Must-Visit Attractions In Brisbane Australia

Brisbane might not have the wow factor of Sydney or the edginess of Melbourne, but Australia’s third largest city still has plenty going for it. From the nation’s only man-made inner-city beach to some of the nation’s best cultural institutions, with thriving food and craft beer scenes to boot, Brisbane is packed with enough attractions to keep visitors on their toes.

One of the best things about visiting Brisbane is the density of attractions in the city’s heart, which makes sightseeing a cinch, particularly if you’re short on time, and love to explore new cities on foot. Here are six standouts within walking distance from the city centre.

1. South Bank Parklands Cultural Precinct

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

South Bank Parklands, Downtown Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Hugging the southern bank of the Brisbane River, South Bank is Brisbane’s favourite urban playground, with lush green spaces, Australia’s only man-made inner-city beach (Streets Beach), oodles of eateries and river views galore. There are also several walks and cycleways in the Parklands, including the lush Rainforest Walk located in its heart, and the riverside Clem Jones Promenade spanning the length of the Parklands.

2. Queensland Cultural Centre

Museum

Just north of South Bank, the Queensland Cultural Centre encompasses a cluster of the city’s top cultural institutions including the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), the Queensland Museum and the State Library of Brisbane. Spend a morning exploring the museum and galleries before catching an afternoon performance at QPAC, with South Bank’s restaurants offering plenty of lunch options.

4. Story Bridge and Howard Smith Wharves

Bridge

It might not be as dramatic at Sydney Harbour Bridge, but the heritage-listed bridge connecting Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point is a Brisbane landmark, best admired at night when the bridge is lit up for special occasions. You can also opt to climb the southern half of the structure, 80m (262ft) above the Brisbane River. Tucked beneath the northern end of the bridge, Howard Smith Wharves is Brisbane’s newest lifestyle and entertainment precinct, with nearly a dozen eateries and bars to choose from within its revived wharf buildings. It’s also the jumping-off point for the Riverwalk, an 870m-long (1/2mi) elevated boardwalk connecting the wharves to the suburb of New Farm.

5. City Botanic Gardens and Government House

Park

Australia, Queensland, Brisbane, Central business, District, CBD, City Botanic Gardens, skyline, skyscrapers, buildings, trees, student students educa

Take a stroll through Brisbane’s original riverside botanic gardens with its bamboo grove and ornamental ponds to Old Government House on Gardens Point Road. Built in 1862 as a residence for Sir George Bowen, Queensland’s first governor, Brisbane’s most important heritage building was restored in 2009, and offers free podcast tours led by the ghost of Governor Musgrave, who died in the house in 1888.

6. Brisbane Powerhouse

Building, Art Gallery, Market, Park, Theater

Housed in a formerly derelict New Farm power station dating from the 1920s, Brisbane Powerhouse is an edgy arts and cultural hub that hosts a range of events including art exhibitions, theatre, live music and comedy. Take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about the history of the building, the innards of which are plastered in graffiti art created when underground artists and homeless inhabited the building from the 1970s until the turn of the 21st century.

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.