This riverside city is home to the world's largest koala sanctuary and an inner-city beach. With 280 sunny days yearly, it's ideal for outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is Australia's third-largest city with a population of 2.6 million. This riverside metropolis is home to the world's largest koala sanctuary, the iconic Story Bridge, and the active South Bank cultural precinct. With its subtropical climate and 280 days of sunshine per year, Brisbane is ideal for outdoor adventures and riverside relaxation. You can swim at an inner-city beach, view contemporary art at QAGOMA, or take a ferry along the Brisbane River.
Explore South Bank
South Bank is Brisbane's cultural and recreational area along the river. You can stroll through 17 hectares of parklands, swim at Streets Beach (Australia's only inner-city beach), and visit several museums and galleries. The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) house an impressive collection of Australian and international art. At the Queensland Museum, you'll find natural history and cultural heritage exhibits.
Meet Koalas at Lone Pine Sanctuary
Just 12 km from the city center, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. Here you can hold a koala, hand-feed kangaroos, and see over 100 native Australian species. The sanctuary plays an important role in koala conservation and research. You'll learn about these marsupials and other unique Australian wildlife through keeper talks and interactive experiences.
Climb the Story Bridge
For panoramic views of Brisbane, take on the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. This 2.5-hour experience takes you 80 meters above the Brisbane River as you ascend the city's most recognizable landmark. At the summit, you'll enjoy 360-degree views of the city skyline, Glass House Mountains, and Moreton Bay. For a different perspective, try the twilight climb to see Brisbane's lights come alive as the sun sets.
Explore Brisbane's Food Scene
Brisbane's food scene has grown significantly in recent years, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and innovative cooking. Head to Howard Smith Wharves, a revitalized riverfront precinct, for waterside dining and craft breweries. For a taste of Brisbane's multicultural flavors, visit West End or Fortitude Valley, where you'll find everything from authentic Asian street food to modern Australian cuisine. Try local specialties like Moreton Bay bugs (a type of lobster) or macadamia nuts, which are native to Queensland.
Take a Day Trip to Moreton Island
Just a 75-minute ferry ride from Brisbane, Moreton Island is the world's third-largest sand island and a great spot for nature activities. You can go snorkeling among shipwrecks, sandboard down massive dunes, or spot dolphins and whales (in season) from the shore. The island is mostly national park, with long stretches of beach, clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. Consider staying overnight to fully experience the island's calm atmosphere and starry skies.
Navigate Brisbane's River
The Brisbane River is central to the city, and there's no better way to explore it than by CityCat ferry. These high-speed catamarans zip along the river, offering a scenic and practical way to get around. For a more leisurely experience, take a river cruise or rent a kayak to paddle at your own pace. As you travel along the river, you'll pass under historic bridges, alongside leafy suburbs, and get a unique perspective on the city's landmarks.
Discover Aboriginal Culture
The Turrbal and Jagera peoples have lived in the Brisbane area for over 60,000 years. To learn about Aboriginal culture and history, visit the Birrunga Gallery and Dining in the city center. This Indigenous-owned art gallery and restaurant displays contemporary Aboriginal art and offers bush tucker-inspired cuisine. For a deeper connection to the land, take a guided walk with an Aboriginal elder in nearby Nudgee Beach, where you'll learn about traditional plant use, bush foods, and Dreamtime stories.
