Overlooking the Brisbane River and the City
Welcome toBrisbane
On now
Picnic Season
March - May
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Average temperatures
March - May
Min
18°
Max
26°
Plan your holiday
Things to see and do in Brisbane
Brisbane is a city centred on the outdoors. Famous for its subtropical climate and riverside lifestyle, getting out and getting active is a way of life. Kayak the Brisbane river, abseil Kangaroo Point Cliffs, take the Story Bridge Adventure Climb for sky-high city views, or cool off at Streets Beach in the CBD, Australia’s only inner-city, architect-designed beach.
Only 20 minutes from the city centre, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary. Prefer mountain vibes? Head to Mount Coot-tha only 7km from the CBD where epic hiking trails lead to panoramic views, waterfalls and wildlife spotting.
Brisbane’s also a thriving cultural hub, delivering a dose of culture at South Bank the city’s creative heart. You’ll find QAGOMA (the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art) and QPAC (Queensland Performing Arts Centre) for world-class theatre. Got curious little minds in tow? Head to the Queensland Museum for a fun family-friendly adventure.
As Queensland’s event capital, you’ll get chills and thrills as stadiums roar, stages light up, and culture thrives. Catch blockbuster sports like the NRL Magic Round and the Brisbane International, or ride in the Tour de Brisbane. Immerse in events like Bluey's World or celebrate music and culture at the Quandamooka Festival or the Woodford Folk Festival.
Ready to explore more?
Check out Brisbane’s best rooftop bars for sky-high sips and sunsets
Find the best weekend markets in Brisbane
Discover the best day trips from Brisbane
Guide to Brisbane accommodation.
Step inside a Visitor Information Centre to hear more about Brisbane’s bests from the locals who know best.
Get to know the Brisbane region
Where to eat and drink
In Brisbane, outdoor dining is a year-round sport. Start in Fortitude Valley, the city’s go-to for nightlife and live music. Stroll down Brunswick Street, where neon-lit bars, craft breweries, and gigs set the scene. Over by the river, Howard Smith Wharves offers waterfront cocktails, fresh seafood, and a killer view of the Story Bridge. For a high-end feast, James Street is where some of Brisbane’s best chefs operate buzzy restaurants, cafes and bars.
For a family-friendly street food adventure, Eat Street Northshore serves up more than 70 food stalls, themed bars, and live entertainment in colourful shipping containers by the river.
Grabbing a bite to eat before seeing a show? Wander down Fish Lane in South Bank to enjoy a buzzing hub of street art, top-notch eateries and hidden bars.
After something specific? From breakfast hotspots to cheap eats, food trucks, and the best vegan bites, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Brisbane. Whether you’re here for the culture, the food, or the outdoor adventures, you can’t help but get caught up in Brisbane’s bold, playful energy when you’re in town.
How to get to Brisbane
Getting to Brisbane is a breeze, whether you're flying, driving, or rolling in by rail. Brisbane Airport welcomes direct flights from major Australian cities and international hubs, with easy direct connections into the city via Airtrain, rideshare, or shuttle.
If you're road-tripping, the Bruce Highway links Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast and beyond, while the Pacific Motorway runs south to the Gold Coast.
Prefer a scenic route? Hop on a Queensland Rail service and enjoy the journey stress-free. However you arrive, Brisbane’s River city charm is waiting to greet you.
On now
Perfect hiking conditions
March - May
Average temperatures
March - May
Min
68°
Max
78°
What's on in Brisbane
Plan your Brisbane trip
What to know before you go
Where is Brisbane?
Brisbane lies at the centre of South East Queensland in Australia.
How to get around Brisbane?
Brisbane's public transport is serviced by the TransLink network and includes buses, ferries and trains. E-bikes and e-scooters are also available to hire across the city.
What is the climate of Brisbane?
Brisbane enjoys a subtropical climate and experiences a relatively dry and sunny climate all year round.
- During summer (December, January, February), average temperatures range from 21 - 29.8°C and the city has its highest rainfall during this time at 426.6 mm.
- In autumn (March, April, May), average temperatures range between 15 - 25°C and the city experiences low humidity and less rain.
- Through winter (June, July, August), the weather is generally dry and mild with average temperatures between 11 - 21°C.
- In spring (September, October, November), you'll find warm, sunny days with average temperatures between 15 - 25°C.
What is there to do in Brisbane?
From lush green parks and riverside walkways to rooftop bars, award-winning restaurants, and nearby islands, there's plenty to fill your itinerary. For more ideas on what to do, here are 30 of the best things to do in and around Brisbane.
Where are the best beaches near Brisbane?
From the heart of the city to the fringes of nearby Moreton Bay, and the islands that lie an easy day trip away, Brisbane offers a mix of sea and sand. Take a peek at this local guide to the best Brisbane beaches.
What to eat in Brisbane?
If you're close to South Bank, grab a bite at Fish Lane, or for more action, the bustling pedestrian boardwalk at Howard Smith Wharves is lined with restaurants and bars. In Brisbane for the weekend? Check out Eat Street Northshore, a one-of-a-kind dining experience, featuring over 70 traders including micro restaurants, themed bars and more.
If you've got a specific meal in mind, explore Brisbane's breakfast spots, cheap eats, food trucks, bars, restaurants or even the best vegan food.
Where are the best parks in Brisbane?
Brisbane offers near year-round opportunities to throw out a picnic blanket, lay down a spread, and embrace a few hours of watching the world go by. The City Botanic Gardens offer a beautiful setting for a riverside walk, and Roma Street Parkland provides 16 hectares of stunning parkland. Another favourite is New Farm Park, one of Brisbane’s oldest, grandest and largest parks.
To explore more of Brisbane's parks, here's where to find the best picnic spots.
Where to stay in Brisbane?
Whether you're on a budget, looking for a pet-friendly abode or want luxury accommodation with a spa bath, there's a comfortable spot to lay your head for every traveller. Here's your essential guide to the best accommodation in Brisbane.
What to do at night in Brisbane?
As the sun sets, you'll see a different side of Brisbane. From tasting your way around the city's best restaurants to bar-hopping, live music and sports games, here are the best things to do at night in Brisbane.
Where to shop in Brisbane?
Brisbane has become one of the hottest shopping destinations in Australia. While the city offers some of the best retail therapy money can buy including fashionable James Street, Brisbane’s inner suburbs are bustling with laneways and chic retail strips. Discover Brisbane's best shopping destinations.
What to do in Brisbane when it rains?
Although Brisbane is known for its great weather, there's a chance you might get caught in the rain. From shows at QPAC to sipping your way around breweries or finding hidden treasures at local boutiques, you won't run out of rainy-day activities. Here are the best things to do in Brisbane when it rains.
