Cultural Centers are found in many cities across Australia, such as the 'Perth Cultural Centre', 'Melbourne Cultural Centre', and so forth. Of course, Brisbane is no exception with its own Cultural Centre, located in the heart of the city and on the north side of South Bank Parklands. It's a popular place for Australians, both adults and children, to spend their holidays. For international travelers, it’s an ideal destination to experience Australian life!
Today, I will introduce you to the 3 main exhibit halls of the Brisbane Cultural Centre, including the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Queensland Museum, and Queensland Art Gallery (QAG). I hope this guide will help you understand these places better and plan your visit more conveniently!
1. Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
Let's start with the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), which showcases a variety of international artworks. With frequent exhibition updates and a location at the northernmost point of the Cultural Centre, the museum also provides several rooms for visitors to take in the views. Its unique indoor designs and comfortable spaces make it a special place, especially for art-loving travelers!
◎Address: GOMA, Stanley Place, South Brisbane, Queensland
◎Closed: On Australian national holidays; opens at 12 pm on ANZAC Day
◎Transportation: A 5-minute walk from the 'South Brisbane' train station or a 2-minute walk from the 'Cultural Centre' bus stop. (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Admission: Permanent exhibits are free
◎Official Website: GOMA
◎Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
(The indoor visiting space is spacious. You can enjoy the beautiful views of the Brisbane River and the city at the rest areas!)
(The State Library of Queensland, which is connected to the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), is more of a place for locals and is less tourist-oriented. Hence, I will not elaborate on it here, but if interested, visitors are welcome to visit!)
2. Queensland Museum
Next up is the Queensland Museum, where you can find science-related exhibitions and a wealth of information about the history and culture of Australia's indigenous peoples. Please note that this is the only paid attraction in the Cultural Centre. However, it's a great place for kids with lots of interactive spaces, making it highly recommended for family travelers!
◎Address: Queensland Museum & Sciencentre, South Brisbane, Queensland
◎Closed: On national holidays; opens at 1:30 pm on ANZAC Day
◎Transportation: A 5-minute walk from the 'South Brisbane' train station or a 2-minute walk from the 'Cultural Centre' bus stop. (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Admission: Adults: $16 | Students: $14 | Children (5-15 years): $13 | Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 2 children): $47.5
◎Official Website: Queensland Museum
◎Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
(There are many spaces suitable for children to learn in the museum, so compared to the art gallery, the proportion of families visiting here is higher.)
(Each hall has a café and restaurant. That's the Australian lifestyle! Ha!)
3. Queensland Art Gallery (QAG)
Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and the previously introduced 'Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)' are part of the same organization, but they occupy two separate buildings within the Cultural Centre. The QAG primarily focuses on showcasing two-dimensional artworks like paintings and has fewer three-dimensional exhibits. So if you prefer viewing creative paintings, this gallery should be your first stop!
◎Address: Queensland Art Gallery (QAG), Stanley Place, South Brisbane, QLD
◎Closed: On national holidays; opens at 12 pm on ANZAC Day
◎Transportation: A 5-minute walk from the 'South Brisbane' train station or a 2-minute walk from the 'Cultural Centre' bus stop. (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Admission: Permanent exhibits are free
◎Official Website: Queensland Art Gallery
◎Nearby Accommodations: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
(QAG has a merchandise area near the entrance where you can buy art-related creative products.)
(The indoor viewing space is vast, and the designs are varied. To me, the entire gallery is like a complete work of art!)
(In terms of outdoor spaces, there are plenty of areas to rest and enjoy the view at the Cultural Centre, including a bicycle path that runs through here and the famous 'South Bank Parklands'.)
That's all for the introduction to the 3 main exhibit halls of Brisbane's Cultural Centre. This is a flexible itinerary spot, where you can experience the daily life of Australian families and learn about local arts and culture. I believe it will leave a lasting impression on you!