Top Things to do in Brisbane
Countries
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Brisbane, Queensland
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. The Brisbane River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,182 reviews
The Brisbane River is perfect for adventure, leisure and recreation. Go kayaking, stand up paddleboarding or take a trip on a City Cat. Celebrate the Brisbane River at a Riverfire function or just have a picnic in the riverside parkland. The Kangaroo Point Cliffs are a great vantage point to see the Brisbane River, or go rock climbing or abseiling with Riverlife Adventure Centre. Try Story Bridge Adventure climb, cycle, rollerblade or go for a jog. Dance with the local aboriginal tribe, Mirrabooka or visit South Bank. However you look at it you can't visit Brisbane without experiencing the River. Then cruise out to Tangalooma Island Resort for a must do experience. Enjoy!
Reviewed By K1078RKannc - Nashville, United States
The Brisbane river is enjoyable both by boat and if time allows, there is an amazing path that runs along its banks...nature, cafes, restaurants, exercise, relax...the river offers something for everyone. Clean public bathrooms.
7. Sherwood Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By elyse_wanderer - Melbourne, Australia
Unexpected find tucked away in amongst suburbia. Absolutely stunning gardens with bbq facilities, kids playground, shelters, walking tracks, basic amenities and a stunning view of the Brisbane river. Great for a nice walk, picnic with friends or even a garden party. Will be back often!
8. Shorncliffe Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
Reviewed By RKTALREJA - Queensland, Australia
Nice beach, with bay.plenty of space for kids play ground.nice spot for picnic, u can do fishing there.u feel better, walking barefoot on the shiny sand.u find many crabs there around the rocks.recommend to everyone.????
9. Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Experience a walking, riding or horseback adventure back to the late 1800s along the old Brisbane Valley railway line from Wulkuraka in Ipswich to Yarraman. Escape to a 161km off-road adventure trail brimming with breathtaking countryside, unique country towns, local attractions, old train stations and carriages, heritage-listed sites, and rich history of early settlers just 47km from Brisbane. It doesn't matter whether you have one day or a whole week, the BVRT has something to suit everyone – choose your own adventure! With the final link between Toogoolawah and Moore completed in 2018, the BVRT is the longest rail trail in Australia, spanning 161 kilometres. Most of the trail is now an excellent compounded gravel grading that provides a relatively smooth run, although there is the odd rocky section and you should always remain vigilant on rougher areas.
Reviewed By Jleuschner - Tallebudgera, Australia
This is a fantastic trail. I did Yarraman to Fernvale. Had a great time and the work put in is really impressive. Some culverts are very steep and some surfaces are very rough but overall it’s very easy to follow. It’s great to have lots of little towns along the way with bakeries and cafes. I overnighted at the Linville hotel and the Esk grand hotel both of which were great places to stay with secure storage for bikes. The one major drawback are the birds during breeding season. I went mid november which should have been the tail end of magpie season. It wasn’t. I counted 17 different magpies swooping me 6 of which repeatedly struck my helmet and tried to go for my face. I tried the trick of staring them down while dismounting. That worked until toogoolawah where they came in pairs, every time you looked at one the other would come in from behind you, they followed me for a km. No idea how that is protecting a nest. Then there were the even worse butcher birds, had four of those all of which repeatedly struck my neck. They make no noise and are much faster. Try staring them down and they go straight for your eyes. The only other thing to be aware of is the heat. Two days were perfect with 6am starts. The third day I started a little later but by 12pm it was 37c with very high humidity. I’d suggest this will be a superb trail apr-Jun.
10. D’Aguilar National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By RKTALREJA - Queensland, Australia
One of the beautiful trip near to brisbane,its a long drive including mt nebo & mt glorious ,u have to do many stops to see lookouts, water creeks,bushwalks.there is cafe on the way, road is cover both sides with forest.u see many moterbikes on the track.its best drive for one day trip.keep the eye on the signboards, in this way u won't miss any lookout or waterfall.take some water,snacks,chew etc. I suggest wear the long pants & full sleeve shirt,when u go for waterfall, bcz to avoaid leeches.???????? Overall recommend to everyone,this breathtaking drive.????
