From weekend markets to green gardens to wildlife sightings, these are my top picks for things to do in Brisbane, Australia.
Looking for things to do in Brisbane, Australia? Known for its year-round sunny weather, the city has a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe that supports a vibrant cultural scene and easygoing lifestyle. It’s the gateway to world-famous beaches in Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, and the Sunshine Coast. After my visit in spring, I’m officially in love with the city’s weather, relaxed lifestyle, ferry rides on the river, and fresh produce. Here are my recommendations for attractions and things to do in Brisbane.
Top attractions and things to do in Brisbane, Australia
1. Climb Story Bridge
Built in 1940 across the Brisbane River, Story Bridge is the largest cantilever bridge in Australia, connecting the Central Business District with Kangaroo Point and Fortitude Valley. I recommend catching stunning views of this landmark while strolling along the riverfront promenade, and don’t miss the bridge at night when it lights up with colourful LEDs.
You can even scale the outer structures of the bridge through tours conducted by Story Bridge Adventure Climb. It offers four climbs a day: at dawn, during the daytime, at twilight, and after nightfall. Thrill-seekers aged six and above can participate, making this a family-friendly option for the brave of heart!
Price: Free to visit and view; climbs begin at AUD150 (approx S$134.68)
Opening hours: Always open
Address: Story Bridge, State Route 15, New Farm, QLD 4169, Australia
2. Stroll down a shopping street
Queen Street Mall is a large pedestrian mall located in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD, home to more than 500 brands spread across six major shopping centres. I love the outdoor benches and plenty of greenery – it’s perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of Brisbane in all its glory. Buskers often perform here, making this a lively and vibrant locale!
Between Fortitude Valley and New Farm, the tree-lined James Street is a longstanding high-end shopping district reminiscent of European boulevards. With its quaint charm and character, the trendy part is home to a mix of luxury and independent boutiques, artisanal homeware stores, and Australian fashion labels. Plenty of bars and bistros sit atop the stores, transforming the area into a swanky dining avenue come sundown.
Opening hours: Queen Street Mall, 10am to 5pm; James Street, weekdays 10am to 5pm, Sundays 10am to 4pm for most shops
Address: Queen Street Mall, Queen Street, Brisbane City, QLD 4000, Australia
3. Check out a weekend market
Brisbane’s weekend markets are a lively affair, with hundreds of stalls and vendors selling fresh local produce, honey, baked breads and pastries, and other delicious delectables. Many stalls also have handcrafted wares for sale, including clothing, jewellery, scented candles, home decor, and more.
The West End Markets are held every Saturday, rain or shine, in Davies Park. With over 150 stalls and vendors, it’s a huge supporter of fine arts and small businesses. I loved the live music performances and handcrafted items displayed alongside fresh produce. Tip: come with an empty stomach and a picnic blanket!
Meanwhile, Brisbane Markets is Queensland’s major wholesale hub. On Saturdays, a large retail market is open to the public, so buying produce here is an excellent way to have that true farm-to-table experience.
Opening hours: West End Markets, Saturdays, 6am to 2pm (Mar to Nov), 6am to 1pm (Dec to Feb); Brisbane Markets, Saturdays, 6am to 12pm
Address: The West End Markets, Davies Park, Montague Road & Jane Street, West End, QLD 4101, Australia; Brisbane Markets, 385 Sherwood Road, Rocklea, QLD 4106, Australia
4. Visit parks and gardens
The City Botanic Gardens is located right by the river and close to the CBD, boasting a lovely riverwalk past native mangroves. Home to heritage, exotic, and native flora and fauna, the gardens host the Riverside Sunday Markets, making them a hub of activity in the city.
As a heritage-listed riverfront park, New Farm Park is a great location for picnics and weddings. It often hosts live performances, exhibitions, and farmers’ markets. With a large dog run, playground, and basketball and tennis courts, the park even has its own ferry station, making it easy to get to from other parts of the city!
Opening hours: Always open
Address: City Botanic Gardens, 147 Alice Street, Brisbane City, QLD 4000, Australia; New Farm Park, 1042 Brunswick Street, New Farm, QLD 4005, Australia
5. Try barefoot bowling by the bay
Barefoot bowling, also known as lawn bowling, is a game with roots in the 13th century. There are two balls in this game: a white jack on the other side of the lawn, and each player’s individual bowl. Players compete by rolling their bowls, and the one who rolls it closest to the jack wins. As the bowls are weighted on one side, they can’t be rolled in a straight line, adding to the game’s challenge. While you can lawn bowl with a party of two, it’s more fun in bigger groups.
Merthyr Bowls Club is open to players 12 years and older, and each bowling lane can accommodate up to 12 people. During my visit to Brisbane, my entire family of six tried our hand at the activity and had lots of fun competing against each other. I highly recommend it!
Price: AUD$10 (approx S$8.98) per person for a 2-hour session, includes bowls and a brief coaching session
Time: Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 1pm, 1pm to 3pm, and 3pm to 5pm
Address: Merthyr Bowls Club, 60 Oxlade Drive, New Farm, QLD 4005, Australia
6. Swim at the South Bank Parklands
I absolutely loved my visit to the South Bank Parklands, a riverside public space featuring a man-made beach, gardens, free-to-use barbecues, the Brisbane Wheel, and walking trails. Simply rock up to Streets Beach and enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear water lapping at white sands. P.S. with showers in the large public restrooms, cleanup is a breeze!
It’s located near the arts precinct, so galleries and museums are right around the corner. The Parklands also hosts The Collective Markets on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, showcasing locally made art, jewellery, home decor, and clothing.
Price: Free admission
Opening hours: 5am to midnight
Address: South Bank Parklands, Clem Jones Promenade, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
7. Meet the koalas
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, home to over 100 koalas and more than 75 species of other native Australian animals. I highly recommend visiting it to see kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats, platypuses, and more. Located in the Fig Tree Pocket suburb, the Sanctuary is about 12km from Brisbane’s CBD. Tip: the park is best accessed by car, although buses 430 and 445 get you there from Central Station in about 40 minutes.
Price: Day passes for adults AUD$59 AUD (approx S$52.98) for adults, AUD$42 (approx S$37.72) for children aged 3 to 13, and AUD$47 (approx S$42.21) for students aged 14 to 17
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm
Address: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, QLD 4069, Australia
8. Catch sunset views at Mount Coot-tha Lookout
Head to Mount Coot-tha Lookout, which sits 15 minutes from the CBD, for a classic way to see the city’s sights. Tip: head up just before sunset to enjoy panoramic views of Brisbane bathed in a golden glow. It’s one of the best photo spots for a gorgeous skyline shot. Plus, it’s peaceful and scenic. You can even hike around walking trails or pop into the cafe at the summit for a drink.
Price: Free
Opening hours: Always open
Address: Mount Coot-tha Lookout, Mount Coot-tha Road, Toowong, QLD 4066, Australia
9. Explore Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct at South Bank
Situated next to South Bank Parklands, Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct is the perfect spot for a day of art and history. There are plenty of museums and galleries within walking distance of each other, including Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Queensland Museum, and the State Library of Queensland. GOMA is known for its large-scale contemporary installations, while the Queensland Museum spotlights natural history and science (great if you’re travelling with kids).
It’s easy to wander between spaces, and many permanent exhibitions are free to enter. P.S. it’s a great air-conditioned mid-day break from Brisbane’s sunshine.
Price: Many permanent exhibitions are free; special exhibitions may be ticketed
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 5pm (timings may vary across venues)
Address: Stanley Place, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
10. Relax by the river at Howard Smith Wharves
Tucked beneath Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves is a buzzy, riverside destination home to restaurants, bars and green lawns – great for sunset drinks. I recommend grabbing a cold pint at Felons Brewing Co and soaking in uninterrupted views of the river and the illuminated bridge overhead.
Tip: arrive by CityCat ferry for a scenic experience. Come in the late afternoon, stay for dinner, and watch the bridge light up after dark – it’s easily one of the best first-night experiences in the city.
Price: Free to enter
Opening hours: Daily, hours vary by venue
Address: Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City, QLD 4000, Australia
11. Take a day trip to North Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island, known simply as Straddie by the locals, is the world’s largest sand island. It has freshwater lakes, pristine beaches, and large areas of untouched native bushland, but there are also three townships on the island with shuttle buses and taxi services, scooter hires, and four-wheel-drive tours.
As a vacation destination, it’s home to plenty of hotels, serviced apartments, and Airbnbs. Try sandboarding, golf, barefoot bowling, fishing, diving, snorkelling and surfing, enjoy wildlife encounters, or enjoy whale and bird-watching sessions!
Price: Purchase ferry tickets at the terminal or online; AUD$12 (approx S$10.78) for adults, AUD$11 (approx S$9.88) for students, and AUD$8.50 (approx S$7.63) for children aged 5 to 14 one-way. Vehicle ferry ticket prices start from AUD$79 (approx S$70.95) for a standard car
Opening hours: Vehicle ferry hours, 6am to 7pm; passenger ferry hours, 4.45am to 8.45pm
Address: SeaLink Cleaveland Terminal, 12 Emmett Drive, Cleveland, QLD 4163, Australia
12. Head to Moreton Island for outdoor adventures
Moreton Island is a paradise for adventure-seekers, day trippers, and campers. Made entirely of sand, it’s the third largest of its kind in the world. 95% of the island is contained within Moreton National Park, and the area is famous for the Tangalooma Wrecks, a collection of 15 wrecked vessels that were moved from their original locations to form a breakwater on the east side of the island.
Close to the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, dolphins, manta rays, turtles, baby sharks, and other magnificent sea creatures can be seen in the waters around Moreton Island. Besides diving and snorkelling, you can also try night kayaking around the shipwrecks in transparent kayaks outfitted with LED lights.
Price: Tangalooma passenger ferry, AUD$94 (approx $84.42) for adults; Micat ferry, AUD$120 (approx S$107.76) for vehicles, from AUD$88 (approx S$79) for adults
Opening hours: Tangalooma passenger ferry, 7.30am to 7pm; Micat ferry, 4.30am to 4.45pm
Address: Tangalooma passenger ferry, Holt Street Wharf in Pinkinba; Micat ferry, Howard Smith Drive
Getting to Brisbane from Singapore
Qantas and Singapore Airlines fly 8 hours directly to Brisbane with no transits.
Once you’ve arrived at Brisbane Airport, catch the Airtrain service from Brisbane International Airport Station into the city. For quick reference, Central Station is the city’s main CBD and shopping district area, while Fortitude Valley is close to the city’s Chinatown and has great Asian food options in the neighbourhood.
How to get around Brisbane
Brisbane City can be hilly in certain areas, which is great for getting your steps in when traversing the city on foot. The main and most accessible form of public transportation is the city buses – the Brisbane Metro or the pre-paid City Glider bus service.
These buses are a convenient way to cover long distances quickly and inexpensively, and have a flat rate of AUD$0.50 (S$0.45) per ride, regardless of how far you travel. Ride-hailing services or taxis are also commonplace – Uber and DiDi are popular within the city, while Go Catch is better suited for the outer-city suburbs.
Another convenient and inexpensive way to get around the city is the CityCat ferry, which costs AUD$0.50 (S$0.45) per ride. These catamarans are a fast and scenic way to get around – especially if you’re heading to riverside dining and entertainment locales. Tip: be prepared to snap photos of the city, the casino, and Story Bridge from the water.
The train lines in Brisbane are best suited for travelling long distances rather than making small stops within the city limits. Meanwhile, the Airtrain connects the city with domestic and international airports, as well as Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise.
For all forms of public transportation, the fare can be easily paid with your credit card or through a Go Card, the local transit card. Buy them from bus and train stations, or at Nextra outlets in post offices, convenience stores, and major shopping centres.
Make the most of your trip to Brisbane with these top things to do!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Brisbane for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, some of the top things to do in Brisbane include climbing or viewing the iconic Story Bridge, swimming at South Bank Parklands, exploring Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct, and catching sunset views from Mount Coot-tha Lookout. Wildlife lovers shouldn’t miss Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, while foodies can head to Howard Smith Wharves for riverside dining under the bridge.
What are some free things to do in Brisbane city?
There are plenty of free things to do in Brisbane city. Swim at Streets Beach within South Bank Parklands, picnic at City Botanic Gardens, or relax at New Farm Park. You can also browse permanent exhibitions at Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery, stroll through Queen Street Mall, or enjoy skyline views from Mount Coot-tha Lookout. Brisbane can be budget-friendly, especially if you love outdoor spaces and public art.
What are unique things to do in Brisbane, Australia?
For something a little different, try scaling the Story Bridge at dawn or twilight, snorkelling around the Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island, or playing barefoot bowls at Merthyr Bowls Club. Dining and drinking beneath the bridge at Howard Smith Wharves is another uniquely Brisbane experience, blending river views with a relaxed social scene.
How many days do you need in Brisbane?
Most travellers spend three to four days exploring the top things to do in Brisbane, Australia. This gives you time to explore attractions like the Cultural Precinct, South Bank and Mount Coot-tha, browse weekend markets, meet koalas, and take at least one island day trip to North Stradbroke Island or Moreton Island. If you plan to visit the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast as well, consider adding an extra day or two.
Is Brisbane worth visiting compared to Sydney or Melbourne?
Yes! Brisbane offers a more relaxed, sun-soaked alternative to Australia’s larger cities. While Sydney is known for its harbour and Melbourne for its laneways and coffee culture, the best things to do in Brisbane focus on riverfront living, island escapes, wildlife encounters and open green spaces.
What is the best way to get around Brisbane?
Getting around Brisbane city is easy thanks to buses, trains and the CityCat ferry service. The CityCat ferry is one of the most scenic ways to travel, offering river views of landmarks like Story Bridge and access to areas like Howard Smith Wharves.
Public transport is affordable, and fares can be paid with a credit card or Go Card. Walking is also convenient in central areas like the CBD and South Bank.
