When most people think of major Australian travel destinations, Sydney and Melbourne are usually at the top of the list. But don’t sleep on sunny, beautiful Brisbane, the third most populous city in Australia.
Home to sub-tropical beaches, turquoise waters, cool galleries, verdant vineyards, and over 300 days of sunshine per year, there’s a reason people fall in love with Brisbane — the capital of Queensland — the very first time they visit. Playing host to the 2032 Summer Olympic Games and officially Australia’s fastest-growing city, it’ll surely charm you, too.
Welcome to Brisbane, Australia. (Photo Credit: Zachary Staines)
The Brisbane River is the heart of Australia’s third most populous city. (Photo Credit: Valeria Davgon)
Here’s why you’ve just got to visit sunny, River City — aka Brisbane, Australia.
Fun, Outdoor, Cosmopolitan Adventures in the Center of the City
Located north of Sydney in between Australia’s famed Gold and Sunshine coasts, the heart of hilly Brisbane is its river, which winds from Mt. Stanley to the Coral Sea. Queensland is Australia’s “Sunshine State,” so locals and visitors alike are naturally drawn to the city’s abundance of sun-drenched, golden outdoor adventures.
Visit the Brisbane Botanical Garden at the foothills of Mount Coot-tha. (Photo Credit: Ghiffari Haris)
Because you can’t visit Australia and not hug a koala. (Photo Credit: Gary Runn)
Here’s what to explore:
- Streets Beach — for fun in the sun with skyscrapers as your backdrop, head to the South Bank area and Streets Beach. Comprised of several pristine pools overlooking the Brisbane skyline with a separate artificial beach, you can experience the coastline without even leaving the city. There are great restaurants here along with an epicurean garden which offers visitors samples of fresh, seasonal, local produce. There’s even a shaded rainforest area with eye-catching, sub-tropical flora.
- Mount Coot-tha — visited by the Aboriginal people up to 40,000 years ago, its name means “Honey,” which they found, very abundantly, there. At the top, enjoy beautiful views of the entire city. Be sure to stop by the gorgeous Brisbane Botanical Garden at the foothills of the mountain, which is home to colorful flora and native fauna, like the laughing kookaburra.
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary — meet kangaroos, wombats, and dozens of koalas here, and catch one of the animal shows which demonstrate some long-treasured Aussie traditions like sheep herding and birding.
The views are unparalleled at Kangaroo Point. (Photo Credit: Waren Brasse)
Explore Kangaroo Point on the Brisbane River. (Photo Credit: @michaela)
- Climb the Story Bridge — one of the best spots to watch the sunset over the city, you can book a guided tour here to get a lay of the land and epic views.
- Moreton Island — catch a ferry out to this island for a fun day out at the beach. Snorkel around a real shipwreck, surf down giant sand dunes, or just relax with a picnic lunch.
- Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding near Kangaroo Point — watersports on the river are fun and accessible in this area. Afterwards, head up the cliffs for what is arguably the best golden hour view of Brisbane.
No matter the adventure, you will have a fabulous time exploring all of the beauty that Brisbane has to offer.
Great Restaurants, Bars, Breweries, and a Totally Relaxed Vibe
Despite being the third largest city in the country, “Brissie” still has the laid-back feel that the Land Down Under is beloved for. Recently, food critics have zeroed in on Brisbane’s restaurant scene as one of the best in Australia, with world-renowned chefs, varied cuisine, and stunning bars with sweeping city views.
Brisbane is home to a world-renowned culinary scene. (Photo Credit: Martina Jorden)
James Street is home to some of the locals’ most beloved restaurants. (Photo Credit: Jojo Yuen)
Here are a few places for great food and drinks:
- Teneriffe — one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Brisbane, this waterfront area offers a smorgasbord of ultra-hip dining options, from casual eats to fine dining.
- James Street precinct — cute outdoor cafés and great bars line this swanky street. Jocelyn’s Provisions is a loved-by-locals favorite for sweet and savory pastries.
- Paddington — one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Brisbane, it’s dotted with great restaurants from low-key and delicious to swanky and high-end.
- Eat Street Northshore — with over 180 dining venues, there’s always something going on at this buzzing food market. It features cuisines from just about every continent, great live music, and lively nighttime entertainment.
Because is there anything better than dinner with a view? We didn’t think so.
Arts and Entertainment Galore
The entertainment district in Brisbane blends historic buildings with cool, street-art-covered facades. This area hosts live music and shows almost every night, and is a great place to spend a night out.
A trip to the Gallery of Modern Art is well worth a visit. (Photo Credit: Sofia Hernandez)
Other great arts and entertainment options include:
- The Powerhouse — a giant, decommissioned power station from the 1920’s that’s been transformed into a vibrant arts center featuring music, dance, comedy, theater, and digital arts.
- West End — one of Brisbane’s more quirky and eccentric neighborhoods, it’s full of alleyways edged with bars and restaurants. Stroll along Boundary Street, pop up for a drink at one of the rooftop bars, or visit the Davies Park farmer’s market for some juicy, local Queensland fruit.
- Gallery of Modern Art — features contemporary art from Australia, Asia, and the Pacific, showcased riverside in a striking, modern building.
- Independent art galleries on James Street — a curated mix of over 130 specialty stores including art galleries and design showrooms are found on charming James Street.
Exploring the art of a region is also a chance to learn the history of a region — as is the case in eccentric Brisbane.
Healthy, Active Fun in the Sun
It wouldn’t be a trip to Australia without the urge to join the locals in some healthy, active, outdoor fun. From rollerblading to beach cruising, farmers’ market shopping to riverside yoga, Brisbane breeds the feel-goods you can only get from moving and nourishing your body.
Because there’s nothing better than a day spent out in the sunshine of Australia. (Photo Credit: Tania Richardson)
Explore the city by spending the day riverside in Brisbane. (Photo Credit: Josh Withers)
Here’s where you can absorb all of that beautiful Aussie sunshine:
- West End — an area boasting several boutique fitness studios. Try your hand at activities like boxing, yoga, and indoor cycling.
- New Farm Park — actually one of the oldest parts of Brisbane, it’s got riverside running trails and plenty of space for lawn games. It also hosts its weekly Jan Powers Farmer’s Market featuring local produce.
- Stand-Up Paddle Boarding on the Brisbane River — the calm waters make for a perfect morning of core-strengthening SUP, with city views as your gorgeous backdrop. Just be sure to hit the water before 10am, as the sun can make this activity a little too… sunburnish… after the early morning.
- Bike Tour of Brisbane — learn about the city’s history and get a feel for its diverse neighborhoods on two wheels with Brisbane Bike Tours.
Because when the weather is as beautiful as it is in Brisbane, you have to get outside and enjoy it.
A stunning, waterfront Kimpton hotel is coming to the trendy Teneriffe district in 2028, featuring a sparkling infinity pool and a terrace Garden Bar, both offering the most brilliant views of Brisbane one can come by.
