15 Best Things to Do in Brisbane, Australia

The best things to do in Brisbane are riding the river ferries, the Saturday market in West End, the free galleries at South Bank, a swim at Streets Beach, and meeting koalas at Lone Pine. Three days cover the city, with extra days for Moreton Island or Australia Zoo.

What to Do in Brisbane

Brisbane was the third city I visited on my trip along Australia’s East Coast and my first stop in Queensland. I started in Melbourne, continued to Sydney and Brisbane, then went on to Airlie Beach for a sailing trip in the Whitsundays and Cairns.

I really enjoyed walking along the Brisbane River and through the City Botanic Gardens, which are also a nice place for a picnic. Brisbane has a lively nightlife, too, which earned it the nickname Brisvegas.

I created this list of my favorite things to do in Brisbane to give you a better idea of what to expect. Universal Traveller updated the prices, opening hours and transport details in October 2026, and added new sights such as Queen’s Wharf.

Things to Do in Brisbane Compared

1. Ride the Free CityHopper Ferry

The CityHopper is a free inner-city ferry on the Brisbane River, and it is one of the best ways to see the city from the water. It runs between North Quay and Sydney Street in New Farm.

On the way, it stops at South Bank, the Maritime Museum, Riverside, Holman Street for Kangaroo Point, Howard Smith Wharves and Dockside. There is no need to book, so you simply hop on at any terminal with a red CityHopper sign.

As you ride, you see the Riverwalk, the Story Bridge and the skyline of the city center.

Verdict: Worth it, and the best free thing to do in Brisbane. Ride the full loop once to get your bearings.

2. Visit Davies Park Market on a Saturday Morning

One of my favorite things in Brisbane was Davies Park Market in West End on a Saturday morning. Most people simply call it the West End Market.

It starts early and runs until early afternoon. You find everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to crafts and clothing, and the favorites are artisan breads, organic cheeses and homemade jams.

I especially liked the live music under a huge old fig tree at the river end of the market. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.

Verdict: Worth a Saturday morning. Come hungry and arrive before 10:00, when it gets busy.

3. Walk Through the City Botanic Gardens

If you want a break from the city, walk through the City Botanic Gardens on the edge of the city center. The gardens sit on a bend of the Brisbane River, with palms, bamboo groves, ponds and old fig trees.

A riverside path and mangrove boardwalk run along the edge, and the lawns are made for a picnic. From here, you can walk over the Kangaroo Point Bridge or the Goodwill Bridge to South Bank.

Verdict: Worth a morning walk. For bigger themed gardens, visit the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha.

4. Explore the Queensland Cultural Centre in South Bank

The Queensland Cultural Centre in South Bank is the arts and heritage heart of Brisbane, right on the river. It is home to the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), the Queensland Museum and the State Library of Queensland.

All are within a few minutes’ walk of each other, and general entry to the galleries and museum is free. Families can add SparkLab, the science center inside the museum.

Verdict: Worth half a day, and the best rainy-day plan in Brisbane. GOMA is the highlight for contemporary art.

5. Swim at Streets Beach

Did you know there is a beach in the middle of Brisbane? Streets Beach is an artificial lagoon in South Bank, next to the Brisbane River.

It has white sand, subtropical plants and a view of the city skyline. Lifeguards patrol it daily, and entry is free.

The parklands around it have barbecues, picnic spots and playgrounds.

Verdict: Worth it on a hot afternoon, especially with children. Weekends get crowded.

6. Climb the Story Bridge

The Story Bridge is Brisbane’s best-known landmark, and the Story Bridge Adventure Climb takes you to the top, 80 meters above the river. The 90-minute climb shows you the city, the river and, on clear days, the mountains beyond.

Since August 2026, you can add The Swing, a step off a platform at the top of the bridge as the finale. Climbs run at dawn, during the day, at twilight and at night.

Verdict: Worth it for first-time visitors who want a view of the whole city. It costs much less than BridgeClimb in Sydney.

This day or night climb includes the safety gear and a guide, rated 4.7 from over 500 reviews.

7. Meet Koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary opened in 1927 and calls itself the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the world. Koalas are the stars, and you can also feed kangaroos by hand in an open reserve.

The sanctuary is southwest of the city on the Brisbane River. The best way to get there is the river cruise from the Cultural Centre Pontoon, which takes about 75 minutes each way.

Verdict: Worth it for anyone who wants to see Australian wildlife close up. Take the boat for the views.

This river cruise includes entry to Lone Pine, rated 4.8 from over 1,600 reviews.

8. Explore Kangaroo Point Cliffs

The Kangaroo Point Cliffs rise straight from the river opposite the city center. The clifftop park has one of the best views of the skyline, especially at sunset.

Below, the cliffs are a popular spot for rock climbing and abseiling, and Riverlife runs guided sessions for beginners. The Kangaroo Point Bridge, a walking and cycling bridge opened in December 2024, now links the cliffs directly to the city.

Verdict: Worth it at sunset, when the city lights come on across the river.

9. Ride the CityCat

The CityCat is Brisbane’s fast river ferry, running from the University of Queensland in St Lucia to Northshore Hamilton. It is used by commuters, but it is also one of the best sightseeing trips in the city.

With Queensland’s 50-cent fares, a full ride costs almost nothing. Sit outside at the back for the best views of the Story Bridge and the riverside homes.

Verdict: Worth it, and better value than any sightseeing cruise. Go late afternoon for golden light.

For a guided evening on the water, this sunset city lights cruise is rated 4.7 from 500 reviews.

10. Discover Queen’s Wharf

Queen’s Wharf is Brisbane’s newest riverfront precinct, and it opened in stages from August 2024. Heritage buildings sit next to new hotels, restaurants and public spaces.

The Sky Deck is a free public viewing deck high above the river. The Neville Bonner Bridge, a 320-meter footbridge, links Queen’s Wharf directly with South Bank.

Verdict: Worth a stroll, especially at sunset from the Sky Deck. The restaurants are on the expensive side.

11. Eat and Drink at Howard Smith Wharves

Howard Smith Wharves is a riverside dining and drinking precinct directly under the Story Bridge. The 1930s wharves were restored and reopened in 2018.

Felons Brewing Co. is the place for a casual beer, and there are restaurants for every budget. On weekends, the main lawn hosts events and live music.

Verdict: Worth an evening, and the best riverside spot for drinks in Brisbane.

12. Go Out in Fortitude Valley

Brisbane has a lively nightlife, which is part of why locals call it Brisvegas. Fortitude Valley, just northeast of the center, is home to Australia’s largest live music precinct.

I went out one night with a group of people I met at Selina. Brunswick Street Mall and the side streets are full of bars, clubs and live music venues that stay open into the early hours.

Verdict: Worth it for a night out. For a quieter evening, James Street in the same suburb has upmarket restaurants and wine bars.

13. Visit Mt Coot-tha

Mt Coot-tha, about 7 kilometers west of the city, has the best lookout in Brisbane, with views over the city to Moreton Bay. Walking trails lead through eucalyptus forest.

At its foot, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha have a Japanese Garden, a tropical display dome and native plant collections. The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is also inside the gardens.

Verdict: Worth half a day. Combine the gardens with sunset at the lookout.

14. Take a Day Trip to Moreton Island

Moreton Island, also known by its Aboriginal name Mulgumpin, is a sand island in Moreton Bay. The catamaran to Tangalooma takes about 75 minutes from Holt Street Wharf.

The Tangalooma Wrecks, a line of sunken ships near the beach, are among the most popular snorkeling spots near Brisbane. You can also try sand tobogganing in the desert dunes.

Verdict: Worth a full day, especially in calm weather for the snorkeling.

This full-day trip includes the ferry and free time on the island, rated 4.5 from over 2,300 reviews.

15. Visit Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo, founded by the family of Steve Irwin, is about an hour’s drive north of Brisbane at Beerwah. Its crocodile shows, koalas and large conservation areas make it a full day out.

You can drive, take the train to Beerwah and the free shuttle, or join a tour with transfers from the city.

Verdict: Worth it for families and wildlife fans. Plan a full day, as there is a lot to see.

This tour includes return transfers and entry, rated 4.9 from over 1,800 reviews.

Where to Stay in Brisbane

South Bank and the city center are the most convenient bases for first-time visitors. Fortitude Valley and James Street suit travelers who want restaurants and nightlife on the doorstep.

• For design: The Calile Hotel on James Street in Fortitude Valley, with a resort-style pool
• For views: The Emporium Hotel South Bank, named the best hotel in Australia and the South Pacific in the 2026 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards
• For the river: W Brisbane at North Quay, with river views and a pool deck
• For something new: InterContinental Brisbane, which opened in July 2025 on Elizabeth Street

Budget and Digital Nomads: The Former Selina Brisbane

During my last three days in Brisbane, I stayed at Selina on George Street. It was ideal for digital nomads looking for a quiet place to work and meet new people.

I started my days with a free one-hour yoga session and a healthy breakfast, then worked for a few hours in the well-equipped coworking space. I stayed in a private room with an ensuite bathroom, a comfortable double bed and lots of daylight.

The daily happy hour at the bar made it easy to meet other travelers, and there were movie nights, family dinners and karaoke nights. Selina sold its Australian properties in late 2024, and the building at 466 George Street now appears on booking sites as Roamer Brisbane, so check what is offered before you book.

Getting to and Around Brisbane

The Airtrain links Brisbane Airport with the city center in about 20 minutes, from A$23.30 one way with a go card or contactless card (2026). Trains run about every 15 minutes at peak times.

In the city, every Translink bus, train, ferry and tram trip costs a flat 50 cents. Tap a go card, contactless card or phone when you get on and off.

The river ferries are the best way to get between South Bank, the city center, Kangaroo Point, Howard Smith Wharves and New Farm.

Best Time to Visit Brisbane

The best time to visit Brisbane is from April to November, when days are warm, dry and sunny. Winter, from June to August, is mild, with average highs of about 22°C.

Summer, from December to February, is hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms and most of the year’s rain. In October and November, purple jacaranda trees bloom across the city.

Climate data: Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Brisbane station averages. Crowd levels are Universal Traveller’s assessment.

Suggested 3-Day Brisbane Itinerary

• Day 1: the CityHopper, the City Botanic Gardens, Queen’s Wharf and the Sky Deck, then sunset at Kangaroo Point Cliffs
• Day 2: the river cruise to Lone Pine, an afternoon at the Cultural Centre and Streets Beach, and dinner at Howard Smith Wharves
• Day 3: Davies Park Market on Saturday morning, Mt Coot-tha in the afternoon and a night out in Fortitude Valley

With more time, add a day trip to Moreton Island or Australia Zoo.

More Universal Traveller Guides to Australia

• Best things to do in Sydney
• Best things to do in Melbourne
• Things to do in Cairns
• Luxury sailing in the Whitsundays
• All Australia guides

Frequently Asked Questions About Brisbane

Disclosure: I was a guest at Selina Brisbane and YHA Brisbane Central. As always, my opinions are my own. Universal Traveller also earns a commission on bookings made through the GetYourGuide and Booking.com links and widgets in this article, at no extra cost to the reader.

• About the Author
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Tim Kroeger( International Tourism Management Expert )

Tim Kroeger is the founder and editor of Universal Traveller, covering luxury stays and active travel. Based in Bangkok, he draws on 15+ years of travel across 112+ countries, from reviewing luxury hotels to bikepacking through Southeast Asia. He also writes about luxury wellness and longevity travel at tim-kroeger.com, where he developed the Restorative Index.

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Expertises: International Tourism Management, Luxury Travel, Adventure travel, Luxury Bikepacking