t have the gear to do it yourself, book your rock climbing tour with Riverlife; they will show you the ropes. 

Go for a swim at the Streets Beach, Southbank

Streets Beach is a Brisbane icon and a must-visit on a hot and steamy Queensland day. Streets Beach is riverside man-made beach, boasting a sparkling blue lagoon surrounded by white, sandy beaches and sub-tropical plants. It’s an oasis in the middle of the city.

And the best part is that Streets Beach is free to use and is patrolled by qualified lifeguards all year round.

When you’ve spent enough time on the beach, don’t forget to explore the 17-hectare South Bank Parklands. Consider jumping aboard the Wheel of Brisbane for 360-degree panoramic views of the city.

Go shopping at Queen Street Mall

You can shop till you drop at the Queen Street Mall; it’s a shopper’s paradise!

Brisbane’s best-known pedestrian mall has more than 700 retailers including home-grown talent, designer stores and international labels. Big-name stores take up street frontage, while smaller retailers are tucked inside the seven shopping centres and heritage-listed arcades.

Feast in Street food at Eat Street Northshore

If you are visiting on a weekend, don’t miss Eat Street Northshore in Hamilton. Eat Street Northshore is located just 15 mins from Brisbane CBD, on a disused historic wharf over the Brisbane River. On weekend evenings, it comes alive with over 70 traders, including 5 themed bars, eclectic shops and micro restaurants offering delicious dishes and tasty treats from six of the world’s seven continents.

Eat Street Northshore is an endless fun-filled adventure for lovers of good food & entertainment, with food vendors operating from repurposed recycled shipping containers.

From the CBD, you can get there by City Cat (hop off at Northshore Hamilton), or if you drive, parking is free.

Entry fee:

Adults: $6.00

Children (under 13): Free

Climb the Story Bridge

The Story Bridge is Brisbane’s most iconic structure and the best way to see Brisbane is by climbing it! You will be treated to a unique perspective of the city and its surrounds. You’ll have views as far as the Glass House Mountains in the north, Moreton Bay in the east, the Scenic Rim Mountains in the south, and the best views of Brisbane. It’s 1136 steps up but it’s worth the climb!

Visit the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art 

Both galleries are free, and they are located right next to each other in Southbank. They’re great to visit on a rainy day or if the hot summer heat is getting the best of you.

The Gallery of Modern Art has three floors full of cool exhibits, often interactive. The Queensland Art Gallery has an impressive exhibit of native Australian art. You could spend hours visiting them both if you want to see everything but since it’s free you can always go back for another look.

Walk Along the River to New Farm

One of our favourite Brisbane walks follows the Brisbane River from the city towards New Farm, with fantastic river and Story Bridge views along the way. Continue through to New Farm Park, one of Brisbane’s loveliest green spaces and a great place to relax by the river.

While you’re there, check out the nearby Brisbane Powerhouse, a former power station transformed into an arts and cultural venue with regular comedy, theatre, music and other performances. For something very different, Vertigo offers a dining experience suspended from the side of the Powerhouse building!

Have a night cap or dinner by the river

There is nothing better than spending an evening by the Brisbane River, enjoying dinner or a drink while the city lights come on. Seeing the Story Bridge illuminated at night is particularly beautiful. You’ll find plenty of great riverside restaurants and bars around Howard Smith Wharves and South Bank, but book ahead if you want a table with a view.

For sunset drinks, we also love the rooftop bar at Emporium Hotel South Bank. The views across the river and Brisbane skyline are fantastic, and it’s one of our favourite spots to watch the sun go down before heading out for dinner.

Have a cold beer at Felons

You can’t spend time in Brisbane and not visit Felons. Felons Brewery is the place to go for a relaxing and fun afternoon. The brewery is huge and extremely popular, especially on weekends. Live music plays in the Barrel Hall most weekends. Just stop by, enjoy the sun, the cold brews, and the fabulous views.

Eat and Drink Your Way Around Fish Lane

Just behind South Bank, Fish Lane is one of Brisbane’s coolest little dining and bar precincts. The laneway is packed with restaurants, small bars, cafés, street art and colourful murals, making it a great place to wander in the late afternoon before stopping somewhere for dinner or drinks.

We’ve spent quite a bit of time here over the years and love the atmosphere, especially in the evening.

Watch the sunset from Kangaroo Point

At the end of the day, be sure to take a moment to watch the sunset. The Kangaroo Point Cliffs offer one of the best views in Brisbane day and night. So, pack a picnic basket or snag one of the free barbecues for dinner and watch the sky turn into different shades of orange and pink while the city lights up.

Explore Brisbane at Night

Brisbane is especially beautiful after dark, when the riverfront, bridges and city skyline light up. Take an evening walk along the river through South Bank and Kangaroo Point, or head towards Howard Smith Wharves for fantastic views of the illuminated Story Bridge.

If you enjoy photography, bring your camera, the reflections on the Brisbane River and colourful city lights make this one of our favourite times to photograph the city.

Take a walk to King Island from Wellington Point

A unique experience to do in Brisbane is the sea walk between King Island and Wellington Point at low tide (be sure to check the tidal conditions first). King Island is about 1km offshore and the little 1 ha islet has been turned into a conservation park. The different species of seabirds, mangrove trees, thousands of sand crabs, along with the views, make the journey to the island so enjoyable.

You can get to Wellington Point by catching the blue (Cleveland and Shorncliffe) train line from Brisbane Central.

Visit the West End Markets

If you’re in Brisbane on a Saturday, head to the West End Markets at Davies Park. These lively weekend markets have a great mix of street food, fresh produce, handmade goods, clothing and local products.

It’s a fun place to grab breakfast or lunch, browse the stalls and soak up the relaxed West End atmosphere.

Best Day Trips from Brisbane

One of the best things about Brisbane is how easy it is to escape the city for the day. Head across to Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) or Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) for beaches, wildlife and beautiful coastal scenery, or drive inland to Tamborine Mountain for rainforest walks, waterfalls and wineries.

You can also head north to the Glass House Mountains and Sunshine Coast, or south to the Gold Coast, all within easy reach of Brisbane.

Looking for more places to explore around Brisbane? From beautiful beaches and islands to lush rainforests, scenic mountain drives and charming country towns, there are plenty of incredible destinations just a short drive from the city.

Read more: Best Day Trips from Brisbane – 14 Amazing Places to Explore

Best Time to Visit Brisbane

Brisbane is a great year-round destination, but March to May and September to November are particularly pleasant, with warm days and generally comfortable temperatures for exploring. Winter is also lovely, with mild, dry days, although evenings can be cool. Summer is hot, humid and stormy, so be prepared for the heat if visiting between December and February.

How Many Days Do You Need in Brisbane?

Two to three days is a good amount of time to explore Brisbane’s main sights, neighbourhoods and riverfront. If you want to add day trips to places such as Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) or Tamborine Mountain, allow a few extra days.

How to Get to Brisbane

Brisbane is well connected by air, road and rail. Brisbane Airport has domestic and international terminals and is around 20 minutes from the CBD by Airtrain. If you’re driving, Brisbane is easily reached via the major highways from the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and other parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales.

How to get from the Airport to the city?

The easiest way to travel from Brisbane Airport to the CBD is by Airtrain, which operates from both the Domestic and International terminals. The journey to Central Station takes around 20 minutes, with trains running every 15–30 minutes.

Airtrain is not included in Brisbane’s 50-cent public transport fares. You can tap on and off using a contactless Visa or Mastercard, use a Go Card, or purchase an Airtrain ticket. Booking online through the Airtrain website can also give you access to discounted fares and special offers.

How to get around Brisbane?

Brisbane is an easy city to get around, with an excellent network of buses, trains and ferries, as well as many areas that are easy to explore on foot. Even better, Translink public transport across Brisbane costs just 50 cents per journey, making it an incredibly affordable way to explore the city. You can also tap on and off using a contactless card, phone or smartwatch.

By Ferry

Taking the ferry is our favourite way to get around Brisbane. The CityHopper operates along the inner-city stretch of the river and is a great way to travel between popular riverside areas.

For longer journeys, hop aboard a CityCat. With Translink fares now just 50 cents per journey, it’s an incredibly cheap way to get around while enjoying some fantastic views of Brisbane from the river. You can simply tap on and off using a contactless debit or credit card, phone or smartwatch.

By Train

Brisbane’s train network is an easy and affordable way to travel around the city and reach many of the surrounding suburbs. Trains run frequently throughout the day, they’re a great option for getting around without a car.

By Buses

Brisbane has an extensive bus network connecting the city centre with the surrounding suburbs and attractions.

By foot

If you enjoy walking, Brisbane is a great city for walking and has many beautiful walking paths. It can get hot in the summertime, however.

By Electric Scooters

Electric Scooters are super popular in Brisbane and you will find them everywhere! Currently available are the Lime and Neuron scooters. Just download the app, sign up and hop on. Make sure to respect the speed limit and the people walking around you.

Where to stay?

W Brisbane

W Brisbane is located on North Quay with views over the Brisbane River. Offering 312 spacious guest rooms, W Brisbane boasts three restaurants and bars, a spa and fitness centre. The 5-star hotel is within walking distance of South Bank and Brisbane’s public transport system. Click here for their prices.

Crystalbrook Vincent

The Crystalbrook Vincent has the perfect location right next to Howard Smith Wharves and its restaurants and brewery. Get a room with river views and be sure to take a dip in their rooftop pool for a swim with a view! Click here for their prices.

Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street

Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street is affordable and located right in the heart of the Brisbane CBD with easy access to the Queen Street mall, City Botanic Gardens and the Riverside’s restaurants and bars. Click here for their prices.

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane

If you prefer an apartment, Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane, offers studio’s and both 1 and 2-bedroom apartments. It is located right in the CBD and a 2-minute walk from the Brisbane River. You can explore all the city has to offer and then return to the comfort of your hotel where there is a swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurant, and bar. Click here for their prices.

Where to eat?

Greca – Howard Smith Wharf

Perfect for a long and lazy lunch by the river, Greca is a taverna-inspired eatery that pairs authentic Greek eats with winsome riverside views. The food is fresh and full of flavour, with much of the meat and seafood cooked over charcoal and wood-fired grills.

Joey’s – Kangaroo Point

Joey’s is perched on the Kangaroo Point cliffs and has a European summer-inspired décor, along with extensive Brisbane CBD skyline views. The menu is Mediterranean inspired, and it also has a great cocktail menu. Book ahead as with the views, it fills up fast. Open for Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

1889 – Enoteca – Woolloongabba

1889 Enoteca is part of the heritage listed Moreton Rubber Works building (circa 1889) located in the antique quarter of Woolloongabba. This restaurant/wine bar takes you straight to Italy without having to travel thousands of miles. It has traditional Roman fare and a huge wine selection made to be enjoyed in the relaxed but sophisticated setting. The menu showcases the freshest produce available, along with pasta and bread made daily on site.

Madame Wu

Madame Wu is an exciting restaurant and bar set in a first-class CBD location serving modern Asian fusion food, contemporary cocktails and the wines of the world overlooking Brisbane’s best vista.

Babylon Brisbane

Babylon is another one of our favourite Brisbane restaurants. It serves delicious Middle Eastern food in a beautiful riverside setting, with fantastic views of the Story Bridge. It’s a great spot for a long lunch, dinner or sunset drinks, especially if you can grab a table with a view.

Pawpaw Café – Woolloongabba

Pawpaw was our favourite spot for breaky. The food is always delicious and served promptly with a smile. They cater for vegetarians and vegans as well as gluten free diets. They also have a lovely Asian Fusion menu for dinner. Be sure to book ahead as they are always packed.

Brisbane FAQs

Is Brisbane worth visiting?

Absolutely. Brisbane has a fantastic riverside setting, great restaurants and bars, beautiful parklands and an easy-going outdoor lifestyle. It’s also a great base for exploring nearby islands, mountains and beaches.

What is Brisbane best known for?

Brisbane is known for its Brisbane River, warm climate, outdoor lifestyle, South Bank, Story Bridge and thriving food and drink scene. It’s also perfectly positioned between the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

Can you visit Brisbane without a car?

Yes. Brisbane is very easy to explore without a car thanks to its buses, trains and ferries. Public transport fares are just 50 cents, and contactless payment makes getting around particularly easy for visitors.

Is Brisbane expensive?

Brisbane can be as expensive or affordable as you make it. Accommodation and dining can add up, but many of the city’s best attractions are free, and the 50-cent public transport fares make getting around incredibly cheap.

Is Brisbane walkable?

The central areas of Brisbane are very walkable, particularly the CBD, South Bank, Kangaroo Point and riverside precincts. For longer distances, simply jump on a bus, train or CityCat.

Read More

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