Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest city after Sydney and Melbourne, is located on the east coast of the country in Queensland, dubbed the “Sunshine State.”

It is appropriately blessed with pleasant year-round weather, allowing locals and tourists to participate in various outdoor activities.

Many occur along the banks of the Brisbane River, which runs through the city’s heart and out to sea.

Brisbane offers a thriving culinary scene for visitors to enjoy, with new restaurants, coffee shops, and bars opening all the time.

There is something for everyone in this city. There are also some amazing galleries where you can see modern art from Australia and worldwide.

Places to Visit in Brisbane:-

1 – Museum of Brisbane

The Museum of Brisbane in City Hall is an innovative, inspired, and informed museum focused on the intersection of art, culture, and history.

It offers walking tours around the city as well as ever-changing exhibitions. This museum was redeveloped and reopened in 2013. Visitors of all ages are welcomed and entertained here. Entry is free to most of the events. 

The Museum of Brisbane celebrates creativity in all forms, from art and design to literature and storytelling, by showcasing the city’s greatest and most interesting aspects, including the history of the First Nations People who have lived in this area for tens of thousands of years.

Paintings, pictures, and sculptures portraying the city’s history, people, and culture are among the 5,000 pieces on display.

The Brisbane Museum, located on the town hall’s third floor, regularly organizes temporary exhibitions.

Address: Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, Adelaide Street, Brisbane

Official site: http://www.museumofbrisbane.com.au/

2 – Tour of Customs House

The University of Queensland owns this magnificent 19th-century structure, which offers a cultural and educational experience.

Despite its status as a function center, Customs House offers a variety of public venues, including an indoor/outdoor restaurant with spectacular views of the river and Story Bridge.

Locals and travelers enjoy the daily high tea here, although reservations are required.

Insiders Tip – On Sundays, free guided tours of the building are offered, and free music concerts are frequently held in the Long Room.

Address: 399 Queen Street, Brisbane, Queensland

Official site: http://www.customshouse.com.au/

3 – Queen Street Mall

Are you craving to go shopping? The Queen Street Mall is one of the best places for budget-friendly and quality shopping. It includes home decor, decorative items, clothes, and much more.

These will lead you to some hidden jewels. The lively Brisbane City Markets sell local vegetables, flowers, and artisan products.

If you’re seeking more of Brisbane’s best shopping, then Fortitude Valley can be the best option to seek notch home decor. 

Address: Queen Street, Brisbane, Queensland

4 – Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

You wouldn’t expect to discover such a serene setting near Brisbane’s CBD, yet this amazing city never ceases to amaze you! 

The tropical climate of Queensland is ideal for plants and trees, and the Botanical Gardens are a must-see for anybody visiting Brisbane.

While visiting Brisbane, you must take a stroll through the Botanic Gardens. You may even bring a book to read on a bench or a picnic to enjoy with your traveling friends!

There are also guided tours of the gardens available, where you may learn about the flora and wildlife.

Lastly, do not mix up Brisbane City Botanic Gardens and Brisbane Botanic Gardens. They’re at our next destination, Mount Coot – Tha!

The city’s oldest park dates back to 1825, which was used as a vegetable garden for convicts!

Nowadays, they’re just a prime area to hang out, admired by visitors and residents, so if you’re in Brisbane for the weekend, expect it to be crowded.

On Sundays, a journey through the City Botanic Gardens to visit the riverbank market is worth it.

Location – Alice St, Brisbane City QLD 4o00

Official Site – https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/council-venues-and-precincts/parks/botanic-gardens-in-brisbane/city-botanic-gardens

5 – Gallery of Modern Art

This art museum in Brisbane is Australia’s largest gallery of modern and contemporary art, and you must make sure to include it in the list of places to visit in Brisbane.

The museum exhibits artwork by Australian, Asian, and Pacific artists. This institution also hosts Australian and international exhibitions that unite the world’s most-known artists under one roof.

The Children’s Art Centre and the Australian Cinematheque are also in GOMA. On a bright day, you can see Rainbow Lorikeets, Eastern Water Dragons, Brushtail Possums, and other natural creatures and birds.

This striking collection is sure to provoke lively debate among art enthusiasts of all kinds. Even the Museum of Modern Art’s award-winning glass-encased architecture makes a statement.

Location: Stanley Pl, South Brisbane QLD 4101

Official site: https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/

6 – Eat Street Northshore

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to experience the amazing Eat Street Markets if you visit during the week.

If you’re in Brisbane on the weekend, walk down to experience international cuisine and enjoy spectacular views of the Brisbane River! 

From wood-fired pizzas to Thai street food to Japanese dumplings, these cargo containers are filled with international cuisine!

And, of course, what could be better than sharing delectable meals with your friends or significant other while listening to live music?

You must try the food if you visit Eat Street. It’s the entire point!

It is one of the top places to visit in Brisbane for food lovers. There are over 180 eateries to select from, and all we can say is that you should go there and try as many as you can! There is, of course, live music to enjoy as well. 

Check Eat Street’s events calendar to see when your favorite artists will perform.

Official site: https://eatstreetnorthshore.com.au/

7 – City Hall

The beautiful City Hall structure, one of Brisbane’s most important and spectacular historic landmarks, was inaugurated in 1930 after construction began in 1920.

Even though it was formerly the city’s tallest structure, several skyscrapers now rise above its sturdy sandstone columns and lofty clock tower.

While the city’s architecture is among the best, the interior is equally impressive, with a large lobby and auditorium opposite the Museum of Brisbane on the third floor.

There are various events to admire and explore this beautiful old landmark, including free concerts and daily clock tower tours.

Location – 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia

8 – Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s largest and oldest koala sanctuary and one of the major places to visit in Brisbane. 

You may snuggle the lovely Koalas at this sanctuary, one of the top-ranked places to visit in Brisbane. 

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a great place to learn about conservation and the natural habitats of these adorable Australian animals.

Expert guides can teach you everything you need to know about the animals’ lives while allowing you to feed and pet them (but don’t get too near the Tasmanian Devil).

This is the perfect day out for solo travelers, families, or groups of friends. It’s a must-see place to visit in Brisbane!

Location: 708 Jesmond Rd, Fig Tree Pocket QLD 4069

Official Site: https://lonepinekoalasanctuary.com/

9 – Wheel of Brisbane

The Wheel of Brisbane, which stands at a height of 60 meters, offers spectacular views of the city and the river below.

The massive Ferris wheel, which stands immediately at the entrance to the South Bank Parklands, can be seen from miles away.

The Wheel of Brisbane is one of the top-rated places to visit in Brisbane. 

It’s especially striking in the evening when it’s wonderfully illuminated against the night sky.

A ride in the air-conditioned capsules lasts for less than 15 minutes, and the view of Brisbane stretching into the horizon is breathtaking.

The wheel comes to a halt when it reaches the top of each of the four rotations, and an audio message describing the major places to visit in Brisbane is played.

The Wheel of Brisbane was launched in 2008 to commemorate the state of Queensland’s 150th anniversary.

Location: Russell Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101

Official Site: https://thewheelofbrisbane.com.au/

10- Mount Coot Tha

This must-see location is one of the city’s most popular tourist places to visit in Brisbane, and it’s easy to see why. The picturesque overlook at Mount Coot – Tha provides views of the CBD skyline and Moreton Bay!

The mountain also has a variety of hiking and bike paths, so it’s a wonderful place to get your legs moving. You can truly make a day of it by visiting one of Brisbane’s best spots!

The magnificent Mount Coot–Tha Lookout must be the first destination. Spend some time up there taking pictures or just taking in the scenery – bonus points if you can see the hostel you’re staying in!

But how are you going to get up there? The mountain has nearly 70 kilometers of trails, so you’re covered if you’re a hiker. Bikes can also be taken up, but they’re more fun on the way down!

If you’re hungry (and who can blame you after reaching the summit), stop by the Summit Restaurant or Kuta Café for a bite to eat or a drink.

It’s a great area to go hiking because a deep jungle surrounds it. Although many pathways and trails wind up the mountainside, most people drive straight to the peak.

The Lookout, as it is known, is open at all hours of the day, so it’s worth getting up early to view the sunrise over the city or visiting later in the day to enjoy the stunning sunset.

11- Story Bridge

Story Bridge connects Kangaroo Point, Fortitude Valley, and Brisbane CBD, and it is one of  Australia’s most famous places to visit in Brisbane.

This well-known bridge can be seen in several Indian films! This will go down in history as one of the most memorable places in Brisbane, Australia.

If you build a list of iconic places to visit in Brisbane to include in your itinerary, Story Bridge must be at the top of the list.

You can walk or drive across it, but if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not attempt a bridge climb?

This is the finest approach to enjoying panoramic views of the CBD and surrounding area. The sandy islands and azure waters of Moreton Bay can be seen in one direction, while the Glasshouse Mountains can be seen in the other!

Location: State Route 15, New Farm QLD 4169

Official site – https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/brisbane/things-to-do/arts-and-entertainment/heritage-and-architecture/story-bridge?sc_lang=en-au

Other Places to visit in Brisbane

a) Downtown Brisbane

Take a trip through Brisbane’s central business district, where gleaming skyscrapers coexist alongside Victorian-era buildings, heritage retail arcades, and lush parks.

Don’t miss the former Treasury Landmark, which is now a casino and hotel, as well as Customs House, Old Government House, City Hall, and Brisbane’s oldest building, the Old Tower Mill, which convicts in the late 1820s.

b) New Farm Park

New Farm Park has long been regarded as a must-see in this trendy area, alongside the numerous cafés, restaurants, and boutique boutiques.

The Brisbane Powerhouse, a 1920s power station-turned-arts-and-culture-hub, is worth a visit just for the park, with its lovely rose gardens on the riverbanks.

Fans of historic structures won’t want to miss the Brisbane Powerhouse, a 1920s power station-turned-arts-and-culture-hub.

c) Nepalese Peace Pagoda

The South Bank of Brisbane is known for its vibrant cultural scene, but it’s also a terrific spot to relax and reconnect with nature.

The Nepalese Peace Pagoda is a serene oasis of serenity in the center of the city, hidden away in the tropical vegetation of Rainforest Walk, making it the ideal place to escape the city and enjoy a moment of tranquillity.

d) Fortitude Valley

Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley is home to alfresco cafes, upscale shops, bars and restaurants, and the weekly Valley Markets, where up-and-coming designers combine with vintage clothes and art. It’s a 25-minute walk from the city along Ann Street or a short rail trip from Central Station.

Take a stroll down leafy James Street, home to some of the city’s most fashionable boutiques, before pausing for a coffee or a beverage and some of the city’s best people-watching.

Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of the Places you Visit in Brisbane

1. Sightseeing is a Must!

If you are a sunset or nature lover, this is the most important thing you must not miss in Brisbane. Kangaroo Cliffs, Brisbane River, and South Bank Parklands are some of the picturesque places to thrive. 

2. Celebrate the Springbrook National Park Day

On the Springbrook National Park Discovery Full-Day Bushwalking Tour, get away from the city and see the spectacular splendor of a World Heritage-listed wilderness. Enjoy wholesome fun activities with your family, including picking, swimming, and many more fun activities on this day in Brisbane!

3. Lamington National Park Day Trip

On O’Reilly’s Lamington National Park and Tree Top Canopy Tour, you may discover another spectacular World Heritage-listed wilderness area.

On the way home, stop by an alpaca farm and take a canopy tour at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat amid the rainforest.

Conclusion

That brings us to the end of our list of places to visit in Brisbane.  

Hopefully, this list has been helpful and useful, and you now have a few more ideas for your future vacation!

You’ll also be well-versed in Brisbane’s top neighborhoods and may already have a location in mind to stay.

Brisbane is an excellent choice for a city trip because it offers a diverse range of dining options and access to the local nightlife.

It also has a thriving arts and culture scene, as evidenced by the South Bank neighborhood.

Add in the friendly locals and the ease with which you may participate in various outdoor activities, and you’ve got a fantastic few days planned.

We hope that this list has provided you with information about the places to visit in Brisbane and some insight into how to live like a native.

So, thank you for taking the time to read our detailed guide to the places to visit in Brisbane, and I wish you a wonderful vacation!

Last Updated on February 28, 2024 by Namrata