What to do in Brisbane

Activities, attractions and tours

Roma Street Parkland showing a high-rise building, a park and a river or creek
Brisbane
South Bank
Kangaroo Point Cliffs featuring skyline, a high-rise building and a city
Brisbane

Brisbane Attractions

One of Australia’s biggest and most underrated cities, Brisbane is a thriving metropolis with a booming gastronomic scene, superb cultural attractions and excellent leisure options. The city was built around the Brisbane river, with large park areas incorporated into the urban sprawl. It’s an active city, with plenty of places to run, swim, cycle and even rock climb. Glittering high rises outline the city’s emerging importance as a centre of business and finance. In fact, everywhere you look you get the sense this a city very much on the up. Trendy fashion boutiques, stylish restaurants and plenty of outdoor attractions combine with hours of sunshine to make this a popular destination on Australia’s Queensland coast.

Areas & Neighbourhoods in Brisbane

CBD - The city centre, packed full of shopping malls, cinemas, historical sites and plenty of the best restaurants.

South Bank - The most cultural part of the city, head here for diverse food options, cool boutique shopping, arts attractions and some of the best museums in Australia.

West End - The hippest part of town, with an edgy and bohemian vibe. Discover record stores, rare book shops, organic food and all the coolest kids in town.

The Valley - Technically Fortitude Valley, this is where you’ll find both the city’s Chinatown and some of the best nightlife. The area hums with live music in the evening so just follow your ears.

New Farm - One of the most up and coming areas in a city that’s full of them. The place to see and be seen, with swanky restaurants and high end shopping.

Things to See in Brisbane

Stroll the riverfront parks of the South Bank, complete with al fresco cafes and weekend markets. Head out to the Botanic Gardens, a short walk from the city centre or stop off at the Queensland Cultural Centre to see some of the best modern and performance art in Australia. The city also boasts some historic buildings, most notably the old Parliament House and Government House, dating back to the 1860s. Climb up to the top of Mt Coot-tha to drink in the best views of the city from its tallest peak or explore the Roma Street Parklands, the world’s largest sub tropical gardens with forest walks and a maze.

Things to Do in Brisbane

Rock climb at Kangaroo Point where you can even climb at night with well lit faces or get active on the city’s bike and running paths. Take a boat cruise on the Brisbane river or get another perspective with a balloon ride over the city. Head out of the city to discover nature and top watersports at Moreton Bay and islands. Shop in the city’s hip boutiques or dine out on food from around the world in this ethnically diverse city. Brisbane is a place where you’re never short of options.

You can also book top Brisbane hotels and great Brisbane package holidays right here on Expedia.co.uk.


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What to do in Brisbane


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Brisbane

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Brisbane Central Business District

4.5/5(124 area reviews)

Discover the beating heart of the capital of the Sunshine State with its shiny high-rises, subtropical parks, funky rooftop bars and classy riverside restaurants.

Brisbane Central Business District
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Brisbane Airport

Travellers come to Brisbane Airport for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like DFO Brisbane and Moreton Bay while you're in town.

Brisbane Airport
South Bank

South Bank

This iconic public waterfront parkland is a lush haven in the city, with tropical pools, restaurants, cafés, a Ferris wheel, markets and free BBQs with playgrounds.

South Bank
Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley

Bustling bars, funky shops and edgy art galleries make up the heart and soul of Brisbane’s most iconic nightlife district.

Fortitude Valley
South Bank which includes flowers, a city and a river or creek

South Brisbane

South Brisbane is a destination visitors seek out for its ample dining options, fascinating museums and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Queensland Performing Arts Centre or Queensland Conservatorium while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

South Brisbane
Kangaroo Point showing a bay or harbour, night scenes and a city

Kangaroo Point

Striking cliffs line the river at this inner-city location, where Brisbane locals come to get active and spend time outdoors.

Kangaroo Point

 

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Day trip destinations from Brisbane