Is Brisbane Worth Visiting in 2024+20 Best Things to Do
Are you wondering if Brisbane is worth visiting in 2024?
If you are debating a visit to Brisbane, this guide will help you to make a decision. I will cover Brisbane’s top attractions, other things to do, where to stay, and how to get around.
Hopefully, it is clear by the end of this post if Brisbane is a worthwhile trip, and worth visiting, for you.
I moved to Brisbane in 2020 so while I am not a local, I have lived here long enough to decide on this small city. While I did not love Brisbane after a quick visit in 2011, it has grown on me.
Keep reading to find out if Brisbane is worth visiting plus the best things to do there.
Is Brisbane Worth Visiting in 2024?
To answer your question, yes! Brisbane is worth visiting in 2024.
Of course, my answer varies depending on the length of your trip. If you are visiting Australia for just a short amount of time (and honestly, with a country this large, that is anything under 3-4 weeks), Brisbane would not be at the top of my list of suggested destinations.
However, if you live in Australia and have the opportunity to visit Brisbane, you plan on being in Australia for a decent amount of time, or you are heading to the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, then yes, Brisbane is worth visiting.
Looking for an itinerary for your holiday in Brisbane? We have a 1-day in Brisbane Itinerary and an Itinerary for a Weekend in Brisbane with Kids.
20 Best Things to Do in Brisbane
In no particular order, here is our family’s list of the 20 best things to do during your holiday to Brisbane. While we love taking day trips from Brisbane, I only added in those day trips that can easily be done with public transportation from inner Brisbane or a quick taxi ride.
#1 Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Lots of Australian wildlife can be seen just 15 minutes outside of the Brisbane CBD. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary started as a sanctuary for koalas, and there are many koalas there today. Visitors can purchase a picture with a koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and there are areas to learn more about them.
Other Australian animals that can be seen at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary include kangaroos, a platypus, wombats, echidnas, and Tasmanian Devils.
It is possible to take a Brisbane River Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary from Southbank.
#2 Southbank
While it is definitely known as the most touristy spot in Brisbane, Southbank is fun for locals too.
We love to head to Streets Beach, a man-made inner city beach, located in Southbank between a large swimming pool and a splash pad.
Southbank has a large variety of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. The pools are open late and there is always something fun happening at Southbank.
There is even a way to explore Southbank while playing a game!
Fun Things to do in Southbank, Brisbane PLUS Where to Stay
#3 Mount Coot-tha
Checking out the view from the top of Mount Coot-tha is always on Brisbane’s bucket lists for a reason. Visitors can hike up to the top, drive up, or take a bus.
Once you have arrived at the top of Mount Coot-tha, there is a shop, cafe, and plenty of room to view the city.
Mount Gravatt has another great lookout with a view of Brisbane City. Read about finding a fairy door on Mount Gravatt and more fun things to do nearby.
#4 QAGOMA
Located in the cultural center, near Southbank, 2 buildings make up QAGOMA. QAG is the Queensland Art Gallery and GOMA is the Gallery of Modern Art.
Both buildings are free to enter, though there are paid exhibits at GOMA. Lots of events, including free guided tours, are held at QAGOMA.
There is a cinema inside of GOMA as well as an interactive children’s art gallery.
#5 Queensland Museum
Another museum located in the cultural center by Southbank is the Queensland Museum which focuses on science, culture, and natural history.
Queensland Museum has both paid and free exhibits. Sparklab is a hands-on science centre for children located inside the Queensland Museum.
#6 Museum of Brisbane and the Clock Tower
Both the Museum of Brisbane and the Clock Tower are located in the City Hall building and are free to enter.
The Museum of Brisbane has both free and paid exhibits, plus tours and workshops.
If you are interested in heading up to the clock tower, be sure to make a booking. While walk-ins are sometimes able to join in on a tour, they often book up in advance as spaces are extremely limited.
For more information, read about our family’s visit to the Museum of Brisbane and the Clock Tower. The MOB exhibits change, so be sure to visit their website for current exhibits.
Also located inside the city hall is Shingle Inn, a restaurant that offers high tea. Check out our guide to the best high tea with kids in Brisbane.
#7 Roma Street Parklands
A gorgeous park is located just about the city center. Roma Street Parklands has walking tracks, playgrounds, a cafe, and lots of events.
Take a free guided tour of Roma Street Parklands, sign up for high tea at the cafe, or just wander through the rainforest walk and spectacle garden.
#8 Riverlife
For all things adventure, head to Riverlife in Kangaroo Point.
Riverlife offers kayaking in the Brisbane River, rock climbing and abseiling the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and bike hires so you can explore on your own.
An illuminated night-time kayak trip is available, as is rock climbing at night.
Best Things to do in Kangaroo Point PLUS Where to Eat and Where to Stay
#9 Story Bridge
One of only 4 bridge climbs in the world, the Story Bridge Climb can be completed by those as young as 6.
Enjoy gorgeous views of the Brisbane River, Brisbane City, and the Brisbane suburbs from the top of Story Bridge. Daredevils can even lean over the edge.
Our family completed the bridge climb. Read more about our experience and more about the Story Bridge Adventure Climb.
Climb the bridge at dawn, during the day, at twilight, or night. Each time of day offers incredible views during the 2-hour bridge climb.
Find more adventurous things to do with kids or adventurous date ideas.
#10 Eat Street North Shore
Open Friday-Sunday evenings, Eat Street Northshore has food stalls and entertainment in a fun location by the Brisbane River.
With more than 70 food stalls, there is something for everyone. Various entertainment is scattered throughout the large venue.
Eat Street Northshore is easy to get to by car or ferry. There is a charge to enter Eat Street.
Be sure to arrive early if you want to guarantee a seat. It does get crowded, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday evenings are generally a lot calmer.
#11 Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens and Planetarium
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha are gorgeous year-round. In addition to the gardens, there is a planetarium with a discovery center and shows for all ages.
The gardens have a wide variety of plants and trails including a children’s hide-and-seek garden, a rainforest walk, and bonsai trees.
Free tours are offered at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha and there are also workshops for all ages.
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is located at Brisbane Botanic Gardens. There is a free exhibit in the lobby. The Planetarium has movies for young kids as well as adults. Be sure to book your ticket in advance.
#12 Watch a Game at Suncorp Stadium or The Gabba
Whether you want to watch rugby or AFL or even see a concert, there are 2 large stadiums in Brisbane making that possible.
Suncorp Stadium is located in Paddington and is used for rugby, international football, and concerts. The Brisbane Broncos, Queensland Maroons, and Queensland Reds play at Suncorp Stadium.
Located in Woolloongabba, The Gabba is used for AFL, cricket, rugby, and other sports as well as for concerts. The Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat, Queensland Bulls, and the Australian Men’s Cricket Team play at The Gabba.
#13 Howard Smith Wharfs
Enjoy a meal or a drink with a view from Howard Smith Wharfs. There are multiple bars and restaurants located at Howard Smith Wharfs and with trivia nights, live music, and family events, there is always something happening.
#14 QPAC
The Queensland Performing Art Center, better known as QPAC, offers a wide range of shows and events.
In addition to music, comedy, dance, and opera, they bring in traveling Broadway productions. Family-friendly performances occur often at QPAC.
For a meal or a drink before the show, there are multiple options at QPAC, including high tea at the Lyrebird.
#15 River Walk
While the official Riverwalk is 870 meters long and runs from Howard Smith Wharf to New Farm, it is easy to find the path that then runs from New Farm to Teneriffe for those who wish to walk or bike further.
There are trails along the river on both the north and south sides of the Brisbane River.
The official Riverwalk has gorgeous views and a few shelters with seating to stop in along the way.
Find things to do along the Riverwalk in Newstead, Teneriffe, New Farm, and Brisbane City.
#16 Markets
Brisbane loves its markets and you can find one almost any day of the week.
The Brisbane City Markets run on Wednesdays in Redacliff Place and on Thursdays in Cathedral Square.
The Collective Markets are open in Southbank every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Another option for a Sunday market is the Riverside Market which takes place in Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.
Jan Powers Farmers Market takes place at the Powerhouse in New Farm on Saturdays.
Occasionally, other markets, such as the Brisbane Vegan Market, Gasworks Market, or Valley Laneways Market take place around Brisbane.
#17 Bush Walks
Even though Brisbane is a city, there are plenty of parks, nature, and interesting bush walks nearby.
Some great options for bushwalks with free discovery centers include:
Read more about bush walks with discovery centres near Brisbane.
#18 Wander the Laneways
While Brisbane’s laneways aren’t quite as well-known as Melbourne’s graffiti-covered laneways, many of them are worth visiting.
Fish Lane in South Brisbane is probably the most popular laneway and is several blocks long. There are lots of bars and restaurants in Fish Lane and a total of 3 fairy doors to spot along the way.
Where to spot fairy doors in Brisbane
Fortitude Valley has multiple laneways including Bakery Lane, Winn Lane, and California Lane.
Other Brisbane Laneways include Burnett Lane, Eagle Lane, Gresham Lane, and Albert Lane in Brisbane City.
#19 Moreton Island
There are plenty of options for day trips near Brisbane, and Moreton Island is a favorite for good reason. Moreton Island is the world’s 3rd largest sand island and it is about a 75-minute boat ride away from Brisbane.
While you can stay over on Moreton Island, many visitors take a boat over for a few hours. The most popular thing to do on Moreton Island is snorkeling the Tangalooma Wrecks.
Moreton Island offers lots of activities and tours. Here are a few options:
- Moreton Island Ferry and Adventure Pass includes kayaking or SUP, snorkeling, and use of the hotel’s pools, amenities, and land activities.
- Tangalooma Day Cruise with ATV Quad Bike Tour includes a day pass to the Tangalooma Island Resort, a dolphin presentation at the eco-center, and an ATV quad bike tour.
- Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise includes snorkeling, a day pass to the resort, and an eco-presentation.
- Wreck Snorkeling and Dolphin Feeding includes access to the Tangalooma Island Resort as well.
- For those who like adventure, check out the Tangalooma Day Cruise with Desert Safari or Marine Cruise. On this tour, everyone gets full access to the Tangalooma Island Resort and guests can choose between taking a 4WD and going sand tobogganing or taking a marine cruise and learning about the sea life.
- Want to scuba dive at the Tangalooma Wrecks? This tour includes snorkeling, kayaking, SUP, and land sports in addition to scuba diving.
See Moreton Island Boat Tour with Kids
#20 Stradbroke Island
Another awesome day trip from Brisbane, or overnight if you’d rather, is to Stradbroke Island, the 2nd largest sand island in the world.
Read all about how to get to Stradbroke Island and what to do when you get there with this Guide to Stradbroke Island.
Amazing Day Tours from Brisbane
What is Brisbane Known for?
The 3rd largest city in Australia (behind Sydney and Melbourne), Brisbane is a popular tourist destination known for its sunny warm weather, parks and gardens, and cultural events.
Brisbane is a diverse city with more than 30% of its residents born overseas, and Brisbane often makes the list of the most livable cities in the world.
Best Time to Visit Brisbane
While there are lots of events and activities held in Brisbane year-round, the best time to visit depends on what you want to do in Brisbane.
The summers are hot and often rainy. Temperatures tend to be in the mid to high 20s during the day and in the low 20s at night.
Spring can be rainy as well and temperatures are in the high 20s during the day and mid-teens at night. Spring is jacaranda season in Brisbane, and the purple-flowered trees bloom around the city. It is also magpie season, when magpies may swoop over anyone walking near their nest.
Autumn in Brisbane is generally warm with high temperatures in the mid-20s and low temperatures at night in the mid-teens. It is generally less rainy in Brisbane in autumn.
Temperatures drop during the winter months in Brisbane, but there are never freezing temperatures or snow. The average high temperature in Brisbane in winter is in the low 20s with the average low temperature being around 10 degrees. Temperatures do occasionally get into the single digits.
The sun is strong in Brisbane and usually, there is a big difference between temperature in the shade and out in the sun.
How Many Days in Brisbane is Enough?
While a long weekend in Brisbane will give you plenty of time to enjoy the highlights, you can easily spend longer in Brisbane especially if the plan is to take day trips. My favorite thing about living in Brisbane is the number of amazing day trips that are available within an hour or two drive.
Where to Stay in Brisbane
Hostel
Brisbane City YHA is located near Suncorp Stadium on the outskirts of Brisbane City. Both private and group rooms are available with both private and shared bathrooms. This hostel has a 24-hour desk, laundry, and a rooftop pool.
Family rooms with private bathrooms are available at Brisbane City YHA.
The rooms at Brisbane City YHA are air-conditioned, and linens are included.
Budget
The Soho Brisbane is located in Spring Hill close to Roma Street Parklands and Brisbane City. Limited free onsite parking is available.
Mid-range
Also located in Spring Hill is Art Series-The Johnson, a uniquely decorated hotel with family rooms and a swimming pool. Some of the rooms at The Johnson include a kitchen.
Luxury
Located in the Brisbane CBD, the W Brisbane is a 5-star hotel with views of the Brisbane River.
The W is pet friendly, has a bar and restaurant that offers high tea, has a swimming pool, and offers spa services.
If you would rather stay in South Bank, Emporium Hotel South Bank is another 5-star hotel in Brisbane.
Emporium Hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and a restaurant that offers high tea, and balconies in each room.
What to Eat in Brisbane
Brisbane is not known for one particular food item. Generally, Brisbane shares its specialties with the rest of Australia.
Pubs are popular in Brisbane. Common pub food includes fish and chips, burgers, chicken schnitzels, chicken parma, and steak.
Asian restaurants can be found all over Brisbane. In addition to the 2 Chinatowns located in Brisbane (Fortitude Valley has the smaller version while Sunnybank has a larger Chinatown), there are lots of Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai, Malaysian, and a variety of other Asian restaurants around. Boba tea is very popular and there are shops all over Brisbane.
You can find just about every type of cuisine in Southbank. There are plenty of pizzerias around as well as fast food and fast casual options.
Bakeries are popular in Australia and Brisbane has its share. Meat pies and sausage rolls are the most popular savory dishes while vanilla slices and lamingtons are typical Aussie desserts.
Looking for the best vanilla slice in Brisbane? We tried a bunch! Check out our results.
How to Get Around Brisbane
Airtrain
To get to and from the Brisbane Airport, take the Brisbane Airtrain with service to Brisbane City, the Brisbane suburbs, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.
Tickets can be bought online in advance. Check out their website for specials and deals.
Bus, Train, and Ferry
Brisbane’s buses run through Translink as do the trains and ferries. Riders need a GO card which can be purchased at the train stations. GO cards are refillable and riders can preload them or add a credit card so that they reload at a certain dollar amount.
Make sure to tap the GO card both on and off the bus, train, or ferry ride. Otherwise, you will be charged for a longer route.
Uber
Uber is available in Brisbane and can be booked via their app.
Taxi
Taxis are available in Brisbane through 13 cabs. Rides can be booked online, through their app, or by calling 13-2227. Car seats for children are not provided, and riders are encouraged to bring their own.
Rental Car
Find the best deal on a rental car with Rentalcars.com.
Bike
Electric bikes are available to hire by the minute through Beam and Neuron. Sign up through their app. Many of the streets in Brisbane have bike lanes, and there is a bike path by the river.
Bikes can be found just by walking past them or by checking the location map on the app you are planning to use.
Scooter
Electric scooters are available to hire by the minute through Beam and Neuron.
Scooters can be found on sidewalks in the city or you can check the location map on the app you are planning to use to find the nearest available scooter.
Walk
Brisbane is a walkable city. The streets have sidewalks and there are walking paths along the river.
Is Brisbane Worth Visiting FAQ:
Yes! Brisbane has a lot of attractions in a small space.
It is easy for tourists to get around Brisbane on public transportation. There are plenty of day trips from Brisbane as well.
There is plenty to do in Brisbane throughout each day and at night.
For most people, 3 days in Brisbane is enough to see the highlights.
Brisbane has a lot of attractions in a small amount of space. There are lots of parks in Brisbane as well as free swimming pools and a long river walk.
No, you do not need a car in Brisbane. Buses, trains, and ferries run regularly and it is generally easy to get around Brisbane without a car.
If you are interested in taking day trips from Brisbane, it is easiest to rent a car or go on an organized tour.
Yes, it is easy to get around Brisbane by walking. Some of the inner suburbs have a lot of hills.
Queen Street Mall is closed to cars and is a pedestrian street.
A riverwalk appears on both sides of the Brisbane River, making it easy for walkers and bikers to get around.
Conclusion: Is Brisbane Worth Visiting?
As long as Brisbane isn’t your entire international holiday, then yes, this small city is worth visiting. With a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment, there is something for everyone in Brisbane.
Though Australia can be expensive, Brisbane has its share of free museums, tours, and events. The pools at Southbank are free, and there is even a beach in the city! Some of the transportation is free, and kids can always use public transportation for free on the weekends.
Hopefully this guide helped you decide if Brisbane is worth visiting and gave you a few ideas of the best things to do during your holiday.