The solo traveller’s guide to Brisbane

Australia’s third-largest city isn’t just a melting pot of cultures, but a melting pot of adventures waiting to be found. If Brisbane’s laid-back charm doesn’t win you over immediately, just wait until you discover the ancient national parks, golden beaches and paradisiacal islands on its doorstep. 

Whether you’re here for a working holiday, to kick off a backpacking adventure, or seek a little ‘me time’ – this solo traveller’s guide to Brisbane will take you to the city’s best sights and bites, and get you off the beaten path too.

Things to do

Sightsee from city vantage points

Local life here wraps around the river, so the best way to see the city is to do as Brisbanites do: hit the walking and cycling paths that stretch along the sparkling riverfront, from South Bank Parklands to City Botanic Gardens. This is a very walkable city, but if you prefer exploring on two-wheels you can rent bikes or electric scooters found across the city. Or hop on the CityCat and spend a day on the water.

For the best city panoramas, make your way to Mount Coot-tha, Wilson Outlook Reserve, or Kangaroo Point – even better with a sunset picnic. See it from heights on the heart-racing Story Bridge Adventure Climb, or rock-climb and abseil for views at Riverlife Adventure Centre.

You can also learn the city’s history as you wander with Brisbane Greeters on free walking tours in a range of city neighbourhoods.

Help protect our local wildlife

Meet friendly faces at the world’s largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine. It’s home to over 100 rescued koalas, among 70 other Aussie animal species: feed the kangaroos and wild lorikeets, watch koalas slowly go about their day, get a taste of Aussie outback life, and unwind with a coffee in the Koala Forest. Located just outside the city, solo travellers often prefer to arrive by scenic river cruise from South Bank.

Not only is your entrance fee going to a good cause, you can also choose to sponsor an animal to help their care and recovery, and support the sanctuary's three eucalyptus plantations.

Soak up culture

Solo travel offers plenty of opportunity to explore galleries and museums at your own pace, and you’ll find the city’s best in South Bank, including Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art – both offer a range of free and ticketed exhibitions. Catch live music, musicals, ballets and symphony orchestra performances at QPAC, or take in some free laughs at Brisbane Powerhouse’s Knockoff on a Friday stand-up comedy.

While you're in the city, call in at Birrunga Gallery - Brisbane's only Indigenous owned, Indigenous art gallery. Wander the exhibitions, take an art class, or grab a coffee and browse the local art available to buy. 

Hit the beach

It might be called The River City, but there’s plenty of opportunity to hit the beach – with one spectacular spot even right in the centre of town. A short drive away you’ll find your pick of beaches for swimming, surfing and snorkelling, while the famous sands of the Gold Coast can be accessed by train from Brisbane city.

Keen surfers should hop on the ferry to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) to surf the breaks at Cylinder Beach and Main Beach. 

Get in touch with nature

Lace up your sneakers and you’ll see a new side to Brisbane. There’s summit hiking trails right in the city, but if you have time it’s well worth checking out these hikes and national parks found close by.  

Shop local

The best souvenir is one you’ve bought from a local artist or designer. Check out this Brisbane shopping guide to find bustling Queen Street Mall and hidden laneways, high-street fashion on James Street, quirky art and fashion in West End and vintage boutiques and antique treasures in Paddington. 

Pick up locally made goods and local produce at weekly farmers markets around the city. 

Where to eat and drink

Brisbane’s café culture is thriving, and if you’re craving a good cuppa you can’t go wrong at any of these spots. For a breakfast that nods to local flavours and on-trend dishes, sit down at crowd-favourites like Nodo, Morning After, Anouk and Corner Store Café.  

Markets are great to explore if you’re flying solo. Stop in at Brisbane City Markets on Wednesdays for fresh produce and affordable lunchables, feast on international flavours at Eat Street (open Friday – Sunday, you can get the CityCat ferry here from the city), or bustling Jan Powers Markets in New Farm Park each Saturday.

To taste Brisbane on your plate, be sure to visit at least one of the city’s best restaurants, and stop by Birrunga Gallery and Dining to check out incredible Indigenous art and sample a First Nations inspired menu – then head out with new friends to dining precincts Howard Smith Wharves, Fish Lane, Fortitude Valley and West End. Raise your glass in some classic Queensland pubs like Breakfast Creek Hotel or The Regatta; or if you prefer to rub shoulders with the River City’s nightlife, head to a sun-drenched rooftop bar, neighbourhood craft brewery or catch some live music.

Solo day trips from Brisbane

Rent a car and the Brisbane region is your oyster: the best day trips are just a short drive away, from world-heritage Gondwana rainforest in Lamington National Park, to farm stands, vineyards and lavender fields of the Scenic Rim, or hiking trails in Glass House Mountains. 

In fact, if you’re looking for oysters set your GPS for Manly, where you can stroll through weekend markets and along the foreshore, before tucking into seafood at Shucks Bar.

But the must-do day trip from Brisbane? One of the world’s largest sand islands – and you don’t even need a car. Jump on the Micat ferry to Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) and you’ll get front row views of the pristine bay area as you sail. Turquoise waters teeming with dolphins and fish, snorkelling The Wrecks, surfing the sand dunes and ATV adventures are waiting. If you have time up your sleeve, turn your island escape into an overnighter and stay at Tangalooma Island Resort. You can also take all the planning out of your hands and jump on a day trip to the island with River to Bay.

Where to stay

Brisbane offers a range of accommodation options for solo travellers to suit every budget and travel style. If you’re looking to bunk down and make new friends at a hostel, most backpacker hostels can be found close to Roma St Station, like Brisbane City YHA, or Nomads in the CBD.

For centrally-located hotels on a budget, try Park Regis North Quay, Toowong Inn & Suites, iBis Styles and Meriton Suites.

Want to splash out on luxury accommodation that’ll let you cool off in between sightseeing? Emporium South Bank’s infinity pool is one you’ll write home about, while you can bliss out under the Story Bridge at Crystalbrook Vincent, sip and swim at inner-city W Brisbane, or relax at resort-oasis The Calile. If you prefer accommodation with a neighbourhood vibe, Spicers Balfour in leafy New Farm is close to plenty of great restaurants, and a short taxi, rideshare or bus into the heart of the city. 

When to visit

Brisbane’s mild winters and warm summers make it a bustling city year-round. So why not time your visit with an event? Footy fans should mark their calendars for NRL Magic Round Brisbane, while foodies can feast at festivals throughout the year like Scenic Rim Eat Local Week, Regional Flavours and Good Food Month. Culture vultures should plan their visit for the month-long arts performances of Brisbane Festival – there’s nothing brighter than when the city lights up for Riverfire.

Travel and test your limits during the annual Brisbane Marathon and Brisbane Cycling Festival, or pair your city escape with a few days of island time for Straddie Salute Triathlon.