Brisbane Travel Guide

This popular tourist destination on the coast of Moreton Bay, the Coral Sea, and the Brisbane River is a fantastic place for a holiday with all of the sandy beaches to enjoy. The temperatures stay in the 60s all year long, so the weather is always perfect although November through April are the warmest months.

Besides the beaches and parks, Brisbane has a variety of landmarks like the Story Bridge, The Gabba, City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane Riverwalk, Howard Smith Wharves, and the Eagle Street Pier. But before you head off to have fun, drop your luggage off at one of the Brisbane luggage storage lockers for safekeeping. 

Favorite Attractions

• Sea World

Even if you didn’t bring the kids, Sea World is a popular attraction for everyone with a plethora of activities. Not only is it an aquarium with dolphins, sharks, and whales, but it is also a park with 10 rides including three roller coasters. See the dolphin nursery pool or have a penguin encounter for extra fun.

• Story Bridge

The longest cantilever bridge in Australia, the Story Bridge caters to pedestrians and bikers as well as vehicles. It was opened in 1940 and connects Kangaroo Point to Fortitude Valley on Bradfield Highway. At 243 feet high and about a half-mile long, it is also a historic engineering marker and heritage bridge. 

• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Founded in 1927, it is hard to resist these cuddly little bears that you just want to pick up and hug. At Lone Pine, you can do that (with supervision of course) and also see Tasmanian devils, platypus, dingoes, crocodiles, echidnas, wombats, and kangaroos. Be sure to get some souvenirs from the gift shop.

Best Beaches and Parks

• South Bank Parklands

Besides Street Beach, South Bank also features the Brisbane River, Epicurious Garden, theatres, markets, and the Queensland Art Gallery. Take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane to get a view from almost 200 feet in the air. You can also visit the markets for some unique souvenirs or gifts. 

• Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Located on Mount Coot-tha, Brisbane Botanic Gardens has over 125 acres of stunning plants and vibrant flowers as well as a group of Australian rainforest trees that is the largest in the world. See cacti, bamboo, and a variety of wildlife. They also have a delightful café so you can grab a bite while you are there.

• The Gold Coast

With 44 miles of beaches, culinary delights, and shopping spots, you can spend the day at Gold Coast as well as the evening. Some of the top beaches include Rainbow Bay for swimming and surfing, Tallebudgera Creek for kayaking and fishing, and Kirra Beach for paddleboarding. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Top Museums and Galleries

• Queensland Museum

To learn about Queensland’s science, culture, and natural history, the Queensland Museum is for you. Founded in 1892, the museum has moved several times, gaining more artifacts with every move. In fact, you can see millions of items from dinosaur bones to ancient aboriginal items, a café, and a gift shop.

• Maritime Museum

On the banks of the Brisbane River by the Queensland Cultural Center and South Bank Parklands, the Maritime Museum has a plethora of historic ships from freighters to tankers. See the HMAS Forceful from the Royal Australian Navy with two different kinds of machine guns and the lighthouse exhibition is cool too. 

• Queensland Art Gallery

If you want to see some of the state’s art collection including indigenous Australian art, head to the Queensland Art Gallery. Two of the most prized possessions are the 1903 Under the Jacaranda by Richard Godfrey Rivers and the 1905 La Belle Hollandaise by Pablo Picasso. Don’t miss the Asia Pacific Triennial.

Main Shopping Malls

• Westfield Chermside 

With 515 shops on four floors, the Westfield Chermside Mall is one of the largest in the country. Some of the major retailers include Woolworths, H&M, Kmart, and Myer. They also have 78 eateries from Acai Brothers to Zeus Street Greek. You can catch a movie at Event Cinemas or go bowling at Kingpin too.

• Pacific Fair

Another huge shopping venue, Pacific Fair along the Gold Coast has about 400 stores from Adairs to Zing. They even have some of the big names like Tommy Hilfiger, Tiffany & Co., and Sephora. They also have a theater so you can watch a film and 72 eateries to choose from if you get hungry.

• Indooroopilly Shopping Centre 360

In the heart of Brisbane, the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre has more than 350 specialty stores as well as entertainment and places to eat. Get some bath bombs and lotions at Lush, which is a local company, and you can even get a facial or a massage at the Australian Skin Clinic or acupuncture at Acutherapy.

Most Popular Restaurants

• La Vue Waterfront

As the name says, you have a beautiful waterfront view at La Vue, and the food is just amazing. Savoy chicken and prosciutto ballotine, veal eye fillet with Morel mushrooms, and lamb with rosemary just are just a few of the main dishes. You may also enjoy the ocean trout with capers or tiger prawn Thermidor.

• Café 63

With a 16-page menu, everyone should be able to find what they want at Café 63. From the Morning Muffin (available all day) to the pulled lamb shank, they have it all. And they even have eight desserts like the Bugs Bunny carrot cake, Billabong sticky date pudding with ice cream, and the Tinker Bell brownie.

• Eat Street

If 16 pages of food are not enough, try Eat Street Northshore where they have over 70 eateries. It is a food lover’s heaven with everything from calamari to candy apples and dumplings to duck tacos. Try the potato rings on a stick at Slinkys or the honey puffs at Locomades for some unique flavors.