Brisbane, Australia: Travel Guide to Queensland's Sunny River City

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is a vibrant, sun-drenched city built along the winding Brisbane River. With around 280 days of sunshine a year, a relaxed subtropical lifestyle, riverside parks and a thriving arts and food scene, Australia's third-largest city is preparing to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Brisbane is also the perfect gateway to the beaches of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, sand islands and koala sanctuaries.

Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Brisbane

1. South Bank Parklands

On the southern bank of the river, the South Bank Parklands, created on the site of the 1988 World Expo, are the city's favourite place to relax. The highlight is Streets Beach, a free man-made lagoon with white sand and palm trees, right in the heart of the city. The parklands also feature rainforest walks, a bougainvillea-covered Arbour, restaurants, weekend markets and the Wheel of Brisbane, offering views over the city. Nearby, the Queensland Cultural Centre includes the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), which together form one of Australia's leading art institutions, as well as the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

Booking tip: entry to South Bank and the galleries is free; a Brisbane city tour on GetYourGuide covers the main highlights.

2. Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs

The Story Bridge, opened in 1940, is Brisbane's most recognisable landmark, a steel cantilever bridge that lights up at night. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb takes visitors to the top of the bridge, about 80 metres above the river, for spectacular views of the city and the mountains. Across the river, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs are popular for rock climbing, abseiling and picnics, with superb views of the skyline. Below the bridge, Howard Smith Wharves is a lively precinct of restaurants, bars and a brewery.

Booking tip: bridge climbs and abseiling sessions can be booked on GetYourGuide.

3. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Founded in 1927, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first and largest koala sanctuary, home to more than 100 koalas, as well as kangaroos, wombats, platypus, Tasmanian devils and birds of prey. Visitors can feed kangaroos in an open reserve and watch keeper talks throughout the day. The sanctuary can be reached by bus or by a scenic river cruise from the city centre.

Booking tip: river cruise and sanctuary combination tickets can be booked on GetYourGuide.

4. CityCat Ferries, Mount Coot-tha and the City Botanic Gardens

The best way to see Brisbane is from the river aboard a CityCat ferry, gliding past riverside mansions, the city centre and the University of Queensland. The City Botanic Gardens, established in 1855, are a peaceful green space beside the river, while the free inner-city CityHopper ferry connects key riverside spots. About 15 minutes from the centre, Mount Coot-tha Lookout offers sweeping views over Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the mountains, and the nearby Brisbane Botanic Gardens feature a tropical dome and Japanese garden.

Booking tip: visit Mount Coot-tha at sunset for the best views.

5. Moreton Island, the Gold Coast and Australia Zoo

Just over an hour by ferry, Moreton Island (Mulgumpin), one of the world's largest sand islands, is famous for snorkelling around the Tangalooma Wrecks, sand tobogganing down giant dunes and wild dolphin feeding at Tangalooma. About an hour south, the Gold Coast offers surf beaches, theme parks and hinterland rainforests, while to the north, the Sunshine Coast is home to Australia Zoo, founded by the family of Steve Irwin, "the Crocodile Hunter."

Booking tip: day trips to Moreton Island, the Gold Coast and Australia Zoo can be booked on GetYourGuide.

Practical Travel Tips for Brisbane

Before You Go

• Entry: most visitors need an ETA or eVisitor visa before travelling to Australia; check requirements for your nationality.
• Sun and heat: summers are hot and humid, with frequent afternoon storms; wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.

Getting Around

• By air: Brisbane Airport is connected to the city centre by the Airtrain in about 20 minutes.
• Public transport: buses, trains and ferries are run by Translink; use a go card or contactless payment, with low flat fares across the network.
• Ferries: CityCat and CityHopper ferries are a scenic way to travel.
• Money: the currency is the Australian dollar.

Local Culinary Specialties

• Moreton Bay bugs: a sweet, lobster-like crustacean from local waters.
• Mud crab and prawns: fresh Queensland seafood.
• Tropical fruits: mangoes, pineapples and bananas.
• XXXX beer: brewed in Brisbane since 1924; tours are available at the brewery in Milton.
• Eat Street Northshore: a popular weekend night market in shipping containers.

Best Time to Visit

• April–October: warm, dry days and mild nights, ideal for sightseeing.
• September: the Brisbane Festival, ending with spectacular fireworks.
• November–March: hot and humid summer, with storms.

Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to Brisbane

Brisbane combines a laid-back subtropical lifestyle, riverside parks, world-class art and easy access to beaches and islands. Whether you're swimming at Streets Beach, cuddling up to koalas at Lone Pine or climbing the Story Bridge, Brisbane is a sunny and welcoming destination.

Plan ahead: book your tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Brisbane.