Brisbane

Subtropical river city, riverside pools, laneway bars and easy sunshine

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Brisbane is the sunny, laid-back river city of Australia, where you can swim at a man-made city beach, cycle the riverbanks and hop a ferry between neighbourhoods. A lively laneway dining and bar scene has given it real energy. Our local picks run from South Bank to the cafes of West End. More hand-picked recommendations are on the way – filter by category and budget below.

Brisbane at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
Highlights: South Bank, the river ferries and the Story Bridge
Where to stay: the city centre or riverside South Bank
Local picks: a growing set of hand-chosen tips
Getting around: riverside walks plus CityCat ferries and buses

Where to stay in Brisbane

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Brisbane CBD

Queen Street Mall

★ 4.5

South Bank

South Bank Parklands

★ 4.8

Kangaroo Point

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

★ 4.7

The Boiler Room

The Boiler room is literally a hole in the wall of the bar Tom Cat. It’s only open Fridays and Saturdays and serves incredible cocktails from really awesome bar staff. The food…

Fortitude Valley

The Calile Hotel

★ 4.8

$$$

City Botanic Gardens

The Gardens Club

Why it matters: tucked into the heritage Curators Cottage inside Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens, this not-for-profit cafe is run by the Wise Foundation, whose hospitality program gives people from refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds six months of paid training and work. Established in 2014, it channels its profits back into community programs, so a coffee here directly funds the mission. The setting is as much the draw as the food – a shady garden terrace, riverside greenery and a dog-friendly courtyard. Local tip: come mid-morning on a weekday for the quietest tables, then stroll the surrounding gardens afterward.

★ 4.1

Newstead

The Triffid

★ 4.6

Brisbane CBD

W Brisbane

★ 4.6

$$$

Milton

XXXX Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting

★ 4.6

Before you go

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Brisbane travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Brisbane?

Two to three days covers the river, South Bank and the main neighbourhoods, with time for a trip to the coast or the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Where is the best area to stay in Brisbane?

The city centre and South Bank keep you near the river, the cultural precinct and the ferries.

What are the best things to do in Brisbane?

Browse the local picks above, from the South Bank pools and the Gallery of Modern Art to a CityCat ferry, the Story Bridge climb and Mount Coot-tha.

What is the best time to visit Brisbane?

Autumn and spring bring warm, dry days; summers are hot and humid with afternoon storms.