18 Best Things to Do in Brisbane on Your Australia Vacation

Welcome to Brisbane, a place where you can find a beach in the middle of a city, cuddle koalas, and sip craft beer under a historic bridge – all in one day. This sun-soaked capital of Queensland might just be Australia’s best-kept secret.

From world-class galleries that won’t cost you a cent to the southern hemisphere’s largest koala sanctuary, Brisbane packs a punch that will be a highlight on your Australia vacation. In this post we’ll show you around our favorite things to do in Brisbane.

Set in the heart of the city, South Bank Parklands steals the show, with over 43 acres of natural beauty and some of Brisbane’s iconic sites right by the river.

Here you’ll find Streets Beach, a real sandy beach right in the city center. Take a spin on the Wheel of Brisbane for amazing city views, or grab your picnic basket and head to one of the free BBQ spots. The Arbour Walkway, covered in magenta bougainvillea flowers, provides the perfect frame for natural photo ops.

Streets Beach brings the ocean right to Brisbane’s heart. This sandy lagoon feels just like a real beach, but you’re just steps from the city.

So pack your swimmers and sunscreen – it’s free to visit and perfect for cooling off. The kids will love splashing around while you relax on the sand.

And when you’re ready for a snack, there are loads of cafes just a short walk away.

Art fans are in for a treat. QAGOMA is actually two amazing galleries in one.

The Queensland Art Gallery shows off incredible Australian, Pacific Islander, and international art, while GOMA stands proud as Australia’s biggest modern art space with pieces from home and around the world.

And even better – getting in won’t cost you a cent.

Bring the kids along – they’ll love the Children’s Art Centre at GOMA. It’s just a quick walk north from South Bank, adding to the perfect day out in South Bank Parklands.

Need a break from the city buzz? Roma Street Parkland is a slice of tranquility right in Brisbane. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the city center, but feels worlds away.

The gardens burst with colorful flower beds, gorgeous lawns, and hidden spots perfect for spreading out your picnic blanket.

Grab some takeout from nearby cafes and settle into one of the shaded waterfront tables, or spend a morning strolling through the paved walkways winding through green gardens and ponds. The kids can explore the onsite playgrounds while you kick back on the grass.

For a true Parkland experience, join a guided tour and finish with lunch at The Garden Room cafe, set within the grounds.

Want to see Brisbane from a different angle? Hop on a Brisbane River Cruise and float past the glittering city skyline, under the Story Bridge, and alongside swanky riverside spots. Some boats even serve up drinks and snacks while you take in the views.

Pro tip: Book an evening cruise to catch the sunset and watch the city light up. Ask your About Australia Travel Advisor on river cruise recommendations while on your vacation.

Many folks have Australian wildlife on their vacation wishlist. Especially meeting iconic Australian animals like kangaroos and koalas.

Brisbane is the perfect place for that. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, just a few minutes from the city center, is not just any wildlife park – it’s the world’s first and biggest koala sanctuary.

You can get up close and interact with koalas here and feed kangaroos right from your hand. The roos are super friendly and love meeting visitors.

The sanctuary also offers unique encounters with koalas, letting you pet a koala while it relaxes on a tree as its handler shares insight into their habits and behaviors. Plus, you’ll have the chance to take the perfect koala selfie.

Explore the rest of the sanctuary and see tons of other Aussie animals like wombats, dingoes, and platypus.

Lone Pine has a laid-back vibe, and the staff are extremely knowledgeable.

Here’s our tip: Get there early to catch the morning feeding sessions. The koalas are most active then, munching on their fresh eucalyptus breakfast.

Looking for a real Brisbane adventure? Take on the Story Bridge climb!

It’s Australia’s longest standing bridge climb, and the views are worth every step. You’ll spot the city, mountains, and river from over 260 feet up.

Anyone over the age of 6 can do it, even if heights make you nervous. The guides keep you safe and share insightful stories about Brisbane along the way.

Try a twilight bridge climb to catch the sunset painting the sky while the city lights start twinkling below.

Want the best views of Brisbane with your feet still planted on the ground? Head to Mount Coot-tha, the city’s highest spot.

Getting there’s easy – it’s just a 15-minute drive from the city center.

On a clear day, you can see all the way to Moreton Bay and the Glasshouse Mountains in the distance.

Come at sunrise for that perfect Instagram shot, or watch the city light up at sunset from the Summit Restaurant.

Make a day of it and check out the botanic gardens at the base. They’re free to visit and packed with walking trails.

For the perfect day of just enjoying the moment, pack some snacks and grab a spot on the viewing deck – you won’t find a better lunch view in Brisbane!

For a dose of history and science, check out the Queensland Museum Kurilpa.

Right in South Bank’s cultural heart, this place tells Queensland’s story through amazing exhibits.

Here you’ll find everything from dinosaur bones to Aboriginal artifacts. Discover incredible fossils of prehistoric plants and animals, see incredible specimens of insects, invertebrates, and mammals, and explore fascinating artifacts from Aboriginal, Pacific Islander, and Queensland cultures.

The kids will love for the hands-on Discovery Centre, where can touch real specimens and play with interactive displays.

Plus, general entry is free. It’s perfect for those rainy Brisbane days when you’re looking for something to do while on your trip.

Want a beach escape that feels like another world away? Jump on a ferry to Moreton Island – it’s the third-biggest sand island on Earth, just a quick trip from Brisbane.

The island is home to the Tangalooma shipwrecks, now home to colorful fish and coral. See the wrecks and vibrant marine life up close with some snorkeling gear – it’s like swimming in a giant aquarium. You can rent gear including kayaks (including clear bottom kayaks) straight off the beach.

If you’re feeling brave, try sand tobogganing down the massive dunes. It’s pretty much like sledding – but on sand!

Stay until sunset to witness wild dolphins swim close to shore, waiting for their regular feeding from the Tangalooma Island Resort.

And keep your eyes peeled turtles – they love hanging out in these crystal-clear waters.

Just make sure to pack a lunch and plenty of water, as there aren’t many shops on the island. 

James Street in Fortitude Valley is a buzzing strip where local fashionistas spend their afternoons browsing Australian designer boutiques and sipping coffee at hip cafes.

Pop into stores like Zimmermann and Sass & Bide, or check out local Brisbane designers. When your feet need a break, grab a bite at Same Same for amazing Thai food, or hit up Gerard’s Bistro for a fancy dinner.

Come after 2 PM when the lunch rush dies down. And make it a full afternoon – you’ll want a few hours to really soak in the vibe and maybe catch the sunset with a cocktail at one of the rooftop bars.

Looking for a green getaway? The Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha is your perfect escape.

You’ll find peaceful spots everywhere, from the Japanese Garden with its koi ponds to the fragrant herb garden.

Stroll through the Australian rainforest area and surround yourself in lush, towering trees, ferns, and exotic plants. Explore the Aboriginal Plant Trail, where you can spot native plants used for thousands of years for medicine, materials, and food.

The free guided walks are gold – the guides know all the hidden spots and fascinating details about the resident plants. Bring your camera – the bamboo grove and water dragons sunning themselves make for amazing shots.

Make your visit even better with a trip up to Mount Coot-tha lookout. Start at the gardens, then head up the mountain for sunset views over Brisbane.

The kids will love the hide-and-seek possibilities among the giant fig trees, and there’s plenty of grassy areas perfect for a picnic lunch.

If you like to go where the locals go, head straight to “The Valley” neighborhood of Brisbane.

By day, you’ll spot locals hunting for vintage finds, tasting craft beers at local breweries, and sipping coffee at quirky cafes. By night, the streets come alive with live music spilling from bars and clubs.

Start at the Brunswick Street Mall. It’s packed with food spots serving everything from late-night dumplings to fancy brunches. Music fans, check out The Zoo or Black Bear Lodge for local bands and DJs.

Pop into the Chinatown Mall for amazing Asian eats, or hit up the Valley Markets on weekends for local crafts.

Tip: The best time to visit is late afternoon when the food scene kicks off, but the crazy nightlife hasn’t started yet.

Beer fans have to check out the XXXX Brewery. This Brisbane icon has been pouring pints since 1878, and you can get behind the scenes to see how they do it.

Join a guided tour to watch the brewing magic happen and hear some wild stories about Brisbane’s beer history. You’ll end up in the tasting room, where you can sample fresh XXXX straight from the source.

The onsite Alehouse has excellent pub grub that pairs perfectly with your post-tour beer. Time it right and hit up the brewery around lunch – the smell of malted barley will make you extra hungry!

This is old Brisbane at its finest. Take a stroll through Paddington’s charming streets. The neighborhood is lined with cute “Queenslander” houses perched on hills, their wraparound verandas telling stories of the city’s past.

Pop into funky vintage and antique shops along Given and Latrobe Terraces – you might score some amazing old records or retro fashion.

When you need a break, the cafes here serve up some of Brisbane’s best coffee. Try Darling & Co for brunch with a view. Cool off with traditional Italian gelato at Gelateria Cremona.

Or sip on wines and local craft beers at Hope & Anchor, a British themed gastropub.

Come on weekends when the antique shops are bustling and locals are out brunching on cafe patios.

Looking for Brisbane’s coolest night out? Howard Smith Wharves, set below the Story Bridge, is a riverside spot that comes alive after dark with fairy lights twinkling and music filling the air.

Pop into Felons Brewing Co. for locally-made craft beers with stunning river views. Their pale ale goes perfectly with wood-fired pizza on the deck.

Next door, Mr. Percival’s overwater bar serves up fancy cocktails. Try to snag a seat facing the city lights.

Come on Thursdays through Saturdays when live bands get the crowd going.

But here’s a local secret: Sunday afternoons are amazing too. The vibe is more relaxed, with acoustic sessions and food trucks setting up along the water.

Experience Brisbane’s artsy side at the Brisbane Powerhouse. This old 1920’s power station has turned into one of the coolest spots in town for catching shows and events.

One night you might catch stand-up comedy, the next there’s an indie band playing or a fascinating experimental art show. The graffiti-covered walls and industrial vibe give it this amazing atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.

Grab a drink at Bar Alto before your show – the river views from the deck are amazing.

Finding the tastiest spots in Brisbane can be overwhelming. From street eats to fancy restaurants, this city’s food scene is seriously good.

Hit up South Bank Parklands for waterfront dining, check out Fortitude Valley’s Asian haunts, or wander through West End’s quirky food spots. The night markets in Eat Street Northshore are amazing on weekends, with food trucks serving everything from Korean BBQ to wood-fired pizza.

For the easiest way to explore Brisbane’s foodie favorites, join a food tour. Local guides will take you to hidden gems you’d never find on your own.

On tour you might try Vietnamese in West End, grab fresh seafood at Fish Lane, or sample Aussie bush tucker at city markets.

Ask your About Australia Travel Advisor to add a food tour during your visit to Brisbane!

Many tourists think Brisbane is just a stopover city. But this riverside city has way more than meets the eye. From cuddling koalas to catching sunset views from mountain lookouts, Brisbane serves up experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Whether you’re chasing culture at QAGOMA, soaking up the sun at Streets Beach, or sipping local brews at Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane’s got something for every kind of traveler. So pack your sunnies and sense of adventure – this vibrant Queensland capital is ready to surprise you at every turn.

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