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Brisbane Travel Guide | Top Attractions, Travel Essentials, Tips & More
BrisbaneTravel Guide
Contents
Travel essentials
Topic
Why it matters
Key details
Best time to visit
Plan around crowds, prices, and weather
March-May and September–November offer mild weather, outdoor events, and fewer crowds
Visa requirements
Avoid travel disruptions
Most visitors require an eVisitor or ETA visa; apply online before arrival
Health insurance
Ensure entry compliance and emergency coverage
Travel insurance is recommended; Australia has no reciprocal healthcare with most countries outside New Zealand and the UK
Local time & time zone
Plan tours, bookings, or remote work
AEST (UTC+10); no daylight saving
Currency
Helps with budgeting
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Daily budget
Helps with budgeting
AUD 70–120 per day (budget); AUD 180–350 per day (mid-range to luxury)
Plugs & power outlets
Charging devices
Type I plugs, 230V; adapters needed for US, UK, and EU
Local SIM & data
Stay connected on the go
Telstra, Optus, Vodafone; SIMs available at airports, supermarkets, and convenience stores; some providers support eSIM
Tipping culture
Avoid awkwardness or overpaying
Not expected; appreciated for good service (round up or ~10% in restaurants)
Languages spoken
Improves interactions with locals
English is the official language; other languages are common in multicultural areas
Water safety
Impact on packing and daily costs
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Brisbane
Public toilets
Reduces friction while sightseeing
Free public toilets in parks and major areas; the National Public Toilet Map app shows locations
Emergency numbers
Essential for safety
Dial 000 for police, fire, and ambulance
Best time to visit Brisbane
Peak season:
December to February brings hot, humid weather, school holidays, and major events like New Year’s Eve fireworks. Expect busy attractions, especially around South Bank and the river, plus occasional afternoon storms. Book accommodation early and plan some indoor options.
Low season:
June to August is cooler and drier, with temperatures ranging from 10–22 °C (50–72 °F), fewer crowds, and more favorable hotel rates. It’s a great time for outdoor exploring, whale watching, and enjoying the city’s parks without the summer heat.
With its subtropical climate, Brisbane offers something unique in every season. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown to help you pick the right time for your trip.
🌸 Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Expect: Warm, sunny days, jacaranda blooms, and a lively calendar of outdoor events.
- Highlights: Brisbane Festival, Jacaranda Season, and Oktoberfest Brisbane.
- Average temp: 15–27 °C / 59–81 °F.
- Good to know: Accommodation fills quickly during major festivals—book ahead for the best rates.
☀️ Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Expect: Hot, humid weather, afternoon thunderstorms, and a festive atmosphere.
- Highlights: New Year’s Eve fireworks, Woodford Folk Festival, Australia Day celebrations.
- Average temp: 21–30 °C / 70–86 °F.
- Good to know: School holidays mean crowded attractions; pack light clothing and sunscreen.
🍂 Fall (Mar–May)
- Expect: Mild, pleasant days, clear skies, and fewer crowds.
- Highlights: Brisbane Comedy Festival, Buddha Birth Day Festival, and regional food events.
- Average temp: 15–26 °C / 59–79 °F.
- Good to know: Ideal for outdoor activities and river cruises; hotel prices are moderate.
❄️ Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Expect: Cool, dry days, crisp nights, and minimal rainfall.
- Highlights: Regional food festivals, whale watching, and the Brisbane Marathon.
- Average temp: 10–22 °C / 50–72 °F.
- Good to know: Lower humidity and fewer tourists make this a great time for exploring parks and hiking.
Getting to Brisbane
Airports
- Brisbane Airport (BNE): ~14km from the CBD, 20–25 minutes by Airtrain or taxi.
- Terminals: International and Domestic terminals are separate but connected by a free shuttle bus.
- Transfers: Airtrain to Central Station (~AUD 21, 20 min); taxis/ride-hail cost AUD 45–55; shuttle buses serve major hotels.
Rail connections
- Roma Street Station: Main hub for long-distance trains, including the Spirit of Queensland (to Cairns) and NSW TrainLink (to Sydney).
- Regional trains: Connect to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba.
- Advance booking: Recommended for interstate and long-distance routes, especially during holidays.
Must-visit in Brisbane
Your perfect 3-day Brisbane travel itinerary
Day 1
- Morning: Start with a riverside walk through South Bank Parklands, stopping for breakfast at one of the cafés. Ride the Wheel of Brisbane for city views, then visit the Queensland Museum for natural history and cultural exhibits.
- Midday: Stroll across the Victoria Bridge to the CBD. Explore Brisbane City Hall and take a free clock tower tour. Enjoy lunch at Queen Street Mall, with options ranging from food courts to local bistros.
- Afternoon: Head to the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) for contemporary art, then relax in the City Botanic Gardens. Walk along the river to Eagle Street Pier for a coffee break.
- Evening: Dine at Eagle Street Pier or Howard Smith Wharves, both offering riverfront restaurants. If you’re up for it, take a sunset stroll along Kangaroo Point Cliffs for city lights.
Day 2
- Morning: Begin at Mount Coot-tha Lookout for panoramic views and breakfast at the summit café. Explore the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at the base, with themed plant collections and walking trails.
- Midday: Return to the city for a guided Story Bridge Climb (book ahead), or, if heights aren’t your thing, rent a kayak for a paddle on the Brisbane River.
- Afternoon: Visit Roma Street Parkland for a picnic or guided garden tour. Browse the boutiques and galleries in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane’s creative precinct.
- Evening: Sample global street food and live music at Eat Street Northshore (weekends only). Alternatively, catch a show at QPAC (Queensland Performing Arts Centre) or Brisbane Powerhouse.
Day 3
- Morning: Take a day trip to Moreton Island for snorkeling, sandboarding, and dolphin feeding (book a guided tour or ferry from Pinkenba). If you prefer to stay local, visit the bayside suburbs of Wynnum and Manly for coastal walks and fresh seafood.
- Midday: On Moreton Island, enjoy a beach picnic or café lunch. In Wynnum/Manly, stroll the esplanade and visit the weekend markets.
- Afternoon: Return to Brisbane and explore the West End neighborhood, known for its multicultural eateries, vintage shops, and street art.
- Evening: Wrap up your Brisbane adventure with dinner in West End or a riverside drink at South Bank. If it’s festival season, check out a live event or fireworks display.
Swap if rainy/too hot: Spend extra time at GOMA, Queensland Museum, or the Museum of Brisbane. Book a high tea at a CBD hotel or enjoy indoor shopping at Queen Street Mall.
How to get around Brisbane
Brisbane’s public transport network integrates trains, buses, ferries, and light rail, making it easy to explore the city and suburbs.
Metro/Urban Rail
Bus
Ferry (CityCat & CityHopper)
Taxi / Ride-hail
Bike & scooter
- Best for: Fast travel between CBD, suburbs, and the airport.
- Network & coverage: Queensland Rail suburban lines connect the CBD with outer suburbs and the airport.
- Hours & frequency: 5am-midnight; every 10-20 minutes in central areas.
- Major sights connected: Airport, Roma Street, South Bank, Fortitude Valley.
- Fares & passes: Go Card required; single fares from AUD 3.50; daily caps apply.
- Interchange: Fully integrated with buses and ferries.
- Accessibility: Step-free access at most stations; lifts and ramps available.
- Best for: Neighborhoods and attractions not served by rail.
- Network & coverage: Extensive citywide network, including the high-frequency BUZ routes.
- Hours & frequency: Most routes 5am–11pm; NightLink buses after midnight on weekends.
- Major sights connected: South Bank, West End, Mt Coot-tha, and major shopping centers.
- Fares & passes: Go Card accepted; fares based on zones.
- Interchange: Works with trains and ferries.
- Accessibility: Most buses are low-floor and wheelchair accessible.
- Best for: Scenic river travel and connecting riverside precincts.
- Network & coverage: CityCat and CityHopper services run along the Brisbane River.
- Hours & frequency: 5:30am–midnight; every 15–30 minutes.
- Major sights connected: South Bank, Eagle Street Pier, New Farm Park, UQ St Lucia.
- Fares & passes: Go Card valid; CityHopper is free between select stops.
- Interchange: Linked with trains and buses at key terminals.
- Accessibility: Most terminals are wheelchair accessible.
- Best for: Late nights, airport transfers, or door-to-door trips.
- Network & coverage: Widely available in CBD and suburbs.
- Hours & frequency: 24/7 service.
- Major sights connected: All central attractions and suburbs.
- Fares & passes: Metered; ride-hail apps (Uber, DiDi, Ola) are popular.
- Interchange: Independent from Go Card.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible taxis available on request.
- Best for: Short trips along the river and through flat neighborhoods.
- Network & coverage: Shared bikes and e-scooters available in the CBD, South Bank, and inner suburbs.
- Hours & frequency: 24/7 availability.
- Major sights connected: Riverwalk, South Bank, and New Farm Park.
- Fares & passes: App-based rentals; per-minute charges.
- Interchange: Independent system.
- Accessibility: Limited; manual docking may be required.
Exploring with kids
Babies & toddlers
- South Bank Parklands offers stroller-friendly paths, water play areas, and shaded lawns for picnics.
- The Queensland Museum features interactive exhibits and a dedicated kids’ zone.
- Streets Beach provides a safe, shallow lagoon with lifeguards on duty.
- Parents can find baby change facilities at major attractions and shopping centers.
Younger kids (Ages 4-11)
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary lets kids hand-feed kangaroos and cuddle koalas (book ahead for animal encounters).
- Roma Street Parkland has themed playgrounds and free guided walks.
- CityHopper ferry rides are free and fun for exploring the river.
- GOMA’s Children’s Art Centre offers hands-on creative activities.
Tweens & teens
- Story Bridge Adventure Climb provides a thrilling city view for older kids (minimum age applies).
- Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the Brisbane River is popular with adventurous teens.
- West End’s vintage shops and street art offer a cool, independent vibe.
- Moreton Island day trips include snorkeling, sandboarding, and dolphin feeding.
Where to stay
CBD (Central Business District)
Ideal for first-time visitors, the CBD offers easy access to major attractions, shopping, and transport. Accommodation ranges from hostels to luxury hotels, with prices higher during peak events.
South Bank
Best for families and culture lovers, South Bank is close to museums, parklands, and riverside dining. Hotels here are mid-range to upscale, with some apartments available.
Fortitude Valley
Known for nightlife, live music, and creative spaces, Fortitude Valley suits solo travelers and younger visitors. Boutique hotels and budget hostels are common, but weekends can be noisy.
West End
A multicultural, bohemian neighborhood with independent cafés, vintage shops, and markets. Great for foodies and longer stays, with a mix of guesthouses and short-term rentals.
Kangaroo Point
Quiet, residential area with river views and easy access to the CBD via ferry. Popular with families and those seeking a relaxed pace, mid-range hotels and serviced apartments dominate.
Bayside (Wynnum & Manly)
Perfect for those wanting a coastal vibe, these suburbs offer affordable motels and B&Bs, though commuting to the city takes longer.
Price ranges by zone: AUD 40–80 per night (hostels, shared stays), AUD 120–200 (mid-range hotels), AUD 250+ (luxury or river-view stays).
Neighborhood walks & hidden gems
Walking Route 1: Riverside & cultural core
- Start: South Bank Parklands → Victoria Bridge → Queen Street Mall → City Botanic Gardens → Eagle Street Pier → End: Howard Smith Wharves.
- Distance: ~3km.
- Anchors: River views, public art, shopping, historic gardens, riverside dining.
Walking Route 2: Creative Brisbane
- Start: Fortitude Valley → James Street → New Farm Park → Brisbane Powerhouse → Riverwalk → End: South Bank.
- Distance: ~4km.
- Anchors: Indie boutiques, art galleries, leafy parks, live music venues, scenic river path.
Hidden gems
- Wynnum Mangrove Boardwalk: Elevated path through coastal wetlands, ideal for birdwatching.
- Brisbane Powerhouse: Converted power station hosting alternative theater, comedy, and markets.
- Paddington’s Antique Shops: Browse for vintage finds in charming hillside cottages.
- New Farm Deli: Classic Italian café beloved by locals for coffee and cannoli.
Food, drink & nightlife
Brisbane’s food scene blends fresh Queensland produce with multicultural influences, from Southeast Asian street food to modern Australian bistros. Outdoor dining and riverside venues are a city staple.
Signature dishes
Where locals eat & drink
Nightlife
- Moreton Bay bugs: Sweet shellfish, best enjoyed grilled at riverside seafood restaurants.
- Lamingtons: Sponge cake with chocolate and coconut, found in bakeries citywide.
- Barramundi: Local fish, often served grilled or battered in pubs and restaurants.
- Brisbane-style bao: Asian-inspired buns, popular at Eat Street Northshore.
- Pavlova: Meringue dessert topped with fruit, a favorite at celebrations.
- West End: Multicultural eateries, vegan cafés, and lively pubs.
- Fortitude Valley: Trendy restaurants, rooftop bars, and late-night Asian diners.
- South Bank: Riverside dining with global menus and relaxed brunch spots.
- James Street (New Farm): Upscale bistros and wine bars.
- Eat Street Northshore: Casual street food from around the world (weekends).
- Chinatown (Valley): Dumpling houses and noodle shops.
- Fortitude Valley: Live music venues, dance clubs, and LGBTQ+ bars.
- Howard Smith Wharves: Craft breweries and riverside bars with city views.
- South Bank: Cocktail lounges and relaxed pubs.
- West End: Indie music bars and late-night cafés.
Where to shop
Accessibility features
- Public transport: Most trains, buses, and ferries are step-free; Go Card ticket machines and staff provide assistance.
- Attractions: Major sites like GOMA, Queensland Museum, and South Bank Parklands offer ramps, lifts, and accessible restrooms.
- Resources: Queensland Government’s Accessible Tourism page and the National Public Toilet Map app support travelers with accessibility needs.
Exploring Brisbane on a budget
Average daily costs
- Hostel double room: AUD 40–80
- Mid-range hotel: AUD 120–200
- Transit ticket (daily): AUD 10–15
- Coffee: AUD 4–5
- Dinner for two: AUD 50–90
- Beer (pint): AUD 8–12
- Headline attraction: AUD 20–35
Book early
- Accommodation and flights rise in price during festival season and school holidays; booking 2–4 months ahead helps secure deals.
Free / Low-cost experiences
- Stroll South Bank Parklands and swim at Streets Beach.
- Walk the Kangaroo Point Cliffs or Riverwalk for city views.
- Free entry to GOMA’s main galleries and Queensland Museum.
- Explore Roma Street Parkland and City Botanic Gardens.
- Ride the free CityHopper ferry for river sightseeing.
Cheap eats
- Eat Street Northshore (weekends): Global street food at wallet-friendly prices.
- Chinatown (Valley): Dumpling houses and noodle bars.
- West End markets: Fresh produce and affordable snacks.
- Food courts in Queen Street Mall for quick, budget meals.
Popular day trips from Brisbane
Moreton Island
🚢 75 min by ferry
Snorkel shipwrecks, sandboard dunes, and hand-feed dolphins on this sandy island paradise.
North Stradbroke Island
🚗+🚢 90 min (drive + ferry)
Spot koalas, swim at Cylinder Beach, and walk the North Gorge coastal trail.
Sunshine Coast
🚗 1.5 hours by car
Enjoy surf beaches, Noosa National Park, and Eumundi Markets.
Gold Coast
🚗 1 hour by car or train
Theme parks, high-rise beaches, and vibrant nightlife just south of Brisbane.
Scenic Rim
🚗 1–1.5 hours by car
Hike rainforest trails, visit wineries, and explore charming country towns.
Lockyer Valley
🚗 1 hour by car
Sample fresh produce at farm gates and enjoy rural Queensland hospitality.
Frequently asked questions about traveling to Brisbane
How do I get from Brisbane Airport to the city center?
Take the Airtrain (20 min, ~AUD 21) or a taxi (~AUD 45–55); shuttles serve major hotels.
Is Brisbane safe at night for solo travelers?
Yes, especially in the CBD and South Bank; use ride-hail or taxis if traveling late.
Are shops and museums open on Sundays or holidays?
Most shops and attractions open on Sundays (10am–4pm); some close on public holidays, so check ahead.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Brisbane’s tap water is safe and high quality.
Do I need cash, or are cards enough?
Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
What are the best SIM options for tourists?
Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone offer prepaid SIMs at the airport and convenience stores.
Can I visit Moreton Island without a guide?
Yes, ferries run daily, but tours are recommended for activities like snorkeling and sandboarding.
What should I watch for with public transport?
Always tap on and off with your Go Card; daily caps help keep costs down.
Do I need to tip in restaurants in Brisbane?
Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 10% for great service is appreciated.
What’s a good rainy-day plan?
Visit GOMA, Queensland Museum, or catch a show at QPAC for indoor entertainment.