With one of the most inviting climates in the world, Brisbane, Australia, is one of our favorite vacation destinations in the southern hemisphere. Brisbane boasts more than 300 days of sunshine per year.
Brisbane has a little something for everyone. Whether you enjoy exploring nature, bar-hopping, strolling through museums, or lounging on a beach with an ice-cold cocktail, Brisbane has all of the bases covered. To get a better idea of what sort of fun and excitement awaits you, keep watching to hear what we think are the best things to do in Brisbane, Australia.
See The Adorable Koalas At Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Sprawling across 18 hectares, this world-renowned koala sanctuary is in fact the largest and oldest of it’s kind on the planet. The sanctuary is an enchanting place to take a date or your little ones. The cute-as-a-button Koalas live here carefree in their native habitat.
In addition to seeing face-to-face one of Australia’s native animals, guests can also pet and feed kangaroos in a large open area. There are numerous other creatures to meet at the sanctuary as well, including wallabies, dingoes, and wombats. Visitors can also witness a handful of other intriguing daily activities like platypus feedings, sheep shearing demonstrations, and live talks from some of the sanctuary’s dedicated and devoted keepers.
The sanctuary is appropriate for visitors of all ages and is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Stroll Through The Roma Street Parklands
This sub-tropical urban garden is actually the largest in the world. It’s just a five-minute walk from the Brisbane city hall and is revered by garden and plant lovers for it’s eclectic assortment of horticultural specimens. Beloved by the community, the Roma Street Parklands is a popular destination for tourists and also serves as an event center.
Spring Hill is the home of the historic Old Windmill and Spring Mill Baths. It also hosts a variety of charming cafes and restaurants – making it one of the most unique areas in the city.
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Ride The Ferris Wheel At The South Bank Parklands
A perfect way to end a day on a high note is by taking a leisurely stroll down the beautiful walkway that runs adjacent to the beach at the South Bank Parklands. We highly recommend hopping aboard the Ferris Wheel before enjoying a delicious meal with your significant other or family.
This beautiful inner-city beach area extends for miles, with trees lining the path. Surrounding it are dozens of fantastic restaurants, shops, and other attractions. You could easily spend half a day exploring everything that this vibrant location has to offer.
Take In The View From Atop Story Bridge
You’ve probably already seen this spot before in photos or movies, but trust us when we say that this iconic Brisbane attraction is far more impressive in person. Story Bridge is one of the most prominent and eye-catching landmarks in the city.
The bridge, which is listed as a World Heritage Site, is the twin bridge of the Jacques Cartier Bridge in Montreal. It lights up in the evening, making it one of the best places to snap a few photos for your Instagram reel.
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can actually climb to the top of the Story Bridge by taking a 2-hour guided tour. Throughout your tour, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the city while learning all about the bridge’s rich history.
If you’re in Brisbane in late September, make sure you check out the fabulous Riverfire Festival. The event features one of the most amazing pyrotechnic shows you’ll ever see, with the Story Bridge front and center. It’s a sight that you have to see to believe!
Go On A Shopping Spree At Brisbane’s CBD
Short for Central Business District, Brisbane’s CBD is without a doubt where all of the action is. Although the city has numerous neighborhoods noted for their unique characteristics and vibes, the CBD is the one that is always popping.
If you’re a fan of shopping, this is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Brisbane. If you head to the CBD around midday on a weekday, there is typically live music making your shopping experience that much more a delight.
When exploring the neighborhood, be sure to visit Queen Street, where you’ll find Wintergarden and The Myer Centre. You can always try your luck out at the Treasury Casino, and if you’re a history buff, you can visit the Museum of Brisbane inside of Brisbane City Hall. Admission is free, and the numerous exhibits will leave you with a lot to think about.
Hike To The Top Of Mount Coot-Tha
No visit to Brisbane is complete without a trip to Mount Coot-Tha. It used to be the home of the indigenous Yugarapul people, but today it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the greater city area. Mount Coot-Tha translates as Honey Mountain. It features stunning views of the city that are unparalleled in their beauty.
Visitors can hike through the bush trails, enjoy a sunrise Yoga session, or explore the Mount Coot-Tha botanic gardens and greenhouse. At the latter, you’ll be blown away by the center’s picturesque geometric dome.
If you’re an active type, there is without a doubt no better way to experience Mount Coot-Tha than by taking a 10KM running tour. Throughout this vigorous tour, you’ll be taken through some of the best running paths in the region, culminating in a detour that takes you right up to the Mountain’s summit.
Go Stargazing At Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
In fact, Sir Thomas is the largest planetarium in Queensland. You can attend star shows that are sure to impress, but we especially recommend going stargazing at night for some truly out-of-this-world views of the cosmos. On top of all that, you can also inspect some of the world’s oldest asteroid fragments.
The planetarium is open daily except for Mondays, and admission is free. The Skydome shows are $16.40 AUD for adults, and discounted rates are available for children, seniors, those with disabilities, and active military service personnel.
Go Rock Climbing At The Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Up for a challenge that’s sure to get your blood pumping? Then head on over to the Brisbane River. If you follow along the river and then veer left, you will find yourself at a point where you can see the countless sailing boats anchored along the river. You’ll also see a place called Kangaroo Point. This destination consists of a set of cliffs within the city limits that locals love to go climbing at. It’s also a lovely place to have a picnic.
If you’re up for a climb, it’s amazing that you can enjoy such an experience without having to leave the city. A climbing tour takes about 2 hours and allows you to climb in a natural setting. The instructors are fantastic and tours are available for climbers of all skill levels. Just be aware, when visiting the Brisbane River, swimming is strictly prohibited. You’d be wise to abide by this rule unless you feel like being gobbled up by one of the many Bull Sharks that inhabit the waters.
Take A Romantic River Dinner Cruise
While you can’t swim in the Brisbane River, nothing’s stopping you from enjoying a romantic dinner for two out on the water aboard a dinner cruise ship. In our opinion, there is no better way to check out the gorgeous Brisbane skyline while enjoying a top-notch meal.
As you chow down on world-class cuisine, you and your date will enjoy live entertainment that doesn’t disappoint. The food is presented buffet-style with a menu of contemporary Australian fare. Cruises set sail every evening at 7pm from Eagle Street Pier. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but we firmly believe that the experience is worth every last penny.
Well, there you have it. That about wraps up our rundown of the best things to do in Brisbane, Australia. What are you most excited to experience when you visit Brisbane? If you’ve already ahad the pleasure of visiting the city, what are some of your favorite attractions in and around the Brisbane area? Let us know in the comments.
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As always, thanks for watching and happy travels!