Brisbane Recommendations
Sightseeing
Mt Cootha is a great site to visit for a day out, with a beautiful botanic garden at the bottom and amazing views at the top, it's a favourite among photographers and travellers. There's a cafe at the top which do great ice cream as well.
238 locals recommend
Brisbane Lookout Mount Coot-tha
1012 Sir Samuel Griffith DrMt Cootha is a great site to visit for a day out, with a beautiful botanic garden at the bottom and amazing views at the top, it's a favourite among photographers and travellers. There's a cafe at the top which do great ice cream as well.
The Queensland Museum is a fantastic day out for all travellers, they often have a special exhibit. Plan a full day to take it all in.
265 locals recommend
Queensland Museum
Melbourne StreetThe Queensland Museum is a fantastic day out for all travellers, they often have a special exhibit. Plan a full day to take it all in.
Australia's claim to theme park fame, Dreamworld is a great place to take the whole family. White Water World is right next door as well!
411 locals recommend
Dreamworld
Dreamworld ParkwayAustralia's claim to theme park fame, Dreamworld is a great place to take the whole family. White Water World is right next door as well!
If you're after a day of hiking or some adventure into Australia's tropical rainforests Lamington is a must! Plenty of day walks and amazing scenery. I recommend the Daves Creek Circuit where you'll pass through a variety of Australian native flora and the chilling damage left behind from one of Australia's most severe wildfires.
91 locals recommend
Lamington National Park
If you're after a day of hiking or some adventure into Australia's tropical rainforests Lamington is a must! Plenty of day walks and amazing scenery. I recommend the Daves Creek Circuit where you'll pass through a variety of Australian native flora and the chilling damage left behind from one of Australia's most severe wildfires.
A spectacular national park, filled with wildlife and spectacular natural structures. Highly recommended to any outdoor enthusiast.
365 locals recommend
Springbrook National Park
Old School RoadA spectacular national park, filled with wildlife and spectacular natural structures. Highly recommended to any outdoor enthusiast.
Food scene
The rooftop bar at the Emporium is my go to for drinks after work or to catch up with friends. Walk in, take the elevator up, and you'll be greeted with a classy and elegant rooftop bar with a brilliant range of bites and cocktails. If you're a gin-fanatic, this is a MUST. Dress code is smart formal (collared shirts, leather shoes, etc.).
7 locals recommend
Emporium Hotel South Bank
267 Grey StThe rooftop bar at the Emporium is my go to for drinks after work or to catch up with friends. Walk in, take the elevator up, and you'll be greeted with a classy and elegant rooftop bar with a brilliant range of bites and cocktails. If you're a gin-fanatic, this is a MUST. Dress code is smart formal (collared shirts, leather shoes, etc.).
The brewing company Felons has the best views, located under the famous Storey Bridge it has the best scene for 20-40's looking to enjoy a night together. This is a MUST!
26 locals recommend
Felons Brewing Co
5 Boundary StThe brewing company Felons has the best views, located under the famous Storey Bridge it has the best scene for 20-40's looking to enjoy a night together. This is a MUST!
On the south side you'll find a great selection of shops and restaurants, a man made pool, a series of bike paths and walks along the river to fill a full day of exploration.
182 locals recommend
South Bank
On the south side you'll find a great selection of shops and restaurants, a man made pool, a series of bike paths and walks along the river to fill a full day of exploration.
Hidden in the Queen St Plaza on the ground floor you’ll find Kurimu, a japanese bakery that specialises in croissants and choux pastry. Truly the best I’ve had in brisbane, a pastry will run between $4-$8 depending on the flavours and toppings you have. Definitely worth the trip if you’re in the area.
KURIMU
1159 West Taylor StreetHidden in the Queen St Plaza on the ground floor you’ll find Kurimu, a japanese bakery that specialises in croissants and choux pastry. Truly the best I’ve had in brisbane, a pastry will run between $4-$8 depending on the flavours and toppings you have. Definitely worth the trip if you’re in the area.
Neighbourhoods
This is party central! The main street is filled with Nightclubs and bars, brilliant if you're looking for a night out with friends.
236 locals recommend
Fortitude Valley
This is party central! The main street is filled with Nightclubs and bars, brilliant if you're looking for a night out with friends.
Looking for a night out? West End and South Brisbane has a great night scene with plenty of bars and lounges to relax and enjoy rooftop views and cocktails.
29 locals recommend
South Brisbane
Looking for a night out? West End and South Brisbane has a great night scene with plenty of bars and lounges to relax and enjoy rooftop views and cocktails.
Here you'll find rock climbers well into the night and some amazing walks along the river. Highly recommend this trip to all, especially if you feel like taking an electric scooter for a joyride with the family.
71 locals recommend
Kangaroo Point
Here you'll find rock climbers well into the night and some amazing walks along the river. Highly recommend this trip to all, especially if you feel like taking an electric scooter for a joyride with the family.
Chermside on the North Side has a great shopping centre I'd recommend to all travellers looking to spend the day adventuring the city and looking to fix that spending itch.
6 locals recommend
Chermside
Chermside on the North Side has a great shopping centre I'd recommend to all travellers looking to spend the day adventuring the city and looking to fix that spending itch.
City advice
Getting around
There's a free inner city Bus Loop!
On the bus timetables you'll see a free scheduled timetable for buses that can transport you around the city. For details and timings check the Brisbane City public transport website.
Getting around
There's a free Ferry!
Looking to get across the river? The City Cat is a free ferry with scheduled stops up and down the Brisbane River. For details check the Brisbane City Public Transport website.
Customs and culture
Walk on the left.
Stick to the left of paths and escalators.
What to pack
Sunscreen and a wide hat!
Always. Australia has one of the highest rates of Skin Cancer in the world. Even if it's cloudy, SPF 50+ is highly recommended.
Getting around
Don't take the Skybus
From the Airport, the Skybus is an attractive option to get into the city. Unfortunately an Uber will always be cheaper and faster, especially as the timetable for the train is slow compared to the rest of the city and a single fare is quite expensive.
Getting around
Some bridges and tunnels have tolls.
A few bridges and the main tunnels that carry traffic through Brisbane can cost money, fortunately there are signs and Google/Apple maps will tell you if your route involves these roads. Cars have a tag that is scanned, if you're hiring a car you may find extra charges at the end of your trip for passing through these roads. If you're from Australia, all of these roads have a license plate scanner and you have a few days to head to the Linkt website and pay the fare.
Getting around
Parking is STRICT.
Parking on the sides of roads in the city means being prepared to follow the rules. Certain hours there are lanes that will be dedicated to bus use only, make sure you don't get caught with your car there.