Brisbane attractions

Best things to do in Brisbane

A simple Brisbane list for city days, families, river views, wildlife, islands, and south-east Queensland side trips.

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Brisbane works well as a warm city break and as a base for nearby beaches and islands. The best plan mixes South Bank and the river with one wildlife or coast day.

Top things to do in Brisbane

  1. South Bank Parklands and Streets Beach
  2. GOMA and Queensland Museum
  3. CityCat ferry ride on the Brisbane River
  4. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
  5. Story Bridge or Kangaroo Point cliffs
  6. Eat Street Northshore
  7. Fortitude Valley and New Farm
  8. Moreton Island day trip
  9. Gold Coast day trip
  10. Noosa or Sunshine Coast day trip

Best plan for a short stay

One day is enough for South Bank, GOMA, a river ferry, and dinner. Two days lets you add Lone Pine or a Moreton Island trip. Three days gives you time for the Gold Coast or Noosa.

Who Brisbane suits best

Brisbane is a good choice for families, travellers who want warm weather without a huge-city pace, and people using it as the first stop for Queensland.

Related planning pages

Guide Brisbane travel guide Open the related guide for more detail and trip planning context. Guide Queensland travel guide Open the related guide for more detail and trip planning context. Guide Noosa travel guide Open the related guide for more detail and trip planning context.

Popular planning guides

Use these related guides to keep planning without starting over.

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