The Most Impressive Buildings In Brisbane

Brisbane has invested a lot of time, money and energy into highlighting its cultural and artistic credentials. Nowhere is this more evident than in the city skyline, as planners and architects have worked hard to create contemporary masterpieces that sit perfectly alongside heritage buildings.

Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm

Initially built to supply electricity to the city’s tram network and some of the inner city suburbs, this brick behemoth by the river fell into disrepair after the tramway was shut down in the ’60s. For decades, it was a home for squatters and graffiti artists, until it was chosen as the site for an artistic centre and reopened in 2000. Instead of knocking down the old building, the architects chose to incorporate the crumbling red brick, steel beams and electrical equipment into the modern design. Brisbane Powerhouse is now one of the most popular destinations for theatre, musical and comedy performances, and the restaurant and riverside bar are on many foodie’s list of favourites.

Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane City

Queensland Cultural Precinct, South Brisbane

The Queensland Cultural Precinct is prominently located along the Brisbane River and is home to some of the most distinctive architecture in the city. This multi-venue centre includes The Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Queensland Art Gallery, which are exquisite examples of Brutalist-era architecture, composed of imposing concrete blocks and skirted by a peaceful water mall. The State Library of Queensland and Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, on the other hand, showcase the local flair for subtropical design. Although the spaces are large, each somehow feels intimate, and there are many surprising design touches to be discovered.

The Great Court at University of Queensland, St Lucia

A modern take on the European approach to monastery and university quadrangle design, the Great Court is a stunning, sprawling sandstone building at the centre of the University of Queensland. The façade is a unique mix of natural brown, cream, white and lavender. The sculptures hanging from the cloister walls, known as grotesques, are another unique touch, with humorous representations of the university’s prominent academics sitting alongside characters from literature and myth.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

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.