Brisbane

Brisbane Travel Guide

Welcome to sunny Brisbane, Australia! This city offers a unique blend of modernity and nature, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your visit.

Places to Go

  1. South Bank Parklands: A popular riverside destination with parks, eateries, swimming pools, and the Wheel of Brisbane. Don’t miss the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).
  2. Story Bridge Adventure Climb: For an unforgettable experience, climb the Story Bridge for panoramic views of the city.
  3. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Cuddle a koala, hand-feed kangaroos, and see other Australian wildlife.
  4. Mount Coot-tha: Visit Brisbane Botanic Gardens or enjoy a meal at the Summit Restaurant while admiring city views.
  5. Brisbane River Cruises: Explore the city from the water with a river cruise.
  6. The Gabba Stadium: Watch a cricket match if you’re a sports fan.
  7. West End: A bohemian neighborhood with vintage shops, street art, and independent eateries.

Activities

  1. Bike Tours: Ride along the Riverwalk or through the city’s many parks.
  2. Festival Season: Brisbane hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including BIGSOUND Music Festival and Brisbane Food & Wine Expo.
  3. Suncorp Stadium Tours: Explore Brisbane’s premier sports stadium.
  4. Streets Beach: Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach.
  5. Brisbane Night Markets: Shop for local goods and street food at one of the many night markets around the city.

Where to Eat

  1. Eat Street Northshore: A popular weekend market with a variety of food stalls.
  2. James Street Precinct: High-end dining in New Farm.
  3. South Bank: Plenty of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world.
  4. West End: Affordable, unique eateries and breweries.
  5. Brisbane Powerhouse: Dine while enjoying live music or theater performances.

Where to Stay

  1. The Westin Brisbane: Luxury hotel in the CBD with stunning city views.
  2. Empire Hotel: A boutique hotel in South Bank with a rooftop bar.
  3. W Brisbane: Stylish, modern hotel in the CBD.
  4. The Point Brisbane: Apartment-style accommodation overlooking the river.
  5. Base Backpackers: Budget-friendly accommodation in the heart of the city.

Things to Know

  1. Weather: Brisbane’s climate is subtropical, with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Pack accordingly!
  2. Public Transport: Brisbane has an extensive network of buses, trams (called CityCats), and trains. Use the TransLink app for easy navigation.
  3. Currency: Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  4. Language: English is the primary language spoken in Brisbane.
  5. Safety: Like any city, take basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Transportation

  1. Brisbane Airport (BNE): The main airport serving Brisbane. Skybus provides a shuttle service to the CBD.
  2. Taxis/Uber: Available throughout the city. Uber is cheaper and more convenient, but taxis can be hailed from ranks.
  3. City Hopper Ferry: A free ferry service that travels between North Quay and Sydney Street terminals, stopping at various attractions along the way.
  4. Go Between Bridge Ferry: Connecting Kangaroo Point to Howard Smith Wharves, this is a great way to see the city from the water.

Tips

  1. Day Trips: The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are within easy reach for day trips.
  2. Street Art: Brisbane has an impressive street art scene. Take a guided tour or explore on your own.
  3. Food Markets: Visit the Jan powers Farmers Market in New Farm for fresh local produce and food stalls.
  4. Local Beer: Queensland’s craft beer scene is thriving, with many breweries worth visiting.
  5. Free Events: Brisbane offers plenty of free events throughout the year, so always check what’s on during your visit!