Best things to do in Brisbane

With Brisbane's predictable weather - fine one day, so fine the next - it's no surprise that both visitors and locals rate outdoor activities high on the to-do list. And you know the single best thing about that? It costs you nix (or next to nix). Walk a loop around the river - it's free, and apparently a winner at night for the city lights. Or, see the sights from the water with the CityHopper ferry - also free. And then there's the amazing Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery. OK, not exactly outdoor action but with free entry to both, this is a culture fix you definitely can't afford to miss.

So much to do in Brisbane, so little time!

Want to see Brisbane like the locals do? Check out what to do in Brisbane, from bikeways to bars and the ballet!

Cost:

Free or close to it

Perfect for:

Anyone and everyone, Business Travellers, Outdoor types

We visited the City Botanic Gardens on the northeast side of the river and walked across a pedestrian bridge to the South Bank Parklands, then back across another bridge to the Queen Street Mall pedestrianized shopping area. It's like one continuous city park, with beautiful trees and flowers, peaceful walks and nice river views. South Bank has Streets Beach, a huge man-made chlorinated lagoon with sandy beaches. Better than the ocean!

Nancy, 62.

Learn more about Brisbane

Cost:

Free or close to it

Perfect for:

Anyone and everyone

Catch some sun and get a bit of exercise while making the trek around the Brisbane River Loop , I personally love to walk it at night and see all the wonderful flickering lights of the city . You can Bike ride,Scooter skateboard and run the 6.5km loop which takes you past and over iconic Brisbane bridges and past great food eateries near Eagle Street Pier and Story Bridge Hotel

David, 49. Brisbane,Queensland

Learn more about Brisbane

Cost:

Pretty cheap ($20 or less)

Perfect for:

Anyone and everyone, Families, Kids of all ages, Eco travellers

You can sit and watch the koalas for hours. Relaxing! They eat bamboo, they sleep, they cling to trees in the oddest positions. At times an animal docent will bring them out so you can touch the fur. Walk among emus and kangaroos. At lorikeet feeding time, these rainbow-colored birds will land on your hands, shoulders, head. Lots of great animal interactions and photo ops.

Michael, 58. Hammondsport NY

Learn more about Brisbane

Cost:

Perfect for:

Anyone and everyone

A beautiful island only 40 minutes by ferry from the mainland. See dolphins and turtles swimming in the waves. Camp on the beach right in the dunes and picnic on seafood from the local fisherman.

Lynn, 61. Tourism and Events Queensland

Learn more about Brisbane

Cost:

Perfect for:

Anyone and everyone

Wander around the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art then have coffee or lunch in the water mall.

Bill, 75. Brisbane, Queensland

Learn more about Brisbane

Cost:

Perfect for:

Anyone and everyone

Taking a cruise along the Brisbane River or a bike ride along one of the fantastic bike paths or a walk along the kangaroo point cliffs are my favourite things to do in Brisbane. The river is a beautiful asset to the city and no trip is complete without experiencing it.

Claudia, 23. Brisbane Marketing

Learn more about Brisbane

Cost:

Perfect for:

Anyone and everyone

The river is the lifeblood of Brisbane city. A cruise whether a planned tour, city cat or the free ferry offers visitors an insight to Brisbane life.

Margaret, 75. Brisbane

Learn more about Brisbane

Cost:

Perfect for:

Families, Kids of all ages, Outdoor types

With the weather in Brisbane sunny most of the year, it is ideal for outdoor activity. You can hop on your bike, pack a picnic and enjoy the winding bike trails that meander past creeks which have an abundance of birdlife and native animals. The Kedron Brook trail goes all the way to Nudgee Beach.

Marinella, 45. Brisbane Marketing

Learn more about Brisbane

Cost:

Perfect for:

Foodies, Culture vultures, Outdoor types

Wow, the best regional produce all showcased on the biggest weekend of the year. Taste delicious food from around our region along with our local wines. Plenty of activities for the kids as well.

Come early and have an early lunch before the crowds. Bring a blanket and enjoy live entertainment and awesome people watching.

Cindy, 32. Brisbane, Queensland

Learn more about Brisbane

Cost:

Free or close to it

Perfect for:

Anyone and everyone, Families, Culture vultures, The hard to impress

GOMA is literally the best. It's constantly updating its exhibitions with exciting new art pieces and things to do. Whether its screenings of classic horror cult films, collaborating with Opera Queensland, installing giant slides or covering its walls with the craziest most fascinating pieces of art, GOMA constantly shocks, delights and engages people of all ages.

Archi, Adelaide

Learn more about Brisbane

Cost:

Pretty cheap ($20 or less)

Perfect for:

Date night

The city lights reflecting on the water, and the calm of the night is incredible. It's a really simple night, pull out a bottle of bubbly, bring a picnic rug, blanket and a couple cheeses and crackers and you have a perfect night.

Mandy, 24. Sydney

Learn more about Kangaroo Point

Cost:

Pretty cheap ($20 or less)

Perfect for:

Solo Travellers, Families, Eco travellers, Outdoor types

Every time I get visitors from other cities, I find the best way to show them around Brisbane is via the city cycle! We have great, safe bike lanes that go along the river and cross into South Bank. It's such a nice, fun and easy route. It's also something you can't really do in Sydney, there is too much traffic!

Mandy, 24. Sydney

Learn more about Brisbane

Cost:

Pretty cheap ($20 or less)

Perfect for:

The adventurous, Sports nuts

if you feeling like you need to let off some steam, the best thing to do is take yourself to the driving range. It is also such a work out even though you think there is not much movement involved. It might take a while to warm up but once you get the swing of things.

Mandy, 24. Sydney

Learn more about Brisbane

Cost:

More than $20

Perfect for:

Anyone and everyone

One of my all time favorite things to do in Brisbane is attend the Ballet. Since Li Cunxin (The Mao's Last Dancer) was appointed Director of the company, the shows have become breath taking. So far this year I have seen Swan Lake and Raw, and cannot wait to see Peter Pan for the second time. If you love ballet or think you might like it, QLD ballet does not disappoint

Archi, Adelaide

Learn more about Brisbane

Cost:

Perfect for:

Anyone and everyone, Culture vultures, Music lovers

Each year in September, Brisbane Festival opens a portal to intrinsically artistic, creative wonder. With more than 60 events and star-studded lineups of international visionaries, local legends and Australian heroes, this Festival is only moving from strength to strength. It's hard not to immerse yourself in the arts when the entire city is saturated in it!

Emma, Brisbane Marketing

Learn more about Brisbane

Make the most of Brisbane

Kick off your Brisbane adventure by ticking off a few of these awesome activities.

Gold Coast Sightseeing Cruise with Lunch Buffet

By Wyndham Cruises

Recommended 92% by Travellers

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on this serene cruise on the Gold Coast waterways. Get the most of the sights of the city on a spacious boat equipped with an

Duration: 2h

Moreton Island Full-Day Snorkel, Kayak & Sand-toboggan Tour

By Australian Sunset Safaris

Recommended 88% by Travellers

Spend a day in the paradise of Moreton Island, where you can enjoy one of the most spectacular spots off the Australian coast. Relax on the golden beaches,

Duration: 11h+

SkyPoint Observation Deck Tickets

By Dreamworld

Recommended 86% by Travellers

Marvel at spectacular views of the Gold Coast from SkyPoint Observation Deck, Australia's only beachside observation deck. Travel from the ground to level 77

Duration: 12h 30m

Morning River Cruise with Coffee & Cake

By Wyndham Cruises

Recommended 86% by Travellers

Enjoy a delightful day out on this serene 1.5-hour cruise on the Gold Coast waterways. Depart from the wharf in the morning for views of the city from the

Duration: 1h

RACV Royal Pines All-Terrain Segway Tour on the Gold Coast

By Time Out Adventures

If you're looking for a fresh way to explore the Gold Coast, get on a free-wheeling Segway to try out a whole new kind of off-roading. The beautiful country

Duration: 1h

Behind-the-Scenes Winery Tour at Sirromet

By Sirromet Winery

Sip and swirl your way through the robust varietals on offer at Sirromet as you go behind the scenes for a vine-to-bottle look at this award-winning vineyard.

Duration: 1h 30m

The Ultimate Australia Pass

By iVenture Card

Recommended 46% by Travellers

Explore some of Australia’s best sights and attractions across Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast while saving up to 40 percent on general admission entry

Duration: 90d

Mt Tamborine & Lamington Rainforest 4WD Full Day Tour

By Southern Cross 4WD Tours

Recommended 86% by Travellers

Exploring the very best the Gold Coast hinterland has to offer, this tour is our most popular and longest running rainforest tour. Including ancient Gondwana

Duration: 9h

Australia Zoo Day Trip from Brisbane

By Gray Line

Recommended 86% by Travellers

Hop on board the Croc Express and ride to Australia Zoo—made famous by Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin. Explore the zoo at your own pace and see plenty of

Duration: 8h 30m

Premium Gold Coast Jet Boat Adventure Ride

By Paradise Jet Boating

Recommended 94% by Travellers

Experience a mix of high-speed thrills, stunning scenery, and sightseeing on this 55-minute jet boat ride on Gold Coast's Broadwater. Your adventure begins as

Duration: 1h 30m

Sightseeing River Cruise with Admission to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

By Mirimar Cruises

Recommended 98% by Travellers

In the Brisbane suburb of Fig Tree Pocket, a tiny paradise for Aussie animals exists. Cruise down the Brisbane River to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where

Duration: 5h 30m

Brisbane River Kookaburra Showboat Lunch Cruise

By Kookaburra River Queens

Recommended 88% by Travellers

All aboard a traditional paddle wheeler to cruise down the Brisbane River to see many of the city's waterfront beauties. Relax on the deck of the boat as you

Duration: 2h

Brisbane River Steamboat Cruise with Buffet Lunch

By Kookaburra River Queens

Recommended 94% by Travellers

Spend an afternoon on the Brisbane River aboard an iconic Kookaburra Queen paddle-wheeler for a relaxing outing with some of the city's best sights. This

Duration: 2h 30m

Brisbane River Kookaburra Showboat High Tea Cruise

By Kookaburra River Queens

Recommended 100% by Travellers

Set sail down the Brisbane River aboard a restored Kookaburra Queen paddle wheeler, just in time for tea. Admire the many riverside sights in Brisbane,

Duration: 2h 30m

Brisbane Afternoon Tour with Lone Pine Visit

By Australian Day Tours

Explore the rich history, the vibrant city center, and the tropical charm of Queensland’s capital as you visit must-see attractions, hidden gems, and cute

Duration: 5h

Don't miss Brisbane's top attractions!

Australia Zoo

Cuddle a koala, feed kangaroos or watch a crocodile show at this famous wildlife park, the former playground of the late crocodile hunter Steve Irwin.

Queensland University of Technology

Innovation, creativity and cutting-edge research define this public university that boasts campuses with some of the best locations in central Brisbane.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Cuddle a koala, hand-feed kangaroos and see other iconic Australian wildlife only a short distance from central Brisbane.

Queensland Art Gallery

Admire Aboriginal paintings, colonial-era landscapes and works from across Europe and America at Queensland’s leading, and free, traditional art gallery.

Queen Street Mall

Shop for books or fashion, grab a bite to eat in a restaurant or bar and watch street performers entertain the crowds along Brisbane’s central shopping district.

Chinatown Mall

Sample authentic and affordable Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean cuisine in this typical Asian precinct in the heart of Brisbane’s bustling Fortitude Valley.

Queensland Museum

Learn Queensland’s fascinating stories at this museum, which takes visitors on a whirlwind ride through the state’s past, present and future.

Brisbane City Hall

The beautiful 1920s heritage-listed building is the cultural heart of the Brisbane city centre and home to the Museum of Brisbane.

Gallery of Modern Art

This free museum is one of Australia’s leading contemporary art galleries and a great place to visit with children.

Wheel of Brisbane

Get a magnificent view over Brisbane and spot the city’s landmarks from this giant Ferris wheel in the middle of the South Bank Parklands.

Brisbane Powerhouse

Grab lunch, enjoy a drink, have dinner, or see a show or exhibit at one of Brisbane’s most iconic arts venues, with a scenic riverfront terrace.

State Library of Queensland

Enjoy modern architecture, delve into history, explore many literary genres or attend a concert or screening at this surprisingly eventful central Brisbane landmark.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens

This free, landscaped park offers walks through a lush tropical rainforest and bonsai gardens, and past a manmade lagoon with water dragons and turtles.

Queensland Performing Arts Centre

See a Broadway musical, enjoy a world-class opera or ballet performance or listen to a symphony at this state-of-the-art Brisbane venue with bars and restaurant.

ANZAC Square War Memorial

Stirring tributes and grand architecture will have you reflecting on Brisbane’s military sacrifices at this historic war memorial in the heart of the city.

Bee Gees Way

Disco, flares and big hair will put you in the mood for dancing at this fun walkway that honours the local beginnings of this famous 1970s band.

Cylinder Beach

Visit one of North Stradbroke Island's most iconic beaches to surf, swim and snorkel in its emerald waters, soak up the sun or camp out under the stars.

First time to Brisbane?

Here’s a few helpful deets so you won’t get bamboozled in Brisbane.

Make it happen

You can’t just stare at pretty pictures of Brisbane forever! When it’s time to fly - or drive - you’ve come to the right place.

Brisbane Car Hire

Prefer to get around with your own wheels? We get that! Skip waiting for the shuttle and hit the open road instead. Roll down the windows, turn up the volume on your favourite tunes and enjoy the ride.

Reserve your car now

Where to stay in Brisbane

From five-star to art-house, heritage listed to business class, you’ll find the perfect place to crash and relax here.

Novotel Brisbane Airport

6-8 The Circuit

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Airport, this luxury hotel is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from DFO Brisbane and within 3 mi (5 km) of Doomben Racecourse and Eagle Farm Racecourse. Eat Street Markets is 2.9 mi (4.6 km) away.

ibis Brisbane

27 - 35 Turbot Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Brisbane City Hall and King George Square. Treasury Casino and Queen Street Mall are also within 10 minutes. Brisbane Roma Street Station is 6 minutes by foot and Brisbane Central Station is 8 minutes.

Punthill Spring Hill

40 Astor Terrace

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Spring Hill, this luxury aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Brisbane Private Hospital and St. Andrew's War Memorial Hospital. Queen Street Mall and Roma Street Parkland are also within 15 minutes. Brisbane Central Station is 5 minutes by foot and Brisbane Roma Street Station is 13 minutes.

Rydges South Bank

9 Glenelg StreetSouth Bank, South Bank

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in South Brisbane, this luxury hotel is steps from Queensland Conservatorium and Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. South Bank Lifestyle Market and Southbank Parklands are also within 5 minutes. South Brisbane Station is 8 minutes by foot and South Bank Station is 10 minutes.

Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane

23 Leichhardt StCnr Wickham Terrace, Cnr Wickham Terrace

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Spring Hill, this romantic hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Roma Street Parkland and Queen Street Mall. Chinatown Mall and Suncorp Stadium are also within 1 mi (2 km). Brisbane Central Station is 9 minutes by foot and Brisbane Roma Street Station is 10 minutes.

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane Anzac Square

255 Ann Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this luxury aparthotel is within a 5-minute walk of ANZAC Square War Memorial and King George Square. Queen Street Mall and Brisbane Botanic Gardens are also within 15 minutes. Brisbane Central Station is only a 2-minute walk and Brisbane Roma Street Station is 10 minutes.

Mercure Brisbane King George Square

King George SquareCorner Of Ann & Roma Streets, Corner Of Ann & Roma Streets

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Brisbane City Hall and Queen Street Mall. Gallery of Modern Art and Wheel of Brisbane are also within 1 mi (2 km). Brisbane Central Station is 5 minutes by foot and Brisbane Roma Street Station is 5 minutes.

Amora Hotel Brisbane

200 Creek Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Brisbane hotel is located near the airport, within a 10-minute walk of Cathedral Square, Brisbane Customs House, and ANZAC Square War Memorial. Eagle Street Pier and Queen Street Mall are also within 15 minutes. Brisbane Central Station is only a 4-minute walk and Brisbane Roma Street Station is 12 minutes.

Best Western Astor Metropole Hotel & Apartments

193 Wickham Terrace City

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Brisbane Private Hospital and Queen Street Mall. Roma Street Parkland and Eagle Street Pier are also within 15 minutes. Brisbane Central Station is only a 4-minute walk and Brisbane Roma Street Station is 10 minutes.

Ingenia Holidays Taigum

351 Beams Road

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Taigum, this motel is within 3 mi (5 km) of St Joseph's Nudgee College, Boondall Wetlands Reserve, and Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Westfield Chermside and The Prince Charles Hospital are also within 6 mi (10 km). Brisbane Carseldine Station is 17 minutes by foot and Brisbane Zillmere Station is 18 minutes.

Oaks Brisbane Festival Suites

108 Albert Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this luxury apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Queen Street Mall, Brisbane Botanic Gardens, and Museum of Brisbane. King George Square and St. Stephens Cathedral are also within 10 minutes. Brisbane Central Station is 10 minutes by foot and Brisbane Roma Street Station is 13 minutes.

Oaks Brisbane on Charlotte Suites

128 Charlotte St

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this luxury aparthotel is within a 5-minute walk of St. Stephens Cathedral, MacArthur Museum Brisbane, and Queen Street Mall. Brisbane Riverside Markets and Eagle Street Pier are also within 10 minutes. Brisbane Central Station is 8 minutes by foot and Brisbane Roma Street Station is 13 minutes.

Brisbane Marriott Hotel

515 Queen St

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Howard Smith Wharves and Queen Street Mall. Brisbane Botanic Gardens and South Bank Parklands are also within 1 mi (2 km). Brisbane Central Station is 8 minutes by foot and Brisbane Fortitude Valley Station is 10 minutes.

Hilton Brisbane

190 Elizabeth St

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Queen Street Mall, Treasury Casino, and Brisbane Botanic Gardens. South Bank Parklands and Roma Street Parkland are also within 1 mi (2 km). Brisbane Central Station is 6 minutes by foot and Brisbane Roma Street Station is 13 minutes.

The Sebel Brisbane

95 Charlotte Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of North Quay, Queen Street Mall, and Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Treasury Casino and Eagle Street Pier are also within 10 minutes. Brisbane Central Station is 9 minutes by foot and Brisbane Roma Street Station is 12 minutes.

Great Southern Hotel Brisbane

103 George Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Treasury Casino, Queen Street Mall, and Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Brisbane City Hall and Eagle Street Pier are also within 10 minutes. South Brisbane Station is 12 minutes by foot and Brisbane Central Station is 12 minutes.

Royal On The Park

152 Alice Street

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Brisbane Parliament House. Queensland University of Technology and Eagle Street Pier are also within 10 minutes. Brisbane Central Station is 13 minutes by foot and Brisbane Roma Street Station is 18 minutes.

Madison Hotel Tower Mill

239 Wickham Terrace

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Brisbane Private Hospital, Queen Street Mall, and Roma Street Parkland. Suncorp Stadium and Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre are also within 2 mi (3 km). Brisbane Central Station is 5 minutes by foot and Brisbane Roma Street Station is 8 minutes.

Mantra on Queen

570 Queen Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Howard Smith Wharves and Eagle Street Pier. Queen Street Mall and Brisbane Botanic Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Brisbane Fortitude Valley Station is 9 minutes by foot and Brisbane Central Station is 9 minutes.

iStay River City Brisbane

79 Albert Street

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this luxury aparthotel is within a 5-minute walk of Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Queen Street Mall. Eagle Street Pier and Treasury Casino are also within 10 minutes. Brisbane Central Station is 10 minutes by foot and Brisbane Roma Street Station is 14 minutes.

Oaks Brisbane on Felix Suites

26 Felix Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this luxury apartment building is steps from Brisbane Riverside Markets and Eagle Street Pier. St. Stephens Cathedral and Brisbane Botanic Gardens are also within 10 minutes. Brisbane Central Station is 10 minutes by foot and Brisbane Roma Street Station is 18 minutes.

Park Regis North Quay

293 North Quay

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of North Quay, XXXX Brewery, and Treasury Casino. Suncorp Stadium and Roma Street Parkland are also within 15 minutes. Brisbane Roma Street Station is 7 minutes by foot and South Brisbane Station is 13 minutes.

Sofitel Brisbane Central

249 Turbot Street

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Brisbane hotel is located in the business district, within a 15-minute walk of Queen Street Mall, Eagle Street Pier, and Roma Street Parkland. Brisbane Botanic Gardens and South Bank Parklands are also within 1 mi (2 km). Brisbane Central Station is only a 4-minute walk and Brisbane Roma Street Station is 10 minutes.

Abbey on Roma Hotel & Apartments

160 Roma Street

Rated 3.8 / 5 by Guests

Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of North Quay, Queen Street Mall, and Roma Street Parkland. Treasury Casino and Suncorp Stadium are also within 15 minutes. Brisbane Roma Street Station is only a 4-minute walk and Brisbane Central Station is 11 minutes.

See allhotels in Brisbane

While you're in town...

Brisbane Day Trips

Explore mountain retreats and secret beaches in Brisbane’s backyard.

Brisbane Hidden Gems

We’ve got the insider info on hidden spots in Brisbane so get your walking shoes on and go forth and explore!

Brisbane Cruises

Wine and dine or learn local history on a Brisbane River boat ride.

Brisbane Zoos

Encounter the critters that call Queensland home.

Brisbane Museums

Cutting-edge artworks and local history take the stage in the capital of the Sunshine State.

Brisbane Parks

Year-round warm weather makes visiting Brisbane a walk in the park.

Brisbane Shopping

Boutique retailers and flagship stores make Brisbane a premier shopping destination.

Brisbane Restaurants

We’ve got the insider info on restaurants so get your GPS out and let the Brisbane dining odyssey begin!

Brisbane Bars

Discover the awesome diversity of Brisbane's bar scene, straight from the mouths of travellers and locals. Convict lairs, hipster microbreweries, and beachside beer…