City guide — Queensland
Brisbane travel guide
Riverside lifestyle, galleries, subtropical weather, and easy links to beaches and islands.
Brisbane is a warm, easy-going city that works well as both a destination in its own right and a gateway to the best of South East Queensland. The river lifestyle, gallery culture, and subtropical pace make it a very pleasant base.
Top experiences in Brisbane
- South Bank parklands
- River cruise and CityCat ferry
- Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Day trip to Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast
Why tourists choose Brisbane
Brisbane combines a genuine city experience with subtropical lifestyle and proximity to some of Queensland's best beaches. The city has matured enormously in recent years and now offers strong food, arts, and cultural experiences alongside its traditional role as a gateway to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
Top things to do in Brisbane
South Bank parklands, GOMA, and a CityCat ferry ride are the essential city experiences. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the most popular family outing. Australia Zoo (90 minutes north) fills a full day and is one of Australia's most impressive wildlife parks. Day trips to the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast are both easy by road or rail.
Tours and guided experiences
Australia Zoo day trips from Brisbane with round-trip transport and admission are bookable via Viator from around AUD 95 per adult. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary river cruise and entry packages start from around AUD 80 (includes 2-hour scenic cruise plus sanctuary entry). Moreton Island day trips (beaches, wrecks, sandboarding) run around AUD 130. Sunshine Coast and Noosa day tours start from AUD 85. Most tours depart from South Bank or the CBD.
Best areas to stay
South Bank suits visitors who want to walk to GOMA, restaurants, and the beach lagoon. The CBD is practical for transport connections and business travel. New Farm and Fortitude Valley are better for nightlife and a more local atmosphere. Kangaroo Point has river views and is walkable to the CBD via the Story Bridge.
Accommodation price guide
Budget hostels in the Valley and CBD start from AUD 35 per dorm bed. Mid-range hotels in the South Bank and CBD area average AUD 140 to 220 per night. Boutique hotels in New Farm and Teneriffe run AUD 180 to 280. Luxury properties like the W Brisbane and Treasury Hotel start from AUD 300 to 500 per night.
Where to eat in Brisbane
James Street in Fortitude Valley is the most concentrated fine dining precinct. South Bank has a wide range of restaurants along the riverfront. Fish Lane in South Brisbane has become one of the city's best laneways for cafés and bars. Eagle Street Pier on the river suits waterfront dining. For markets, Davies Park Market (West End, Saturdays) and Eat Street Northshore (Friday to Sunday evenings) are both strong.
Transport and getting around
The go card covers trains, buses, ferries, and the CityCat on the Brisbane River. A single CBD zone trip costs around AUD 2 to 4. The CityCat from South Bank to Fortitude Valley takes around 15 minutes and is great value for sightseeing. Airport trains to the CBD cost AUD 19 and take 22 minutes. Taxis from the airport run AUD 45 to 55. The Gold Coast train from Roma Street station costs around AUD 15 each way and takes 80 minutes.
Best time to visit Brisbane
May to September offers the most comfortable temperatures (22 to 28°C) and minimal rainfall. Summer (December to February) is hot and humid. Brisbane works year-round due to its subtropical climate, but the shoulder seasons are most pleasant for sightseeing.
How many days feels right
Two to three nights suits a Brisbane city break. Add more days if you are using it as a base for both the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Practical tips
- South Bank is walkable and largely free
- CityCat ferries double as sightseeing along the river
- Gold Coast by train from Roma Street takes 80 minutes
- Australia Zoo (Steve Irwin's zoo) is a popular full-day trip from Brisbane - book ahead
Sample itinerary for Brisbane
Day 1
River and culture. Morning CityCat ferry from South Bank to the city wharves. Visit GOMA (free general admission). Lunch at Fish Lane. Afternoon walk across the Story Bridge for river views. South Bank parklands and beach lagoon in the evening.
Day 2
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Take the morning river cruise from South Bank (departs around 9am). Spend 3 hours at the sanctuary with koalas, kangaroos, and native wildlife. Return by bus or cruise.
Day 3
Australia Zoo full-day trip. Depart by 8am by bus or hire car (90 minutes north on the Sunshine Coast hinterland). Allow 5 to 6 hours at the zoo. Return via Sunshine Coast beaches if time permits.
Seasonal events in Brisbane
- April
- Brisbane Comedy Festival
- July
- Brisbane International Film Festival
- August
- Brisbane Festival (multi-arts, runs into September)
- September
- River Fire (fireworks spectacular over the Brisbane River)
- October
- Good Food Month and Brisbane Marathon
- November
- Brisbane International tennis warm-up (pre-Australian Open)
Visa and entry information
Most visitors need a visa before arriving in Australia. UK, US, and Canadian passport holders apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) via the Australian ETA app for AUD 20. European passport holders from eligible countries apply for a free eVisitor visa (subclass 651) online. All other nationalities apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) from AUD 190. Check the Australian Department of Home Affairs for your passport requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How many days should I spend in Brisbane?
Is Brisbane worth visiting compared to Sydney and Melbourne?
Can I get to the Gold Coast from Brisbane easily?
What is the best thing to do near Brisbane?
Go broader
Queensland
Use the state guide to connect Brisbane with surrounding regions, extra nights, and more realistic transport planning.
Open Queensland guide →