A Travel Guide to Brisbane, Capital of the State of Queensland, Australia

Brisbane has everything you can look for in a city you should visit.  It has scenic landmarks, beautiful botanical gardens, stunning riverfronts and mesmerizing parks. Brisbane offers a diverse range of delectable cuisine, delicious street food, yummy coffee, sleepless night markets and mouth-watering restaurants. The city is famous for its attractive art galleries, museums, exciting festivals, luxurious shopping malls, comfortable and affordable hotels, and diverse public transport. The people of this city are very friendly and the streets are extremely safe. Furthermore, you will find glorious cultural attractions, amazing religious temples, magnificent cathedrals, glorious mosques and exciting events here. 

Are you planning to explore Brisbane?. Planning a trip to Brisbane can be a bit daunting. But I am here for you. I have been living here for many years. And in this detailed travel guide Brisbane, I have shared my personal experience about Brisbane that will help you to plan your trip. So, are you excited? Let’s start!.

Brisbane, a must-visit-city, is the captivating capital of the state of Queensland, Australia. It is located in the center of South East Queensland, Australia. It spreads over an area of 15842 km². Brisbane is surrounded by Moreton Bay, the Taylor and the D’Aguilar mountain ranges. This city is the third most populous city of Australia, with a population of 2.6 millions. 

Brisbane was once occupied by the Aboriginal Victorians for thousands of years. Turrbal, Jagera and Quandamooka people were the custodians of this land at that time. It was actually founded in 1825. It was named after the Brisbane river on which the city sits. The Brisbane river was named after Sir Thomas Brisbane, who was a British Army general and the Governor of New South Wales. The city became the capital of the state of Queensland in 1859.

Today, Brisbane stands as a vibrant economic and cultural hub of Australia. It is ranked among the top 10% in research and innovation, especially in the field of medicine and biotechnology. Brisbane is a hub of technological research and innovation too. It is ranked as the happiest city of Australia and 21st in the world. The city is among the top 20 best liveable cities. The locals of Brisbane are very friendly. It is among the top 10 safest cities of the world, ranking at No 7. It is also Australia’s most biodiverse and greenest city.

Brisbane is a beautiful city with a lot of beautiful and scenic tourist attractions. It is famous for its year-round warm climate and scenic beauties. It is among the most visited tourist attractions of Australia. Every year, approximately 14+ million tourists visit the city to experience its diverse culture, alluring botanical gardens, extensive parks, delectable cuisines, amusing events and mesmerizing landscapes. Brisbane Airport is the main entrance to the city. You can enter here through the port of Brisbane as well. The port of Brisbane is Australia’s third largest seaport. And as soon as you step in here, be ready to embark on an adventure filled with thrills, joys and unforgettable experiences.

I have been living in Brisbane for many years. And based on my personal experience, I will give you some pro tips. These tips will be very helpful for you when you are visiting Brisbane.

You can visit Brisbane any time you want to. But I recommend you to avoid visiting in the summer months (December to February). In summer, the temperature is very hot and humid.  Brisbane experiences the highest rainfall in these months, with scary thunderstorms and occasional floods. The city is overcrowded and you will find difficulty in getting around with  ease. 

Based on my personal experience, I recommend that the best times to visit Brisbane are during autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November).  During Spring and Autumn, the weather is pleasant. The days are sunny, warm and tempered by cool sea breezes. The city is not overcrowded. The botanical gardens and parks are lush green. And the Jacarandas and wildflowers are in their full bloom, creating a spectacular display of colors in Brisbane.

The Go Card is a real lifesaver in Brisbane. Go Card is my companion from all those years. I use it each day in my daily journeys. And it has saved me a lot of time and money. Go Card is a must-to-have permit for getting around Brisbane. Read more details about the Go Card in the guide later. You will have to use your Go Card while traveling on Translink buses, trains (including Airtrain), ferries and trams. You will have to tap on and off the card on them. And that’s it. Go Card is an affordable and convenient way to travel on public transport. So I advise you to get your Go Card as soon as you step in Brisbane. And it will save your time, energy and money while you are navigating around.

Brisbane is among the top 10 safest cities in the world, ranking at No 7. I have been here for a long time, and I never had any issues while walking around the streets. Brisbane ranks at No 5 as the least-risky city for tourists in Australia. The people of Brisbane are very friendly, welcoming and helpful to the tourists. Brisbane has a wide web of convenient, affordable and safe public transport. I still recommend you be aware of your surroundings while traveling solo. But altogether, Brisbane streets are very secure and safe for both day and night traveling.

Brisbane is a home to people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Around 36% of its metropolitan population are foreign-born. So the dress code for indoor and outdoor is very relaxed. I wear different types of clothing from all those years. And I have never had any issue with that. I recommend you wear casual clothing in public places, streets, cafes, restaurants and markets. You can wear beachwear in coastal areas like South Bank and Gold Coast beaches. But remember not to go shirtless in public places. It will make you kinda look weird. Wear what makes you comfortable, and you will fit right in.

Brisbane is a modern city. So nearly all the shops, restaurants and malls accept cards and contactless payments. I have been living here for a long time. And I never had any problem with cashless payments. But, I always keep a small amount of cash for some small vendors and local markets. It is because sometimes, they may not accept cards. So I recommend you carry a small amount of cash in your pocket. And use cards for most of your transactions.

Brisbane is home to beautiful botanical gardens, extensive parks and wildlife. I recommend you visit the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Victoria Park and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. These places offer unique flora and fauna. Must visit them. But remember to respect and take care of the local animals and plants. You should follow the guidelines in national parks and wildlife conservation areas. And enjoy the iconic natural beauty to the fullest.

You can go for several options including shuttle buses, taxis, and rideshare services for airport transfer. But I strongly recommend you to opt for the Airtrain service. Airtrain is the quickest and most reliable transport option from Brisbane Airport to the city center and Gold Coast. Airtrain connects the Brisbane Airport to the city center in about 20 minutes. An Airtrain departs every 30 minutes in normal hours and 15 minutes in rush hours. So use it and save your money, time and energy.

One of the best things I personally adore about Brisbane is the abundance of free Wi-Fi. I have been here for many years and I never had any connectivity issues. You will find these free WiFis in many public places, train stations, restaurants, boutiques, malls, public libraries and even the airport. So as soon as you arrive here, open up your WiFi. And you will be connected all the time with your loved ones while roaming around.

You can get into Brisbane by taking a flight or boarding a train, bus and cruise ships.

I strongly recommend you to go by air to Brisbane if you are traveling from another country. Flying to Brisbane is more convenient and comfortable. Brisbane International Airport is the main entrance to the city. It is the third busiest airport in Australia. It is located in the northeast of the city center, about 14 kilometers away.

Many famous international airlines operate flights to Brisbane. These airlines include:

Some budget airlines also operate flights to Brisbane. You can choose them if you want a more budget friendly option. These airlines include:

I recommend you to opt for an airline that suits your requirements from Google Flights or Kiwi.com. You can also book a ticket for that airline from there. Book it. Board the plane. And it will drop you into one of the  most biodiverse and greenest cities of the world.

If you are adventurous and you want to opt for an adventurous route to Brisbane, then I recommend you to go for a cruise ship. Brisbane sea port is the third largest port of Australia. Different cruise ships board on that seaport. These ships travel from different destinations to Brisbane. These destinations include:

You can get into Brisbane by different cruise ships with ease. These ships include:

You can have more information and book these ships tickets from their mentioned links. Pick a ship. Book its ticket. Then board on that ship. And it will drop you off on the mesmerizing Port of Brisbane. From there, I recommend you to take a taxi and it will drop you at the city center.

If you are traveling from another city of Australia to Brisbane, then you can opt for the train option. Roma street station is the main station of Brisbane. Different regional and intercity trains stop here. The Queensland Rail operates long-distance services between Brisbane and other cities. 

You can travel directly from some cities to Brisbane. While for others, you will have to change your train. For instance, the NSW TrainLink XPT operates on a direct route between Sydney and Brisbane. There is a train service between Melbourne and Brisbane. But it is not direct and you will have to do multiple changes in the way. If you want to consider the train option, then you can find different train routes and buy their tickets.

If you are traveling from a city of Australia to Brisbane, then I will strongly recommend you to go for the bus option. The bus option is a very budget-friendly option for locals. Several popular bus companies operate their services from different routes to Brisbane. These routes include:

Some of the famous bus companies offering rides from other cities to Brisbane include:

For more information about the bus routes and their tickets, click on the company’s link mentioned above and enjoy.

One of the main reasons why I recommend Brisbane as a must-visit-traveling-destinations is its diverse, affordable and comfortable public transportation systems. You can navigate around Brisbane using different means of transportation like buses, ferries, trains and taxis. I recommend you to get a Go Card from the airport when you arrive here. You will use the Go Card for boarding on and off the public transport. And it will save your money, time and energy.

Go Card is a literal blessing in Brisbane. You can use your Go Card in Public transport like trains, ferries, trams and buses. And it will save you a fair amount of money, time and energy. I have been living in Brisbane for years. I got my Go Card the first day I entered here. And it has saved me a lot of time and money in all these years. I recommend you buy your Go Card from the Brisbane Airport. It is because you will have to use it while boarding the Airtrain from Brisbane Airport to the city center.

Go Card is not free to buy. An adult Go Card (for individuals age 15 or above) will cost you $25. $15 will be your credit in it and $10 will be the price of the card, which is refundable. A child Go Card (for children aged 5-14) will cost you $10. In it, $5 is your credit while $5 is the cost of the card, which is refundable. The same goes for concession Go Card (for Pensioners, Veterans, and school students) and seniors Go Card (for senior citizens). Children of 5 years and less than 5 can travel for free so they don’t need a Go Card. 

You can buy your Go Card from numerous locations in Brisbane, online or by calling 13 12 30. It’s also very easy to load your Go Card. You can load it on any of the outlets, train stations, bus stations and online. For more information about Go Card call 13 12 30.

The train network in Brisbane is diverse and extensive. The main train operator in Brisbane is the Queensland Rail. Brisbane trains network consists of different lines running on 11 routes. These routes include:

Different lines like Gold Coast line, Sunshine Coast line, Ipswich line, and Ferny Grove line run across these routes and stop at 154 railway stations. These stations cover the whole city and the surrounding suburbs. Airtrain is the quickest and most convenient option from Brisbane Airport to the city center and Gold Coast. Airtrain reaches from the Brisbane Airport to the city center in about 20 minutes. Most train routes have a train every 15 to 30 minutes. These trains run till late night, and they rarely stop. 

You can use your Go Card on all  these trains. Tap it on the card reader while boarding on and off. And that’s enough. There are some rules and regulations on the train stations. You should follow these rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include:

If you want to opt for a scenic way to explore Brisbane, then I recommend you to try ferries. You can best experience the iconic views of Brisbane River and lush green scenery while riding a ferry. Brisbane has two types of ferries here. The CityCat is the main ferry service. It runs on different routes and connects various parts along the Brisbane River. These parts include the residential areas, university campuses, and popular tourist destinations. You can see the routes and stops of CityCats here. 

The CityHopper is a free ferry service  that operates within the inner city. It allows passengers to get on and off at different stops to explore Brisbane’s riverfront attractions. If you want to enjoy the city’s skyline and vibrant atmosphere, then I recommend you to sit in the CityHopper. It is the best way to do it.

You can use your Go Card on these ferries too. Just tap it on and off. And you will be good to go. Must try these ferries in Brisbane and you will not forget the enjoyment they deliver.

Buses are also a very good option for roaming around Brisbane. Brisbane’s bus network is large and extensive. 

The bus fleet of Brisbane has more than 1200 buses in it. Brisbane bus network runs on 400 routes and 10,000 stations. The main routes include the Northern Busway, the South East Busway and the Eastern Busway. The main bus stations include the Queen Street, Roma Street and King George Street Bus stations. There are bus routes to the suburban areas as well. Famous buses like  CityGliders operate in different suburbs like Ashgrove and Coorparoo.

You can find these buses’ schedules and their routes, from Google Maps. You can use your Go Card on these buses. Just tap it on and off. And you will be good enough to navigate around Brisbane.

Taxis are available all over Brisbane. You can find them with ease in streets or markets. The cars are new, well maintained and the drivers are good and friendly. But I recommend you to avoid getting taxis for navigating around Brisbane. But if you want to explore Brisbane by car, then I recommend you to opt for Uber. 

Uber is more convenient and affordable than taxis. The cars are modern, neat and new. The drivers are well mannered and well trained. Uber accepts cashless payments, credit cards and debit cards too. You can use the Uber app (iOS) and (Android) to book a ride. Use it. And explore the scenic beauty of Brisbane in a car.

You can have different types of accommodations in Brisbane as per your preferences. If you adore to be in a place where there is hustle and bustle, then I recommend you stay in the Brisbane Central Business District (CBD). The CBD offers a range of hotels to suit your budgets and preferences. These hotels range from the luxurious W Brisbane and Marriott to more affordable options like Ibis Styles and Mantra on Queen. Choose a hotel as per your taste. And you will love the experience of living in the CBD. 

And if you prefer a more relaxed and decent atmosphere, then I recommend you to stay in Fortitude Valley or New Farm. These areas are famous for their decent and trendy vibe. These areas provide a unique experience of cafes, nightlife, and parks. Stay there and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Brisbane to the fullest. The informational links of these areas are mentioned above. 

Furthermore, Brisbane offers a wide variety of accommodation options. You can go for any option that best fits your taste and budgets. These options include;

If you prefer to live in luxury hotels, then Brisbane has a wide variety of luxurious hotels for you. Some of these luxury hotels I propose you to check include;

W Brisbane is a luxury and trendy hotel that provides stunning river views, a rooftop bar, and world-class dining options at only $668 a night.

The Callie hotel is another luxurious option. It is famous for its stylish design and impeccable service. It offers luxurious rooms, a spa and unique cuisine options at $482 a night.

Hyatt Regency Brisbane is a 5 star luxury hotel offering spacious rooms and a rooftop pool at $492 a night.

Brisbane also has a variety of mid-range hotels. These hotels offer excellent value for your money. The best midrange hotels I recommend include;

This is a stylish hotel offering modern rooms, a spa and a rooftop bar at $244 a night.

Another midrange hotel offering trendy atmosphere, spacious rooms and a bar at $265 a night.

This hotel offers stunning river views, clean rooms and easy access to the city’s attractions at $176 a night.

If your budget is tight, then Brisbane offers you a range of affordable accommodation options too. These options include;

A budget hotel that provides clean and comfortable rooms at $129 a night.

A number of budget hostels that offer shared dormitory-style rooms and private rooms at $82 a night.

Brisbane’s Moreton Bay Bug, Korean Fried Cauliflower brisbane, Pork Belly Bao, and Spaghetti Alla Chitarra are the best delectable and delightful dishes you can ever have. I had the unbelievable experience of eating these dishes at Hello Please, Mecca Bah, Gerard’s Bistro, and 1889 Enoteca and their yummy taste left me amazed. I strongly recommend you to try these dishes in Brisbane. And you will never forget their amazing taste.

Brisbane offers a wide and extensive range of delicious dining and delectable cuisine experiences, but some of the dishes are must-to-try. I have been trying these dishes for years. And their unbelievable taste left me in awe each time. The list includes the Crispy Chicken Sandwich by Felix for Goodness, Laksa paired with a refreshing coconut drink by Red Lotus in Annerley, Moreton Bay Bug by The Prawnster, Peking Duck by King of Kings, Croissant by Chouquette, Greek Souvlaki by The Yiros Shop, Korean Fried Cauliflower by Hello Please, Cheeseburger by Ben’s Burgers, Gelato by La Macelleria, Fish of the day by Jellyfish, Pork Belly Bao by Gerard’s Bistro, Gnocchi by Otto Ristorante, and Spaghetti Alla Chitarra by 1889 Enoteca. The links of these restaurants are mentioned above. I recommend you to try these dishes in Brisbane. And you will never forget the deliciousness they left in your mouth.

If you are a Vegan enthusiast, then  you need not to worry too. Brisbane also offers some of the best options for vegetarians as well. Many restaurants provide delectable, unique and iconic vegetarian dishes. I had the unbelievable experience of eating Vegan Lasagna and BBQ Jackfruit Tacos at Grown. It is a vegan restaurant in the West End. And the flavors they offer were literally phenomenal. Another best vegan restaurant I recommended is The Green Edge. Green Edge is a café that provides vegan pastries, sweets and cakes. 

If you want to eat vegan fast food, then I urge you to visit Netherworld brisbane. Netherworld offers some of the best vegan burgers and wraps you can find nowhere else. Dicki’s, Fundies Wholefood Café, Ovolo Inchcolm, Vege Rama, Wild Canary, and Loving Hut are some other great vegan restaurants. Their links are mentioned above. Check their links. Visit them. And trust me, they will never disappoint you.

And if you are a dessert enthusiast, then Brisbane is the perfect place for you. If you love to eat gelato, then I recommend you to visit the Gelato Messina in South Brisbane. Gelato Messina offers some of the best gelato in the city. Another recommended option for gelato craving is La Macelleria. Here, you can savor the delicious gelato combined with innovative and unique flavors. 

If you adore cakes and pastries, then my personal favorite for them is Jocelyn’s Provisions. You should try their cakes. And the taste they offer will leave you in awe. The Vietnamese dessert offerings at Viet de Lites are also top-notch. For cheesecake, I recommend you visit The Cheesecake Shop. You would never have tasted cheesecake like that before. For the best Pavlova in Brisbane, I recommend you to visit the Shingle Inn. I have been craving their Pavlova for years, and I still had its taste in my mouth. Their Cobblers and Crumbles are also incredibly tasty. You should try them too. And you will remember it for years.

Brisbane is a paradise for coffee lovers. And if you are a coffee enthusiast, then you will find some of the best varieties of coffee here. The best places I recommend for coffee in Brisbane include:

I strongly recommend you to visit these places (links mentioned). And you will amaze with the flavors they offer.

Brisbane has a lot of options for fast food lovers as well. If you are a burger geek, I recommend you visit Ben’s Burgers in Fortitude Valley. Ben’s Burgers offers the best classic cheeseburgers. And they never compromise on their quality. Fritzenberger in Petrie Terrace is another great place. They offer gourmet burgers paired with house-made frites and a great selection of craft beers. And it is delectable. 

For Sushi, I recommend you visit Sushi Edo in Newstead. They have the best fresh sushi rolls in the town. If you love to crave fried chicken, then I propose you visit Wing Fix in Morningside. They offer some of the best chicken wings in Brisbane. For pizza, I strongly recommend you to run towards Superfly Pizza in Woolloongabba. I have been eating their pizzas for years. And it is delicious and perfectly crisp wood-fired.

And if you are fond of plant-based fast food, then the best place for you is Lord of the Fries in the CBD. They offer everything vegetarian, from fries to hot dogs and burgers. Must visit these destinations (links mentioned). And you will remember the experience for years.

Brisbane has a wide variety of street food options too. My personal favorite place for eating street food is Eat Street Northshore. Here, you can crave different dishes ranging from sizzling skewers to freshly made sushi rolls. And believe me, these dishes are absolutely delectable. 

Another amazing place with fantastic street food is the Brisbane City Markets. Here, you can enjoy some of the best wood-fired pizzas, gourmet sandwiches, and some other street food options. I recommend you not to miss the South Bank Parklands and West End Markets as well. In them, you can find some of the best street food stalls. These stalls offer a range of items like bao buns, dumplings, and noodle soups.

Brisbane offers a lot of amazing and unique dishes you can eat. And all of them are absolutely wonderful in taste. Must try all these mentioned dishes. And you will never forget the satisfaction they provide to your taste buds.

Are you wondering about where you can go and do shopping in Brisbane?. I got your back. Brisbane offers a diverse and extensive range of shops and things. So here, you can buy anything you want to.

If you are trying to find something you can take back home, then I recommend you head towards the South Bank Markets. These markets are famous for unique and iconic souvenirs. These markets offer stalls that have local Australian products like handcrafted goods, Aboriginal art, boomerang-inspired keyrings, coasters, and magnets. You will also find different edible items like gourmet foods, specialty cheeses, chocolates, and local coffee and tea here. My personal favorite for souvenirs is The Collective Markets at South Bank. Here, you will find a wide variety of Australian-made products, fashion accessories, homewares, and unique gifts. 

Queen Street Mall is also the  best spot for souvenirs shopping. It offers a mix of international brands and local shops. These shops have cool souvenirs such as Australian wool products, leather goods, and handcrafted items. Some other places you can visit for buying souvenirs include:

Must visit these markets. You can get more information about them by clicking on their links or Google Map. And get the best souvenirs possible from them.

If you want to buy high-quality fashion, clothing, and cosmetics, then James Street in Fortitude Valley is the best place for you. James Street is famous for high-end boutiques, designer labels, and trendy independent stores. The premium brands that you will find here include:

Queen Street Mall is another popular place for premium clothing and fashion items. It offers a blend of international brands like H&M, Zara, and Uniqlo. It also has some local brands like Country Road and Witchery. You can also explore Emporium Brisbane if you want to buy luxurious clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Edward Street and Paddington also offer some of the best varieties of clothes, jewelry and other fashion items. Must visit these places (links mentioned). And you will find some of the finest quality products here.

For upscale shopping, I recommend you to visit Edward Street. Edward street is in Brisbane’s CBD. Edward Street is very famous due to its luxury stores. These stores offer luxury brands like

All these brands offer high-end fashion products, beauty products and international designer labels. 

Another best place for luxury shopping I recommend is Queens Plaza. Here you will find luxury stores of international brands such as Prada, Dior, and Bvlgari. The Wintergarden is also worth a visit in this matter. Some other worth mentioning places with premium brands include:

Must visit these places. And you will not be disappointed.

If you are a book lover, then you should visit the Avid Reader in the West End. It is an iconic bookstore that offers a great selection of books. These books include the bestsellers, old books, literary fiction, and unique findings. My personal favorite for books is the Riverbend Books in Bulimba. It is famous for its cozy atmosphere and wide range of books. These books are of different genres like art, design, literature, and culture. The State Library of Queensland is also the best place for books enthusiasts. Must explore these bookstores, and you will find unique and precious treasures there.

For more details about best places to do shopping in Brisbane, you can explore my upcoming specific blog on “Top Places to Go Shopping in Brisbane”. Stay with me. So that you never miss anything.

It’s been a long time since I have been living in Brisbane. And trust me, this city has some of the most iconic views, stunning riverfronts, lush botanical gardens, and unique attractions to visit. I will be giving you an overview of the best places you can visit in Brisbane. Remember, this is just a small sneak peek. Brisbane offers so many more places to explore. I recommend you to check out my detailed guide on the top attractions in Brisbane (future blog idea) and plan your journey accordingly.

Your Brisbane trip is not going to be complete without visiting the South Bank Parklands. South Bank Parklands are in the heart of the city. It has a lot of lush green gardens, a man-made beach and cultural institutions like the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). It also offers a variety of cafes, outdoor events and the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. Must visit it. And you will love the experience it provides. I also recommend you take a walk with the Brisbane River and enjoy the incredible views. It offers some of the most spectacular sights in the world. 

Another must-visit attraction is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. These gardens are at Mount Coot-tha. It is a peaceful oasis that has a vast array of plant species, tranquil lakes, and walking paths. When you’re there, don’t miss hiking the Mount Coot-tha, which provides panoramic views of the city.

Some other must-visit attractions in Brisbane include:

Brisbane is a heaven for you if you love riverfronts and scenic walks. My personal favorite among them is the Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park. This park offers spectacular views of the Brisbane skyline. It is also perfect for having a picnic, climbing rocks, or enjoying a relaxing walk along the cliffs. And if you don’t want to walk, then you can get on a CityCat ferry. The CityCat will let you explore the riverfront without getting tired. And it’s a great way to see Brisbane’s alluring landmarks from a different perspective. Visit that spot. And be ready to experience the most beautiful sights possible. 

Other beautiful riverfront spots include:

Brisbane also has some of the best night markets. These markets are perfect for you if you are a food lover and or a shopaholic. The most famous one is the Eat Street Northshore. This one is my personal favorite. The atmosphere of this market is electric. And the variety of food you can try is delectable and incredible. You will find everything here, from sushi to gelato. It also offers live music, and unique shopping experiences. I recommend you to visit this market. And eat some of the best dishes available. 

The Collective Markets at South Bank are also amazing. Here you can find everything from handmade crafts to delicious street food. You should visit the Milton Markets on the Go too. It is an amazing market with gourmet food trucks, fresh produce, and artisanal products. My personal favorite among them is the Eat Street Northshore. 

You can visit some more night markets too, which includes:

Brisbane also offers some of the great restaurants and cafes to choose from. Some of the best among them include Gerard’s Bistro, Julius Pizzeria, Breakfast Creek Hotel, and GOMA Restaurant. My personal favorite is Howard Smith Wharves. Here you can eat at one of Brisbane’s top restaurants while enjoying the stunning views of the river. I recommend you visit them all. And eat the amazing and vibrant food dishes they offer. 

Brisbane is also home to some wonderful religious sites too. The best one among them is the St. John’s Cathedral. Must visit it and experience the mesmerizing beauty it provides. Some other great religious sites include:

I also recommend you visit some other top notch attractions of Brisbane. These attractions include:

I recommend you to visit all these amazing sites. You can find all these places on Google Maps or by clicking on their mentioned links. Explore them. And you will never forget them in your life. 

The most unique and famous events in Brisbane are the Brisbane Festival (September), the Ekka (August), Riverfire (September), New Year’s Eve Fireworks (31 December) and the Brisbane Comedy Festival (February-March). 

In the Brisbane Festival (September) the whole Brisbane turns into a hub of arts, culture and entertainment. The Ekka (August) is a famous agricultural show that includes different performances and exhibitions. It is so popular that it has its own public holiday in Queensland. On New Year’s Eve (December) the whole Brisbane shimmers with lights and amazing fireworks. The Brisbane Comedy Festival (February-March) converts the whole Brisbane into a center of laughter and excitement.

Some other interesting events of Brisbane include;

Must experience all of these events. And you will never be disappointed by the joys they deliver.

One day is too little to explore the whole of Brisbane. But if you only have one day in hand, I recommend you start early in the morning with a visit to South Bank Parklands. Next, head towards the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). Then move towards the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. Have your lunch at a nearby café or restaurant. Move on fast and spend your afternoon visiting the Queensland Museum. Next, I propose you take a stroll through the CBD, admiring the street art. Watch the sunset from Kangaroo Point Cliffs. And end your day with a great dinner at one of the restaurants on Eagle Street Pier. And you have explored enough of Brisbane.

If you have two days, then I urge you to add a visit to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Mount Coot-tha. Explore them in the morning. Then you can visit New Farm Park. You should spend your afternoon in Fortitude Valley. Next, move on to your dinner in the mesmerizing West End, and that’s all you can have.

For a three-day trip (the one I personally recommend the most), I recommend you spend two full days in Brisbane as per the above suggestions. For your third day, make a trip to Moreton Island. Next, move on to the alluring North Stradbroke Island and enjoy some of the finest beaches and wildlife there. Then visit the Scenic Rim, and you will be done with all the eye-catching iconic views.

If you have four or more days in your hands, then I recommend you explore more of Brisbane’s surrounding areas. You should visit the Sunshine Coast for some beach relaxation. It’s something you cannot experience anywhere else. You should also take an amazing and scenic drive to the Gold Coast. I urge you to spend a day at the Scenic Rim for some hiking and wildlife spotting. And you will never forget that. For more details, read my detailed guide on how to plan your Brisbane journey and enjoy.