Overview
Queensland’s riverside capital city continues to boom. The city’s most famous resident, the Brisbane River, winds its way through the city centre. Dividing Brisbane into two parts, the region may well best be navigated by its proximity to this watery stretch.
Courtesy of its 300 days of sunshine on average, and year-round warm climate, Queenslander’s favour being outside where possible. The population regularly descends on the bevy of open-air markets strewn throughout town, including the Brisbane City Markets in Radcliffe Place, and public green spaces like the recently redeveloped Roma Street Parkland and New Farm Park, where picnics are popular. Up for an urban adventure? The River City offers no end of adventure experiences to get your heart racing. Tackle the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, Riverlife Adventure Centre or Brisbane by Bicycle, or take a wander of Brisbane City Botanical Gardens, or a city skyline swim at Streets Beach in South Bank. Creativity equally abounds across town. The suburbs of South Bank, West End and Fortitude Valley are well-documented for their nightlife, live music scene and galleries galore.
Whether you’re a self-confessed foodie or just eager to satisfy hunger pangs, there’s always an outstanding eatery to visit. The gastronomic offerings of the Sunshine State are now well and truly on par with celebrated larger cousins Sydney and Melbourne. Outdoor dining precincts in particular are flourishing – luxe Valley resident James Street and ever-popular Howard Smith Wharves, where two hotels and waterside cluster of restaurants collide, are two must-visits. Beer enthusiasts will be delighted to hear there’s no shortage of independent breweries worth a sampling session in a city that has become widely renowned as Australia’s home of craft brewing — you’ll find them scattered from the city centre to Brisbane’s outer suburbs.
The riverside precinct of South Bank is home to some of Brisbane’s best recognised cultural offerings. Leading gallery duo QAGOMA sits clustered with theatrical hub QPAC and the family-friendly Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, home to SparkLab, an interactive science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) space. Drive just 20 minutes south-west of the city and you’ll find Lone Pine, the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary. It’s here you can get up close and personal with the 130-strong population of national icons. Make the most of the consistent sunny days Brisbane has to offer by exploring the city’s natural wonder with a trip to Mount Coot-tha. It’s here you’ll find the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium and a network of walking tracks through the national park, as well as the best view of the city skyline from the accompanying lookout.
Climate
-
Summer
Dec—Feb29°C Avg. High20°C Avg. Low -
Winter
Jun—Aug21°C Avg. High11°C Avg. Low
Tips & Suggestions
- Take a day trip to Moreton Island and go sandboarding on the sand dunes, swim with dolphins, or explore the Tangalooma Wrecks.
- Brisbane has a subtropical climate with warm to hot summers and mild winters. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are generally considered the best times to visit, as the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
- Take a CityCat ferry ride along the Brisbane River for a scenic and relaxing way to see the city. The ferries offer a unique perspective of the skyline and key landmarks.
- Discover local markets such as the South Bank Collective Markets, Davies Park Market, and Eat Street Northshore. These markets showcase a variety of food, arts, and crafts.
- Utilise Brisbane’s efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and ferries. Consider purchasing a Go Card for convenient and cost-effective travel.