Brisbane Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Roma Street Parkland showing a garden, a city and a river or creek
Brisbane
South Bank
Kangaroo Point Cliffs featuring a river or creek, a sunset and skyline
Brisbane

Brisbane Travel Guide Video

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.

Where to stay in Brisbane

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Brisbane Central Business District

4.5/5(5,095 area reviews)

Are you interested in beautiful gardens, stunning river views and popular shops? A visit to Brisbane Central Business District might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Anzac Square and Brisbane Customs House.

Brisbane Central Business District
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Brisbane Airport

Travellers come to Brisbane Airport for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like DFO Brisbane and Moreton Bay while you're in town.

Brisbane Airport
South Bank

South Bank

South Bank is a destination visitors seek out for its abundant dining options, interesting museums and stunning river views. You might want to check out attractions like Streets Beach or Queensland Conservatorium while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

South Bank
Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley

4/5(1 area review)

Fortitude Valley is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Brunswick Street Mall and Fortitude Music Hall while in the area.

Fortitude Valley
South Bank which includes flowers, a city and a river or creek

South Brisbane

4/5(1 area review)

South Brisbane is a destination visitors seek out for its ample dining options, fascinating museums and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Queensland Performing Arts Centre or Queensland Conservatorium while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

South Brisbane
Kangaroo Point showing a bay or harbour, night scenes and a city

Kangaroo Point

The ample dining options and beautiful river views are top of the list for many visitors to Kangaroo Point. A stop by Holman Street Ferry Terminal or Dockside Ferry Terminal might round out your trip.

Kangaroo Point
Amora Hotel Brisbane
Amora Hotel Brisbane
5 out of 5
200 Creek Street, Spring Hill, QLD
The price is NZ$230 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$230
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,135 reviews)
"The supply in the bathroom, it’s Antipodes 😊"

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Amora Hotel Brisbane
The Star Grand Brisbane
The Star Grand Brisbane
5 out of 5
33 William Street, Brisbane, QLD
The price is NZ$366 per night from 21 July to 22 July
NZ$366
21 July - 22 July
includes taxes & fees
Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Suncorp Stadium and XXXX Brewery are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (221 reviews)
"Convenient location, room spacious and free complimentary drink/snacks."

Reviewed on 12 Jul. 2025

The Star Grand Brisbane
Swiss-Belhotel Brisbane
Swiss-Belhotel Brisbane
4 out of 5
826 Main St, Woolloongabba, QLD
The price is NZ$216 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$216
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Suncorp Stadium and XXXX Brewery are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (162 reviews)
"Close to the Gabba for sport south bank kangaroo point, river city cats service shops dining parks etc, especially good if your travelling with your pet allowed in the room big park down the road near Pineapple Hotel for your pet will stay again"

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2025

Swiss-Belhotel Brisbane
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Meriton Suites Adelaide Street, Brisbane
Meriton Suites Adelaide Street, Brisbane
5 out of 5
485 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury apartment in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,553 reviews)
"Excellent property and the staff extremely helpful"

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Meriton Suites Adelaide Street, Brisbane
Brisbane Skytower by CLLIX
Brisbane Skytower by CLLIX
4 out of 5
222 Margaret Street, Brisbane, QLD
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,997 reviews)
"Check in was friendly and welcoming. Room was lovely and had awesome views. Beds were very very comfortable. Definitely worth a rebook. However, for the price I was disappointed the windows were dirty with child handprints and dribble. Lounge furniture was minimal, mismatched uncomfortable."

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2025

Brisbane Skytower by CLLIX
Brisbane One Apartments by CLLIX
Brisbane One Apartments by CLLIX
4 out of 5
1 Cordelia St, South Brisbane, QLD
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 hot tubs, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (615 reviews)
Great apartment fantastic facilities.
"Had a wonderful stay. Close to all amenities, transport, cafes, restaurants, hotels, shopping centres. Apartment is in a great location walking distance to all the above."

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Brisbane One Apartments by CLLIX
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Brisbane

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1532
5 - Excellent 51%
4 - Good
1297
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
169
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
12
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
7
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I have always liked going into Brisbane

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

It was ok. Not great to come during a pandemic qs there isnt mich to do but it was nice yo get away from nornal life and relax.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I love Brisbane. I would move back there without hesitation if I had the resources. It is a small-town-capital-city! Has all the benefits of a Capital City, without the confusion, stress, hassle, or ATTITUDE of Sydney or Melbourne.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We stayed in Brisbane because of Legal reason and the apartments were directly across from court house

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I visit my children very often it is growing into nice vibrant city

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Brisbane is a lovely city, unfortunately with coronavirus advice, precautions had to be taken to stay away from people and places so I could not enjoy the experience .

Cities near Brisbane