Australia · Region
Brisbane
Photo: Andy Mitchell from Glasgow, UK / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Brisbane is Australia's laid-back river capital, a subtropical city where glass towers rise beside Victorian-era timber cottages and the Brisbane River winds through the CBD via looping green bends. It trades Sydney's polish and Melbourne's chill for a slower, sun-drenched rhythm: outdoor dining, riverside parklands and a climate that rewards being outside almost year-round.
Day Trips from Brisbane (Gold Coast · Sunshine Coast)
Top attractions
attraction Brisbane Australia Temple: Travel Guide (4.8★)
The Brisbane Australia Temple stands at 200 River Terrace in Kangaroo Point. 4.8★ (271 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Brisbane Riverwalk: Travel Guide
The Brisbane Riverwalk runs along the Brisbane River from the Eagle Street end of Brisbane City, passing Howard Smith Wharves and the Story Bridge on its way to New Farm.
attraction Queensland Museum Kurilpa: Brisbane Travel Guide (4.6★)
Queensland Museum Kurilpa is the state's natural history, science and culture museum. 4.6★ (10,309 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Roma Street Parkland: Brisbane Travel Guide (4.7★)
Roma Street Parkland is a free, large subtropical garden on the northern edge of the Brisbane City centre, a short walk from Roma Street Station. 4.7★ (11,004 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Hidden gems
hidden gem Museum of Brisbane: Travel Guide (4.5★)
Museum of Brisbane is on Level 3 of Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, facing King George Square in the Brisbane CBD. It opens daily from 10am to 5pm. 4.5★ (3,540 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
hidden gem The Collective Markets: Brisbane Travel Guide (4.2★)
The Collective Markets runs on Little Stanley Street in South Bank, South Brisbane, selling locally made crafts, jewellery, art, homewares and clothing on Friday 5–9pm, Saturday 10am–9pm and Sunday 9am–4pm. 4.2★ (1,270 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
hidden gem The Commissariat Store Museum: Brisbane Travel Guide (4.5★)
The Commissariat Store Museum sits at 115 William St in Brisbane City, inside a stone store that convicts built in 1829. 4.5★ (166 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Festivals & events
event Brisbane International: Dates, Tickets & Venue (Brisbane)
The Brisbane International 2027 takes place from January 3 to 11 at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Tennyson, a riverside suburb southwest of Brisbane's CBD.
event Rugby League World Cup 2026 Final: Dates, Tickets & Venue (Brisbane)
The Rugby League World Cup 2026 Final is at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on 15 November 2026, with the men's and women's finals played on the same day.
Top-rated things to do in Brisbane
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Where to stay in Brisbane
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Plan your trip to Brisbane
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Frequently asked questions about Brisbane
How do I get to Brisbane?
Most visitors arrive at Brisbane Airport (BNE), from where the Airtrain rail line runs directly into the city centre, reaching Central Station or Roma Street in roughly 20 to 25 minutes. Taxis and rideshare cover the same route in a similar time outside peak hours, while cheaper public buses and trains take longer with a transfer.
How many days should I spend in Brisbane?
Plan on 3 to 4 days to cover the riverside CBD, South Bank and a day trip to nearby koala sanctuaries or the coast, with extra days if you're using Brisbane as a base for the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast.
What is Brisbane known for?
Brisbane is Australia's laid-back river capital, a subtropical city where glass towers rise beside Victorian-era timber cottages and the Brisbane River winds through the CBD via looping green bends. It trades Sydney's polish and Melbourne's chill for a slower, sun-drenched rhythm: outdoor dining, riverside parklands and a climate that rewards being outside almost year-round.