Top Things to do in Brisbane
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10 Things to do in Brisbane That You Shouldn't Miss
Australia’s third-largest city, Brisbane is the hub of Queensland culture, offering a peek at the past and a glimpse into the future. Visit the historic Windmill and Old Commissariat Store, built by convicts in 1828, or fast-forward to the present (and beyond) with a trip to the new Gallery of Modern Art. Mingle with locals atop Mount Coot-tha, cruise the Brisbane River to South Bank’s sandy beach on the City Cat and make sure to fill the cuteness quota at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, home to koalas and kangaroos.
Restaurants in Brisbane
1. Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt. Coot-tha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,353 reviews
An oasis for wildlife, the Gardens feature 52 hectares of plants from Australia and all around the world. Horticultural and art and craft shows are displayed in the Auditorium most weekends and free volunteer guided walks leave the Information Centre, Monday to Saturday (except public holidays) at 11 am and 1 pm. Alternatively you may like to explore the Gardens via one, or all, of the three self-guided trails available.
Reviewed By christoskontas - Thessaloniki, Greece
The botanical gardens cover a vast area with a huge array of beautiful flowers, tropical plants and trees of Australia and around the world. It's a lovely green breath of life near the city of Brisbane. Some of the highlights are the geodesic dome, the Japanese gardens, the rainforest and the bamboo forest. Definitely worth a visit and everyone will enjoy the walk and tour of the gardens. It was an unforgettable experience in nature.
2. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,995 reviews
Discover over 70 species of Australian native animals in a beautiful, natural bush setting at the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. Meet a koala, hand-feed kangaroos, marvel at the playful platypus, and enjoy a full daily schedule of keeper talks and activities, including Sheep Dog Show and Wild Lorikeet Feeding. Amenities: free wiFi everywhere, parents' rooms & cafes.
Reviewed By Gday2U2
We had a small group of US based travel agents in Brisbane for a limited time and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was the perfect spot for them to get their koala cuddle fix! It is a comfortable walk through the grounds and there is a complete range of iconic Australian wildlife. We stopped in for lunch and had time to feed kangaroos, cuddle koalas and get great photos, see wombat, dingo, cassowary, kookaburras and cockatoos, just to mention a few. Then we took the Mirimar cruising the Brisbane river back to South Bank. Its the only way to go!
3. South Bank Parklands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,529 reviews
South Bank Parklands is Brisbane's premier lifestyle and cultural destination. Located on the southern banks of the Brisbane River, its 17 hectares of lush parklands, world-class eateries, stunning river views and hundreds of delightful events all year round make it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Reviewed By 934alenas - Bargara, Australia
One of the best places to visit in Brisbane, whether you want to relax in the sun with the Brisbane River at your feet, swim in the simulated beach pool (complete with Life Guards) or dine in the many many amazing restaurants in and around the area, South Bank is the place to be!!!
4. Roma Street Parkland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,927 reviews
Scenic park located right in the middle of the city features colorful subtropical gardens and Celebration Lawn, a green oasis for picnicking, flying kites or just relaxing.
Reviewed By Radix7 - Sydney, Australia
I am embarrassed! Despite numerous visits to Brisbane over the years- mainly, admittedly, on work - I had failed to visit this wonderful area, and just within walking distance of the city centre. The numerous paths lead through a very diverse garden - views, fountains, ponds, sculptures, trees, shrubs, lawns and beautiful flower beds. A must for any visit I do in future.
5. City Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,147 reviews
Reviewed By borrum - London, United Kingdom
A lake, beautiful lawns and trees, a cornucopia of rare plants and flowers, well-designed pathways, and adjacency to the River make this park a perfect location for a pleasurable stroll or peaceful reflection.
6. XXXX Brewery Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 617 reviews
Experience the inner workings of this heritage brewery, explore the story of beer, and gain an insight into the 135 year history of an Australian icon. Get close to the action as you walk through the heart of the brewery, and finish with a tasting session in the unique Ale House bar. Lasting approximately 90 minutes the XXXX Brewery Tour is an entertaining and educational experience which tells the colourful XXXX story.
Reviewed By Trezoe
3 of us took part in the Brewery Tour yesterday - from the video at the start to the tasting at the end we couldn't fault it. The tour was both informative and entertaining. Can't believe I have lived in QLD for 44 years and this is the first time I have done the tour. Looking at some of the old cans and bottles along the way brought back different memories in my own life. Great sampling of the different styles they brew at the end. We followed it up with a couple of souvenirs and lunch at the Alehouse - no better way to spend a morning.
7. Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,694 reviews
ABOUT US The Summit Cafe boasts the best view of the CBD and well-known Brisbane landmarks. Beautiful by day and spectacular at night. We’re passionate about using the freshest local ingredients, which brings a unique cutting edge in flavours and style to our menu. ABOUT MOUNT COOT-THA Mt Coot-Tha is a Brisbane icon forming a backdrop for the city and is Brisbane City Council’s largest natural area, located just 15 minutes from the Brisbane CBD. The Mount Coot-Tha reserve contains more than 1600 hectares of open eucalypt forest, rainforest gullies, creek lines, waterfalls and spectacular views; offers a variety of walking tracks (for pedestrian use only), mountain bike trails and some horse riding trails.
Reviewed By aleishammoore - Brisbane, Australia
Great place to visit for spectacular views of Brisbane city. The cafe and restaurants have good food and service. Great place to take family, friends that are visiting. Conveniently close to the Mt Coot-tha botanical gardens at the bottom of the mountain, which is a must-see if you are interested in a stroll around the paths of beautifully designed gardens, lakes, forest and therapeutic waterfalls.
8. City Cat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,160 reviews
Reviewed By gregkc12 - Brisbane, Australia
Whether it’s a warm sunny day or a fresh cool evening, views of Brisbane city from a powered City Cat (catamaram) can be spectacular - buildings, parks, bridges, other boats, trees and people. From upriver St Lucia (University of Queensland) to downriver Hamilton (multi-million dollar mansions) with the CBD and the parks, playgrounds and restaurants of South Bank in between, it’s a great, affordable and safe way to get around, enjoy the journey and appreciate the River City. If you have a question or are looking for some good advice about the city, ask the helpful staff on board
9. Eat Street Northshore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,441 reviews
Reviewed By BronzeTank
A vibrant atmosphere, a gigantic food court housed in exotically coloured shipping containers featuring food choices from nearly every corner of the planet, a range of craft shops and live music on 4 or 5 different stages. This is a must visit location. Some people complained about the €3 entrance fee but I felt that we got a good return for our money. Free parking. Be prepared for large crowds at this must visit attraction.
10. City Hopper
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,910 reviews
Reviewed By BailsB43 - Atlanta, United States
I was so excited to learn that Brisbane offered a free ferry ride up and down the river that goes through the center of town. I spent one afternoon exploring Brisbane from a seat on the top deck of a ferry boat making its way along the stops within the city's center. We saw beautiful cliffside parks and residences, high rise office buildings with unique artistic exterior decor, boats and ferries navigating the waters and people walking along the river and across the bridges that give access to business, arts, educational institutions, recreational activities and eateries on both. It's a great experience for families, couples and solo travelers like myself.
