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10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Brisbane
- Terrific Year-round Weather
- Friendly Locals
- Exhilarating Nightlife
- Exciting Adventures at Kangaroo Point Cliffs
- Fashion and Style Gems at Queen Street Mall
- Beautiful City Botanic Gardens
- The Largest Koala Sanctuary in the World
- Breathtaking Scenery at Mt. Coot-Tha
- Outdoor Activities Abound
- Museum Tours for Free
- Where to Eat and Drink
- Brunch
- Felix for Goodness
- Morning After
- Billykart
- Casual Bites
- Corbett & Claude
- Nota
- Hashtag Burgers and Waffles
- Sweet Treats
- Sonder Dessert
- Lick! Ice Cream
- Veganyumm Dessert Bakehouse
- Fine Dining
- Gerard’s Bistro
- Otto Ristorante
- E’cco Bistro
- Where to Stay
- New Farm – Family-friendly Accommodations
- Spicers Balfour Hotel
- Heal House
- Edward Lodge
- Kangaroo Point – A Short Walk to Outdoor Recreational Areas
- The Point Brisbane Hotel
- The Wellington Apartment Hotel
- Il Mondo Boutique Hotel
- Fortitude Valley – Never Late to the Party
- The Calile Hotel
- Ovolo The Valley
- Amelia Boutique Hotel
- Brisbane CBD – Everything at Close Proximity
- Royal Albert Hotel
- W Brisbane
- Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane
It’s really easy to fall in love with Brisbane with a plethora of things to explore! From its rich culture, great climate, outdoor activities, to a myriad of shopping, dining, and entertainment spots – you really won’t run out of things to do!
Being the capital of Queensland and a gateway to beautiful beaches to its north and south, Brisbane really has a lot to offer!
Interested to learn more about the Queen City? Check out our top reasons why you should visit Brisbane!
1. Terrific Year-round Weather
Brisbane has one of the best climates with more than 250 sunny days in a year! If you want a break from cold weather, a visit to the Sunshine State would be perfect and you can get your much-needed vitamin D!
Brisbane has a subtropical climate and you can enjoy hot or warm weather most of the year with temperatures ranging from 15°C – 29°C (59°F – 84.2°F) on average.
Summer in Brisbane is from December to February, Autumn is from March to May, Winter is from June to August, and Spring is from September to November.
The best time to visit Brisbane would be all-year round since it’s mostly warm out and it’s within the Sunshine State, after all.
In summer, temperatures would range from 21 – 31°C (69.8 – 87.8°F) and expect some rain showers and thunderstorms.
If you like the weather to be a bit cool, visiting in winter would be great as well with temperatures ranging from 11 – 21°C (51.8 – 69.8°F).
While it would be loveliest to visit in spring if you wish to see the Jacaranda trees adorning the city with a sea of purple blooms!
2. Friendly Locals
Brisbane is a capital city that’s known to be more laid-back than other major cities in Australia, so expect locals to be generally relaxed and happy as well.
According to a survey done by Kantar Public Australia with over 2,400 residents from five cities, Brisbane has the highest quality-of-life rating at 93%.
It also topped the rating for the best city to raise a family, which is also one of the reasons why a lot of people decided to relocate to Brisbane in the last five years.
In addition, while Australians are friendly people in general, a lot of tourists attest to Brisbane locals being warm, helpful, and welcoming even towards strangers. So it’s safe to say that the overall vibe of Brissie will make you feel right at home!
3. Exhilarating Nightlife
Watch the night come alive in Brisbane with its wide array of bars and clubs – from its entertainment district, Fortitude Valley, to a variety of restaurants and bars by the river!
If you like to drink, party, and dance, then you’ll find a lot of exciting spots in Fortitude Valley, while West End serves a more alternative and artsy vibe.
For more intimate, casual drinking, Brisbane’s several laneway bars might be more up your alley! Each laneway in the city has something unique to offer, so you just might find your fave hangout spot when you make a crawl through its quirky bars and cafes.
Some of our recommendations include Death and Taxes on Burnett Lane, the oldest laneway in Brisbane that takes inspiration from Paris and London’s underground pubs. You can easily find Burnett Lane near the Queen Street Mall precinct.
Meanwhile, some must-tries on Fish Lane are The Next Episode, an NYC-inspired speakeasy, and Maker, a cocktail bar that serves unique and colorful concoctions. Fish Lane is located down at South Bank and stretches to West End.
Other Brisbane Laneways you should explore are Albert Lane in the CBD, California, Bakery, Ada, and Winn Lane in Fortitude Valley, and Eagle Lane near Eagle Street Pier.
And of course, one of the best ways to enjoy Brisbane at night is by spending the evening by the river with a fantastic view of the city skyline! You can find a colorful mixture of riverside dining and cocktails at Howard Smith Wharves and South Bank!
4. Exciting Adventures at Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Image Source: Flickr / Brisbane City Council
If you’re in the mood for adventure, you can go rock climbing at Kangaroo Point Cliffs which is suitable for all skill levels! It’s conveniently located just across the Brisbane River from the CBD.
It would be perfect to go early in the morning or in the afternoon before sunset to take in the spectacular views of Brisbane!
Kangaroo Point Cliffs is also a popular abseiling site and locals love going on picnics, walks, and runs in the area. There are lots of picnic tables and barbecue facilities so it’s a great place to take a quick breather within the city!
5. Fashion and Style Gems at Queen Street Mall
Image Source: Queen Street Mall Facebook Page
Brisbane has been growing to be a favorite shopping destination in Australia featuring a slew of luxury international brands, high-end local designers, and unique vintage finds!
In the heart of the city, you can find Queen Street Mall, the biggest pedestrian shopping mall in Queensland that houses an array of global luxury brands. This includes Louis Vuitton, Dior, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurant, among others.
Of course, you can also find popular high-end Australian brands such as Zimmermann, Aesop, and Viktoria & Woods. While there’s more international retail fashion brands available like Zara, Uniqlo, and H&M.
Meanwhile, there’s more to explore in Brisbane’s inner suburbs and laneways! You can find eclectic fashion pieces by high-end local designers, as well as quirky and vintage furniture, clothing, homeware, and other knick-knacks!
James Street in Fortitude Valley, Oxford Street in Bulimba, and Latrobe Terrace in Paddington offer unique fashion finds as well as artisan homeware and artworks!
6. Beautiful City Botanic Gardens
Brisbane’s urban landscape is abundantly surrounded by lush parklands, which make walks truly relaxing and enjoyable!
In the heart of the city with a stunning view of the river is the City Botanic Gardens where you can visit several attractions and explore its rich flora. You can join free guided tours from Tuesdays to Sundays at 11am and 1pm.
It’s also an ideal place for picnics, play, walks, outdoor activities, and recreational sports! You might even catch a concert or festival at the Riverstage!
Other beautiful parks to explore are South Bank Parklands, New Farm Park, and Davies Park, all of which boast stunning views of the river! While the Botanic Gardens at Mt. Coot-tha is also a must-visit!
7. The Largest Koala Sanctuary in the World
The world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, can be found in Brisbane!
Located just 12 kilometers from the CBD, Lone Pine gives visitors a chance to get up and close and personal with our furry friends!
The sanctuary is home to more than 100 koalas plus a diverse array of other Australian wildlife in a beautiful, natural setting.
You can catch regular shows daily, koala and kangaroo feeding, photo opportunities, plus a 360-degree crocodile viewing dome, and more!
It’s also worth noting that the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary puts the well-being of its native species at the forefront of all their efforts in wildlife conservation. They’re accredited for practicing positive animal welfare by the Zoo and Aquarium Association.
8. Breathtaking Scenery at Mt. Coot-Tha
Mt. Coot-Tha is the closest mountain from the CBD and it’s the perfect place to get a panoramic view of Brisbane along with activities that the whole family can enjoy!
Take a hike at one of its bushwalking trails, explore the botanic gardens, wander through the forest on horseback, have a picnic, or dine at the hilltop cafe and restaurant!
The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, Queensland’s largest planetarium, can also be found at the foot of Mt. Coot-Tha! See the stars and watch a show at the Cosmic Skydome and experience an astronomical journey!
Mt. Coot-Tha is just a quick 15-minute drive west from the city center, so it’s conveniently accessible via car or public transportation.
9. Outdoor Activities Abound
With Brisbane’s beautiful weather all-year round, there are lots of outdoor activities to do! From walking, hiking, cycling, climbing, and kayaking, to spending a day at the beach or camping amidst the trees, staying indoors really isn’t an option!
You don’t have to go far to be able to enjoy the outdoors as there are lots of parks around the city where you can walk, run, bike, and play recreational sports!
Meanwhile, you can also kayak on the Brisbane River, cycle your way through the city, rock climb at Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and explore Mt. Coot-Tha!
Brisbane even has a beach in the heart of the city! You can spend the day sunbathing and taking a dip at Streets Beach in South Bank, a man-made beach surrounded by lush greenery and white sand, with a stunning view of the river and cityscape!
If you wish to explore the nearby islands, you can visit Moreton Bay, Bribie Island, and North Stradbroke Island!
10. Museum Tours for Free
Brisbane is the perfect place to learn more about Queensland’s history and culture, as well as its eclectic art scene with a number of museums that you can visit for free!
To explore the city’s history, you can visit the Museum of Brisbane within the iconic Brisbane City Hall. Meanwhile, the Queensland Museum showcases the state’s natural history and cultural heritage.
Other museums that offer a glimpse of Brisbane’s history are the Brisbane Tramway Museum and the Brisbane Maritime Museum.
For art enthusiasts, you’ll enjoy visiting QAGOMA or Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) located in South Bank by the river.
Where to Eat and Drink
Brisbane is a haven for foodies with its extensive array of cuisines and unique dining experiences that will definitely satisfy your cravings! From hearty brunch meals and casual bites, to fine dining and desserts, there’s always something for every palate!
Brunch
You can find a lot of great brunch places within the CBD and the surrounding suburbs for a relaxing brunch date!
Here’s our recommendations for a heavenly and hearty brunch!
Felix for Goodness
Address: 50 Burnett Ln, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Contact: +61 7 3161 7966
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8am – 2pm
Pricing: $$
A quaint little cafe tucked away in Brisbane’s oldest laneway, Burnett Lane, Felix for Goodness surely serves up plenty of brunch goodness daily!
They offer a healthy all-day brunch menu from avocado on sourdough and frittatas, to maple pumpkin and falafels – and of course, great coffee!
Morning After
Address: Cambridge St, West End QLD 4101
Contact: [email protected] / 07 3844 0500
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 7am – 3pm
Pricing: $$
Morning After is a perfect spot to have a relaxing brunch in a bright and airy cafe on West End!
For something on the light side, we recommend a smashed avo or oats and muesli. And for something more filling, try the MaMuffin or their famous breakfast carbonara!
Billykart
Address: 2-4 Edmondstone St., West End, QLD 4101
Contact: 07 3177 9477
Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 11am – 10pm; Saturday, 8am – 10pm; Sunday, 8am – 2pm
Pricing: $$ -$$$
Billykart’s got your weekend brunch covered! You can try their Sunday brunch favorite, Turkish eggs and focaccia or Fraser Island spannercrab souffle – or better yet, why not have steak for breakfast?
Casual Bites
For quick, casual bites, you’d be spoiled for choice from burgers and pizza, to fish and chips, and much more!
Here’s our recommendations for the most scrumptious casual bites!
Corbett & Claude
Address: 283 Elizabeth St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Contact: +61 7 3130 6436
Hours: Sunday – Wednesday, 11:30am – 9:30pm; Thursday, 11:30am – 10pm; Friday & Saturday, 11:30am – 10:30pm
Pricing: $$
Corbett & Claude is one of Brisbane’s most popular go-to restaurants especially if you’re craving for pizza!
We recommend trying out their C & C Specials – The Farmer and The Forager, and scarf them down with craft beer or one of their signature cocktails!
They also have branches in Mt. Gravatt and Everton Park.
Nota
Address: 224 Given Terrace, Paddington QLD 4064
Contact: +61 7 3217 6116
Hours: Tuesday, 6pm – 10:30pm; Wednesday, 4pm – 10:30pm; Thursday – Saturday, 12pm – 10:30pm
Pricing: $$ – $$$
One of the most raved restaurants in Paddington, Nota is definitely a must-try after your art gallery jaunt or antique shopping in the area.
We recommend ordering their Fraser Isle spanner crab pasta or taking part in the Chef’s Feast, good for the whole table!
Hashtag Burgers and Waffles
Address: Shop 3, 477 Brunswick Street Fortitude Valley, Queensland 4006
Contact: [email protected] / (07) 3569 5805
Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 11am – 10pm; Friday & Saturday, 11am – 11pm
Pricing: $$
There are plenty of burger joints in Brisbane, but one of the best would be Hashtag Burgers and Waffles! We love that they only use the freshest ingredients with organic produce and ethically-raised cattle.
They offer a not-so-typical burger menu along with drinks and desserts that you won’t find anywhere else! We recommend the Mack Me Daddy or Lucky Chicken, but honestly, anything on the menu is worth the try and won’t disappoint!
Sweet Treats
Of course, there’s always room for dessert! Satisfy your sweet tooth with some of our best dessert recommendations!
Sonder Dessert
Address: 7C Farne St, Sunnybank Hills QLD 4109
Contact: https://www.sonderdessert.com/same-day-order#/store/2005846
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 1pm – 9pm
Pricing: $$
Tasting a piece of a Sonder Dessert confection gives you a little taste of contemporary and vibrant Tokyo!
They offer a wide selection of desserts such as matcha parfaits, warabi mochi, purin cheesecake, matcha creme brulee, and more! Their Japanese teas are also a must-try together with one of their unique delicacies!
Lick! Ice Cream
Address: 107 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington QLD 4064
Contact: +61 472 739 637
Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 12:30pm – 9pm; Friday, 12:30pm – 10:30pm; Saturday, 10:30am – 10:30pm
Pricing: $$
A perfect treat especially on hot days – we just love to indulge in Lick! Ice Cream’s colorful array of flavors! They make their scoops using all-natural ingredients and you can also have an ice cream cake customized for special occasions!
They have 24 signature flavors available, while there’s always a special surprise addition every two weeks to match the season!
Veganyumm Dessert Bakehouse
Address: 487 S Pine Rd, Everton Park Qld 4053
Contact: +61 7 3355 6329
Hours: Monday & Tuesday, 8am – 9pm; Wednesday – Saturday, 8am – 10pm; Sunday, 8am – 8pm
Pricing: $$
Of course, the first and only all-vegan dessert bar in Brisbane deserves the spotlight with their exciting assortment of goodies that’s dairy and egg-free!
Have a cupcake or take home an entire box, take a bite from their brownie slab, or bring a Funfetti Cake Bar to a party!
It’s also great that they have gluten-free treats available and can accommodate other dietary needs.
Fine Dining
Looking for a fancy dinner date place? Reserve a table at these award-winning restaurants for a unique and memorable culinary experience!
Gerard’s Bistro
Address: 14/15 James St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Contact: +61 7 3852 3822
Hours: Monday – Thursday & Saturday, 6pm – 12am; Friday, 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am
Pricing: $$$
Definitely one of the best restaurants in Brisbane, Gerard’s Bistro offers a unique fusion of Middle Eastern and Maghreb cuisine. We love having their meals with a glass of wine from their exquisitely curated collection!
We also recommend ordering from their set menu that serves three to four courses of beautifully prepared Middle Eastern dishes.
Otto Ristorante
Address: Shop 1, River Quay, Sidon St, QLD 4101
Contact: +61 7 3835 2888
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 8:45pm
Pricing: $$$
Otto Ristorante is one of our go-to places if we want a dining experience that has a stunning view of the Brisbane River! Located on South Bank, you’ll get to enjoy a modern Italian cuisine headed by Chef Will Cowper.
You can order from their Otto Ristorante or Osteria menu. The former offers an a la carte selection serving up the classics from freshly made pasta and locally sourced seafood, while the latter features a casual Northern Italian-inspired menu.
E’cco Bistro
Address: Shop 8/63 Skyring Terrace, Newstead QLD 4006
Contact: +61 7 3831 8344
Hours: Wednesday & Thursday, 6pm – 10:30pm; Friday & Saturday, 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 10:30pm
Pricing: $$ – $$$
If you want to get a taste of classic modern Australian cuisine, then you should reserve a table at E’cco Bistro! Headed by one of Australia’s leading chefs, Philip Johnson, this multi-awarded restaurant definitely shouldn’t be missed!
We recommend trying their a la carte menu from Wednesdays to Saturdays featuring ingredients that are locally supplied and produced.
Where to Stay
Deciding on where to stay would depend on what your travel priorities are as there’s just a lot of options at different areas in Brisbane!
New Farm – Family-friendly Accommodations
If you’re traveling with family and want a place with peaceful surroundings, then you should book a place in New Farm!
Here are some of the best places to stay in New Farm:
Spicers Balfour Hotel
Address: 37 Balfour Street, New Farm, Brisbane, QLD 4005
Contact: [email protected] / 1300 597 540
Pricing: $$$
Just 3 kilometers from the Brisbane CBD, Spicers Balfour Hotel offers the elegance and comfort of traditional Queenslander architecture. It’s a perfect accommodation for families or couples who want to stay in the quieter side of the city.
We also love that they make sustainability a priority in daily operations which includes serving ethically sourced food at Balfour Kitchen & Bar.
Heal House
Address: 72 Heal St, New Farm QLD 4005
Contact: [email protected] / 07 3358 3350
Pricing: $ – $$
Situated in the heart of New Farm and just a short walk from the Brisbane Powerhouse, Heal House warmly welcomes you to another classic Queenslander home!
We love its luxuriously cozy atmosphere with great attention to detail and a hearty breakfast served in the breakfast room or veranda daily.
It’s also conveniently located within walking distance to the dining precincts in New Farm, Fortitude Valley, Howard Smith Wharves, and the CBD.
Edward Lodge
Address: 75 Sydney Street, New Farm Brisbane QLD 4005
Contact: [email protected] / 07 33582680
Pricing: $
Edward Lodge is one of the best boutique hotels near the Brisbane CBD and is popularly referred to as the city’s “Little Italy.”
You can start the day with their complimentary continental breakfast served daily at their lush and airy breakfast room.
Kangaroo Point – A Short Walk to Outdoor Recreational Areas
If you always want to stay active, then it’s great to find a place in Kangaroo Point as there’s an outdoor recreational area nearby where you can walk, run, cycle, and climb!
Here are some of the best places to stay in Kangaroo Point:
The Point Brisbane Hotel
Address: 21 Lambert Street, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane QLD 4169
Contact: [email protected] / 1800 088 388 / +61 7 3240 0888
Pricing: $$ – $$$
The Point is great for those traveling for both business and leisure, and those who would especially love being close to areas where they can stay active!
The hotel is just a 10-minute walk to Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park and if you just want to stay in, you can take a dip or relax by the pool, or better yet, squeeze in a workout at the gym!
But the best part would be the amazing views! You can catch the best Brisbane sunsets from Kangaroo Point and it’s great that you can enjoy the best views from your room or while having a drink at their rooftop bar!
The Wellington Apartment Hotel
Address: 192 Wellington Road Kangaroo Point, Brisbane QLD 4169
Contact: [email protected] / (07) 3891 1988
Pricing: $
The Wellington Apartment Hotel is one of the best serviced apartments in Brisbane which is ideal for those who are looking for budget-friendly long-term stays.
This is also great for those who are bringing their vehicles as they offer free parking. Kangaroo Point Cliffs is just a 12-minute walk away and there’s also Raymond Park nearby that has exercise facilities and a playground for kids!
Il Mondo Boutique Hotel
Address: 25-35 Rotherham Street, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169
Contact: [email protected] / 07 3392 0111
Pricing: $$
Il Mondo Boutique Hotel is centrally located in Kangaroo Point near parks, restaurants, and spectacular views!
You can take a short walk to CT White Park which is a popular walking or cycling route in the area with a view of the river and a nice playground that kids would enjoy!
Il Mondo also has a pool, free parking, and our favorite – bikes that guests can use for free!
Fortitude Valley – Never Late to the Party
If you want to stay close to where the party’s at, then you should stay at one of the best hotels in Fortitude Valley!
Here are some of the best places to stay in Fortitude Valley:
The Calile Hotel
Address: 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006
Contact: [email protected] / +617 3607 5888
Pricing: $$$
Probably the chicest hotel in Brisbane, The Calile Hotel is the place to be in Fortitude Valley!
It’s a place where you can hang out during the day for some drinks or unwind at their very own Kailo Day Spa. And it’s a pretty convenient accommodation for those who like to party at The Valley!
The hotel design encapsulates the whole vibe of Brisbane’s lifestyle mecca, James Street – the ultimate place to shop, dine, and party in a glamorous yet effortless fashion!
Ovolo The Valley
Address: 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Contact: (07) 3253 6999
Pricing: $$ – $$$
Ovolo The Valley is one of Brisbane’s best luxury boutique hotels, and if you want to stay within the city’s entertainment precinct, then this is a perfect choice!
We love that they have a bunch of perks such as continental breakfast, in-room mini bar, 24-hour gym, social hour, a free loot bag, and more!
Ovolo also has its own cocktail bar, Kazba, inspired by the vibrant Tel Aviv nightlife, as well as Za Za Ta, one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Queensland!
Amelia Boutique Hotel
Address: 33 Amelia Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Contact: [email protected] / 07 3252-5555
Pricing: $
For a more budget-friendly accommodation in The Valley, we recommend Amelia Boutique Hotel!
This place is best for those looking for a comfortable and affordable stay after partying all night.
It has all the essentials such as 24-hour check-in, cafe and bar, free wi-fi, smart TV, and private parking for $30 a day. It’s not bad at all for an accommodation that’s less than $200 a night!
Brisbane CBD – Everything at Close Proximity
Of course, the Brisbane CBD has everything at close proximity, from restaurants and shopping centers, to museums and city parks!
Here are some of the best places to stay in the Brisbane CBD:
Royal Albert Hotel
Address: 167 Albert Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Contact: [email protected] / 07 3291 8888
Pricing: $ – $$
The Royal Albert Hotel is set in a historic building that’s been standing for over 100 years!
If you want to experience Brisbane at its heart and soul, you’d feel the pulse of the city through the building’s deep history and classic architecture and interiors.
Its close proximity to everything Brisbane has to offer would truly make the trip and the stay worthwhile.
The rooms are incredibly spacious and their rates are pretty affordable, too!
W Brisbane
Address: 81 North Quay, Brisbane, QLD 4000
Contact: +61 7-35568888
Pricing: $$$
If you’re looking for a 5-star hotel in the CBD, W Brisbane will give you that Sunshine State of mind in a stylish and luxurious fashion along with the best views of the river!
You wouldn’t want to leave this hotel as it has everything you want and more! It really gives you the W with spacious and elegantly chic suites, ultimate pampering sessions at AWAY® Spa, and delectable dining at Three Blue Ducks.
The Living Room Bar serves some creative cocktails, while the WET® Deck by the pool is where the party’s at, where you can also soak in spectacular views of the city!
Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane
Address: 171 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Contact: +61 7 3155 1000
Pricing: $$ – $$$
Adina Apartment Hotel is another heritage-listed building restored anew with a classic and contemporary design situated in the heart of Brisbane.
Its central location, gorgeous interiors, breathtaking river views, full-kitchen apartments, pool, and gym make it one of the best places to stay in the CBD!
