Top 10-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Brisbane

 The Sunshine Coast-based authors Karen and Brian Hastings like visiting Brisbane to experience the city's diverse culture. December 2022 marked their most recent journey.

Brisbane, also referred to as "Brissie" by Australians, provides upmarket big-city attractions in a sunny riverfront setting. There are several things to do all year long in this beautiful, green capital of Queensland. There are many bike and walking lanes throughout the city, and there is a hum of creativity and inspiration everywhere. The city is also peppered with lush parks.

A river cruise is the best way to see the city. Bridges connect Brisbane, and among the gleaming skyscrapers are beautiful old buildings. Before focusing on your favourite areas on foot, take a boat or ferry for a general look.

You can view works by European masters, Indigenous art, and cutting-edge modern compositions in the Cultural Centre.

To the east of the city, the Moreton Bay's beautiful seas are even more seductive. A excellent place to start for fun day trips to subtropical islands is Brisbane. The city's numerous free events and family-friendly trips are especially appreciated by families.

This list of Brisbane's top sights and activities will help you discover the best places to go and things to do in this relaxed riverfront city.

Take a look at South Bank Parklands.

One of Brisbane's most popular tourist spots is South Bank Parklands. A stroll through the riverfront neighbourhood on a sunny day is a great way to get a feel for the local culture. In 1988, this site hosted the first World Expo, and it is currently bustling with activity.

The parklands, plazas, and promenades beckon you to spend some time in this bustling pedestrian area. Streets Beach is at the centre of this neighbourhood, which is directly across from the CBD. Many Brisbane residents like to swim in this man-made lagoon on a warm day.

You can find a variety of restaurants at South Bank, and Brisbane holds great events and movie screenings there frequently.

Are you ready to hit the shops? A wide range of products are available for purchase at the South Bank Collective Markets, including handcrafted crafts, crystals, jewellery, vintage clothing, collectibles, and more. You can find them on Little Stanley Street every Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 9 to 4 p.m.

Other popular activities on South Bank include riding or strolling along the walkways, exercising at the free fitness classes, and visiting the Epicurious Garden. You can also sign up for a range of free family-friendly excursions and activities.

2. At the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, hold a koala in your arms.

Have you ever wished you could hold a koala? At Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, one can realise a long-held ambition.

There are also more than 70 species of other cute Australian animals accessible for close interactions. Hand-feeding kangaroos, giggling with kookaburras, and seeing rainbow lorikeet flocks fly in while feeding are all possible. You can also observe wallabies, wombats, dingoes, snakes, and even crocodiles in this tiny refuge that is tucked away on the Brisbane River.

Keeper speeches and interactive exhibitions amuse animal lovers. A few of the daily activities and events include bird of prey flying displays, platypus feeding, sheep dog and shearing exhibitions, Tasmanian devil keeper presentations, and barn animal interactions. It should come as no surprise that visiting this well-known Brisbane landmark is one of the top things to do in Brisbane with kids.

You may buy a commemorative photo of you holding a dingo or a snake in addition to the perfect koala shot.

3. Get on a Brisbane River cruise.

the One of the top ways to see Brisbane's sights is on  river cruise. The Brisbane River, which runs through the heart of the city, is home to many of the area's top attractions. By doing this, you can get a fresh perspective on the Story Bridge, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and even some of the local wildlife, such the fruit bats that gather close to the mangroves on the riverbank.

Once you get a lovely view of the city from the ocean, you may establish your bearings and determine where to spend more time during your visit.

River City Cruises provides some of the busiest tours. Both longer journeys and shorter, 90-minute morning or afternoon cruises are available. A great choice is the 3.5-hour Cruise to Lunch Package. Your guide will provide fascinating anecdotes about Brisbane's history and point out major Brisbane locations as you go as you sip Devonshire tea and breathtaking river views.

Kookaburra River Queens offer evening, high tea, and lunch trips aboard their multi-tiered timber paddle wheelers. Another choice for travelling to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a Miramar Cruise.

Do you favour operating your boat on your own? GoBoat Brisbane rents out eco-friendly electric picnic boats for up to eight persons. There are picnic tables available, and a boat licence is not necessary.

Another option was to board a CityCat. While gliding the Brisbane River's curves seven days a week, the fleet of CityCats and City Ferries offers 24 hop-on, hop-off ports with a range of routes. The history and charms of the city are frequently discussed in their informative narration. As the walk winds its way from the magnificent University of Queensland to the North Shore, it goes through renovated industrial areas, riverside homes, bridges, and parklands.

Free trips including stops at places like South Bank 3 and the Maritime Museum are provided by the CityHopper boat service in Brisbane's central business district.

4. Visit the Museums & Galleries at the Cultural Centre.

On the banks of the Brisbane River, the heritage-listed Cultural Centre at South Bank is a terrific and fun family vacation destination. This area offers a superb variety of museums, galleries, and performance venues. The precinct's excellent riverfront setting near gorgeous parklands is made even better by the award-winning architecture.

The whole family can participate in a variety of activities here. Browse the impressive collections at the State Library of Queensland, entertain the kids at the Queensland Museum and Science Centre, or view modern art at the renowned Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) hosts top-notch productions of everything here, from opera and ballet to comedy and concerts of contemporary music.

The South Bank Parklands are nearby, where you may relax on the riverfront amidst the gorgeous meadows and flowers or ride the Wheel of Brisbane.

Grey Street in South Brisbane, Queensland

5. Stroll through Brisbane Botanic Gardens across Mount Coot-tha.

For those with a green thumb, there are several gardens to select from in Brisbane. Lush parks and gardens can be found all across the city, and Brisbane's botanic gardens are renowned for their exceptional collections of subtropical species.

The first stop should be the stunning Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha (Mt. Coot-tha Road, Toowong), which is about seven kilometres outside of the city. Both locals and tourists love to visit this well-liked tourist spot, which offers expansive city views. It's also one of Brisbane's top free activities.

A variety of themed gardens lead you on a tour through 128 acres of horticulture. Among the attractions are the magnificent Japanese gardens, the largest collection of Australian rainforest trees in the world, as well as areas devoted to aromatic plants, bamboo, cacti, indigenous plants, and more.

For aspiring botanists, the Hide 'n' Seek Children's Trail through the jungle is excellent, and you might profit from the free guided hikes and minibus trips. The finest aspect is that it is free to view the gardens.

While you're in the area, take a quick trip to the Brisbane Lookout Mount Coot-tha, which is only four minutes away from the gardens.

Garden lovers must visit the 17-hectare, heritage-listed City Botanic Gardens, which are located at 147 Alice Street in Brisbane. This serene retreat and top picnic spot is right in the centre of the city. Large fig trees, fountains, bamboo forests, and lily-topped ponds offer the perfect escape from the city's noise and activity.

6. Enjoy the panoramas from Brisbane Lookout on Mount Coot-tha.

For one of Brisbane's best views, take a drive up to the Brisbane Lookout Mount Coot-tha. You can get a stunning perspective of the entire area from here as the city towers grow in the distance. There are many walking pathways around the national park, and a café serves up delicious food and spectacular views.

If you're looking for things to do in Brisbane at night, many locals and visitors gather here in the evening for views of the city at sunset.

The Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha, the perfect addition to a garden tour, is only around a four-minute drive from the overlook.

7. Find inspiration at the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

The excellent and free Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is housed in two adjacent but different buildings in the South Bank Cultural Precinct along the riverfront. Together, they display more than 1,700 works of art from various nations, with a focus on those from Asia, the Pacific, and Australia.

Art lovers of all genres will undoubtedly engage in spirited discussions about this remarkable collection. Even the prestigious, glass-enclosed building housing the Gallery of Modern Art is expressive.

The Queensland Art Gallery's permanent exhibits include the Indigenous Australian Collection, the International and Asian Collection, which includes both classic and modern works, and the magnificent sculptures gracing the grounds. The interior decoration is beautiful. Floor to ceiling windows let in a lot of light, which is reflected by water features and huge chandeliers.

The Gallery of Modern Art's exhibitions include sculpture, painting, video, film, and photography, among other forms of art. The many exhibitions here ensure that there is always something new to view. Don't miss the fascinating contemporary art installations.

Another structure in the complex, the Australian Cinémathèque, exhibits thought-provoking films from all around the world, and the Children's Art Centre's interactive exhibits keep little hands occupied.

Before you leave, stop by the gallery's River Lounge for breathtaking city views.

8. Travel by bicycle or wander the Riverwalk in Brisbane.

Another great way to tour the city is via the 5.3-kilometer Brisbane Riverwalk, which follows the river. You can stroll, jog, or ride a bike along the Riverwalk's separate cycling and pedestrian lanes while taking in the breathtaking views of the lake all the way to Kangaroo Point and beyond.

The official route is that it starts in Riverview Court in the hip inner-city Brisbane neighbourhood of New Farm and goes all the way to Howard Smith Wharves. You can relax at one of the many restaurants or coffee shops around.

Do you want to exercise more? Return to the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens by traversing the river. And if you and your partner are looking for Brisbane free nightlife activities, this is the perfect spot for a stroll along the river while the city lights twinkle in the distance.

9. Take the kids to the Roma Street Parklands.

In Brisbane, are there any family-friendly activities? Let them loose on the Roma Street Parklands. This 39-acre city park is the perfect place for young tourists to burn off some steam after a long day of visiting museums and galleries.

Playgrounds, climbing walls, and swings will draw in the younger family members. The herb and veggie patch will be fun for them to explore as well.

Also a great place for a picnic is the Roma Street Parklands. Spread out your blanket under a fig tree and enjoy the beauty of the natural world all around you. The park is home to one of Australia's finest contemporary show gardens. Massive palm and bamboo plants provide a lush backdrop, and flower gardens with vibrant themes catch the eye.

Even additional opportunities to enjoy this lovely oasis in the centre of the city are provided by a year-round programme of events, and free guided tours provide an introduction to the park's horticulture and history.

1 Parkland Boulevard is the postal code for Brisbane, Queensland.

10.  Northshore Street.

At Eat Street Northshore, your taste buds are treated to something like to a celebration. This centre for nightlife combines an international food with a carnival-like atmosphere and rocking live music. All members of the family are invited to explore Eat Street, including your dog because it is a pedestrian-only area.

Food is one highlight. Paella from Peru and food from Malaysia, Mexico, and Mexico are just a few of the many goods that hundreds of vendors are selling. It's not gourmet food by any means, but if you're seeking for some inventive interpretations of international comfort foods, come here.

A mac & cheese burger is available. Japanese pizza? Do you deep-fry camembert? Everything is at your disposal. A little portion of the confusing array of foods could be annoying. A great strategy is to get a few plates to share and try a little bit of each of your favourite dishes. Kids will love the gigantic cotton candy-like fairy floss clouds.

It's not a good idea to visit this place while on a diet. Some businesses do, however, provide gluten-free goods. At Eat Street, every seller works out of a colourful shipping container, fresh produce is grown by nearby farms, packaging is recyclable, and as much trash as possible is recycled.

As there are multiple stages where live musicians and novelty acts perform, you can pick a table based on your taste in music and move it throughout the evening.

While there is free parking, a wonderful way to get here is by taking a ferry from Northshore Hamilton Ferry Terminal, which is about 250 metres away. Put on a pair of flexible trousers and your walking shoes.