Things to do in Brisbane (2025): Top nearby activities,popular attractions,itinerary planning,weather,accommodation,food,transportation,and more - all you need to know (updated November, 2025) | Trip.com

About Brisbane

Recommended trip: 2–5 day(s)

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Brisbane Local Travel Guide 2025

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Brisbane Brief Guide

Brisbane's subtropical charm revolves around the winding Brisbane River and lively South Bank precinct. Catch a ferry ride or meet koalas at Lone Pine Sanctuary for a taste of Aussie wildlife. Follow this guide to craft your itinerary, covering markets, museums, and riverside eats.

Brisbane Must-try local experiences

1. Climb for Iconic Views Brisbane's skyline shines from high perches like the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs, blending thrills with stunning river gazes. Tackle the Story Bridge Adventure Climb for a guided 90-minute ascent to 80 meters, offering 360-degree panoramas of the city, Moreton Bay, and twinkling lights on twilight tours. At Kangaroo Point Cliffs, hike easy riverside paths or try rock climbing on the sheer volcanic walls for close-up skyline shots at sunset. Both spots suit all levels, from casual walkers to adventurers. Pack your camera—these views capture Brisbane's urban-river magic. 2. Unwind at South Bank Riverside South Bank turns Brisbane's riverfront into a lively oasis of green spaces, art, and eats just steps from the CBD. Stroll the 17-hectare Parklands past man-made Streets Beach for a free swim, or picnic under fig trees with skyline backdrops. Dive into the Cultural Precinct for live shows at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) or casual gallery hops. It's a full-day spot for families or solo chill, blending relaxation with cultural buzz. 3. Encounter Wildlife at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world's first and oldest since 1927, lets you get hands-on with Aussie icons on its 18-hectare bushland site. Cuddle koalas, hand-feed kangaroos, or watch sheepdog trials amid over 100 koalas and 70 native species like wombats and dingoes. Join guided encounters for platypus spotting or bird-of-prey flights. This riverside haven, 20 minutes from the city, mixes education with adorable moments. 4. Cruise along the Brisbane River A Brisbane River cruise glides you past the city's highlights on calm waters, with easy 1-2 hour options from South Bank. Spot the Story Bridge's arches, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and Howard Smith Wharves while hearing tales of colonial history and modern vibes. Add lunch for seafood platters or sunset sails for glowing reflections. It's a breezy way to see landmarks without the walk. Perfect for couples or first-timers seeking scenic ease. 5. Wander Brisbane Botanic Gardens Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha spans 56 hectares of themed subtropical bliss, free and open daily from the city outskirts. Explore the Japanese Garden's serene ponds, Bamboo Grove's rustling paths, or Fragrant Plants area for sensory strolls. Catch planetarium shows on stars or join craft demos in the visitor center. Trails lead to wildflower spots and city views. This peaceful retreat is perfect for picnics or quiet escapes from urban hum. 6. Discover Art at QAGOMA Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) present a riverside duo showcasing Australian and global works, with free entry to most exhibits. In 2025, catch Archie Moore's Venice Biennale-winning "kith and kin" on Indigenous kinship, or Olafur Eliasson's immersive light installations turning spaces surreal. Join workshops or see Yayoi Kusama's polka-dot wonders in "Wonderstruck." It's a creative hub blending history and bold contemporary vibes. 7. Sample Craft Beers Brisbane's craft beer scene hops with innovative brews in converted warehouses and riverside taps. Head to Green Beacon in Teneriffe for hazy IPAs and lagers from Brisbane's first craft brewery, with wood-fired eats and sunny decks. Nearby, Newstead Brewing Co. pours sours and stouts amid live music and trivia nights. Take a brewery trail for tastings and tours. These spots toast the city's relaxed, flavorful nightlife. 8. Shop Queen Street Mall Queen Street Mall buzzes as Brisbane's open-air retail heart, stretching 700 meters with 700+ stores from global chains to local gems. Browse QueensPlaza for Aussie designers like Gorman or Camilla, plus high-street hits like H&M. Grab souvenirs in arcades or street-side stalls, then hit rooftop bars for city sips. Weekends add buskers and food courts. It's a shopper's playground that blends fashion, food, and fun foot traffic.

Brisbane Must-see Attractions

Brisbane is a dynamic Australian city known for its lush South Bank Parklands, the historic Story Bridge, the grand Brisbane City Hall, the panoramic Wheel of Brisbane, and the scenic Kangaroo Point, offering a rich blend of cultural, historical, and recreational experiences.

Brisbane Food Guide

Brisbane's food scene is complemented by locally sourced Australian wines, particularly from the nearby Granite Belt region, celebrated for its unique terroir and cool-climate varieties like Shiraz and Chardonnay, which are enjoyed for their fresh and pure characteristics.

Brisbane Transportation

By air: Brisbane Airport (BNE) is the main gateway for international and domestic travelers arriving in Brisbane. The airport is conveniently located just 20 minutes from the city center and serves as a major hub for flights across Australia, Asia, Oceania, and other international destinations. The Airtrain is the quickest way to get from the airport to the city. The service runs between the International and Domestic terminals and major stations in Brisbane's city center, including Central Station and Roma Street Station. By train Central railway station is a historic and principal station in Brisbane's CBD, offering access to various suburban and interurban lines. For a scenic, long-distance journey, the Queensland Rail network offers services connecting Brisbane with other major cities like Sydney. By bus Long-distance coaches: Companies like Greyhound Australia operate long-distance services connecting Brisbane with other cities along the East Coast of Australia.

Brisbane Where to Stay

Brisbane is a vibrant city that offers a diverse range of accommodation options across its various neighborhoods. The city's lodging is spread across key areas, each with unique characteristics and conveniences for travelers. From the bustling Central Business District to the convenience of Brisbane Airport, visitors can find the perfect stay to suit their travel needs.

Brisbane Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Brisbane is during the shoulder seasons of autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November) for comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer crowds. Autumn offers clear skies and pleasant warmth, while spring showcases the city's blooming jacaranda trees and hosts major festivals.

Brisbane Travel Tips

1. Prioritize Sun Protection and Hydration Australia's sun is fierce, so slather SPF 50+ every two hours, even on cloudy days, and seek shade between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to dodge skin cancer risks. Brisbane's tap water is safe and fluoridated—carry a reusable bottle and refill at public fountains. For hikes in places like Mt Coot-tha, pack at least one liter per hour and tell someone your plans. These habits ensure you stay energized for all-day exploring. 2. Embrace Local Culture and Etiquette Aussies prize equality and chill vibes—greet with "G'day" or "How ya going?", queue fairly (no line-jumping), and skip tipping as it's built into prices; round up AUD$2-5 if service wows you. Honor Indigenous Turrbal and Yuggera lands with an Acknowledgment of Country at sites like South Bank, and support First Nations tours—avoid sacred site climbs and be sensitive during Sorry Business (mourning). Stay punctual and quiet in parks to blend in smoothly. 3. Beach and Water Safety Essentials Brisbane's swims are inviting, but read patrol flags—stick between red and yellow for safe zones, never swim alone, and skip unpatrolled spots to avoid rips. For river cruises or South Bank Beach, rinse off sunscreen to protect the ecosystem. Lifesavers are trained pros; if in trouble, float, signal, and yell. These rules keep water fun without frights. 4. Plan Around Major Events Brisbane's calendar packs a punch, with events like the Brisbane Festival in September featuring free arts shows, and the Brisbane International tennis in January. Book tickets and stays early, as crowds swell and prices jump 20-50%. Check Visit Brisbane for updates on NRL Magic Round in May or Ekka fair in August. Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer a balance of weather and fewer lines. Advance planning dodges chaos for smoother fun. 5. Beach and Water Safety Essentials Brisbane's swims are inviting, but read patrol flags—stick between red and yellow for safe zones, never swim alone, and skip unpatrolled spots to avoid rips. For river cruises or South Bank Beach, rinse off sunscreen to protect the ecosystem. Lifesavers are trained pros; if in trouble, float, signal, and yell. These rules keep water fun without frights. 6. Encounter Wildlife Responsibly From koalas at Lone Pine to birds in botanic gardens, Brisbane's critters thrill—keep a 10m distance from anything wild, don't feed or touch (fines are strict), and stick to paths to avoid snakes or spiders in bush areas. Guided sanctuaries are best for close-ups. This respect lets you enjoy without harm. 7. Stay Safe in the City: Crime and Scams Brisbane's low on petty crime, but be cautious of bags on trains (keep them front-facing) and avoid flashing valuables. Scams like fake taxis or overpriced tours are rare but do pop up in tourist hubs; use licensed rideshares like Uber and official apps for bookings. At night, stick to lit areas like Queen Street Mall. Simple vigilance ensures a stress-free urban jaunt. 8. Go Green in Queensland Plastic bags are banned, so bring reusables—ditch single-use items, use reef-safe sunscreen, and stay on trails to shield reefs and bush from erosion. Recycle at South Bank bins and pick up litter. Back eco-tours for positive impact. Little steps preserve Brisbane's wild side for all.