When people visit Brisbane, where are the "must-see" places? Where
are the places that give tourists a memorable view, an insight into our
city, our history and our people?
If time is your enemy when visiting Brisbane, try one or two or
more of our top picks. Perhaps next time you’re here, you can explore
the many other delights our city has to offer on a day trip around the Brisbane regions.
Our top picks in no particular order are:
Mt Coot-tha Lookout
Even if you only have an hour or so to spare, take the drive up to the top of Mt Coot-tha
to get a view of the whole of Brisbane city. You’ll see the curves of
the river, the lines of the freeway, the skyline of the CBD. Plus, on a
clear day you can see south-west to the distant ranges, east towards
Moreton Bay and miles in every other direction. Enjoy the facilities of
a cafe, restaurant and lookout at the top.
South Bank
Where did people gather in Brisbane before South Bank
was created? It’s hard to imagine our city without this destination.
Every visitor to Brisbane will enjoy South Bank’s sandy beach, the open
grassy picnic spots, the shops and dozens of eating places. There’s the
cinemas, regular free live entertainment and many festivals and
fireworks throughout the year.
The Cultural Centre
Discover Queensland's arts and theatre at the Cultural Centre, South Bank.
Spend time admiring Australian and international artworks and exhibitions at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art.
The Queensland Museum is an exciting way to learn about natural history, cultural history and science and the Sciencentre is especially popular with the kids.
Be sure to visit the State Library of Queensland
which has something for everyone including books, multimedia,
computers, Internet, displays, activities, a book and gift shop and
lots more.
See a play, opera, ballet or dozens of other performances at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre [QPAC].
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Visitors from overseas will just love the abundant and easily seen Australian wildlife at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Hold a koala, feed a kangaroo, hear a talk about our reptiles – it all
makes for a great day out. There’s no need to leave the city to
experience our amazing animals.
A trip on the river
Even locals love to get out on the Brisbane River and it’s so easy
and cheap to do with a journey on the CityCat. Take a cruise up and
down the river, stopping where ever you like along the way – South
Bank, University of Queensland, New Farm... The CityCats glide over the
water and you’ll see million dollar houses. Travel under the Story
Bridge and get a whole new perspective. Our ferry guide gives you more information.
Moreton Bay
Moreton Bay is huge! Take a trip to Stradbroke Island
(affectionately known as ‘Straddie’ to locals). On Moreton Island you
can feed wild dolphins at Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort. If you don’t have much time, sit beside the bay when you visit the bayside areas of Sandgate, Wynnum or Cleveland.
City Botanic Gardens
Visitors will see the exotic and gorgeous plants that flourish in our sub-tropical climate.
The City Botanic Gardens
are in a fabulous spot beside the river (and an easy walk from the busy
CBD). Make sure you don't miss a walk through the mangroves on the
boardwalk.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha
are only 7 kilometres from the CBD and feature a magnificent tropical
display dome, a lagoon, Japanese gardens, 52 hectares of themed gardens
and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.
Roma Street Parkland
Take the train to Roma Street Parkland
to experience the theme gardens such as the topiary maze, rainforest
walk, lake, celebration lawn and amphitheatre. There are many public
artworks to admire and a good cafe too.
Story Bridge
Named after John Douglas Story, Brisbane's Story Bridge links the inner city suburbs of Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo Point.
Have a picnic or BBQ under the bridge at Captain Burke Park or eat out at the historic Story Bridge Hotel. For the more adventurous take a climb over the bridge itself with Story Bridge Adventure Climb.
Major festivals
Some of the best Brisbane experiences only happen once a year. But if tourists are in Brisbane during some of our biggest festivals and celebrations, they’ll get to see us enjoying ourselves and our city.
Even if there isn’t a major festival when you visit, there’s always lots of other events. Use our events calendar to find out more.
