Brisbane

Travel Guide

Roma Street Parkland which includes a high rise building, a city and a river or creek
Brisbane
Southbank Parklands
Kangaroo Point Cliffs featuring a sunset, a high rise building and skyline
Mt. Coot-Tha which includes central business district, a sunset and night scenes

Brisbane Travel Guide Video

Sunny Queensland’s laid-back capital city is the perfect base from which to explore riverside parks, subtropical islands and rugged mountains.

Brisbane is home to over 2 million people, but maintains a relaxed atmosphere thanks to the warm weather and easygoing locals. “Brissie” has plenty of nightlife and art galleries, but with its location on the banks of a major river in beautiful sunny Queensland, the biggest attraction is definitely the outdoors.

During the humid summers, catch a cooling breeze along the waterfront. Rent a kayak to paddle along the Kangaroo Point cliffs or spot dolphins and turtles around Moreton Island National Park. Enjoy a balmy night with “fish ‘n chips” and locally brewed XXXX beer along the Brisbane River.

The cooler, dry winters are good for whale watching and fitness activities, such as climbing the Story Bridge or the Glass House Mountains. The winter days are short, but the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Brisbane Powerhouse and the bars in Fortitude Valley keep you entertained at night.

Brisbane offers many free facilities such as pools, barbecues, playgrounds and frequent cultural festivals. You don’t have to pay for the government-funded attractions and nature reserves either, including the Roma Street Parkland, Gallery of Modern Art, Museum of Brisbane, Botanic Gardens, and Mount Coot-tha.

Apart from walking, the public transport and bike-share systems are convenient ways to get around. Start at South Bank, Brisbane’s attractive cultural riverfront area. From the Maritime Museum, follow the bougainvillea archway past streams with ibis and water dragons, palm tree-lined swimming lagoons, markets, food venues and street performers, all the way to the Ferris wheel, with wooden a Nepalese temple nearby.

Take the public ferry downstream to New Farm Park or book a scenic cruise upstream to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Alternatively, continue along South Bank to the state’s major museums, including the Queensland Museum and art galleries.

Brisbane is surrounded by stunning nature, so book a tour or rent a car to explore. Nothing is rushed here, so relax and take your time to enjoy the cultural displays and natural beauty in the capital of the Sunshine State.

Where to stay in Brisbane

Brisbane Central Business District which includes a river or creek, a sunset and a city

Brisbane Central Business District

4.5/5(304 area reviews)

Densely concentrated skyscrapers and parks define this central business hub, with attractions like City Hall, Story Bridge, and City Botanic Gardens. Enjoy seamless connectivity via road bridges, public transport, and the scenic Brisbane Riverwalk.

Brisbane Central Business District
Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport

Located 14km northeast of Brisbane's CBD, this coastal suburb boasts the Skygate Airport Village, featuring retail, commercial spaces, a GP Clinic, and Novotel airport hotel. Easily accessible via Domestic and International Terminal railway stations, it offers convenient connections to the city.

Brisbane Airport
Southbank Parklands

South Bank

Brimming with cultural and recreational attractions, South Bank offers diverse dining options on Grey Street and Little Stanley Street, as well as easy access to public transport, including ferries, buses, and trains.

South Bank
Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley

Brimming with nightlife, nightclubs, and bars, this inner suburb features Brunswick Street Mall and Chinatown for pedestrians. Shop at James Street precinct, visit Valley Pool, or explore heritage-listed sites like Howard Smith Wharves.

Fortitude Valley
Southbank Parklands which includes flowers, a city and a river or creek

South Brisbane

Directly connected to the central business district, South Brisbane boasts the vibrant South Bank Parklands, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and attractions like the Wheel of Brisbane. Enjoy shopping and dining on Grey Street, and easily explore via CityCat ferry services.

South Brisbane
Kangaroo Point which includes a city, a bay or harbor and night scenes

Kangaroo Point

The abundant dining options and stunning river views are top of the list for many visitors to Kangaroo Point. A stop by Holman Street Ferry Terminal or Dockside Ferry Terminal might round out your trip.

Kangaroo Point
The Star Grand Brisbane
The Star Grand Brisbane
5 out of 5
33 William Street, Brisbane, QLD
The price is NT$5,978 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
NT$5,978
NT$6,575 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Suncorp Stadium and XXXX Brewery are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (210 reviews)
"Liked everything about this property 👌 came here for my birthday and had lovely 3 night's rest and relaxation. There's nothing not to like about this place."

Reviewed on 2025/7/2

The Star Grand Brisbane
Amora Hotel Brisbane
Amora Hotel Brisbane
5 out of 5
200 Creek Street, Spring Hill, QLD
The price is NT$5,611 per night from Jul 11 to Jul 12
NT$5,611
NT$6,172 total
Jul 11 - Jul 12
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,134 reviews)
"Only issue was the next door was really loud and it seemed like the walls were too thin. However after 2 hours of noise and being past midnight i called reception to advise them to keep ut down. I heard them knocking on their door within 2 minutes and it was quiet from there. So the staff were efficient. ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/1

Amora Hotel Brisbane
Swiss-Belhotel Brisbane
Swiss-Belhotel Brisbane
4 out of 5
826 Main St, Woolloongabba, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,394 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
NT$3,394
NT$3,733 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Suncorp Stadium and XXXX Brewery are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (151 reviews)
"Room is spacious and clean. Had a good night’s sleep. Limited parking - book ahead if you want it. Do not believe weekend breakfast offer in lift. It’s inaccurate. Bar not open all hours as advertised."

Reviewed on 2025/6/23

Swiss-Belhotel Brisbane
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Meriton Suites Adelaide Street, Brisbane
Meriton Suites Adelaide Street, Brisbane
5 out of 5
485 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury apartment in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,544 reviews)
"It was in a brilliant location. Nice room and good kitchen. The pool was closed, the room, towels and pillows smelled. Mold in the bathroom. Very efficient and attentive reception staff."

Reviewed on 2025/7/1

Meriton Suites Adelaide Street, Brisbane
Brisbane Skytower by CLLIX
Brisbane Skytower by CLLIX
4 out of 5
222 Margaret Street, Brisbane, QLD
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,990 reviews)
"Great location."

Reviewed on 2025/6/29

Brisbane Skytower by CLLIX
Code Apartments
Code Apartments
4.5 out of 5
8 Jeays Street, Bowen Hills, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (666 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 2025/6/23

Code Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Brisbane

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
107
5 - Excellent 61%
4 - Good
57
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
9
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very walkable city with lots to see and do.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It was a bit busy for our liking and the roads were a little confusing to drive on.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very nice clean city. People are very friendly

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I absolutely loved the city. Modern, fresh, full of culture.... it was just awesome

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful city, fantastic people.

5/5 - Excellent

F.C.

Nice City

Cities near Brisbane