Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is a big city located on the Brisbane River. In the South Bank area, you’ll find cultural spots like the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, known for their interactive exhibits. The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, one of Australia’s top contemporary art museums, is also nearby. Mt. Coot-tha, with the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, overlooks the city. Ferries travel along the river, passing modern skyscrapers and the restored 1920s City Hall. The Roma Street Parkland is a subtropical garden featuring native and endangered plants. For shopping, you can visit Queen Street Mall in the city center or enjoy the restaurants and cafes on James Street in Fortitude Valley. Further along, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary lets visitors hold koalas and feed kangaroos. In Moreton Bay, North Stradbroke Island has an Aboriginal settlement, a former convict station, and shipwrecks.
places to visit in Brisbane
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is an 18-hectare wildlife park in Brisbane, known as the world’s largest and oldest koala sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, and various reptiles. Visitors can hold koalas for a fee and feed the kangaroos, with over 130 kangaroos freely roaming the area.
Story Bridge
The Story Bridge is a steel cantilever bridge across the Brisbane River, connecting the northern and southern suburbs. It is the longest of its kind in Australia and named after John Douglas Story, a notable public servant. The bridge is a major feature in the annual Riverfire display and is lit up at night.
Glass House Mountains
The Glass House Mountains are a group of thirteen hills on the Sunshine Coast that rise dramatically from the coastal plain. These hills were formed from lava cooling into rock cores of volcanoes millions of years ago. The peaks are now part of the Glass House Mountains National Park, with shallow caves created by wind erosion.
Brisbane City Hall
Brisbane City Hall is the location of the Brisbane City Council and is designed in an Italian Renaissance style. The building has hosted royal receptions, concerts, and civic events. It is a significant landmark in the city.
Newstead House
Newstead House is Brisbane’s oldest surviving house, built in 1846 on the banks of the Brisbane River. Originally a small cottage in Colonial-Georgian style, it was later expanded and now features a late Victorian design.
Wheel of Brisbane
The Wheel of Brisbane, also known as the Brisbane Eye, is a large Ferris wheel offering 360° views of the city. It has 42 air-conditioned capsules, each seating up to six adults and two children.
ANZAC Square
ANZAC Square is a war memorial located in Brisbane, dedicated to Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served in various wars. The square includes statues commemorating soldiers from the Boer War, World War I, World War II, and later conflicts like the Vietnam War and Korea.
The Giant Drop
The Giant Drop is a famous drop tower ride at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast. For 14 years, it held the record as the world’s tallest drop tower. The ride consists of vertical tracks and an eight-seat gondola where riders experience a thrilling drop.
Cathedral of St Stephen
The Cathedral of St Stephen is the Roman Catholic cathedral in Brisbane. Built in a gothic revival style, it features stunning stained glass windows that cast colorful light across the floor and walls. It serves as the seat of the archbishop of Brisbane.
Best time to visit Brisbane
The best time to visit Brisbane is from March to May when the weather is warm and pleasant. These months offer clear skies, mild temperatures, and less rainfall. It’s ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city’s attractions. Additionally, there are fewer tourists compared to peak seasons. So, it’s a great time to enjoy the city’s vibrant culture and natural beauty.
