14 Reasons Everyone Should Visit Brisbane At Least Once
It’s a lively subtropical paradise with thriving food, coffee, music and arts scenes – all just an hour’s drive away from the world’s best beaches on the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. That’s a good enough argument for why every human on this earth should visit beautiful Brisbane at least once. But if you need more convincing, here are 14 more reasons to motivate you to pack your bags for the pride of the sunshine state.
Koalas
The trees in Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary are home to 130 koalas, and some are willing to hop off the branches on onto your shoulder for a photo for a small fee.
Dolphins
For an aquatic animal encounter, catch the barge to Moreton Island to hand feed the wild dolphins.
Sand Dunes
While you’re there, make sure to take a toboggan ride down Moreton Island’s sand dunes – they’re the third largest in the world!
The City
In just one afternoon at South Bank Parklands, you could swim in man-made beach, wander through the rainforest, catch a movie, enjoy a meal, browse market stalls, and more – all without leaving the inner city.
History
Head right the edge of South Bank to discover The Queensland Maritime Museum, where you can take a tour of the historic warship HMAS Diamantina.
Culture
At the other end of the parklands you’ll discover a cluster of culture, as the State Library of Queensland, the Conservatorium of Music, the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre are all within a stone’s throw of each other.
Alternative Culture
For more of the best in local culture, head to the grungy Brisbane Powerhouse to enjoy free stand-up comedy on Friday nights and free music on Sunday afternoons.
Beaches
If you need to escape the hustle and bustle, beachfront camping is just a short ferry ride away at beautiful North Stradbroke Island.
Food
There are quirky cafes and restaurants in every suburb, such as The Cheese Pleaser, an inner city spot that specialises in artisanal toasted cheese sandwiches.
More food
But to be spoilt for choice, head to Eat Street Markets in Hamilton, where over 180 of the city’s best cooks and chefs sell their wares from stylishly-upcycled shipping containers.
A cold one or two
Enjoy a tinny or two of the state’s most famous lager on a XXXX Brewery tour, and then compare it with the liquid gold being poured at the countless craft breweries around town, such as Newstead Brewing Co, Green Beacon Brewing, Aether, Bacchus Brewing Co, Brews Brothers and so many, many more.
Pretty gardens
If your itinerary doesn’t allow for a trip to the North Queensland, you can still enjoy a steamy rainforest experience at the Tropical Dome at Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens.
Amazing views
Before heading back to the city, take the windy road up to the top of Mt Coot-tha for stunning panoramic views.
A bar with a view
The views from the city are fabulous too, and best enjoyed from one of the many iconic rooftop bars. Enjoy elegance at Sazerac or Elixir, then head to Limes, Up on Constance or Dandy’s for some fun.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.