Overview
Brisbane (or “Bris Vegas”) is the third largest city in Australia, known for its laid back lifestyle. Brisbane has an array of cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants offering world-class cuisine, markets to explore, gorgeous gardens to laze away in and tremendous views to see. Festivals fill the calendar year and the tourist hot spots of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast lie at its doorstep. With everything on offer in this great town - what’s not to love about Brisbane?
Brisbane’s CBD is located along the mouth of Brisbane River and like most cities it is laid out in a grid. The city centre of Brisbane is only small in size, about one square kilometre. You can find most of the shopping action around Queen Street mall, a pedestrian walkway filled with major department stores, big brands and boutiques. Victoria Bridge connects the city centre to South Brisbane and the arts district of South Bank. Just beyond is the West End filled with cafés, restaurants and popular night spots to explore. The sophisticated and modern Fortitude Valley is the place to go for your weekend brunch and lattes. South of the valley is New Farm, a funky and trendy suburb close to all the city action.
Take a stroll or bike ride in Brisbane’s parklands and botanical gardens with beautiful river views. Head out of the city centre to Mt Coot-tha Reserve for a spectacular view of Brisbane. Enjoy a weekend or day trip to the Gold Coast for some fun in the sun.
See and Do
Brisbane has a number of great things to see and do. With sunshine nearly every day, your experiences will be made even bigger and brighter in Bris Vegas. Check out these must dos for your stay in Brisbane.
South Bank Parklands
This fun-filled park is situated on the western side of the Brisbane River and is over 17 hectares of greenery including gardens, lawns and small rainforests. There are free BBQs and picnic areas throughout and the public spaces in the park are open 24 hours.
In South Bank Parklands make sure you check out Stanley St Plaza, a historic street lined with restaurants, cafés and shops and Street Beach, a man made swimming hole resembling a lagoon manned by its own life guards. Consider catching a free outdoor show at the Suncorp Piazza.
South Bank Parklands is a place for everyone and you can enjoy swimming, walking, riding, eating, shopping or catch a movie.
City Hall
Brisbane City Hall is an elegant heritage listed building complete with a marble staircase that heads up to the bell tower observation deck where you can see an amazing view of the city. Built in the 1920’s and located in the city centre overlooking the fountains of King George Square, this is the perfect place to start a historical tour of Brisbane. On the ground floor of City Hall, you will also find the Museum of Brisbane.
Treasury Casino
Roll the dice and take a chance at Conrad’s 24-hour casino located in the lavish Italian-style Treasury building. Whether you are here for the gambling or the surrounds, the Treasury Building is a masterpiece of beautiful columns and balconies – a must see.
Parliament House
Found at the corner of Alice and George Streets, Parliament House overlooks the splendid Botanic Gardens. Notably Brisbane’s most magnificent historical building, dating back as far as 1868 with grand staircases, stained glass windows, ornate plaster and chandeliers, this is a true reflection of the Victorian era. Free guided tours available daily.
City Botanic Gardens
This is the city’s oldest park with lush green grass, ancient and exotic trees and tropical flora. Pathways wind their way throughout the park and it is the perfect place to take a walk, cycle, skate or have a picnic. Between October and March check out the moonlight cinema in the gardens.
Visit Botanic Gardens website »
Mt Coot-tha Reserve
Only 15 minutes from Brisbane, Mt Coot-tha is one of Brisbane’s largest bush reserves with a great choice of walking paths, bike tracks, BBQs and picnic facilities and a breathtaking lookout where you can see panoramic views of Brisbane. Here you will also find Australia’s largest planetarium.
Roma St Parkland
This is one of the biggest inner-city sub tropical gardens in the world. Roma St Parkland covers 16 hectares of the northern rim of the city. Wander through the native gardens and see the tea and coffee plantation, the outdoor theatre, a rockery or simply enjoy a picnic or BBQ.
Visit Roma St Parkland website »
Queensland Cultural Centre
The Queensland Cultural Centre is located in South Bank and is the cultural hub of Brisbane. This performing arts complex includes a concert and theatre venue, major conference and convention centres and shops, cafés and restaurants. It is also home to the Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum and the Queensland State Library.
Queensland Maritime Museum
This museum displays memorabilia from maritime voyages and adventures, revealing a list of over 1500 shipwrecks in Queensland since 1791. This museum is located on the Brisbane River at the southern end of South Bank Parklands.
Visit Maritime Museum website »
Fortitude Valley & New Farm
Check out the trendy neighbourhoods of Fortitude Valley and New Farm, places to ‘be seen’ in Brisbane. Chill out in the cafes, restaurants and bars or do some shopping along Brunswick St Mall. This area is influenced by artists and creative types but is very popular amongst the young crowd.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Cuddle up with a koala at the world’s largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine, which is officially recognised in the Guinness Book of World Records. This is the perfect day trip, only 11km out of Brisbane where you can see over 130 koala bears, feed the kangaroos and get up close with Australian native animals.
Take a scenic river cruise
Check out the views of the city while you cruise along the Brisbane River on a paddle steamer. Enjoy some fine cuisine, or simply take in the sights on the river cruise.
Enjoy a brewery tour
For all your beer lovers, Brisbane offers two brewery tours, including free beer at the end.
- Ale House at XXXX Brewery – just minutes from the city in Milton, the XXXX Brewery is a popular tourist attraction
- Carlton Brew House – located 35 minutes outside Brisbane in Yatala, they offer a 90 minute tour
Brisbane Surrounding Areas
Brisbane is the gateway to Australia’s favourite holiday destinations including tropical islands, sandy beaches, lush rainforests and one of the Natural Wonders of the World – the Great Barrier Reef. Here are some tops spots surrounding Brisbane that should not be missed:
Redcliffe
Redcliffe is the perfect place for a day trip or weekend away, located on the edge of Moreton Bay, Redcliffe is only 30 minutes from Brisbane and is known for its beautiful beaches, a rocky red coastline and brilliant views.
Visit Redcliffe Tourism website »
North Stradbroke Island
This stunning sandy island is an hour from Brisbane and is accessible by a ferry or water taxi from Cleveland. With excellent surf beaches, walking tracks and fresh water lakes - this is a popular holiday destination for Brisbane locals.
Visit Stradbroke Holidays website »
Fraser Island
Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world with an area of 184,000 hectares. It is world heritage listed and is a protected part of Australia’s natural and cultural heritage. The island is a mass of tropical rainforests, gorges, mineral streams and fresh water lakes. The island is filled with all types of species including birds, mammals and reptiles. Fraser Island attracts over 350,000 tourists annually.
Gold Coast
This haven of surf, sun and fun is approximately an hour's drive from Brisbane and attracts well over two million visitors each year. The Gold Coast is lively and fast paced and is a commercial destination with high rise hotels lining the beach front. Surfers Paradise is known for its nightlife of bars, nightclubs and eateries along the famous Cavill Avenue. A more relaxed experience can be found at Mermaid Beach and Broadbeach. The main attraction of the Gold Coast is its many theme parks such as Dreamworld, Seaworld, Wet & Wild and Warner Bros Movie World.
Sunshine Coast
North of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast begins at Caloundra and takes you up to Rainbow Beach. It is more than 100 kilometres of white beaches, small towns and rugged and rolling countryside. Visit coastal towns such as Maroochydore, Coolum beach, Noosa and Tin Can Bay.
Visit Sunshine Coast website »
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a true wonder of the world and is an amazing place to visit. It is the largest World Heritage Area, extending 2,000 kilometres and covering an area of 35 million hectares. Whether you scuba dive, snorkel or take a glass bottom boat, you cannot imagine how beautiful this place is, until you actually see it.
Visit Tropical North Queensland website »
Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsundays is a beach haven of 74 islands where you can swim, snorkel, scuba dive or simply relax and take in the magnificent surrounds. Bordering the Great Barrier Reef, you can find island or coastal accommodation from camping sites to luxury five star indulgent resorts. You can visit the islands of Hayman, Daydream, Hamilton, Lindeman and many more – the choice is yours.
Visit Whitsundays Tourism website »
Shopping
Brisbane has an impressive choice when it comes to shopping and it keeps getting bigger and better. Queen Street Mall is the place to be for serious shoppers and you will get lost in the maze of centres on offer. Surrounding the mall you will come across trendy streets offering high-end fashion, boutiques and renowned designers. Consider heading to one of Brisbane’s popular markets to find yourself a hidden gem.
Queen Street Mall
Queen Street Mall is located in the heart of the city and is know for being the premium Queensland shopping destination, with over 700 speciality stores including local, national and international brands, this mall has over six centres for you to explore.
Visit Queen Street Mall website »
Here are some key shopping spots you should check out in the Queen Street Mall:
Brisbane Arcade
This heritage listed shopping arcade was built in 1923 and has three-levels of boutique shops where you can find a choice of exclusive and awarded fashion.
QueensPlaza
QueensPlaza is a new shopping centre with major retailers such as Tiffany & Co., Alannah Hill, Mimco, French Connection and is home to department store, David Jones.
The Myer Centre
The Myer Centre is six levels of shopping, over 200 stores and is home to the major Australian department store, Myer.
Wintergarden
You will find some unique and quirky shops at Wintergarden, though it is not only a place for shopping but also to devour some fine wine, eat out at nice restaurant or hit a pub.
Edward Street
Edward Street is the place for high-end fashion, menswear stores, day spas and distinct dining spots. If you’re looking for tasteful fashion, you will find Australia’s best designers here.
Little Stanley Street
This bustling shopping strip can be found in the South Bank district, home to stylish boutiques such as Marcs, BabyDoll, Bettina Liano, Indigo and Bijoux Bijoux.
Chinatown
Visit Chinatown for the Saturday markets where you can find garments, silk, jewellery, trinkets and food markets stocked with Asian ingredients.
Brisbane Markets
Brunswick Street Market
Open Saturday and Sunday in Fortitude Valley, Brunswick Street Market has all sorts of clothes, crafts, arts and souvenirs. You’ll even find some up and coming designer fashion.
Farmers Market
For all your fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, breads, seafood visit the Farmers Market located in the Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm. This market operates every second Saturday in the month.
Riverside Markets
The Riverside Markets operates every Sunday and is a huge attraction. There is live entertainment, a carnival-like atmosphere and over 150 stores to choose from. You can buy pretty much anything from furniture, woodwork, glass, leather, jewellery, art, designer fashion, flowers, bread, pastries, sauces and jams.
South Bank Art and Craft Market
This is open Friday to Sunday and is filled with art, fashion, jewellery, homewares, massages and much more. Surrounded by well-known Brisbane boutiques, restaurants and cafés and located in South Bank Parklands.
Eat
Eating out in Brisbane is always pleasant due to the warm climate all year round – dining on the pavement or in an open-air courtyard always makes it a special occasion.
Brisbane has a lot to offer when it comes to food. Whether you’re looking for exclusive dining, funky cafés or cheap eateries you are sure to find it here. The popular areas to dine out include South Bank, the City and Fortitude Valley. Brisbane is well-known for having the freshest fruit and vegetables, quality seafood and meats.
The Brisbane CBD has a number of top class restaurants covering all tastes and cuisines. If you’re looking for fine dining options, you can’t go past the Eagle Street Pier Complex, Riverside Centre and Milton’s Park Road.
The CBD also has a wide choice of cafés offering reasonable prices and great food – these can be found along South Bank, Paddington and Petri Terrace. Also try around the Queen Street Mall, Albert Street and outside the Brunswick Street Mall. Fortitude Valley and New Farm are popular for eating out, with an array of stylish and trendy cafés. Chinatown can also be found in the Valley where you can dine at a variety of Asian restaurants across all price brackets.
Nightlife
Whether you’re seeking a pub to have a beer with your mates, catch up with friends over a glass of wine or cocktails at a funky bar, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Brisbane. Most of the bars are in and around the city, including Fortitude Valley, West End and Petrie Terrace. For weekend action, the inner suburbs are the place to head with the most popular places being found in the Valley and West End. The ever-growing wine bars scene appears to be the choice for the locals right now.
Visit 'Our Brisbane' website for tips on drinking spots »
Nightclubs
Brisbane has an exciting nightclub scene with a variety of top venues to let you dance the night away. Nightclubs are generally open from Thursday to Sunday and there will be a cover charge depending on the venue.
Visit 'Our Brisbane' website for a list of Brisbane nightclubs »
To make sure you’re seen at Brisbane’s top drinking venues, grab a pack of Brisbane Bar Secrets available from bookshops and newsagencies.
Events
Brisbane holds a number of exciting events throughout the year. Whatever your interests are, there will be a cultural festival or quirky event to attend. Below is a calendar of key events taking place throughout the year.
Calendar of Events
| Event Name | Month |
| Chinese New Year | January / February |
| Australia Day Cockroach Race | 26 January |
| Big Day Out Music Festival | January / February |
| Tropfest Short Film Festival | February |
| St Patrick's Day | 17 March |
| Queensland Seafood Festival (South Bank Parklands) | March |
| Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race | March / April |
| Queensland Winter Racing Carnival | April / May |
| Brisbane Cup | mid May |
| Paniyiri Festival (Greek culture festival) | late May |
| Brisbane Pride Festival (gay and lesbian celebration) | June |
| Queensland Music Festival | July |
| Brisbane Fine Wine Festival | July |
| Brisbane International Film Festival | July |
| Valley Fiesta (food and music festival) | July |
| Ekka Royal National Agriculture Show | August |
| Brisbane RiverFestival | September |
| IndyCar Grand Prix | September |
| National Festival of Beers | September |
| Australian National Marble Championships | October |
| Livid (rock festival) | October |
| Noosa Triathlon | November |
| Christmas Festival | December |
| Woodford Folk Festival | 31 December |
Sports
Brisbane, like the rest of Australia is sports-mad! There are a number of sports to get involved in, so pick a sport, choose a team to follow and get on board. Here are some of the major sports you will find hosted in Brisbane.
Cricket
You can see cricket test matches both interstate and international at the Gabba (Brisbane Cricket Ground) during October to March every year.
Rugby League
The national rugby league competition is widely followed in Brisbane. The local team is the Brisbane Broncos and the season takes place from March to September. The State of Origin games are fought out between Queensland and New South Wales and are also a key sporting event in the annual calendar.
Visit Australian Rugby League website » Rugby Union
Rugby Union is quickly building in popularity in Brisbane and the Super 14 competition attracts large crowds to watch major teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa fight it out. The QLD Reds are the home team for Brisbane and you can see them play at Suncorp Stadium.
Visit Australian Rugby Union website »
Australian Football League (AFL)
The Australian Football League (AFL) is a national football competition which originated in Victoria. The Brisbane Lions represent Queensland and have had success in the past few years winning the Grand Final in 2001, 2002 and 2003. You can see the Brisbane Lions when they play their home games at the Gabba.
Basketball
If you’re into Basketball, Australia has the National Basketball league (NBL) and the team representing Brisbane is the Brisbane Bullets. You can see the Bullets play at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Indy 300
The Indy 300 is four days, jam packed with car racing and on and off the track entertainment. This racing event occurs on the Gold Coast every October.
Outdoor Activities
Take advantage of Brisbane’s warm and sunny weather and get involved in some great outdoor activities.
Cycling
Brisbane has numerous bike paths and cycle ways to choose from and these can be found in the city’s parks and gardens and along the Brisbane River. Check out the Brisbane Bicycle Experience Guide for an outline on all the bike paths.
Rock climbing
This is a popular sport in Brisbane and we suggest you check out the Cliffs Rock climbing area along the southern banks of the Brisbane River located at Kangaroo Point.
Skating
Go in-line skating in the many parklands Brisbane has on offer or along the Brisbane River.
Other activities, that are easy to get involved in around Brisbane, include swimming, skydiving, ballooning, hiking, golf and tennis.
Weather
The weather in Brisbane is mild, tropical and the envy of the rest of Australia.
The city enjoys hot and sunny summers with averages of around 30˚C and comfortable winters with an average of 17˚C. The average monthly rainfall is around 95 millimetres.
It is highly recommended when you’re outdoors, you use sunscreen, wear a hat and cover up for all seasons in Brisbane.
Brisbane’s seasons are:
Summer: December – February
Autumn: March – May
Winter: June – August
Spring: September – November
|
| Temp ( °C) | Temp ( °F) | Rainfall | |||
|
| Average Daily | Average Daily | Average monthly |
| ||
| Winter | Min | Max | Min | Max | mm | in |
| January | 21 | 29 | 70 | 84 | 159.6 | 6.3 |
| February | 21 | 29 | 70 | 84 | 158.3 | 6.2 |
| March | 19 | 28 | 66 | 82 | 140.7 | 5.5 |
| April | 17 | 26 | 63 | 79 | 92.5 | 3.6 |
| May | 13 | 23 | 55 | 73 | 73.7 | 2.9 |
| June | 11 | 21 | 52 | 70 | 67.8 | 2.7 |
| July | 10 | 20 | 50 | 68 | 56.5 | 2.2 |
| August | 10 | 22 | 50 | 72 | 45.9 | 1.8 |
| September | 13 | 24 | 55 | 75 | 45.7 | 1.8 |
| October | 16 | 26 | 61 | 79 | 75.4 | 3.0 |
| November | 18 | 28 | 64 | 82 | 97.0 | 3.8 |
| December | 20 | 29 | 68 | 84 | 133.3 | 5.2 |
For more information and daily forecasts go to the Bureau of Meteorology website.
Entertainment
Brisbane will definitely keep you entertained! You can check out anything from live music acts from all around the world and stand-out local talent, productions from the likes of Broadway and the West End, or the latest flick on the big screen. To find out everything that is going on in Brisbane, check out the free entertainment papers such as Time Off, Rave and Scene, or get a copy of the Courier Mail’s daily entertainment listings.
Live Music
Brisbane is the place to rock. All successful acts head to Brisbane and some well-known Aussie bands (such as Powderfinger) started their careers here. To see the biggest acts when they’re in town, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre will be the likely host. Arena in The Valley puts on all your local and international acts and Zoo is the place to check out the local raw talent.
Cinemas
Like all big cities, Brisbane has its share of movie complexes and cinemas which can be found in the CBD and the suburbs. To check out the latest flicks on the big screen visit the Greater Union website or grab a copy of the Courier Mail for cinema listings.
Theatre
Head to South Bank where you will find most of the theatre venues including the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Queensland Conservatorium. The Queensland Theatre Company is the state’s leading theatre company.
Visit the Queensland Theatre Company website »
For more information on entertainment in Brisbane and to purchase tickets to a great event, go to the following websites:
Transport
Brisbane has an excellent public transport system – Translink.
TransLink provides one single public transport network covering South-East Queensland. Just one TransLink ticket will take you wherever you want to go on buses, trains and ferries.
For information on getting to and from Brisbane airport, click here.
Media
To keep up to date with all the latest news and information while you are in Brisbane, here is a list of all the major publications:
The Courier Mail
Daily newspaper printed in Brisbane for all the latest news, business, entertainment, sport and classifieds – read the Sunday Mail on Sundays.
Australian Financial Review
Providing national business and financial news and analysis, political commentary and opinions.
The Australian
This is Australia’s national daily newspaper.
Queensland Independent
Local newspaper covering general news.
A free publication distributed weekdays wrapping up the days news, events and gossip. You can find these around the CBD or close to train / bus stations.
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