Travelling to Brisbane? Here are 8 Places You Should Visit

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland. It’s a bright, fun city, beautifully landscaped, and blessed with sunshine for most of the year. The city boasts lush parks, multi-use river walkways, stylish shopping areas, and a vibrant nightlife. If you planning a visit to Brisbane this year and are looking for things to do in Brisbane, here are eight places you should visit while you’re there. 

South Bank

The Brisbane River dissects the city and catching a ride on the City Cats is a scenic way to travel from one end of the city to another. South Bank, the cultural heart of Brisbane, is one of the stops on the cross-river ferry service, and if you’re new to the city, this is an excellent place to begin your explorations. 

There are walking and cycling tracks all along the South Bank, as well as seating areas at regular intervals. Wander through the pretty landscaped gardens, stop for a coffee and slice of cake, or make use of one of the free BBQs. The Streets Beach is a must-visit area if you have children; the lagoon is clean and patrolled by lifeguards all year.

Botanic Gardens

There are two Botanic Gardens in Brisbane. The City Botanic Garden, adjacent to the river, is the original garden. It is open daily, and entry is free. The gardens are divided into separate areas, including a weeping fig avenue and a bamboo grove. There are also ornamental ponds and many pathways that dissect the gardens, with entrances all around the perimeter. It’s a lovely place to spend a peaceful hour or two. Why not take a blanket and book, pick up a coffee from the café in the park, and relax under a shady tree for a bit?

The other Botanic Gardens is located at the foot of Mount Coot-tha, 7km from the CBD. It is also open all year, with free entry, but dogs are not permitted here. Pick up a map of the gardens from the visitor information centre and plan which areas of the 56-hectare site you want to see. There are many native and exotic plants to enjoy, as well as a fascinating Bonsai House. The on-site café serves an excellent selection of hot and cold food and beverages. 

Mount Coot-Tha 

The summit of Mount Coot-tha is a short drive from the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens and it makes sense to go there and enjoy the fabulous views of the city sprawling far below once you have visited the Botanic Gardens. There are also multi-use trails up to the summit if you are feeling energetic, as well as a hilltop restaurant and café, which serves delicious ice cream. 

Queensland Museum

The Queensland Museum is on the South Bank, in the Cultural Precinct, near the art galleries. The museum has permanent collections related to natural history, science, and the area's cultural heritage. There are also regular exhibitions to explore. The museum is free to visit but some of the special exhibitions are ticketed. 

Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art

The Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art have permanent collections of artworks, including aboriginal art. There are also special exhibitions showcasing different artists and their creations, which are also free. The museums are open daily apart from Christmas.

Queen Street Mall 

Brisbane is a great place to visit if you love to shop. The Queen Street Mall is one of the biggest shopping areas in Brisbane, with more than 500 stores. Inside you’ll find luxury designer boutiques like Chanel and Dior, as well as high-end Australian brands. There are different areas, including the Wintergarden and the Myer Centre. 

James Street

James Street in Fortitude Valley is home to more than 100 specialty shops, including many fashion labels. There are also coffee shops, cafes, health food stores, and restaurants. It’s an area very popular with local influencers.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

A trip to Brisbane would not be complete without visiting the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. It’s the largest sanctuary for koalas in the world and you’ll be overloaded with cuteness. You can even get a photo taken with a gorgeous koala at key times of the day. As well as koalas, there are also kangaroos, dingoes, and other indigenous creatures in the sanctuary. 

This is just a small selection of the many attractions Brisbane has to offer. It’s also a great city if you are planning to get married here, so check out Factory51 Restaurant and Wedding Venue and start planning your nuptials. 

Anytime is a good time to plan a trip to Brisbane. Which of the above places to visit are top of your list?