Brisbane, Australia

Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Brisbane, Australia 🇦🇺

Welcome to the Sunshine State! This comprehensive guide will help you make the most out of your visit to Brisbane, a vibrant city with a laid-back vibe, stunning river views, and a rich cultural scene.

Places to Go 🌆

  1. Story Bridge Adventure Climb 🚀: Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the city from this iconic bridge. Book in advance for best availability.
  2. South Bank Parklands ☀️: A lush, urban oasis with a man-made beach, eateries, and art galleries. Don’t miss the Wheel of Brisbane!
  3. Brisbane Botanic Gardens 🌱: Spread across 18 hectares, these gardens showcase over 6,000 species of plants from around the world.
  4. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary 🐨: Cuddle a koala and hand-feed kangaroos in this famous sanctuary. Australia’s largest and most visited wildlife park!
  5. Gabba Stadium (The Gabba) ⚾️: Home to the Brisbane Lions AFL team and the Brisbane Heat cricket team. Check out their schedules for a live sporting experience.
  6. Mount Coot-tha 🏞️: Offering panoramic views of Brisbane, this scenic spot also hosts the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).
  7. Eat Street Northshore 🍴: A bustling night market offering a wide variety of food stalls, live entertainment, and shopping opportunities.

Activities 🎨🛀

  1. Segway Tours 🚗: Glide through the city on a Segway and discover hidden gems.
  2. River Cruises ☀️: Enjoy a relaxing river cruise, taking in views of Brisbane’s skyline and landmarks.
  3. Art Galleries & Museums: Visit GOMA, Queensland Art Gallery, and the Queensland Museum & Science Centre.
  4. Bike Tours 🚲: Explore Brisbane’s parks, riverside paths, and hidden laneways on a bike tour.
  5. Hot Air Balloon Rides 🚀: Experience stunning sunrises over the countryside from a hot air balloon.
  6. Brewery Tours 🍺: Sample local beers on a guided brewery tour, including Green Beacon Brewing Co. and Newstead Brewing Co.
  7. Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) or Kayaking 🛶: Get active on the river with SUP or kayaking tours.

Where to Eat 🍲🥐

  1. Eagle Street Pier 🍴: Overlooking the river, this precinct offers a variety of dining options, including fine dining and casual eateries.
  2. James St Precinct 🥐: A trendy area filled with independent cafes, boutique stores, and art galleries.
  3. West End 🌮: Known for its vibrant food scene, including a range of vegetarian and vegan options.
  4. Dakota’s Steakhouse 🥩: A local institution offering top-quality steaks and seafood.
  5. Burger Project 🍔: A popular burger chain founded by celebrity chef, Neil Perry.
  6. The Fish House 🐟: Fresh seafood with stunning river views in a relaxed setting.

Where to Stay 🏨

  1. Empire Hotel 🏨: A historic hotel with stylish rooms and a rooftop bar offering city views.
  2. W Brisbane 🏨: A modern, design-led hotel located in the CBD, with a rooftop pool and bar.
  3. The Calile Hotel 🏨: A chic boutique hotel with three restaurants, a rooftop pool, and an urban oasis courtyard.
  4. The Inchcolm by Ovolo 🏨: Offering unique rooms in a heritage-listed building, with a rooftop bar and restaurant.
  5. Spicers Balfour 🏨: A luxury hotel located in the trendy New Farm area, offering modern rooms and a restaurant.

Things to Know 🌐

  1. Currency: Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD).
  2. Time Zone: Brisbane is in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone, UTC +10 hours.
  3. Public Transport: Brisbane’s public transport system includes buses, trams, and trains, with services operated by TransLink.
  4. Weather: Brisbane has a subtropical climate, with warm to hot, humid summers and mild winters.
  5. Emergency Numbers: In an emergency, dial 000 (triple zero).
  6. Stay Connected: Free Wi-Fi is available at many cafes, hotels, and public areas around the city.

Transportation 🚌🚦

  1. Buses 🚌: Brisbane’s extensive bus network covers most suburbs and areas of interest.
  2. Trains 🚦: Trains operate across three lines, connecting the city and major suburbs.
  3. CityCats & CityFerries 🛶: Ferries run along the Brisbane River, offering scenic views of the city and easy access to popular destinations.
  4. GoCard 🎫: A smartcard ticket for use on all public transport services in South East Queensland.
  5. Bike Sharing 🚲: Bikes can be rented from stations located throughout the city and suburbs, providing a convenient way to get around.
  6. Taxis & Rideshare Services 🚕: Taxis are readily available from ranks around the city, or via smartphone apps such as Uber, Ola, and GoCatch.

Tips 💡

  1. Pack Sunscreen: Brisbane’s sun can be fierce, so pack sunscreen to protect yourself during your outdoor adventures.
  2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially in the hotter months.
  3. Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and never feed them.
  4. Use Cashless Payment Methods: Many businesses in Brisbane accept card payments, making it easy to go cashless.
  5. Learn Basic Australian Slang 🇦🇺: This will help you navigate conversations with locals more easily.
  6. Check Event Calendars 📅: There’s always something happening in Brisbane! Check event calendars for concerts, festivals, and other exciting events during your visit.
  7. Visit During Spring or Autumn 🌸🍂: These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful blooms.
  8. Take Photos with the City’s Street Art 📸: Brisbane is home to some amazing street art, so be sure to capture it on camera!