10 Best Things to Do in Brisbane

South Bank is a vibrant riverside neighbourhood situated just south of Brisbane's city centre, spanning 17 hectares along the Brisbane River. It's a premier cultural destination that boasts expansive parks and bathing neighborhoods, top-notch restaurants, and year-round events.

At the heart of South Bank lies the picturesque South Bank Parklands, offering free bathing facilities, a riverside walking track, picnic neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks like the Wheel of Brisbane and the Brisbane sign. The bustling Gray Street, which runs parallel to the river, is home to many international restaurants, hotels, and art galleries, making it a must-visit destination for foodies and art lovers.

Roma Street Parkland is Brisbane’s lush and beautiful park area that you can easily reach after a 10-minute walk from Brisbane's CBD. The park’s grounds span 16 hectares with beautifully landscaped gardens, expansive lawns, children's playgrounds, and historical landmarks – all spaces within the park provide a welcome respite from the bustle of the business district.

The parkland is a wonderful spot for a relaxing family picnic. But you’ll be in for a real treat if you visit in spring when Roma Street Parkland’s colorful flowers burst into a full bloom of colors. Free barbeques are often held on the lawns. And as the sun sets, the park takes on a magical vibe, with the Moonlight Movie theater offering a unique outdoor cinematic experience under a starry sky.

Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout is the highest point in Brisbane and is where you can enjoy the best views over the city. You can reach the lookout after a 20-minute drive west from the CBD, beyond the Mount Coot-Tha Botanic Gardens. As one of the best viewpoints in the region, it offers stunning panoramic views across the city, the surrounding parkland, and the Brisbane River.

The drive from Brisbane CBD to Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout is equally pleasant, with lush vegetation and rolling hills along the way. There is ample parking at the lookout, and it is just a short walk further up to the hilltop. You can also visit the nearby café to enjoy lunch or sip coffee with the view. Outdoorsy types can further explore by taking any of the several forest hiking and biking trails around the lookout.

Queen Street is one of the major thoroughfares in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. Its southern half is home to the Queen Street Mall, a bustling open-air pedestrian shopping spot that hosts well over 700 stores. You’ll find a diverse range of shops in this primary shopping precinct, ranging from street-front stores and heritage-listed arcades to smaller malls clustered together along the strip.

Major flagship stores call Queen Street home. Well-known brands you’ll find include Portmans, Zara, Mecca, Saint Laurent, and Burberry. The precinct also features the largest department stores in the city, namely David Jones and Myer. Dining options also abound, either in the form of fast-food chains, wine bars, cafes, or cool spots inside hotels.

Head down to Davies Park by the Brisbane River for the West End Markets, held every Saturday. This lively hub features an eclectic mix of independent creators and vendors, alongside an array of musicians and diverse cooks. With over 150 vendors attending each week, it's no surprise that the West End Markets are one of the best places to browse for a 1-time find.

At the West End Markets, you'll often be hopping from one section to another, checking out fresh produce, delectable hot foods, handicrafts, and boutique fashion items. The market is bustling with activity, with stalls, family-friendly events, and live music from early on Saturday morning and throughout the day. As parking can be limited, it's best to get here by public transportation or bike.

The Queensland Art Gallery is located within the Queensland Cultural Center in South Brisbane. As part of the impressive precinct situated on the Brisbane River, the gallery showcases a variety of contemporary and ancient art from Australia and across Asia. With a focus on art that depicts various historical events and cultural trends, it offers an interesting way to uncover the state's history.

Visitors can explore the special exhibitions on display, as well as the permanent collections across the various gallery halls. Surrounding the gallery, you can also admire some fascinating sculptures in the precinct. Just 150 meters away, you can pay a visit to the joint Gallery of Modern Art, which opened in 2006, and the Children's Art Center, an interactive facility for kids and families.

The Brisbane City Botanic Gardens is a heritage-listed garden space located in the Brisbane CBD. Situated on the banks of the Brisbane River, just a short walk from Queen Street, the gardens cover 17 hectares of land in front of Old Government House. The garden features various parts, including open lawns, rainforest, lily ponds, mangroves, and water fountains.

Entry to the Botanic Gardens is free, making it a perfect budget-friendly place to visit in Brisbane. Inside, visitors can explore numerous walking and cycling paths that take them between the different neighborhoods of the gardens. Additionally, the Riverstage outdoor venue plays host to music and other live events throughout the year.

The New Farm River Walk is a riverside pathway that links New Farm to the Howard Smith Wharves. The wide path is partly suspended in the water as it winds its way along the riverbanks from one neighbourhood to the next, making it the perfect way for pedestrians and cyclists to get around and explore the city of Brisbane.

The New Farm River Walk starts at the end of Riverview Court in New Farm and heads up to Howard Smith Wharves. Visitors can then connect onto the city boardwalk, which runs down the other side of the river to the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.

The Queensland Museum is the hub of science, culture, and history in Australia's easternmost state. Situated within the Cultural Center precinct in South Brisbane, the museum is a highly popular family-friendly attraction in the city, and the best part is, it’s free to visit!

At the museum, visitors can explore permanent and special exhibitions and collections that showcase the natural history, cultural heritage, and scientific achievements of Australia and around the world. There are also numerous children’s programs and experiences available during school vacations. While onsite parking is available, public transportation and bicycle paths are in close proximity too.

Howard Smith Wharves is a lively waterfront development situated north of Brisbane's CBD. It's located just across the famous Story Bridge, near Fortitude Valley, and has been converted into one of the city's premier foodie and lifestyle destinations.

Inside the precinct, you'll find many excellent restaurants and bars with outdoor seating that extends onto the decks overlooking the water. You can choose from a range of cuisines and places, including Japanese, Greek, local breweries, trendy wine bars, and more. At night, the area is a hub of activity, with the city lights illuminating the scene, and the bars remaining open until late.