Brisbane walking tour & city guide
A sunny river city with a beach in its park.
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Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is a warm, relaxed city on a winding river. With a subtropical climate, open-air living and a fast-growing cultural scene, it is preparing to host the 2032 Olympic Games, and it is the gateway to the beaches of the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.
South Bank and the river
South Bank Parklands, on the site of the 1988 World Expo, has Streets Beach, a free man-made lagoon with sand and palm trees in the middle of the city. A long bougainvillea-covered arbor leads past restaurants to the Queensland Cultural Centre, with its museums, gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art.
The Brisbane River snakes through the city, and free CityHopper ferries are a great way to see it. The Story Bridge, which can be climbed, is lit up at night, and the Riverwalk links the CBD with the lively New Farm neighborhood.
The city and beyond
In the CBD, the Queen Street Mall is the main shopping street, and old sandstone buildings like City Hall mix with modern towers. Kangaroo Point Cliffs offer views of the skyline and are popular for rock climbing.
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world's first and largest koala sanctuary, is a short trip away. Mount Coot-tha has a lookout and botanic gardens, and Moreton Island is famous for its sand dunes and wild dolphins.
Visiting tips
Brisbane is warm most of the year, with hot, humid summers and storms. Winter, from June to August, is mild and sunny. The city's ferries and buses are easy to use with a contactless card.
Top sights in Brisbane
- 1
South Bank Parklands
Parks, restaurants and a city beach.
- 2
Streets Beach
A free lagoon in the city center.
- 3
Story Bridge
An iconic bridge with climbing tours.
- 4
Gallery of Modern Art
A major contemporary art museum.
- 5
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The world's largest koala sanctuary.
- 6
Mount Coot-tha Lookout
Views over the city.
Food markets & where to eat in Brisbane
Eat Street Northshore
A riverside market in shipping containers.
Fish Lane, South Brisbane
A laneway of restaurants and bars.
Fortitude Valley
A nightlife district with Chinatown.
Howard Smith Wharves
Riverside dining under the Story Bridge.
Food to try in Brisbane
Moreton Bay bugs
A local shellfish similar to lobster.
Tropical fruit
Mangoes, lychees and passionfruit from Queensland.
Lamingtons
Sponge cake squares with chocolate and coconut.
XXXX beer
Queensland's local beer.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Brisbane
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in BrisbaneCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Brisbane.
- eSIM for AustraliaStay online from the moment you land.
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