Situated close to the tourist hotspot, the Gold Coast, Brisbane serves as the capital of Queensland, Australia's third-largest city, and an inevitable stop for many tourists.
Besides its wealth of cuisine and activities, Brisbane certainly boasts many worthwhile attractions. Today, we'll introduce the top 10 recommended spots in Brisbane, complete with a map to assist you in planning your itinerary.
1. Queen Street Mall
"Shopping" is an essential part of many tourists' trips, and Queen Street is the most bustling shopping paradise in all of Brisbane. Major department stores, duty-free shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants are all concentrated here, where you can buy many "Australian souvenirs" and taste a variety of delicacies. Its convenient facilities make it a popular spot for many visitors to stay, making it an unmissable attraction!
◎Address: Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
◎Transportation: Take the train to "Central" station and walk for about 5 minutes, or take the bus to "Queen Street" station. (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Recommended itinerary: Queen Street tour
◎Travelogue: Brisbane Queen Street
◎Nearby accommodation: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
(Queen Street Mall occasionally features street performances)
2. Lone Pine Sanctuary
How could you come to Australia and not see koalas or kangaroos? Lone Pine Sanctuary is Brisbane's most famous zoo, housing approximately 100 species native to Australia. With honors like being one of the "Top 10 Zoos in the World" and the "World's Largest Koala Sanctuary," it's definitely worth a visit!
◎Address: 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, Brisbane
◎Admission: Adults $49; Children $35; Family $145
◎Transportation: Take the train to Toowong station, then switch to bus number 445 and get off in front of the zoo. (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Money-saving tips: Lone Pine Discount Ticket 1 | Lone Pine Discount Ticket 2
◎Official website: Lone Pine Sanctuary
◎Travelogue: Lone Pine Sanctuary
◎Nearby accommodation: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
(At Lone Pine Sanctuary, you can get up close with many Australian animals)
3. Moreton Island
One of the distinguishing factors of Brisbane from other Australian cities is the presence of numerous large and small islands in its surroundings. Moreton Island is one of the most famous, and the third-largest sand island in the world. Here, you can experience snorkeling, kayaking, sandboarding, and dolphin feeding, making it a highly popular travel destination among Australians!
◎Address: Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia
◎Transportation: You need to take a ferry from Brisbane. For more details, refer to "Moreton Island Travelogue." (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Money-saving tips: Moreton Island One Day Tour | Moreton Island Two Day Tour | Resort One Day Tour
◎Travelogue: Brisbane Moreton Island
◎Nearby accommodation: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
(Moreton Island truly gives you a vacation vibe!)
4. South Bank Parklands
If you're looking for attractions within Brisbane city, you can't miss "South Bank Parklands." Originally the venue for the 1988 World Expo, it was subsequently transformed into a space for everyone to enjoy BBQ, picnics, and rides on the Ferris wheel. Its most significant feature is a free "artificial beach" within the park, allowing you to enjoy the city view while playing in the water. What's not to love for tourists?
◎Address: South Bank Parklands, South Brisbane QLD
◎Transportation: Take the train to "South Brisbane" station and walk for about 4 minutes. (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Official website: South Bank Parklands
◎Travelogue: Brisbane South Bank Parklands
◎Nearby accommodation: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
5. Story Bridge
Did you know? Only three bridges in the world offer climbing experiences, and they all happen to be in the southern hemisphere: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Auckland Harbour Bridge in New Zealand, and Brisbane's Story Bridge. It offers panoramic views of Brisbane city and riverside scenery. If you visit at the end of September, you'll also see the "Brisbane Festival" fireworks show, as spectacular as any New Year's Eve celebration!
◎Address: Story Bridge, State Route 15, New Farm QLD
◎Fees: Free to visit; bridge climbing costs around AUD 80-120, varying with date and time.
◎Transportation: Take the train to Fortitude Valley and walk for about 10 minutes. (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Recommended itinerary: Story Bridge Climb
◎Official website: Story Bridge
◎Travelogue: Brisbane Story Bridge
◎Nearby accommodation: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
6. Mount Coot-Tha
If you're looking to capture the scenic views of Brisbane, Mount Coot-Tha Lookout is the perfect spot. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Moreton Bay. Apart from the breathtaking views, there are also restaurants and cafes where you can unwind. For the more adventurous, you can explore the mountain trails of Mount Coot-Tha and enjoy the lush forest scenery. A perfect spot to relax!
◎Address: 1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Brisbane Lookout, Mt Coot-tha
◎Transportation: Take bus number 471 from King George Square in the city center and get off at the terminal station. ※Note: The last bus leaves between 4-5 PM. If you wish to enjoy the night view, you'll need to drive! (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Official website: Mt. Coot-Tha Lookout
◎Travelogue: Mount Coot-Tha, Brisbane
◎Nearby accommodation: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
7. North Stradbroke Island
Compared to Moreton Island mentioned above, North Stradbroke Island is the second largest sand island in the world and is more easily accessible. Just a three-hour journey from the city center of Brisbane by public transport will take you to this paradise. Enjoy the pristine waters and beautiful scenery, take in the sunset, and if you're lucky, you might even see wild dolphins, kangaroos, and koalas!
◎Address: North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia
◎Transportation: Take a train from Brisbane city center to "Cleveland" station, transfer to bus number 258 to Cleveland Port, and then take a ferry. (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Official website: North Stradbroke Island
◎Travelogue: North Stradbroke Island
◎Nearby accommodation: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
(North Gorge Point Lookout is one of the must-see sights on the island.)
8. Brisbane City Hall
Located in King George Square, Brisbane City Hall is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Brisbane. Besides taking photos outside, visitors can also visit the Museum of Brisbane inside. You can also take a free tour of the old Clock Tower to overlook the square's beautiful view. Don't miss out!
◎Address: 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
◎Transportation: Take a train to "Central" station and walk for about 8 minutes, or take a bus to "King George Square". (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Official website: Brisbane City Hall
◎Travelogue: Brisbane City Hall
◎Nearby accommodation: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
(The Brisbane City Hall offers a unique atmosphere at night.)
9. Cultural Centre
Located in Brisbane city, the Cultural Centre comprises the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Queensland Museum & Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery (QAG). These museums regularly exhibit world-class works and are recommended for those interested in art and science!
◎Address: Cultural Centre, South Brisbane, Queensland
◎Admission: Permanent exhibits are free; special exhibits are subject to official announcement.
◎Transportation: Take a train to "South Brisbane" station and walk for about 5 minutes, or take a bus to "Cultural Centre" and walk for about 2 minutes. (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Travelogue: Brisbane Cultural Centre
◎Nearby accommodation: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
10. University of Queensland
Although it may not be a typical tourist spot, the University of Queensland boasts beautiful architecture and campus surroundings. It's not far from the city center. During the Jacaranda blossom season (around October), the purple flowers bloom throughout the campus, making it a popular spot for photos. Photography enthusiasts should definitely pay a visit!
◎Address: The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland
◎Transportation: Take bus number 66 from Brisbane city center to University QLD Lakes Station. (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Nearby accommodation: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
Brisbane Attractions Map
Lastly, I've compiled the top 10 recommended attractions and other sights in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast in this Google map. The map contains basic travel information. Feel free to toggle between layers and don't forget to save and share the map.
Link: Brisbane Attractions Map
Above are the recommended attractions in Brisbane. There are many more worth visiting, like Chinatown (Fortitude Valley), Eat Street Northshore, ANZAC Square, Roma Street Parkland, and City Botanic Gardens. If you have more time, be sure to check them out.
Additionally, tourists visiting Brisbane often take trips to Sunshine Coast, Noosa or Fraser Island. But as they're quite far from the city center, they're not included in this article. Readers interested can check out other travelogues for more information.