Things to do in  Brisbane

The Brisbane River winds its way through the heart of the city, from the neighborhoods of South Brisbane all the way to Moreton Bay. The river is also a center of local life, and residents and visitors alike enjoy the many waterfront parks and landmarks, riverside walks, and sightseeing cruises.

With its miles of sun-bleached sandy beaches, towering dunes, shimmering lagoons, and pockets of wild bushland, Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island) feels a world away from nearby Brisbane. A national park and among the largest sand island in the world, Moreton Island makes for a perfect day trip when you want to get in touch with nature.

One of Brisbane’s most memorable landmarks, Story Bridge soars over the Brisbane River at the heart of the city. Walk, cycle, or drive across, but the most adventurous way to experience the bridge is the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, affording 360-degree panoramic views of the city below.

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has devoted itself to wildlife conservation since 1927 and is of the best places to spot native Australian fauna. The sanctuary is among the oldest and largest of its kind in the country, with more than 130 resident koalas, plus kangaroos, wombats, emus, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, and platypi.

Just across the river from Brisbane’s central business district, Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park offers sweeping views of Brisbane’s skyline, as well as excellent rock climbing and rappelling—suitable for all skill levels—on its cliffs. The cliffs were formed by convicts mining the volcanic rock in the middle of the 19th century.

Streets Beach is a favorite with locals and visitors alike–located in the heart of Brisbane’s South Bank neighborhood, the outdoor swimming lagoon overlooks the Brisbane River and the sparkling skyscrapers. The artificial beach comes to life in the summer as families picnic in the shade and cool off from the Australian sun.

North Stradbroke Island, the second-largest sand island in the world, is a beach and nature lover’s paradise. Known as “Straddie” to the locals and traditionally known as “Minjerribah,” this picturesque island is famous for its white sandy beaches, freshwater lakes and wetlands, and scenic headlands, and is a popular day trip from Brisbane.

Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens have provided a green space to residents and visitors in the central city area since 1855, but the first crops were planted on the land in the 1820s by convicts, to feed the nearby prison colony. Now, there are various well-maintained sections, including a rainforest grove, lily ponds, a mangrove boardwalk, and more.

Hovering above Brisbane to its west, Mt Coot-tha offers a natural lookout point with views across the city and the winding Brisbane River all the way to Moreton Bay and the Glass House Mountains on the horizon. At the foot of the mountain, the lush Brisbane Botanic Gardens provide a leafy escape.

Located at the entrance to the South Bank Parklands and towering 197 feet (60 meters) over the river, the Wheel of Brisbane has been part of the skyline since 2008. The giant Ferris wheel is one of Brisbane’s most memorable landmarks as well as a popular attraction and boasts unbeatable views of the city.

Short but spectacular, North Stradbroke Island’s Gorge Walk loops around a rugged headland with views of clear blue ocean and golden sands. The bush is home to koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies, while the ocean hosts migrating humpback whales (in season), dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles. A blowhole sometimes emits howling sprays of mist and water.

Just minutes from downtown, the Roma Street Parkland provides city-dwellers with a tranquil escape the buzz of city life. Set on the slopes of Spring Hill and designed by Colin Campbell—star of the popular Gardening Australia TV show—the 40-acre (16-hectare parklands provide sunny picnic patches, leafy walking trails, and subtropical gardens.

Nicknamed "the Gabba" after the suburb of Woolloongabba where it’s located, Brisbane’s 42,000-seat cricket ground serves as home turf for the Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat, and Queensland Bulls. The stadium, known for having one of the best cricket wickets in the world, also hosts concerts, rugby, and other sporting events.

Outdoor enthusiasts head to South Stradbroke Island to get in touch with nature and escape the crowds. With limited commercial development, 44 miles (72 kilometers) of walking trails, 14 miles (22 kilometers) of secluded beaches, a 4,400-acre (1,800-hectare) conservation park, and plentiful wildlife, “South Straddie” is a popular day trip and overnight destination.

With its grand colonnaded façade looking out over King George Square, Brisbane City Hall—nicknamed the ‘People’s Place’—is one of Brisbane’s most memorable landmarks and an important part of the city’s history. Inaugurated in 1930 and extensively renovated in 2013, it’s the office of Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, as well as the Museum of Brisbane.