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Destinations / Australia

Brisbane

Sunny river city with an outdoor lifestyle

familiesfoodnaturenightlife
Plan your trip to BrisbaneSee the top 10
1,300,000Population
2.7 millionMetro area
EnglishLanguage
AUDCurrency
4 daysIdeal stay
$180-280Typical day

Brisbane is Queensland's capital, a warm, relaxed city on a winding river. South Bank's parklands and lagoon, museums and koala sanctuaries are highlights. It is a base for islands and the coasts. The 2032 Olympics are bringing big changes.

Where to start

Top 10 things to do

Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.

  1. Parklands on the former Expo 88 site, with a free lagoon beach and riverside walks. Museums and restaurants surround it.

    2 hoursTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    The park and lagoon are free; rides and shops are paid.

    Tip. Go in the morning or at sunset, and bring swimwear for the lagoon.
    See on the map

  2. Fast catamaran ferries running along the river. They are a cheap way to see the city.

    1 hourTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.

    See on the map

  3. A steel cantilever bridge from 1940 that lights up at night. Guided climbs go to the top.

    1 hourTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.

    Tip. Book the climb for sunset or dusk if you want the best views.
    See on the map

  4. A lookout over the city from the forested hills to the west. It is good at sunset.

    1 hourTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead
    See on the map

  5. The world's first and largest koala sanctuary, opened in 1927. You can also feed kangaroos.

    Half dayTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.

    Tip. Reach it by bus or river cruise from the center; arrive early for quieter paths.
    Official siteSee on the map

  6. The state museum with natural history and Queensland culture exhibits. Entry is free.

    2 hoursTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    General admission is usually free; some shows are paid.

    Tip. Combine it with the gallery next door.
    Official siteSee on the map

  7. A modern art gallery with Australian and Asia Pacific works. Entry is free.

    2 hoursTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead
    Official siteSee on the map

  8. A riverside precinct of restaurants and bars under the Story Bridge. It is lively at night.

    2 hoursTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Walking around is free; meals are paid.

    Tip. Book a table if you want a river view at dinner.
    See on the map

  9. The city's oldest garden, beside the river and the CBD. It has mangrove boardwalks.

    1 hourTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead
    See on the map

  10. A large sand island in Moreton Bay with dunes and wild dolphins. It is reached by ferry.

    Full dayTime needed
    recommendedBook ahead

    Price not verified for 2026; check the official site before you go.

    Tip. Ferry about 75 minutes.
    See on the map
Map: OpenStreetMap contributors.
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Short on time?

Ready-made itineraries

Choose how many days you have.

Brisbane in three days

Day one city, day two koalas and museums, day three an island.

  1. South Bank Parklands2 hours · Free
  2. CityCat Ferry1 hour
  3. Story Bridge1 hour
  4. Mount Coot-tha Lookout1 hour · Free
  5. Lone Pine Koala SanctuaryHalf day
  6. Queensland Museum2 hours · Free
  7. GOMA2 hours · Free
  8. Howard Smith Wharves2 hours · Free
  9. Brisbane City Botanic Gardens1 hour · Free
  10. Moreton Island (Tangalooma)Full day
Beyond the city

Day trips

Sunshine Coast (Noosa)

Beaches and national park.

87 mi · Car, about 2 hours

Gold Coast

Beaches and theme parks.

50 mi · Train, about 1h15

Lamington National Park

Rainforest walks and bird life in the hinterland.

68 mi · Drive, about 2 hours each way

Glass House Mountains

Dramatic volcanic peaks with lookouts.

43 mi · Drive or tour, about 1 hour each way

North Stradbroke Island

Beaches, headland walks and whale watching in season.

25 mi · Train and ferry, about 1.5 hours

Plan your dates

Weather and seasons

Best: April to October. Dry and warm.

Busy and priceyShoulderQuiet and cheaper

Temperature

Daily high and average, by month

32°50°68°86°104°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecDaily highAverage

Rain

Typical inches per month

0.00.81.62.43.13.94.75.56.3JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

January

84°F
Typical daily high
Average78°F
Rain5.5 in
About18 rainy days
Sun strength6.6 kWh/m²

Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.

Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.

Main events

Sep

Brisbane Festival

September (3 to 25 September in 2027)

Arts festival ending with the Riverfire fireworks.

Aug

Ekka (Royal Queensland Show)

August

A big agricultural show with rides, food and animals.

Jan

Australia Day

January 26

Public holiday with riverside events.

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Know before you go

At a glance

5/5
Safety

Australia is at US State Department Level 1 (exercise normal precautions); crime is low; sun and heat are main risks.

4/5
Walkability

Center and South Bank are walkable.

4/5
Public transport

Buses, trains and CityCat ferries; tap a card.

Pick your base

Where to stay

The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.

Map: OpenStreetMap contributors. Shapes where OpenStreetMap has a boundary; dashed circles mark areas it only has a point for.
12345

1. CBD

$$$

Best for: first-timers

Central.

2. South Bank

$$$

Best for: families

Parklands.

3. Fortitude Valley

$$

Best for: nightlife

Bars.

4. Brisbane CBD

$$$

Best for: first-timers, business

Central, close to the river and transport.

5. West End

$$

Best for: budget, foodies

Laid back cafes, markets and a younger crowd.

Getting there and around

Main airportBrisbane Airport (BNE), 9 mi from the center
To the centerAirtrain to the city in about 20 minutes, or taxi 20 to 30 minutes.
Around townCityCat ferries, trains and walking.
Ride appsUber, DiDi
Taste it

What to eat

Moreton Bay bugs

Local crustacean.

Lamington

Coconut sponge.

Flat white

Coffee.

Queensland seafood

Prawns, barramundi and mud crab on many menus.

Good to know

PlugsType I, 230 V
Tap waterSafe to drink
TippingTipping is optional; round up for good service.
PaymentsCards and tap payments are used almost everywhere.
EtiquetteAustralians are informal; queue patiently.
  • Queensland does not use daylight saving.
  • Queensland does not observe daylight saving, so the time gap changes in summer.
  • The sun is strong all year: use sunscreen and a hat.
  • Only swim at patrolled beaches or the South Bank lagoon.
  • Check wildlife park opening hours before you go.

A short history

The Turrbal and Jagera peoples lived on the land around the Brisbane River long before Europeans. A penal settlement for repeat offenders was set up here in 1825, and free settlement began in 1842. Brisbane became the capital of the new colony of Queensland in 1859. It grew through the wool, timber and mining trades, and hosted Expo 88, which transformed South Bank. Brisbane is set to host the 2032 Olympic Games.

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Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.

Plan Brisbane