If you’re planning a trip to Australia, make sure to include Brisbane on your itinerary. The capital of Queensland and the third largest city of the country, it’s not one to be missed. A fast-growing city, it’s sunny streets are full of diverse neighborhoods with great tourist attractions. Here are the top seven attractions not to miss in Brisbane.
1. South Bank
Get your fill of culture and recreation in South Bank, home to great restaurants, Parklands, and museums. Check out the Gallery of Modern Art, the Performing Arts Centre, and the Museum and Science Center. View works of art ranging from indigenous art to Pablo Picassos. In the Parklands, find your sense of adventure with the Wheel of Brisbane, and get a view of the whole city.
Originally the site of the World’s Expo 88, the Parklands are a unique combination of rainforest, grassy areas, and the waterfront promenade. They’re home to the Queensland Conservatorium, and often host festivals and events.
2. King George Square
Include a heritage site on your exploration of Brisbane. King George Square is home to the Brisbane City Hall. Take a free tour of the clock tower and visit the Museum of Brisbane to learn more about the city’s history. The tours are free, which makes this a great stopping place for budget travelers.
3. Kangaroo Point
Located across the Brisbane River from the central business district, Kangaroo Point is a suburb offers outdoor adventure at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Go rock-climbing, kayaking, abseiling, or cycling. It’s also a great picnicking spot. While you’re in Kangaroo Point, don’t forget to check out Story Bridge. A prominent landmark, it can be climbed with tourist groups.
4. Mount Coot-Tha
If you need a break from the busy city, take a trip up to Mount Coot-tha, the highest peak in Brisbane. It’s only a thirty-minute bus drive away and offers a stunning view of the entire city. Mount Coot-tha houses the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, and multiple cafes and restaurants so you can make a day out of it. Mount Coot-tha also offers parks, biking trails, and a scenic mountain drive. One of the parks includes a waterfall that’s great for pictures.
5. Moreton Island & Bay
If you want an up-close experience with nature, book a trip to Moreton Island, the third largest sand island in the world. A ferry will take you to the island, where you can feed dolphins, watch whales, snorkel, skydive, or try sand tobogganing. You can book your tour for between one and three days, and choose which activities you want to do. You can find more aquatic activities in Moreton Bay, including kayaking, cruises, windsurfing, and more.
6. Queen Street Mall
Dive into Brisbane culture by checking out the Queen Street Mall. Like any mall, there are shops, bars, and arcades, but the Queen Street Mall also has a casino, street performers, and live music on Friday nights and weekends. The Brisbane tourist information center is also located in the mall, so stop by to get maps and book tours. On Wednesdays, markets are held near the library. You can buy food, souvenirs, and crafts at the market at great prices.
7. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Last but certainly not least, don’t miss out on the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary. Hold a koala, or one of the other animals that live at the sanctuary, birds, and reptiles. Feed a kangaroo, and interact with native dingos. The sanctuary is open seven days a week and hosts a weekly farmer’s market.
About the Author
Rachel is a mother of 2 beautiful boys. She loves to hike and write about traveling, education, and business. She is a Senior Content Manager at NYBizDb – an online resource of relevant business information.