Things to do · Brisbane, Australia

Things to Do in Brisbane

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Getting there
Most visitors fly into Brisbane International Airport, which sits roughly 13 km north of the central business district and is linked to the city by a frequent shuttle bus and train service. Domestic travelers often connect via Sydney, Melbourne or Perth, while many international itineraries include a short layover. For those coming from the Gold or Sunshine Coasts, the regional airports about 90‑100 km away are reachable by highway or a 1‑hour rail line to the city centre.
Who goes
Brisbane welcomes around 2‑3 million tourists each year, a blend of families on school holidays, business travelers, and backpackers seeking a relaxed urban vibe. The city hums most in the Australian winter months of June to August, when the weather is mild, and quiets down during the hotter summer stretch from December to February.
Budgeting
A careful traveler can expect to spend roughly 80‑120 AUD per day (about $55‑$85 USD), while a more comfortable pace pushes daily costs to roughly 150‑250 AUD (around $105‑$175 USD), with lodging and meals taking the biggest bite. To stretch your budget, take advantage of the free CityHopper ferry and consider a daily public‑transport pass for unlimited CityCat and bus rides. Estimate →

  1. Queen Street Mall

    attraction · 4.4 rating

    A pedestrian shopping precinct in Brisbane's city center lined with retail stores, cafes and street performers. Travelers visit for shopping and the bustling central-city atmosphere.

  2. Brisbane Powerhouse

    attraction · 4.6 rating

    A former power station on the Brisbane River converted into a contemporary arts and cultural center hosting theatre, comedy, music and exhibitions. Travelers go for its performances, riverside setting and dining.

  3. Streets Beach

    attraction · 4.7 rating

    A man-made inner-city lagoon beach in Brisbane's South Bank Parklands with sandy shores and lifeguard-patrolled swimming. Travelers go to swim and relax with skyline views year-round.

  4. Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

    attraction · 4.5 rating

    A planetarium in Brisbane's Botanic Gardens featuring a domed theatre with astronomy shows and space exhibits. Travelers visit to learn about the cosmos and enjoy immersive sky presentations.

  5. Boggo Road Gaol

    attraction · 4.5 rating

    A historic former prison in Brisbane offering guided tours through its heritage cell blocks and stories of Queensland's penal past. Travelers visit for the history and occasional ghost tours.

  6. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

    attraction

    The world's first and largest koala sanctuary, where visitors can hold koalas and hand-feed kangaroos among native Australian wildlife. A popular family destination showcasing iconic Australian animals.

  7. South Bank Parklands

    attraction

    Brisbane's premier riverside precinct with gardens, a man-made beach lagoon, restaurants, and cultural venues. It's a lively destination for swimming, dining, and leisurely walks by the river.

  8. Story Bridge

    attraction

    An iconic steel cantilever bridge spanning the Brisbane River, a defining landmark of the city skyline. Travelers view and photograph it or walk across for river views.

  9. Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout

    attraction

    A hilltop lookout offering panoramic views over Brisbane's skyline, suburbs, and out to Moreton Bay. A favourite spot for taking in the city vista, especially at sunset.

  10. City Botanic Gardens

    attraction

    A historic riverside botanical garden in central Brisbane with lawns, mature trees, and plant collections. Travelers visit to stroll, picnic, and enjoy nature in the city.

  11. Roma Street Parkland

    attraction

    One of the world's largest subtropical urban gardens, featuring themed plantings, lakes, and lawns in central Brisbane. Visitors come to stroll and relax among lush landscaped grounds.

  12. Gallery of Modern Art

    attraction

    Australia's leading contemporary art museum at South Bank, known for its large-scale exhibitions and Asia-Pacific focus. Travelers visit to experience modern and contemporary artworks and installations.

  13. Queensland Art Gallery

    attraction

    A major public art museum in Brisbane's Cultural Precinct housing a significant collection of Australian and international art. Travelers visit for its permanent collection and rotating exhibitions.

  14. Queensland Museum Kurilpa

    attraction

    Queensland's state museum in Brisbane's Cultural Precinct featuring natural history, science, and cultural exhibits. Families visit for interactive displays and dinosaur and wildlife galleries.

  15. The Wheel of Brisbane

    attraction · A$17.50

    A large observation Ferris wheel at South Bank offering panoramic views over the city and river from enclosed gondolas. Travelers ride it for elevated skyline views.

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