18 places of interest to discover while visiting Brisbane in one day
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While most people are torn between the iconic Sydney and the cosmopolitan Melbourne, one should definetly consider Brisbane, affectionately known as “Brissie” by Australians. Originally a sacred land for the Aboriginal people, the city was later taken over by the British—and not by pure chance. Its remote location made it the perfect place for a new colony, composed only of prisoners. When the penal colony ended in 1842, these first settlers were freed, and the rest is history. Brisbane grew and prospered, becoming a key player in Queensland’s economy. Emerging from the shadows, this Australian metropolis is now a dream destination, with endless things to do on both sides of its river. With pleasant weather all year round and a laid-back tropical vibe, it’s like a breath of fresh air. Walking, cycling, paddling, or climbing—there are plenty of ways to explore Brisbane. It won’t take long before you feel like an Australian yourself!
If there’s one thing Brisbane excels at, it’s creating perfect backdrops to remember your travels by. For these views, you don’t have to climb dizzying heights or pay a fortune. No, none of that! We’re talking about stunning views shaped by both, nature and humans
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Go ahead and admire the massive steel structure right in front of you. This is Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge. At the end of the 19th century, after the construction of the Victoria Bridge had already connected the northern and southern parts of the city, many Brisbane residents began calling for
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An unparalleled place of culture in Brisbane, St John’s Cathedral is the largest and most striking religious building you will encounter on our tour. While the foundation stone was laid in 1901, it took a staggering 108 years to complete. Throughout this period, close collaboration took place between the clergy
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While it may not blend in with the towering skyscrapers around it, the Custom House is a key part of Brisbane’s heritage. Its Victorian architecture, grand colonnades, portico, and copper dome, transports us straight back to the 19th century. At that time, this Australian city was experiencing rapid growth, prompting the government of Queensland
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As you wander through the city, you'll soon realise that getting lost in the heart of Brisbane's CBD—the Central Business District—is almost inevitable. First, it's really big. Second, all streets look quite similar, aside from a few skyscrapers. So, to find your way around, you'll have to rely entirely on street names
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St Stephen’s Cathedral stands as a remarkable and rare piece of history in Brisbane. Just like most cathedrals, its construction spanned over a century, from its first stone in 1860 to its final additions in 1980. Its large dimensions, which were highly discussed in its design phase, allowed it to accommodate the growing number of worshippers
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Contrary to what you may think, Brisbane isn’t all about skyscrapers. This Australian city has various green spaces where various plant species thrive, much to the residents’ delight. Right on the edge of the CBD stands the most popular of them all: the City Botanic Gardens. Listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, these gardens date back to 1828
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Wherever you wander in Brisbane, sooner or later, you'll find yourself in the CBD, or the central business district, – an unmissable part of your tour! Every street of this urban and economic hub has Brisbane’s culture running through it. More than 4,000 businesses, 1,000 local and international retailers, and 200 bars and restaurants
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As you stroll along the Brisbane River, we’ll tell you a bit about the city's cuisine... There are some tasty things worth knowing! Queensland’s capital is very close to the sea, meaning it has access to delicious fresh produce while also offering up the wonders of the ocean: oysters, prawns, and all kinds of fish
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Why do you think Brisbane is known as the "River City"? The answer is right beneath your feet. As the longest river in Southeast Queensland, the Brisbane River starts in the Australian Cordillera and flows 344 km westward into Moreton Bay. Given its winding path through Brisbane, it connects the city's central districts
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A perfect example of Australia’s relaxed lifestyle, South Bank Parklands is a fantastic place to explore—especially on sunny days. Which is pretty much all year round in Brissie! Located in the heart of the city, and evidently on the south bank, this site was originally developed to host the 1988 World Expo.
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So, we’ve already told you that Brisbane is Australia’s third-largest city, home to over 2.5 million people, and named after a former governor of New South Wales. These facts probably won’t help you impress your friends... But don’t worry, we’re not done yet! Before the British colonised Brisbane in the 19th century, it belonged to the Aboriginal Turrbal people
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There’s truly no better place than here to capture your visit to Australia’s third-largest city. Designed and installed in 2014 for the G20 Leaders’ Summit—the intergovernmental forum of the world’s major economies—the Brisbane sign was only meant to be here temporarily. However, due to its growing popularity among both locals and visitors
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A majestic appearance, a precious name, and a rich history, the Old Treasury Building has it all. The building was originally designed in 1886 following a competition for the construction of "new public offices" on Treasury Square. The Prime Minister, the Colonial Secretary, and the other future occupants had to wait ten years for the work to be completed
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While 2020 marked its 100th anniversary, Brisbane City Hall hasn’t turned into an old relic, but rather into an architectural icon. Located at the heart of the city it took 10 years of construction, and nearly a million pounds, to be fully completed. At the time, it was one of the most expensive buildings in the country and the second largest
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A picturesque landmark set against a modern backdrop, the Albert Street Uniting Church holds huge significance in Brisbane. Its inauguration in 1849, under the leadership of John Petrie, the city's very first mayor, marked the introduction of Methodism to the neighbourhood and beyond.
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A windmill right in the middle of the city? This may be hard to believe... But Brisbane is full of surprises! Wingless but rich in history, the Old Windmill is loved by both tourists and locals. But did you know that behind the oldest building in Queensland lies a strange and dark past?
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ANZAC Square is a place of remembrance for the whole of Brisbane and Queensland. Located at the junction of two main roads, this vast square recognises those who risked their lives by serving the nation. A series of memorials surrounds this magnificent neo-Greek mausoleum, erected in 1930.
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Discover Brisbane with app
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
18 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
No need to worry about where to begin! Our tours are designed as a loop, so you can jump in wherever you are. The navigation system and audioguide will automatically adjust to your location. However, if you happen to be nearby, we do have a preferred starting point : Victoria Bridge.
Recommended Parking
Southbank Car Park : 186 Little Stanley St
If you choose to park on the streets of Brisbane rather than in an underground car park, don’t even think about dodging the payment rules. The fines issued by officers help fund many local projects. In other words, the more people try to avoid them, the more money people spend—and the happier the city becomes.
Visit Info
During our visit, you’ll pass through the City Botanic Gardens. To avoid any last-minute surprises,know that there are specific opening and closing hours. Make sure to check them before arriving.
If the gardens happen to be closed when you arrive, you’ll need to take the following route to get back on track:
Alice Street → George Street → Main Drive.
Like any top tourist destination, Brisbane offers a range of benefits and discounts on transport through the Go Card TransLink—a great option for exploring the city at your own pace while taking advantage of special offers. As for boat transport in Brisbane, fares cost around 50 cents per trip, regardless of the destination. The City Hopper, which runs every 30 minutes and follows a route through the city center, is completely free.
Weather
Throughout the year, the average temperature in Brisbane hovers around 20°C, given its subtropical oceanic climate, with mild, dry winters and hot, rainy summers.
From May to August, temperatures reach their lowest, with minimums around 13°C. Conversely, the hottest months fall between November and March, with maximum temperatures averaging 28°C.
The rainiest months are typically January, February, and March, though Brisbane experiences significant rainfall year-round, meaning you’re never completely safe from the rain.
To make the most of your visit, August, September, November, and December are the most recommended months for planning your trip.
Currency
The currency in Australia is the Australian dollar.
Got Some Extra Time in Brisbane ?
Brisbane may be the third-largest city in Australia, but it still has plenty more surprises up its sleeve. If you’re looking for new ideas to extend your stay, here are some great experiences to enjoy once you’ve completed the main itinerary.
For Culture Lovers
The Queensland Cultural Centre is the city’s cultural heart, bringing together art, history and science in one place. It includes two art galleries : including GOMA, Australia’s largest modern and contemporary art gallery, as well as the Queensland Museum, the family-friendly Sciencentre, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane’s premier venue for live shows.
If you prefer something more alternative, head over to the Powerhouse. Formerly an industrial power station, it’s now Brisbane’s favourite creative space, with exhibitions, concerts and live performances (we’ll let you discover the rest on your own!).
Still craving some history? Then don’t miss Old Government House in the City Botanic Gardens — the very first public building in Queensland, now converted into a fascinating museum of colonial life.
Neighbourhood Vibes
Looking for something a little different? Fortitude Valley is one of the city’s most vibrant districts. A unique mix of underground and bohemian influence, it buzzes with cinemas, independent shops, live music, great food and weekend markets such as the Brunswick Street Market, where design pieces sit alongside vintage gems.
Views & Nature
Just 15 minutes from the city centre, Mount Coot-tha offers one of the best panoramic views of Brisbane. You can reach the summit on foot, by bus, or even by bike, and once at the top, the views stretch from Moreton and Stradbroke Islands to the Glass House Mountains and the ranges behind the Gold Coast. Right next to the lookout, you’ll also find the 52-hectare subtropical Botanic Gardens, with free entry — perfect if you want to keep the nature break going.
Wildlife Encounters
If you want to meet some of Australia’s most iconic animals up close, stop at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary — the largest koala reserve in the world. As well as seeing (and sometimes holding!) koalas, you can feed kangaroos, wallabies and colourful rainbow lorikeets. A great way to connect with the local wildlife.
Brisbane’s Sand Islands
Moreton Island : Just 1h15 by boat, this paradise is the third-largest sand island in the world and offers a full day of lagoon swims, beach time, shipwrecks, hiking trails, snorkelling, sandboarding and whale watching (in season).
Stradbroke Island : A must for nature lovers with its coastal walking trail and the chance to spot turtles, dolphins and even whales depending on the time of year.
Bribie Island : A popular weekend escape for locals, thanks to its national park, resident wildlife and excellent camping facilities — a perfect break only two hours from Brisbane.
Popular activities to discover
Explore Brisbane and beyond: enjoy a scenic cruise, incredible snorkeling, and access to three legendary theme parks on the Gold Coast!
Australia's third largest city behind Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane is a major city as well as being the capital of the state of Queensland. Read more
Description: As mentioned earlier in the introduction, Moreton Island is a natural gem that’s a must-visit during your stay in Brisbane. To get there, you’ll take a ferry for a scenic 75-minute cruise across the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. Once on the island, you’ll have the chance to enjoy several activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and sliding down the sand dunes. Diving in these waters is an absolute wonder. Swim among the wrecks of Tangalooma, admire turtles, rays, and all kinds of marine life. You’ll have…
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