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Why is Brisbane a great travel destination?
- Fondly known as the River City, Brisbane has stepped out of the shadow of sister cities like Melbourne and Sydney and grown into its own identity as a traveler’s hotspot in Australia.
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What is Brisbane’s climate like?
- Brisbane is great to visit all year round thanks to its subtropical climate. It boasts the best weather in Australia, basking in the sun while other Aussie cities shiver through their winter months.
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What cultural attractions can visitors explore?
- Travelers visit for cultural kicks through landmarks like the Gallery of Modern Art, where contemporary works and exhibitions showcase local and international talent.
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Where can food lovers experience Brisbane’s cuisine?
- Foodies can look forward to innovative cuisine at its finest at top dining spots like Sono Restaurant for Japanese fare or Malt Dining for a refined Australian experience.
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What makes Brisbane a hidden gem?
- Brisbane has a mix of vibrant culture, fantastic weather, and exceptional dining, making it an unforgettable destination. Ready to uncover Brisbane’s best-kept secrets? Let’s go!
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1. Story Bridge Climb
Climb high above the river and enjoy an exciting city adventure.
Participate in an exclusive urban adventure when climb up and abseil down Brisbane’s most iconic structure - the Story Bridge. Easily one of the most exhilarating activities in the city, the Story Bridge Climb gives brave souls a unique 360-view of the city from the northern Glass House Mountains to the south’s Scenic Rim Mountains. Not a lot of people get to say that they’ve climbed an iconic structure in any city, and as one of only three bridge climbs around the globe, there’s no doubt that this remarkable urban adventure will be an activity and memory for the books.
170 Main Street, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, Phone: +617-31-88-90-70
2. The Triffid
Catch live music and savor an unusual night out.
Let your inner sound hound loose at The Triffid , one of Brisbane’s most frequented bars and venues. As the brainchild of bassist and international superstar John Collins, The Triffid was built from JC’s knowledge of what actually makes a good musical venue - quality programming, an incredible team of passionate individuals, and a visually out-of-this-world design. Apart from hosting some of the best rock and roll shows in town, The Triffid is also quite known for its awesome beer garden, which is a rockin’ place to hang out at whether it’s day or night. Sample some of the best beer that Brisbane has to offer while sampling a great lunch and dinner menu alongside your drink of choice.
7 - 9 Stratton Street, Newstead, Queensland, Australia 4006, Phone: +617-31-71-30-01
3. Gallery of Modern Art
See bold exhibits and explore affordable cultural attractions.
Sitting smack dab in the heart of Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct, the Gallery of Modern Art, or the GOMA for short, is located right along the banks of the Brisbane River. It is one of the top destinations to visit for art lovers and modern art enthusiasts alike with multiple exhibits on going at the same time. The permanent collection is something to look forward to on its own, but visiting exhibits like the Asian Art Collection, Natalya Hughes’ Open Studio, and Island Fashion, all bring a distinct and must-see flavor of its own that art lovers definitely won’t want to miss.
Stanley Place, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia, Phone: +617-38-40-73-03
4. James Street
Shop trendy boutiques and enjoy a romantic stroll with cocktails.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for the best of Brisbane’s boutique shopping, incredible galleries, the finest dining in the city, or even the best dressed of Brisbane’s fashionistas, James Street has it all in spades. A tree covered suburban street, James Street is quite small for being one of the cultural hubs in Brisbane, and yet it’s home to incredible boutique shops like those of fashion designer Gail Sorronda, the luxury brand Frances Hendrie, and even the jewellery label of Natasha Schweitzer. When it comes to food, James Street has fine dining like Gerard’s Bistro and Bucci, as well as casual eating joints like Harvey’s and Tinderbox.
James Street, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
5. CityCat Ride
Cruise the Brisbane River and enjoy a quick scenic trip.
There are few ways more spectacular to see and tour Brisbane than onboard a CityCat Ride . Short for Catamaran, a loop on the CityCat allows travellers to say goodbye to traffic james and say hello to exceptional sites that one wouldn’t normally see from within a wheeled vehicle. In fact, many locals prefer travelling via the CityCats system because of how convenient it is. Brisbane’s city council operates a 21-vessel fleet in addition to nine monohull ferries known as CityHoppers. Planning your itinerary around the CityCat map could be the smartest thing you do while vacationing at Brisbane. Besides, many people agree that some of the best ways to see a city is by water.
123 Eagle Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia, Phone: +617-32-29-77-78
6. New Farm Park
Picnic under fig trees and savor a peaceful weekend with family.
Looking for the oldest, largest and grandest green space in Brisbane? Look no further than the New Farm Park. Undeniably the most popular park in Brisbane, the New Farm Park is visited by over 18,000 people from all over the world, every week. The park was built throughout 36 years starting 1914 and was designed by Albert Herbert Foster. Now part of the Queensland Heritage Register, the New Farm Park feature an array of greenery and tons of greenspace for recreational activities. The New Farm Park also frequently hosts live art performances, moonlight cinemas and weekend farmers markets, so visitors can be sure there’s something to enjoy at any time of the year.
1042 Brunswick Street, New Farm, Queensland 4005, Australia
7. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Cuddle koalas and explore fun wildlife sights with the kids.
There’s a handful of things that Australia is known for - beaches, surf, and vegemite come to mind. But there are few icons of Australia as cute and cuddly as Koalas. If you’re eager to see these furry creatures up close and personal, there’s no better place in Brisbane to visit than the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary. Home to 130 adorable koalas, the sanctuary gives visitors the opportunity to meet the koalas and interact with them first hand. Visitors will also get the chance to connect with nature as they experience authentic koala habitats, and learn more about the importance of habitat conservation.
708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland 4069, Australia, Phone: +617-33-78-13-66
8. Powerhouse Farmer’s Market
Browse local produce and enjoy exciting food stuff by the river.
Whether you’re a tried and tested gastronome or are a no-frills foodie looking for something absolutely delicious to eat, you can’t go wrong with the Powerhouse Farmer’s Market . Known for its stunning array of local produce and delicious street eats, the farmers market is run by Sammy Power, and is keen on giving over 300 local growers a voice and venue to promote their produce on a weekly basis. From artisan food items to craft ginger beers, there’s no running out of delightful things to sample and tuck into at the Powerhouse Farmer’s Market. Drop by every Saturday from morning until noon at the Brisbane Powerhouse New Farm.
119 Lamington Street, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (September-November) – Pleasant temperatures and blooming jacarandas.
Emporium Hotel South Bank – A luxury stay with stunning river views.
Visit South Bank Parklands – Enjoy riverside walks, gardens, and the lagoon.
Summer (December-February) – Hot and humid, great for beach trips and festivals.
The Calile Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel in Fortitude Valley.
Explore Moreton Island – Go sandboarding, snorkeling, or dolphin feeding.
Fall (March-May) – Cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.
Ovolo Inchcolm – A charming and modern boutique hotel.
Walk along the Brisbane Riverwalk – A scenic way to explore the city.
Plan Your Trip
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