In 2021, over 5.5 million people visited the city of Brisbane, despite Australia’s slow return to tourism. That’s because this vibrant and beautiful city has much to offer lovers of culture, nature, and good times.
It’s home to several interesting museums, fun activities, and plenty of natural pursuits. Whether you’re visiting Brisbane for a day or longer, you’ll find plenty to amuse and entertain you in this beautiful city.
Keep reading to discover some of the best ones.
1. Enjoy City Center Shopping
One of the best ways to enjoy Brisbane without a car is by visiting the city center on foot. You can leave your luggage in one of the mindmybag, Smarte Carte, or Bags to Go depots nearby.
The CBD is a bustling, entertaining place with live music around midday during the week. Try to include some of the following iconic stops in your shopping trip:
- Queen Street
- The Myer Centre
- Wintergarden
- The Art Deco Brisbane Arcade
You can also try your luck at the Treasury Casino and Hotel while you’re in the area, and take advantage of free entry to the Museum of Brisbane at City Hall.
2. Immerse Yourself in Nature in Brisbane
Apart from its vibrant urban charm, Brisbane also offers a wealth of nearby natural attractions that are perfect for weekend escapes.
Start with a relaxing visit to the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens, where you can stroll through peaceful paths lined with Ibis birds, ducks, and curious bush turkeys. Stay until sunset and you might catch a glimpse of a possum or two.
For more scenic greenery, head to the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. This stunning site features a geometric glasshouse, panoramic views of the city, and a network of bush trails ideal for hiking, early morning runs, or even a sunrise yoga session.
And no trip to Brisbane would be complete without a stop at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary—an essential experience for first-time visitors to Australia eager to cuddle a koala.
To stay connected while exploring these spots, especially if you’re visiting from abroad, make sure you’re using one of the best eSIMs for Australia for seamless mobile data without the hassle of local SIM cards.
3. Enjoy the City of Brisbane Parklands
If you’re looking to fill half a day in Brisbane, the Roma Street Parkland or South Bank are great options for you.
South Bank offers opportunities to relax, try out international cuisine, or spend some time at the man-made beach in summer.
It also has a small garden on-site, called Epicurious Garden, where you can pick herbs while enjoying tranquil meandering.
The Wheel of Brisbane is a don’t-miss activity for admiring panoramic views of the city.
Roma Street is the ideal place to enjoy a barbecue with friends after exploring the largest subtropical city park in the Southern Hemisphere.
Both these parks regularly host exciting free events, so check out their websites when planning your visit.
4. Revel in Brisbane Nightlife
There are few better ways to enjoy Brisbane city at night than on a scenic dinner cruise along the Brisbane River. Along the way, you’ll enjoy live entertainment as well as a world-class buffet of all your favorite eats.
If you’d like to learn a new appreciation for the Brisbane night sky, head to the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium for an out-of-the-world experience.
Travel in Style
The city of Brisbane deserves a place on every travel enthusiast’s bucket list thanks to its diverse and interesting activities.
It’s a beautiful green city and the capital of Australia’s Sunshine State, Queensland, which enjoys over 300 days of fantastic weather every year.
Would you like to explore even more? Browse our website for all the best ideas.
