Story Bridge
The steel Story Bridge from 1940 spans the Brisbane River between Kangaroo Point and Fortitude Valley. Walking across the walkway is free; on a guided climb, you climb to the top, even at night.
Australia
Brisbane
City
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, lies on a winding river and thrives outdoors in its subtropical climate. City beach, ferries, koalas on the outskirts, and the beaches of the Gold and Sunshine Coasts within an hour.
by Felix Gillen
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, lies on a winding river and thrives outdoors in its subtropical climate. City beach, ferries, koalas on the outskirts, and the beaches of the Gold and Sunshine Coasts within an hour.
Sights in Brisbane
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Founded in 1927, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's oldest koala sanctuary. Get up close with dozens of koalas and feed kangaroos in an open paddock. Holding koalas has not been permitted in Queensland since 2024. Travel by bus or by boat across the river.
Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)
The two houses of QAGOMA in the South Bank cultural precinct showcase Australian, Asian, and Pacific art, with GOMA focusing primarily on contemporary works. Admission to the collection is free, large special exhibitions have a fee.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
The Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, at the foot of the city's mountain, feature a Japanese garden and tropical dome, plus free entry. Up at Mt Coot-tha Lookout, you see the whole city to Moreton Bay.
Streets Beach
Streets Beach is a free, artificial swimming lagoon with a sandy beach in the South Bank Parklands, patrolled by lifeguards. Green spaces, BBQ spots, and cafés with skyline views are nearby.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
The Kangaroo Point Cliffs rise above the river opposite the city center. At the top, a path offers skyline views, while below, people climb the rocks. Beautiful in the evening with the illuminated Story Bridge.
City walks in Brisbane
Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.
Fortitude Valley: From Yesterday to Today
Discover Fortitude Valley, Brisbane's epicenter of culture, fashion and nightlife. This walk takes you through historic lanes and busy shopping streets and showcases the neighborhood's vibrant art and music scene, which keeps reinventing itself. Immerse yourself in a world of contrasts and creative energy.
Stops (6)
Restaurants & Cafés
Upscale Italian restaurant with a terrace and views of the river and Story Bridge. Pasta, fish, and an extensive wine list, somewhat pricey.
Casual spot in Fish Lane, South Brisbane, with Asian sharing dishes and cocktails.
Large brewery at the Howard Smith Wharves under the Story Bridge. Own beer, pizza and pub food, tables directly on the river.
Bright cafe in West End for breakfast and brunch, with wait times on weekends.
Food & Beverages
Brisbane loves to eat out: in rooftop bars, at the Howard Smith Wharves, or at the night markets. West End and Fortitude Valley are home to most cafes and restaurants.
Moreton Bay Bugs
Small slipper lobsters from the bay, grilled with garlic butter or in a bun.
Eat Street Northshore
Shipping container night market in Hamilton, open Friday to Sunday, featuring international food.
The History and Culture
The land at the river mouth belongs to the Turrbal and Yuggera. 1825 saw a penal settlement for recidivists established here; in 1859, Brisbane became capital of the new colony Queensland. From this period, the Old Windmill on Wickham Terrace and the Commissariat Store by the river still stand.The World Expo 88 transformed the South Bank into today's South Bank Parklands. With its cultural centre comprising a museum, galleries, and theatre, South Bank is now the city's cultural heart.
Nightlife
For Brisbane's nightlife, Fortitude Valley is your best bet, serving as a central hotspot with a diverse selection of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Here you'll find everything from relaxed cocktail bars to energetic dance floors, complemented by niche offerings such as the Brisbane Jazz Club.
Cocktail bar on Ann Street downtown, great for a pre- or post-dinner drink.
Restaurant and cocktail bar on Petrie Terrace, ideal for a longer evening with food and drinks.
Long-established jazz club riverside at Kangaroo Point, featuring live concerts several nights a week.
Bar and restaurant on Market Street downtown, with wines and dishes for sharing.
Out and About in Brisbane
The Airtrain travels from the airport to the city center in about 20 minutes. On buses, trains, and ferries, you pay with the go card or contactless with your card; fares in Queensland will cost a flat 50 cents from 2025.The city center, South Bank, and Fortitude Valley are easily accessible on foot and via pedestrian bridges. The CityCat ferries are the most scenic way to get around. You can reach the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast by train.
Accommodations in Brisbane
Find perfect stay in Brisbane
Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
Search Hotels
Agoda* (Affiliate link)
Search Hotels
Airbnb
Vacation Rentals
* Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.
Plan your trip to Brisbane
Save places, build a route and plan your city trip, all in one place.
- 1
- 2
Plan your trip
The planner sorts stops, days and budget. Plan together in real time.
- 3
Use it on the road
Download the guide to your phone and use it on site, even offline.
