Brisbane Travel Guide - Sunshine, Culture and Riverfront Charm
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Travel Notes: Destinations: Oceania: Australia - Brisbane Travel Guide.
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Travel Guide For Visitors to Brisbane
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Explore the best things to do in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland from outdoor adventures and riverside dining to hidden laneway bars and koala encounters. Share on Facebook
Capital of Queensland
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is known for its warm climate and outdoor lifestyle.
The South Bank Parklands offer a mix of gardens, restaurants, and cultural institutions while the nearby Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are famous for their stunning beaches and surfing opportunities.
Brisbane - Where City Life Meets the Subtropics
Sun-drenched days, breezy evenings and a skyline wrapped around a winding river, Brisbane ticks a lot of boxes.
It's a city that's grown into itself without losing the relaxed personality locals are proud of.
Queensland's capital is full of surprises, whether you're strolling through riverside precincts, climbing a bridge at sunset or sipping craft beer in a converted warehouse.
Unlike its more obvious coastal cousins, Brisbane rewards curiosity; and rewards it well.
When to Visit Brisbane
Brisbane's sub-tropical climate makes it a year-round destination.
Summer (December to February)
Can get humid, but this is also when the city's outdoor lifestyle shines brightest; think rooftop bars, river cruises and live music festivals.
Winter (June to August)
Offers blue skies and mild temperatures, perfect for exploring the outdoors without breaking a sweat.
Getting Around Brisbane
Translink
Brisbane's public transport network is efficient, clean and easy to navigate.
Use the Go Card for buses, trains and ferries.
The river ferries are a handy way to cruise between key stops along the river.
For short trips, e-scooters and CityCycle bikes are everywhere; ideal for zipping between neighbourhoods.
Top Things to Do in Brisbane
Climb the Story Bridge
More than a way to cross the river, this heritage-listed steel bridge can be climbed for panoramic views over the Central Business District, the river and out to the Glass House Mountains.
It's one of only three bridge climbs in the world.
South Bank - The Cultural and Leisure Hub
A short walk from the city centre, South Bank is Brisbane's cultural and recreational heart.
You'll find art galleries, performance venues and Australia's only inner-city beach.
The Queensland Museum (Corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets) and the Gallery of Modern Art (Stanley Place) are both free to enter and well worth your time.
Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Cuddling a koala might be a bit of a travel cliché, but where else can you hand-feed kangaroos and meet Australia's iconic wildlife in such a leafy riverside setting.
Lone Pine (708 Jesmond Rd, Fig Tree Pocket) is the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, and a firm favourite with families.
Explore Brisbane's Laneway Scene
Brisbane has developed a strong laneway culture with tucked-away cafés, wine bars and street art hidden behind the main streets.
Burnett Lane and Eagle Lane are two worth exploring if you're hungry for something a bit different.
Take the Ferry to Eat Street Northshore
Every weekend, a retired shipping container terminal transforms into one of the most exciting food markets in the country.
Eat Street Northshore features live music, neon lights and over 70 food vendors
Neighbourhoods Worth Exploring
Fortitude Valley
The Valley is Brisbane's nightlife playground and creative hub.
Expect a mix of vintage shops, music venues, and some of the city's most interesting bars and restaurants.
It's gritty in places but always buzzing.
New Farm
Home to leafy streets, old Queenslander houses and the beautiful New Farm Park.
The riverside Powerhouse arts venue hosts comedy, theatre and weekend markets.
It's a relaxed, local part of town that feels a world away from the Central Business District.
West End
Bohemian and multicultural.
West End is packed with second-hand bookshops, vegan eateries and buzzing markets.
Boundary Street on a Friday night is where the fun begins; think buskers, cocktails and beer garden vibes.
Where to Stay in Brisbane
Luxury
W Brisbane (81 North Quay) - Bold design, river views and a prime location in the heart of the Central Business District.
Mid-Range
The Calile Hotel (48 James Street) - Stylish and resort-like, located on lively James Street.
Budget
Roamer Brisbane (466 George Street) - A sociable hostel with co-working spaces and central location.
Popular Hotels in Brisbane
Day Trips from Brisbane
Moreton Island
A short ferry ride away, this sand island offers snorkelling, quad biking and hand-feeding wild dolphins.
Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast
Both are easily reachable for a day of surfing, seafood and sea views.
Tamborine Mountain
Escape the city heat with waterfalls, rainforest walks and cellar doors in this hinterland hideaway.
Brisbane Food and Drink
Brisbane's dining scene blends Asian, modern Australian and street food in equal measure.
Try
Fish Lane - A narrow laneway in South Brisbane packed with restaurants, bars and murals.
Howard Smith Wharves - An alfresco riverside precinct with breweries, seafood and steak.
Brisbane's Café Culture
Try Morning After (Cambridge St) in West End for proper coffee and brunch.
Practical Travel Tips
Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD).
Language: English, spoken with a smile (and often a nickname).
Tipping: Not expected, but appreciated for good service.
Brisbane Has The Last Laugh
Brisbane isn't trying to be flashy, and that's part of the charm.
It's a city that invites you to slow down, look around and see what's behind the next corner.
Whether you're here for a long weekend or using it as a base to explore Queensland, you'll find more than enough to keep you smiling.
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