Guide to Brisbane

Australia’s Brisbane is a sunshine paradise, a perfect blend of city sights and natural wonders.

Guide to BrisbaneCredit: Tourism Australia

It is dubbed as the gateway for many of the country’s best natural wonders, including lush rainforest regions and subtropical beaches. Brisbane city itself has its collection of attractions, featuring a flourishing restaurant, bar and cultural scene.

The City’s Highlights

  • South Bank

    South Bank, Brisbane

    Lining the edge of the riverside banks of Brisbane River, South Bank dedicates itself to the luxurious lifestyle and cultural side of Brisbane. Showcasing lush green parklands, a lurid bougainvillaea, world-class restaurants and bars, and a stunning river view. The streets are forever bustling with excitement, as hundreds of delightful events are held here all year round. From musical events, markets, art and cultural affairs, and holiday season celebrations, no matter what your taste is, there is something for everyone at South Bank. Even if you aren’t visiting during an event, there is no limit to activities here. Ending your day at South Bank with some delicious grub that comes with a stunning coastal view, washing your food down with a local brew or wine.

  • New Farm Park

    New Farm Park

    This heritage-listed public park is found in one of Brisbane’s most exclusive inner-city suburbs. Featuring a lush riverside region with an eclectic collection of open spaces, with the surrounding streets lined with ancient trees and historic sections. The park offers a number of outdoor activities, with cycling paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, and much more for both locals and travellers to enjoy. Elsewhere, there is plenty of cafes walking distance away to enjoy a cup of coffee and delicious nibbles.

  • City Botanic Gardens

    Brisbane Botanic Gardens

    This riverside park is the city’s original Botanic Gardens, home to a wonderland of lush foliage and wildlife. There is a range of sections worth seeing, including the Bamboo Grove, Weeping Fig Avenue, and the ornamental ponds. Simple wander the region and even pack a picnic for a truly unique lunch amidst the greenery.

  • Brisbane Wheel

    The Wheel of Brisbane

    It is featured in the majority of Brisbane’s postcards, as the Brisbane Wheel is one of the most beloved attractions within. Found next door from Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Brisbane Wheel is a slightly more modest version of the giant observation wheel in London. Transporting guests to 60 metres in the air and offering 360-degree views of the bustling city. The enclosed gondolas ride last 10 to 15 minutes and can be done in either the day or night-time, offering either bright day views or enchanting sparkling city light night sights. You can even have a wine or two during your spectacular ride!

  • Streets Beach

    Streets Beach, Brisbane

    Cool off from Brisbane’s humid heat at Streets Beach, a manmade beach and one of the city’s greatest highlights. Equipped with soft sand, sub-tropical plants, and bright sapphire waters. Visitors can enjoy a lazy day by the pool, either swimming around, sunbaking nearby, or even just strolling along the nearby boardwalks.

  • Kangaroo Point Cliffs

    Kangaroo Point Cliffs

    For the history buffs travelling to Brisbane, Kangaroo Point is for you! Being one of Brisbane’s oldest suburbs still around, the area edges onto the city’s Brisbane River. Guaranteeing for some fabulous views, showcasing the stunning natural beauty of the city, the river, and nearby wildlife. Visitors can trek to these rocky cliffs and enjoy a perfect lookout spot, even relaxing here for a picnic in the lush greenery.

Moreton Island

Sail 25 kilometres off Brisbane’s shore and find yourself in an island paradise. It is, in fact, Moreton Island is the world’s third-largest sand island, featuring pure white sand, crystal clear lakes, and lush bushlands. The island is perfect for any kind of traveller, with a bucket-load of activities ranging from water activities, adrenaline-inducing adventures, and even unforgettable wildlife interactions.

  • Tangalooma Resort

    Tangalooma Resort

    To see what Moreton Island has to offer, Tangalooma Resort is a must. The resort is the perfect family holiday destination for guests, offering both educational and unforgettable experiences on the island. You can sandboard, snorkel, and enjoy the many free resort activities offered for all guests.

  • Dolphins

    Moreton Island Dolphin Feeding

    Undoubtedly, one of the biggest draws that bring travellers to Moreton Island is the Dolphin feeding. For many years now, a small pod of wild dolphins call Moreton Island’s shallow shore their home, seen by travellers roaming nearby the island during the year. However, Tangalooma Resort has implemented an even better way to see these creatures, organising a sustainable feeding activity. Every day, like clockwork, ten bottlenose dolphins come closer to the shore and allow the eager visitors to feed them their dinner. Brushing by the visitors as they snap up the fish thrown to them. Travellers can learn even more about these beloved dolphins, visiting the Marine Education Centre, giving you an even better appreciation for these incredible animals.

  • Tangalooma Wrecks

    Tangalooma Wrecks

    Back in 1962, 15 boats were deliberately sunk off the coast of Moreton Island. This may seem strange but it was actually in order to create a break wall to allow boats to dock at the island’s shores, protecting them from the battering of waves. As the years slowly passed, the local wildlife started taking over, with coral beginning to grow and fish and crustaceans moving in to create homes within the sunken shops. This has left a pure wonderland for snorkelers, with the incredible contrast of the rusting boast and an array of colourful marine life.

  • Whale Watching

    Moreton Island Whale Watching

    If you are visiting during the winter season, which runs from June to October time, Whale watching is a cherished pastime. Around 25,000 southern humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of the Australian tropics to mate and give birth to their calves, heading past Moreton Island on their way there. You can see these extraordinary creatures up close by hopping onboard a cruise.

North Stradbroke Island

Affectionally is known as ‘Straddie’, North Stradbroke Island is a short paradise away from the city, sitting just 30 kilometres from the coast of Brisbane. It is where sprawling lakes meet lush mangrove forests, with unique animals and wild flora thrive on this unspoilt region. One of the top attractions is the award-winning beaches, with five main spots to choose from. Each boasts a great selection of pursuits, from water activities, sunbaking, fishing, and more! The waters of Stradbroke Island hide a wonderland of wildlife, an eclectic and vibrant display of marine life. Whales, dolphins, turtles and dugongs are frequent visitors, while colourful species of fish flit covered the region at all times of the year.

  • Brown Lake

    Brown Lake

    Don’t let the name spook you, for Brown Lake is a picturesque utopia! The lake’s brown waters are far from dirty but come from being dyed by the leaves of the surrounding Paperbarks and Tea-trees which drop into the lake, leaving the lake looking similar to a big glass of black tea. Brown Lake is one of the most culturally significant watering holes in the area for the local Indigenous community, and the refreshing waters is a bonus in the beating heat.

  • Mount Coot-tha Lookout

    Mount Coot-tha Lookout

    Survey the Brisbane skyline and great metro area from this breathing mountaintop. Visitors can hike up to the top, bike along the trails, or simply pack a picnic in the mountain’s bushland. Enjoying the sweet and serene wildlife which is only a breath away from reality.