Brisbane is a bustling, cosmopolitan city with excellent restaurants, beautiful riverside parks, a busy cultural calendar, and lively nightlife.
Queensland's capital city is surrounded by some of the state's major tourist attractions, and there is an abundant choice of day trips. Explore the coast for the golden beaches or go inland for some of the region's serene bushland — there is something for everyone here.
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, affectionately known as the Sunshine State, is arguably the world's most chilled-out city. The locals' friendly and upbeat demeanour is infectious, which, given their enviable lifestyle, is hardly surprising.
A treasure trove of experiences, Brisbane is ready to be explored. The Central Business District (CBD) serves up a fast-paced atmosphere, but if you crave a dose of creativity, head to the contemporary arts hub — The Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm. How about dining with a side of city views at South Bank? Then for a nightcap, venture to the hip bars nestled in Fortitude Valley and West End.
Fancy catching the sunrise? Paddle your kayak on the Brisbane River. Alternatively, unwind at South Bank's inner-city beach, the only one of its kind in Australia. For the thrill-seekers, rock climbing at Kangaroo Point Cliffs offers unparalleled views of the Story Bridge and city skyline.
Finally, when it's time to take it easy, saunter over to Woolloongabba. Here you can sit back and partake in some spectator sports, an activity that Queenslanders just can't get enough of!
Beach, art and food. Mix and match those three options any way you like and get the most out of Brisbane. Take a walk through the air-conditioned halls of QAGOMA or catch the breeze riding on the tiny red CityHopper vessel. Lay down your towel and rest your feet on the warm sand of Streets Beach at South Bank.
The food is a whole other delicious story. Check out local farmers’ markets and pluck a few fresh treats from the numerous free public garden beds.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Wheel of Brisbane
Australia Zoo
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Tangalooma Island Resort
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Lamington National Park
The Gabba
Roma Street Parkland
Moreton Bay Escapes
Gallery Of Modern Art (QAGOMA)
Mount Coot-tha
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
South Bank Parklands
XXXX Brewery Tour
Springbrook & Tamborine Rainforest Tour
Lovers' Walk & Shorncliffe Pier
CityHopper
Brisbane City Markets
Howard Smith Wharves
Fairy Light Trees
Book a Wine Tasting Tour
One of the many highlights of any visit to Brisbane is experiencing the epicurean delights of the city’s different neighbourhoods. Brisbane is immeasurably proud of its reputation for fine dining, and within a ten minute radius of the town centre you can choose between the kitchens of European, Mediterranean, Asian or contemporary Australian restaurants.
CRU Bar & Cellar
Julius Pizzeria
Gerard’s Bistro
Gambaro Seafood Restaurant
Corbett & Claude
Chu The Phat
Miss Demeanour
Tippler's Tap Southbank
Malt Dining
Moda Tapas. Brasa. Bar
Like most modern cities, Brisbane has a lot to offer in the realm of Third Wave coffee shops with dedicated baristas, WiFi, bistro food and mouthwatering desserts.
The Gunshop Cafe
Marchetti Cafe
Scout Cafe
Blackstar Coffee Roasters
Salt Coffee Roasters
The Single Guys Coffee Co.
At Sixes & Sevens
Microlot Coffee House
Andonis Cafe & Bar
Sassafras of Paddington
Brisbane is overflowing with great pubs. Most of the hotels double as drinking establishments for both locals and guests of the city. Beers are served in pots, schooners, pints and jugs and the beer taps in many bars will be specially chilled, causing the condensation to freeze on the outside. Most hotels are open 10:30am–3am, and the traditional “Sunday Session” runs from 11am to midnight.
Norman Hotel
The Beat Megaclub
Tippler's Tap Southbank
Story Bridge Hotel
Breakfast Creek Hotel
Lychee Lounge
Riverbar & Kitchen
Embassy Bar & Kitchen
Laruche
Brisbane has become one of the hottest shopping destinations in Australia, both for flagship stores and small boutiques. The city boasts an array of hidden gems around every corner, from niche fashion-forward stores to stylish arcades and luxury retailers.
The Queen Street Mall
QueensPlaza
Local Designers
Fortitude Valley
South Bank Collective Markets
Jan Powers Farmers Markets
Brookside Shopping Centre
Camp Hill Antique Centre
The Vintage Watch Co.
Uptown
Avid Reader Bookshop & Cafe
Passport/Visa
Unless you are a New Zealand citizen granted visa exemption on arrival (in most cases), you will need to obtain a visa prior to visiting Australia. Citizens of all European Union countries, as well as Andorra, Norway, Iceland, San Marino, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Vatican City are eligible for an eVisitor visa, which can be applied for online. For citizens of the United States, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brunei, South Korea and Malaysia, the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) entry permit is available, which can be applied for online and grants holders the right to enter Australia an unlimited amount of times for stays of no longer than 3 months per visit.
Citizens of other countries (with the exception of Somalia) are also able to apply for a visitor visa online. For more information, visit the official website of the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs.
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Website: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/visit
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Best Time To Visit
Since March to May are the autumn months in Australia, it is best to visit Brisbane during that time. You will avoid holiday crowds while still being able to enjoy the warm weather and a low chance of rain. Temperatures will generally be around 24°C.
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Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Brisbane Airport is located 13 kilometres from the city centre, approximately 15-20 minutes away by car. Trains run every 30 minutes between 6 am and 8 pm. The journey takes 20 minutes and pre-booking is available.
Address: Airport Drive, Brisbane Airport QLD
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Phone: +61 7 3406 3000
Website: www.bne.com.au
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Public Transport
A free bus service runs around the City (CBD). Look for the distinctive red busses and the red signposted bus stops. Tickets for the TransLink network can be bought from vending machines. Weekly tickets are valid throughout South East Queensland. Buses are low floor, and Citytrain offer assistance with wheelchairs.
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Phone: +61 13 12 30
Website: translink.com.au
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Ferries
Brisbane’s ferries, known as CityCats, are one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the city, perfect for sightseeing and accessing key spots. You will need a Go Card to travel on a CityCat or Cross River ferry. CityHopper ferries are free and allow you to get around the inner city.
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Phone: +61 13 12 30
Website: translink.com.au
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Pharmacy
In Brisbane, and Australia more broadly, there are several major pharmacy chains where you can pick up over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, personal care items, and more. The major pharmacy chains are Chemist Warehouse, TerryWhite Chemmart, Priceline Pharmacy, Amcal, Blooms The Chemist and Capital Chemist. It's always worth checking the opening hours as these can vary, especially on weekends and public holidays.
Address: Priceline Pharmacy George Street, 275 George Street, Brisbane City QLD
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Phone: +61 7 3236 2400
Website: www.priceline.com.au
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Post
There are several Australia Post offices located throughout the town, where you can buy stamps and send mail and packages.
Address: Australia Post – Brisbane GPO, 261 Queen Street, Brisbane
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Phone: +61 13 13 18
Website: auspost.com.au
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Taxi
Uber, Ola, DiDi, Lyft and GoCatch ridesharing apps are used in Brisbane.
Rates vary with the actual locations, traffic conditions, time of day and the route chosen. Save on fares by sharing a Maxi-taxi from special ranks in the CBD and in the Valley. Wheelchair accessible taxis are available. At night, secure ranks operate in the CBD, the Valley and Caxton Street.
Black & White Cabs: +61 13 32 22
13cabs: 13 22 27
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Telephone
Country code: +61
Queensland area code: (0)7
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Electricity
Australia operates on a 230/240V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency. The country uses Type I power plugs, which feature two flat pins forming a 'V' shape, along with a grounding pin. This standard is also commonly used in New Zealand, Argentina, China, and several Pacific island nations. Remember to pack a universal adapter if your devices use a different plug type to ensure hassle-free charging.
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