Brisbane (or “Brissie” as Aussies affectionately call it) offers sophisticated big-city attractions in a sun-splashed riverside setting. In every season, you’ll find countless things to do in this clean, green Queensland capital. Lush parklands punctuate the city, bike and walking paths radiate throughout, and the city hums with innovation and creativity.
River cruises are the best way to sightsee in the city. Brisbane is linked by bridges, with elegant historic buildings peeking out amid the gleaming skyscrapers. Hop aboard a cruise or ferry for an overview, then focus on your favorite spots later on foot.
In the Cultural Centre, you can ogle Indigenous art and cutting-edge contemporary creations alongside works from European masters.
East of the city, the blue waters of Moreton Bay hold even more allure. You can head out on rewarding day trips from Brisbane to subtropical islands. Families also appreciate the city’s abundant free attractions and kid-friendly adventures.
Discover the best places to visit in this relaxed riverside city with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Brisbane.
1. Explore South Bank Parklands
One of the best places to visit in Brisbane is South Bank Parklands. Strolling through the riverfront precinct on a sunny day is a great way to soak up the spirit of the city. This was the original site of World Expo in 1988, and it still buzzes with activities and events today.
Parklands, plazas, and promenades encourage you to linger in this popular pedestrian area. It sits directly opposite the CBD, with Streets Beach at its center, and a swim in the man-made lagoon here is a popular choice on a warm Brisbane day.
You’ll also find a diverse array of restaurants at South Bank, and the precinct hosts some exciting Brisbane events and film screenings.
Ready to shop? The Collective Markets at South Bank sell everything from hand-made crafts and crystals to jewelry, vintage clothing, collectibles, and more. You’ll find them on Little Stanley Street every Friday (5pm to 9pm), Saturday (10am to 9pm), and Sunday 9am to 4pm.
Other popular things to do in South Bank include working out at the free fitness classes, visiting the Epicurious Garden, and biking or strolling along the trails. You can also sign up for a host of free children’s programs and tours.
2. Cuddle a Koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Ever wanted to cuddle a koala? At Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, you can tick this lifelong dream off your bucket list.
You can also get up close with more than 70 species of other lovable Aussie animals. Hand-feed kangaroos, cackle with kookaburras, and watch as flocks of rainbow lorikeets descend during a feeding. Wallabies, wombats, dingoes, snakes, and even crocodiles also live in this compact sanctuary nestled on the Brisbane River.
Keeper talks and interactive demonstrations keep animal lovers engaged. Daily encounters and experiences include bird of prey flight demonstrations, platypus feeding, sheep dog and shearing shows, Tasmanian devil keeper talks, and barn animal encounters. Not surprisingly, visiting this famous Brisbane attraction is one of the top things to do in Brisbane with the family.
In addition to the ultimate cuddling a koala photograph, you can also take home a souvenir snap of you with a dingo or snake.
A popular way to travel here is on the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Admission with Brisbane River Cruise. The cruise departs from Brisbane’s Cultural Centre Pontoon.
Address: 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland
3. Hop on a Brisbane River Cruise
One of the best ways to go sightseeing in Brisbane is aboard a river cruise. The Brisbane River runs through the heart of the city, and many of the city’s top attractions line its banks. This is an excellent way to gain a fresh perspective of Brisbane landmarks such as the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and even some of the wildlife, like the fruit bats that gather along the mangroves on the riverbank.
Once you experience a scenic overview of the city on the water, you can get your bearings, and pinpoint places to spend more time during your visit.
River City Cruises run some of the most popular tours. They range from 90-minute morning or afternoon cruises to sunset cruises and longer excursions. A great choice is the 3.5-hour Cruise to Lunch Package. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories about Brisbane’s history, and point out key Brisbane sites, all while you enjoy Devonshire tea with glittering river views.
Kookaburra River Queens offers lunch, high tea, and dinner cruises aboard their multi-tiered timber paddle wheelers. You can also hop aboard a Miramar Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Prefer to captain your own boat? GoBoat Brisbane rents eco-friendly electric picnic boats for up to eight people. You don’t need a boat license, and picnic tables are included.
Alternatively, hop aboard a CityCat. Gliding the twists and turns of the Brisbane River seven days a week, the fleet of CityCats and City Ferries offer 24 hop-on, hop-off terminals with a range of different cruises. Many include informative narration about the history and sights of the city. From the magnificent University of Queensland to the North Shore, the route takes in redeveloped industrial sites, riverside mansions, bridges, and parklands.
In the Brisbane city core, the CityHopper ferry service offers free cruises, stopping at attractions like South Bank 3 and the Maritime Museum.
4. Visit the Museums & Galleries in the Cultural Centre
On the banks of the Brisbane River, the heritage-listed Cultural Centre in South Bank is a fantastic, family-friendly destination for a day out. Here, you’ll find an impressive collection of museums, galleries, and performance venues. Award-winning architecture adds to the precinct’s beautiful setting on the river near picturesque parklands.
You’ll find plenty of things to do here for the whole family. Browse the excellent collections at the State Library of Queensland; keep the kids entertained with the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre’s interactive exhibits; or admire thought-provoking, cutting-edge art at the popular Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) here stages world-class performances of everything from opera and ballet to comedy shows and contemporary music concerts.
Right nearby are the South Bank Parklands, where you can relax on the riverfront amid the lush lawns and gardens, or take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane.
Address: Grey Street, South Brisbane, Queensland
5. Stroll through Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha
Green thumbs are spoiled for choice when it comes to gardens in Brisbane. Lush parks and gardens punctuate every corner of the city, and Brisbane’s botanic gardens are renowned for their impressive collections of subtropical plants.
First stop should be the stunning Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha (Mt. Coot-tha Road, Toowong), about seven kilometers from the city. Offering panoramic city views, this top tourist attraction is a favorite place to visit with locals and visitors alike. Plus, it’s one of the top things to do in Brisbane for free.
Diverse themed gardens take you on a journey through 128 acres of horticulture. Highlights include the beautiful Japanese gardens and the largest collection of Australian rainforest trees in the world, as well as sections dedicated to fragrant plants, bamboo, cactus, indigenous plants, and more.
Budding botanists will love the Hide ‘n’ Seek Children’s Trail through the rainforest, and you can take advantage of the free guided walks and minibus tours. Best of all, entry to the gardens is free.
While you’re in the area, stop by the Brisbane Lookout Mount Coot-tha, about a four-minute drive from the gardens.
Garden lovers should also save time to check out the 17-hectare, heritage-listed City Botanic Gardens (147 Alice Street, Brisbane). This serene oasis and prime picnic spot sits smack bang in the center of the city. Lily-topped ponds, fountains, bamboo groves, river views, and giant fig trees provide the perfect escape from the city buzz.