Brisbane has changed significantly in the past decade. The 2032 Olympics announcement accelerated investment and infrastructure development, and the city that was once dismissed as a stopover between Sydney and Cairns has become one of Australia’s most genuinely enjoyable cities to visit. The South Bank cultural precinct, the Story Bridge and its views, the koalas at Lone Pine, and the inner-city suburb restaurant scene in Fortitude Valley and South Brisbane give visitors a genuine city experience rather than a provincial one.
South Bank: The Heart of Brisbane
South Bank Parklands, across the Brisbane River from the CBD, is the city’s main cultural and leisure precinct. Streets Beach, a man-made beach and lagoon in the middle of the urban precinct, is genuinely enjoyable and free. The Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), the Performing Arts Centre, and the State Library of Queensland are all clustered within walking distance of each other along the river.
The South Bank Markets on Friday evenings, Saturday, and Sunday mornings are worth attending for local artisan goods, street food, and a genuine look at Brisbane’s community character. The weekend food offerings are excellent.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, 12 kilometres south-west of the CBD in Fig Tree Pocket, is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary. It holds around 130 koalas, and visitors can hold a koala for a photograph. The sanctuary also has kangaroos in a walk-through paddock, wombats, platypus (viewable at feeding times), Tasmanian devils, and native birds. For international visitors, particularly those from India, Lone Pine is often the most memorable Brisbane experience. Holding a wild marsupial is not something you can do anywhere else.
A CityCat river ferry from South Bank to Fig Tree Pocket runs past the CBD and through the river’s bends, which is itself an enjoyable 45-minute journey. The Mirimar Koala Cruise, which combines the ferry ride with the sanctuary entry, is a popular morning activity.
Fortitude Valley and New Farm: Brisbane’s Best Eating Precincts
Fortitude Valley, immediately north-east of the CBD, is Brisbane’s main nightlife and dining precinct. The Brunswick Street and Ann Street corridors have the best concentration of restaurants. James Street in New Farm, 10 minutes’ walk further east, is Brisbane’s premium food and design strip, with the Calile Hotel (Brisbane’s best design hotel) anchoring the southern end and a collection of high-quality restaurants and cafes running north.
New Farm Park, beside the Brisbane River, is beautiful on a Sunday morning. The jacaranda trees lining the paths flower purple in November, and the park’s rose garden is at its best in spring.
Mount Coot-tha and Day Trips
Mount Coot-tha, just 7 kilometres west of the CBD, has the best city panorama in Brisbane, with the CBD, Story Bridge, and Moreton Bay all visible on clear days. The Brisbane Botanic Gardens at the mountain’s base are excellent for a morning walk. The Summit restaurant at the lookout is a solid choice for lunch with the view.
Day trips from Brisbane worth making: the Scenic Rim and Lamington National Park (90 minutes), Moreton Island (90 minutes by fast ferry from Holt Street Wharf) for snorkelling with dolphins, and the Sunshine Coast (90 minutes north) for Noosa National Park and the Eumundi Markets.
Frequently Asked Questions: Brisbane Travel Guide
What are the must-do activities in Brisbane?
South Bank Parklands and Streets Beach, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (especially if you want to hold a koala), Mount Coot-tha lookout, and the James Street and Fortitude Valley dining precincts are the core Brisbane experiences. The Story Bridge climb is excellent if you’re comfortable with heights.
How many days do you need in Brisbane?
Two to three days covers the main Brisbane city experiences comfortably. Three to five days allows day trips to the Sunshine Coast, Scenic Rim, or Moreton Island. Brisbane also works very well as a base for exploring South-East Queensland more broadly.
Is Brisbane a good base for exploring Queensland?
Excellent. The Gold Coast is 75 minutes south, the Sunshine Coast is 90 minutes north, the Scenic Rim is 90 minutes south-west, and Brisbane Airport has direct flights to Cairns, the Whitsundays (via Proserpine), and Hamilton Island for further north Queensland exploration.
What’s the best area to stay in Brisbane?
The South Bank and South Brisbane precinct is ideal for first-time visitors, with the cultural precinct, river access, and the CBD a short walk away. Fortitude Valley and New Farm suit visitors who want to be close to the best restaurants and nightlife. The CBD has the most hotel options across all price points.
When is the best time to visit Brisbane?
August to October (late winter and spring) is the sweet spot: warm, dry, low humidity, and the jacarandas are starting to flower in November. Summer (December to February) is hot and humid with occasional storms. Brisbane winters (June to August) are mild and pleasant but can feel cool in the evenings. Flying into Brisbane? Sai World Travel books flights and accommodation packages for Brisbane visitors from anywhere in Australia or internationally. Call 1800 724 967 or visit saiworldtravel.com.au.