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
Enjoy Queensland’s arts and theatre at the Cultural Centre, South Bank. Spend time at the Queensland Art Gallery and new Gallery of Modern Art.
The Queensland Museum Sciencentre is especially popular with the kids and be sure to visit the new State Library of Queensland.
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.
Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
The Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens are only 7 kilometres from the CBD and feature a magnificent tropical display dome, a lagoon, Japanese gardens, themed gardens on 52 hectares 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.
