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Top things to do in Brisbane

Attractions, tours, and activities in Brisbane

Brisbane: the city's best neighborhoods

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About Brisbane

Including tips for the best time to visit Brisbane

With over 280 days of sunshine a year, Brisbane’s subtropical climate has instilled the city with a youthful spirit and a love of all things outdoors.

To take in the city sights from on high, you can take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane for panoramic views from 60 metres up. Other popular viewpoints include the clifftop park of Wilson Outlook Reserve and Mount Coot-Tha, home to a hilltop restaurant, mountain bike trails and Queensland’s largest planetarium. There are plenty of things to do for free in the culture-filled South Bank neighbourhood, including markets, picnic areas for barbecuing and an artificial beach with a swimming lagoon. If you’re feeling energised, head to Kangaroo Point to go rock climbing, abseiling or bouldering.

Brisbane’s Contemporary Art and Architecture Public Art Trail will take you on a leisurely two-hour stroll past some of the best pieces of art in the Central Business District. There’s also the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art to explore, jointly known as QAGOMA. The striking neoclassical building of City Hall is where you’ll find the Museum of Brisbane, housing exhibitions of Australian art and social history.

Getting around Brisbane is a breeze, thanks to its efficient public transport network of bus, metro, rail and ferry services. Electronic smartcards called ‘go cards’ are the best way to get about, and they work on all types of public transport.

Tonight

From $158 per night

Next weekend

From $259 per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency AUD 10 = $6.45
Language English
Average weekend price $151 per night
Average weekday price $151 per night
Average stay 2 nights

Points of interest in Brisbane

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Brisbane

Brisbane reviews

What other travelers say about Brisbane

10

Brisbane is easy to get around.

October 1, 2023

Brisbane is easy to get around. The train network is efficient as are the buses. The CBD is walkable and the ferries on the Brisbane River are fun. If travelling with children, check out the Street Beach on South Bank and also the museum. Loads of child friendly places to eat and an excellent playground

Hilary
Hilary Australia
6.0

The GO-card for bus transports is exasperating and you...

September 28, 2023

The GO-card for bus transports is exasperating and you can't use buses without it. Getting information about accessing a card was almost impossible. The official site said they'd send us one in a few days and we'd phoned them on the advice of the Information Office - quite unhelpful. Luckily the checkout operator in a supermarket explained that we just needed to go to a newsagent to purchase one - which we did - then we got a refund on unspent funds. Not good enough for a city that hopes to attract a number of visitors - and we live in the same state.

sheenabrad
sheenabrad Australia
10

friendly people (poms and Scots descendants),, great...

September 26, 2023

friendly people (poms and Scots descendants),, great transport links, plenty of various types of eateries to suit all pockets a week is just long enough to view most highlights, the city has problems with the less desirables just like any other city but felt safe enough,, drinking venues very boisterous but quieten down at night a bit for eating out, Southpark (a small man-made beach resort just on the south side of river excellent for kiddies and safe from alligators!!!!

martin
martin United Kingdom
4.0

Pretty boring city overall, mostly an administrative place...

September 26, 2023

Pretty boring city overall, mostly an administrative place for the rest of Queensland. People are friendly in general but some can also be quite rude, lots of "trash" people who act like rednecks. Honestly I wouldn't recommend visiting Brisbane as it's mostly a waste of time and pretty expensive too. 15 dollars for a beer is common. Don't waste your time in Australia here, instead go to Sydney, Melbourne or any of the many amazing natural beauty spots available in the country!

Björn
Björn Sweden
8.0

Loved the use of being able to hire scooters to get around...

September 25, 2023

Loved the use of being able to hire scooters to get around the city much better then walking and at your own pace for great price ( first time rider ) and honestly was so easy to use. Really surprised myself on how much I enjoyed riding them. Except watch out for people just stepping out in front of your high speeds! Great way to see city can jump off almost anywhere or get back onto one once ready again.

Casey
Casey Australia
10

Our 3 night stay at Kangaroo Point was just right to explore...

September 24, 2023

Our 3 night stay at Kangaroo Point was just right to explore Brisbane. Definitely, take a guided river cruise to learn more about the city's history and view some amazing homes. Easy to catch the City Hopper for free travel. Good place to visit if you like walking.

Linda
Linda Australia

Popular places to stay in Brisbane

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