Come to laid-back Brisbane, the perfect base to discover the beautiful parks, mountains and islands of Australia’s Sunshine State..
Brisbane may well boast downtown skyscrapers and a population of over 2 million, but the warm climate, friendly locals and incredible natural bounty give it arguably the most easy-going atmosphere of all the cities in Australia. The way the Brisbane River, from which the city takes its name, snakes lazily through the Queensland capital mirrors the laid-back attitude of the inhabitants of “Brissie”.
The Sunshine State’s largest city has a vibrant cultural life and plenty of top-class bars and restaurants but the biggest draw for most visitors is the huge array of outdoor activities on the city’s doorstep. Whether it’s dolphin-spotting on Moreton Island National Park, climbing the Kangaroo Point cliffs or just escaping the heat and hustle of the city along the cool riverfront, you have a wealth of open-air options. Enjoying a pint of the local brew XXXX along with fish and chips is a popular way to spend a pleasant summer’s evening while the dry, cooler winters are perfect for whale watching and more active excursions. Daredevil visitors can try their hand at climbing the iconic Storey Bridge and the nearby Glass House Mountains make for a great day trip.
Another appealing aspect of the city for tourists is the number of attractions that are available free-of-charge – from nature reserves such as Roma Street Parkland and Mount Coot-tha to the government-funded Queensland Museum and Museum of Brisbane. The city also provides a number of free swimming pools, playgrounds and barbecues, as well as various cultural festivals which are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
The city itself is the artistic heart of Queensland and the majority of the state’s most important cultural institutions, such as the Gallery of Modern Art – the country’s biggest – are located here. You’ll always find top-quality shows at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, which is home to the state’s ballet and theatre companies as well as its symphony orchestra.
The riverside walks in the city’s South Bank area and a scenic river ride on one of the public ferries are among the city’s other tourist highlights but be sure to rent a car or book a tour to explore the exquisite surrounding landscape.
Brisbane Travel Guide Video
Top hotels in Brisbane
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
ibis Brisbane Airport Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2 Dryandra Road, Brisbane Airport, QLD
NZ$165
per night
25 Dec. - 26 Dec.
Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 6 miles (10 km) of DFO Brisbane, Portside Wharf and Brisbane Cruise Terminal. Doomben Racecourse and Eagle Farm ...…Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 6 miles (10 km) of DFO Brisbane, Portside Wharf and Brisbane Cruise Terminal. Doomben Racecourse and Eagle Farm ...WWW…
4.3/5Excellent! (2,268 reviews)
"Excellent for one night stay near airport, good staff"…""Excellent for one night stay near airport, good staff"WWW…"
Corner of Margaret & Edward Streets, South Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD
NZ$186
per night
3 Jan. - 4 Jan.
Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Eagle Street Pier. Queen Street Mall ...…Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Eagle Street Pier. Queen Street Mall ...WWW…
4.4/5Wonderful! (2,086 reviews)
"Close to our functions, and planned activities.Everything was clean and in good condition."…""Close to our functions, and planned activities.Everything was clean and in good condition."WWW…"
Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Queen Street Mall and Brisbane Riverside ...…Located in Brisbane Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Queen Street Mall and Brisbane Riverside ...WWW…
4.6/5Exceptional! (1,898 reviews)
"I like the property as its centrally located. n quiet hv a small kitchen would be gd to hv a small stove"…""I like the property as its centrally located. n quiet hv a small kitchen would be gd to hv a small stove"WWW…"
Swim in the sparkling water of an inner-city beach, stroll through lush gardens and taste gourmet gelato all while staying close to Brisbane’s busy downtown area.
Tropical rainforest, temperate wetlands and rolling savannah are home to some of the world’s most amazing plants and flowers in Brisbane Botanic Gardens.
Spend a day at Brisbane's Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary; the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. Meet 130 koalas and 100 species of other Australian native animals, all in beautiful, natural settings.
Explore Brisbane's neighbors, Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, on this full-day tour. See the beautiful coastline of Noosa Heads, spend time at the famous Hastings Street, enjoy a scenic ferry ride on the Noosa River, and marvel at the breathtaking Glass House Mountains.
Moreton Island Full-Day Snorkel, Kayak & Sand-toboggan Tour
NZ$158
Spend a day in the paradise of Moreton Island, where you can enjoy one of the most spectacular spots off the Australian coast. Relax on the golden beaches, take to the water for some incredible views on a transparent kayak or paddleboard, or ride a toboggan down the island's dunes.
Uncover the history of Australia's very own XXXX beer with more than 140 years of brewing behind it! Discover the heritage of this locally produced beer and browse the many selections provided. Then sample some of the finest beers in Queensland, and learn how to pour the perfect glass.
Spend an afternoon on the Brisbane River aboard an iconic Kookaburra Queen paddle-wheeler for a relaxing outing with some of the city's best sights. This cruise combines a buffet lunch with live music on the venerable vessel, all as you admire sensational attractions along the waterfront.
Visit: Newstead House, Cnr: Breakfast Creek Rd & Newstead Avenue Newstead, Brisbane, Queensland 4006 Australia One of the most prominent homes in Queensland's history, the iconic landmark was built in 1846 and has been occupied by some of Brisbane's most influential colonial figures, including Patrick Leslie, Captain John Clements Wickham and George Harris.
Love, love, love Brisbane. I find somewhere new to explore all the time...
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
11 Dec. 2019
It's my home town, I love it!
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
9 Dec. 2019
It was busy due to being close Christmas. We went to the botanical gardens and we weren’t very impressed - the facilities were not clean and there was a lot of homeless people living in the garden beds.
4/5 - Good
Tam
8 Dec. 2019
There’s always something to do in Brisbane. Child friendly - parks, arcades, cinemas. Plenty of dining options within walking distance. Plenty of shopping and entertainment options for the whole family to enjoy.
1/5 - Terrible
Verified traveller
8 Dec. 2019
Myer Centre could do with more cleaners. Very dirty.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
8 Dec. 2019
The best place in tbe world!!!
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