Things to do in Brisbane

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Roma Street Parkland which includes a high rise building, a city and a river or creek
Brisbane
Southbank Parklands
Kangaroo Point Cliffs featuring a sunset, a high rise building and skyline
Mt. Coot-Tha which includes central business district, a sunset and night scenes

Brisbane Attractions

The capital of Queensland and the third-largest city in Australia, Brisbane is a bustling hub of culture, entertainment, history, and nature. Within the city, visitors and locals alike enjoy a range of attractions, including art museums, sporting events, festivals, and shopping, while the city's location on the banks of the Brisbane River offers much in the way of outdoor activities. Whether you want to peruse the flea markets for vintage finds, climb the face of a centuries-old cliff, or take in views of the city from the height of the Wheel of Brisbane, there are plenty of things to do and see in this thriving metropolis.


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What to do in Brisbane

Free Things to Do in Brisbane

Traveling on a limited budget in Brisbane? Spend time instead of cash on great experiences.

Museum of Brisbane - Wander around and admire the fascinating exhibits and unique collections at this popular museum.

Frew Park - Plenty of excitement is in store for you at this great place.

King George Square - This modern local landmark is an interesting backdrop for a selfie.

ANZAC Square War Memorial - If you're thinking of exploring the history of the area through its landmarks, add this one to your sightseeing list.

Cathedral Square - Rub shoulders with the local residents and seek out the true personality and vibrancy of this special place.

Brisbane Square Library - If you'd love to explore a few of the more important or interesting places in the community, it's worth visiting this place.

Albert Street Uniting Church - Get an understanding of local religious beliefs at this sacred site.

Colmslie Beach Reserve - Play a game with the little ones or kick back and enjoy the sun at this gorgeous coastal spot.

Kangaroo Point Cliffs - Get set for vistas that'll inspire awe at this natural marvel.

King Edward Park - Whether you can tell your lilies from lilacs, you're sure to find beauty in this glorious display.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Brisbane

Broken up into a series of precincts, Brisbane boasts a collection of urban villages each with its own unique vibe, offering a seemingly endless selection of fascinating things to see and exciting things to do.

Ascot & Hamilton - Historic homes and flowering poinciana trees provide an idyllic setting in these northeastern neighborhoods. Here, along the main street of Racecourse Road, find trendy Brisbaners sipping coffee at chic cafes and shopping at luxury boutiques. Toward the river, the Portside Wharf sits among award-winning restaurants, designer fashions, and weekend markets.

Bulimba & Hawthorne - Across the river from Ascot and Hamilton is where you'll find the districts of Bulimba and Hawthorne, quaint destinations where village charm meets contemporary elegance. During the day, the hub of Oxford Street pulses with alfresco eateries, quirky bookstores, and eclectic art galleries. The area also boasts a plethora of leafy parks that provide prime spots for picnics or sports.

Caxton Street & The Barracks - Good food, great nightlife, and world-class sporting events-find it all here in the tiny area of Caxton Street, sitting in the shadow of Suncorp Stadium. The neighborhood comes most alive on the weekends, when energetic rugby fans descend upon the strip. The nearby Barracks-a former jail, police station, and army barracks-has been transformed into a landmark destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The City - Brisbane's premier shopping destination, The City-also known as the Central Business District-is home to more than 1,000 stores, including the largest range of flagship boutiques in Queensland. The district is also a food and drink lover's paradise, with everything from rustic burger joints to swanky riverside bistros, as well as galleries, parks, performance spaces, and the Museum of Brisbane.

Fortitude Valley - Just northeast of The City, Fortitude Valley has a little bit of everything, with historic properties standing among modern buildings and sophisticated hotspots sharing the street with alternative venues. Live music thrives here, as international bands and DJs are drawn to the popular nightclubs. The Chinatown Mall is a hub of exotic Asian eateries, The Emporium channels an upscale European village, and Brunswick Street is home to a slew of multicultural culinary options.

Kangaroo Point & Woolloongabba - Located south across the river, few other neighborhoods can match Kangaroo Point in its natural beauty. Standing atop ancient cliffs, the area offers unparalleled views of the river, skyline, and mountains, which truly show Brisbane at its best. Further south, the precinct of Woolloongabba is a favorite of bargain hunters and vintage lovers who flock to its antique district on the weekends.

Milton - The first neighborhood to undergo urban revitalization, this little corner of Europe is where you'll find the city's best French and Italian fare. The main street of Park Road is a hub of coffee shops and pizzeras, including the iconic La Dolce Vita Caffe.

New Farm, Teneriffe & Newstead - To the southeast of Fortitude Valley, New Farm encourages an outdoor lifestyle with its expansive New Farm Park. The public green space boasts easy cycling loops, charming picnic spots, and a treehouse-style playground for children. Further north, Teneriffe and Newstead have recently become commercial hubs with trendy restaurants and bustling bars.

Paddington - The rolling hills of Paddington are dotted with quaint cottages transformed into enticing storefronts and stylish eateries spilling out onto the sidewalks. Locals and visitors alike love to browse the area for vintage fashions, funky keepsakes, and retro homegoods, while the pocket of Rosalie Village is the perfect place to find a range of international cuisine.

South Bank - The city's premier lifestyle and cultural destination, South Bank covers 42 acres (17 ha) of lush parklands, top-notch restaurants, and spectacular riverside sights. Venues including the Queensland Museum, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and the Lyric Theatre provide hundreds of delightful events throughout the year. Here is where you'll also find The Wheel of Brisbane, offering panoramic views of the city at 200 feet (61 m).

Spring Hill & Roma Street Parkland - Directly to the north of The City, Spring Hill is a quieter destination, home to cafes and restaurants but most known for the Spring Hill Baths and historic Old Windmill. Hugging its western border is the Roma Street Parkland, a breathtaking space considered to be one of the best examples of contemporary gardens in Australia. Stroll the manicured grounds to enjoy the amazing collection of trees, flowers, herbs, artwork, and water features.

West End - In the hip and quirky West End, find a fascinating fusion of cultures that's reflected in the neighborhood's eclectic shops, organic eateries, cozy coffeehouses, and vintage-inspired bars. On the weekends, locals peruse the outdoor markets to uncover rising designers, or can be found enjoying the renowned music scene that's been thriving since the early days of the Go-Betweens and the Bee Gees.

What to See in Brisbane

Scope out the most jaw-dropping sights of the city and its surrounding landscape from the top of the Wheel of Brisbane. Climb around an enclosed glass capsule for a ride 200 feet (61 m) above the ground. Upon reaching the peak, marvel at 360-degree views of the Queensland capital, including the sparkling Brisbane River, the iconic Story Bridge, and towering Mount Coot-tha in the distance. On a full day tour, enjoy admission to the Ferris wheel, and then soak in even more spectacular sights from the mountain's 942-foot (287-m) summit.

Sightseeing in Brisbane

For Outdoor Adventurers

Head to the Brisbane River for an afternoon of kayaking beneath the city skyline. Paddle your way along the shimmering water, taking in views of landmarks such as the beautiful botanic gardens, the historic Maritime Museum, and the sprawling South Bank Parklands. Back on land, embark on another adventure-a thrilling rappelling excursion down the cliffs of Kangaroo Point. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you descend vertically down the rocky surface for nearly 60 feet (18 m). If even those heights aren't enough for you, strap yourself into a harness for a climb to the top of the 243-foot (74-m) Story Bridge.

For Animal Lovers

It's no secret that Brisbane and its surrounding cities boast a wealth of incredible wildlife for you to enjoy. From the heart of the Central Business District, board a coach for a convenient ride out of town to the Australia Zoo, made famous by the late Steve Irwin. Spanning 100 acres (40 ha), the destination offers visitors one-of-a-kind encounters, bringing you close to creatures such as koalas, crocodiles, and kangaroos. Back in Brisbane, make sure to pay a visit to Lone Pine, the largest koala sanctuary in the world. Get even closer to native Australian wildlife as you feed the emus, come face-to-face with snakes, and pet the cuddly koalas.

For Art Aficionados

From blockbuster exhibitions and inspiring theater productions to intimate galleries and colorful street art, Brisbane is a hotbed of cultural and creative offerings. For lovers of musicals, live theater, and dance, head to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, where some of the country's most renowned stage shows take place. Explore contemporary Asian and Australian artwork at the Gallery of Modern Art, or stroll the streets of Fortitude Valley to uncover intricate street art on your own. For live music enthusiasts, make your way to the West End, where you'll have no problem discovering a new band or up-and-coming DJ.

For Sports Enthusiasts

Grab your favorite jersey for a behind-the-scenes tour of the famous Suncorp Stadium. Gaining exclusive access to the Member's Exclosure, explore the state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge design, and all-weather fields that have earned the stadium a place among the world's premier sporting venues. Across the river at The Gabba, grab tickets for a game of the Lions, the city's top-ranking Australian rules football club.

Things to Do in Brisbane with Kids

Brisbane is a fantastic destination for a family vacation. Take the kids along and have a go at these family friendly experiences together:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Brisbane? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Brisbane

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Brisbane

Brisbane Central Business District which includes a river or creek, a sunset and a city

Brisbane Central Business District

4.5/5(304 area reviews)

Densely concentrated skyscrapers and parks define this central business hub, with attractions like City Hall, Story Bridge, and City Botanic Gardens. Enjoy seamless connectivity via road bridges, public transport, and the scenic Brisbane Riverwalk.

Brisbane Central Business District
Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport

Located 14km northeast of Brisbane's CBD, this coastal suburb boasts the Skygate Airport Village, featuring retail, commercial spaces, a GP Clinic, and Novotel airport hotel. Easily accessible via Domestic and International Terminal railway stations, it offers convenient connections to the city.

Brisbane Airport
Southbank Parklands

South Bank

Brimming with cultural and recreational attractions, South Bank offers diverse dining options on Grey Street and Little Stanley Street, as well as easy access to public transport, including ferries, buses, and trains.

South Bank
Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley

Brimming with nightlife, nightclubs, and bars, this inner suburb features Brunswick Street Mall and Chinatown for pedestrians. Shop at James Street precinct, visit Valley Pool, or explore heritage-listed sites like Howard Smith Wharves.

Fortitude Valley
Southbank Parklands which includes flowers, a city and a river or creek

South Brisbane

Directly connected to the central business district, South Brisbane boasts the vibrant South Bank Parklands, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and attractions like the Wheel of Brisbane. Enjoy shopping and dining on Grey Street, and easily explore via CityCat ferry services.

South Brisbane
Kangaroo Point which includes a city, a bay or harbor and night scenes

Kangaroo Point

Striking cliffs line the river at this inner-city location, where Brisbane locals come to get active and spend time outdoors.

Kangaroo Point

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Brisbane

Frequently asked questions

Is Brisbane worth visiting?
Known for its walking trails and nature, discovering cool things to do in Brisbane is easy. Remember to add XXXX Brewery to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Brisbane?
After you've visited leading attractions like Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Queensland Museum, spend the rest of your day enjoying Brisbane's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Brisbane?
XXXX Brewery is one of the top tourist attractions in Brisbane and deserves a place on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Brisbane?
Three days will give you enough time to check out some popular city sights, like XXXX Brewery, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The average stay in Brisbane is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your escape, South Bank isn't far away.
Is Brisbane a walkable city?
With popular neighborhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city center, Brisbane is a good place to tour on foot. Enjoy wandering between XXXX Brewery and Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Then take a stroll through Brisbane Central Business District, located 0.2 miles from downtown, and Spring Hill, which is about 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Brisbane with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Brisbane with kids.

What to do in Brisbane for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in Brisbane for adults including XXXX Brewery and Castlemaine Perkins Brewery.
Are there free things to do in Brisbane?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Brisbane. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Caxton Street is a must for anyone wanting to save on their travel adventures.