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Top things to do in Brisbane

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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 £83 per night

This weekend

From £192 per night

Next weekend

From £159 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency AUD 10 = £5.22
Language English
Average weekend price £117 per night
Average weekday price £121 per night
Typical stay 2 nights

Points of interest in Brisbane

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Brisbane

Brisbane reviews

What other travellers say about Brisbane

10

Brisbane weather was great, public transport especially...

23 April 2024

Brisbane weather was great, public transport especially river trips were lovely, food was excellent, different areas of city almost like individual villages were lovely, art galleries, museum, theatre etc in South Bank such a great day trip in one area. Great for walking, feels safe, shopping was excellent and Brisbane airport is so easy by private car or train. And then you can also go to the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast for beaches or even further. A lovely spot only exception is driving in the city on one way streets with no where to pull over if you get lost driving in rush hour. Just avoid this and Brisbane is great.

Michelle
Michelle New Zealand
8.0

Had a funky smell in the lifts, and the room when first...

22 April 2024

Had a funky smell in the lifts, and the room when first entered, the bed wheels had no locks so it rolled away from the bed head, but was very comfortable to sleep in though. Loved the location as it was a short walk to Queen St mall, my kids loved it, also my two boys (18 and 20) went to the Hillsong church across the road and loved that there was the gym around the corner. Would've been nice if there was a room for families to all stay together instead of different units (my husband and our 5kids) we still enjoyed our stay though.

Kalala
Kalala Australia
8.0

I have lived in Brisbane for thirty or so years and have...

20 April 2024

I have lived in Brisbane for thirty or so years and have worked there, and lived there with my family. It was still good, but more people everywhere. It is still nice and tidy in the City Centre and has good public transport. What to avoid? I don't know, we had dinner in a nice restaurant with friends at the Southbank, and our hotel was nearby in walking distance. One cannot ask for more.

Renate
Renate New Zealand
10

Easy city to find our way around and great public transport...

16 April 2024

Easy city to find our way around and great public transport (trains and ferries). Fantastic dining options and beautiful parks. Love the rooftop bars and views over the river. Highly recommend Felons bar and restaurant for a relaxing way to spend an afternoon by the river. Lots of vegetarian/vegan restaurants. Would recommend City Bowl (delicious Chinese food) and Zazata as a fine dining Mediterranean option.

Naarah
Naarah New Zealand
10

I have visited Brisbane many times.

12 April 2024

I have visited Brisbane many times. Mostly for medical specialist appointments or to attend music events. My stays are generally not for long periods - a night or 2. My usual transport to the city is by car with a handful of air travel arrivals. Each visit has been trouble-free. I find I manage driving in the traffic well & the times I use public transport has been easy. Each accommodation venue I have stayed at has more than met my needs. Because my time in Brisbane is limited for convenience I usually order food delivered so can not comment on places to dine. As a visitor, I truly have no complaints.

Marg
Marg
10

Have visited Brisbane several times and this location was...

11 April 2024

Have visited Brisbane several times and this location was great. Close to walk to Queen Street mall and Southbank, QPAC, Art gallery and museum. Able to walk to catch the transport either buses of ferries. Several cafe and restaurants witha wide variety of food. Metro supermarkets nearby Excellent Chocolate shop where you can get hot chocloates, or gelatos or chocolates. Well worth a visit.

Anonymous

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