Brisbane Sightseeing - Brisbane's Main Attractions
The climate of Brisbane encourages a myriad of outdoor activities. And what better outdoor activity to partake in than sightseeing. Today, Brisbane provides modern, cosmopolitan city parks and gardens which enable everyone to visit and uncover all of the diversity and excitement that Queensland's capital has to offer.
When sightseeing there are many ways you can get around, from waterways, bus tours and even simply just walking. But whatever method of transport that you choose, the blend of historic and modern buildings and beautiful landscapes will keep you occupied for countless hours.
City Centre
Albert Street Literary Walk
This walk path follows a trail of 32 brass plaques that have been inset into the pavement. These plaques showcase various observations on Brisbane by a variety of famous authors Albert Street, Brisbane
Anzac Square
The Anzac Square has some amazingly immaculately groomed landscaping and has radial paths leading to the Shrine of Remembrance that has been designed in a Greek Classic Revival style.
Between Ann and Adelaide streets
Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens were first established in 1858 are located on a bend in the Brisbane River. These gardens are definitely up there as one of Brisbane's beautiful parks. There is a cafi nestled amongst the garden with a fresh innovative menu. A notable feature of the gardens is the mangrove boardwalk with an avenue of bunya pines
Off Alice Street; open daily
Brisbane City Gallery
Brisbane City Gallery is constantly undergoing fresh and revitalising exhibitions of art and craft. There are also more permanent collections of works by local artists.
Ground Floor, Brisbane City Hall
Open daily 10am—5pm 3403 8888
Brisbane City Hall
This classically-inspired city hall has an immense sandstone structure. A main feature includes the bell tower which can be accessed by a free elevator which showcases some amazing panoramic vistas of the CBD.
Guided tours of the hall are available Mon-Sat.
King George Square
Open daily 9am —5pm 3403 8888
Customs House
Customs House is a heritage listed property which used to serve as the centre of a waterfront docking area. However, its new found purpose is as an educational and function facility that is maintained by the University of Queensland. Customs House also hosts a small art gallery and there is also a tasty selection of food offered by the brasserie. Queen Street, Brisbane
Open daily 10 am—4 pm 3365 8999
Old Government House
Old Government House is operated by the National Trust which runs a gift shop that specialises in Australian made gifts and also provides tourist information of historic site and walks within Brisbane.
George Street, Brisbane
Open daily 9am — 4:30pm 3864 8005
Old Windmill
The Old Windmill is actually (believe it or not) Brisbane's oldest surviving building. It is a sandstone tower that was constructed in 1828 as a mill for grinding corn. However, the incorrect engineering of the sails rendered it as a signal station, fire lookout tower and meteorological station all rolled into one.
Wickham Terrace, Brisbane
Queen Street Mall
Recently refurbished, the Queen Street Mall always has events happening. It is known as the retail and cinema entertainment heart of Brisbane. Queen Street Mall consists of more than 600 shops, 45 cafes/restaurants, two cinema complexes, the Treasury Casino and 11 shopping malls.
Queen Street, Brisbane; open daily 3006 6200
Regent Theatre
Erected in 1928, the Regent Theatre has a gothic Spanish style to it. The primary usage of it currently is as a cinema.
Queen Street Mall; Botanic Gardens. Bookings 3229 5544
Roma Street Parkland
Roma Street Parkland is located in the direct heart of Brisbane and has been dubbed as the world's largest subtropical garden in a city centre. The park is amazingly diverse in the range of flora on offer with over 100,000 varieties of shrubs, and 1,200 mature trees. There are many pathways interspersed throughout the parkland with shelters, seating, barbecue facilities and beautiful viewpoints. For the kids, or those young at heart, there is the Jellybean Express or Lollipop Express for a 1.3km trackless train ride around the various parkland habitats. ($5 adults, $3 children).
Just north of the Roma Street Transit Centre; open daily 24 hours
Treasury Casino
Treasury Casino is a 19th-century building in George Street and is open 24 hours a day. The Casino accommodates over 1,100 gaming machines and 100 tables. Within the Casino itself are 5 restaurants and 7 bars with live bands performing nightly.
George Street, Brisbane; Open daily, 24 hrs 3306 8888
State Parliament House
This building was initially constructed in 1868. Free tours are provided five times daily on weekdays, unless it is a parliamentary sitting day, when visitors are welcome to watch proceedings from the public gallery.
William Street, Brisbane
Tours: Mon—Fri 9am —5pm 3406 7111
South Bank
Little Stanley Street
This location is opposite South Bank Parklands and allows you to dine alfresco along the street with many eateries. Food is available from a variety of cultures so its sure to keep your tastebuds awake. There are various boutiques, accessories, gifts and home wares on offer through the Crafts Markets that operate from Friday to Sunday.
South Bank Beach
This beach is man-made and constructed with nice white imported sand. It's a great central place to relax when the weather gets unbearable. A lifeguard is also on patrol during the peak periods so you'll always be in safe hands.
South Bank, South Brisbane
Open daily 9am-9pm 3867 2051
Queensland Art Gallery
This place is one of Brisbane's most prominent cultural attractions. The permanent collection is quite varied and includes Aboriginal, European and Asian artworks. Admission is usually free apart from the odd special exhibition which may be held there.
South Bank, South Brisbane;
Open daily 10 am —5 pm 3840 7303
Queensland Maritime Museum
South Bank boasts a timeless relic of a museum that is based around dry docks that were first use in 1881. Extensive displays consist of ship models and old vessels which do well to showcase Queensland's maritime history.
Sidon Street, South Brisbane Open daily 9:30am -5pm 3844 5361
Queensland Museum
This museum consists of displays relating to the state of Queensland's natural history in addition to indigenous and European history. Some highlights to the museum include exhibits of a humpback whale skeleton and a pioneer aviator's airplane.
South Bank, South Brisbane Open daily 10am - 5pm 3840 7555
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
The performing arts centre caters perfectly for both opera and theatre lovers and hosts various current performances.
South Bank, South Brisbane. Bookings and enquiries 13 6246
State Library
The collection of Australian and international books and magazines is astounding. With all the facilities of a modern library you are sure to find that special bit of information that you have been looking for.South Bank, South Brisbane; Open Mon - Thu 10am - 8pm, Fri - Sun 10am - 5pm
3840 7666
Inner Suburbs
Brett's Wharf/Hamilton
The wharf serves as a downriver terminal for the city's River Cats. Its location is situated on a waterfront in the suburb of Hamilton. From here you can access cafes, restaurants and shops.
Bulimba
Bulimba is where you'll find over 15 casual alfresco dining restaurants, cinema complex and various fashion stores and a bookstore.
Caxton Street
This short road leads to Petrie Terrace. Caxton Street has various pubs, clubs, bars and some of the best seafood dining restaurants.
City Cat Ferries
City Cats are let you explore the riverside suburbs located along the Brisbane River.
Transinfo: 13 1230
Eagle Street Pier
If you get off at the Eagle Street Pier you can try some of the great restaurants, specialty shops and the market.
Fortitude Valley
'The Valley' is Brisbane's most vibrant and liveliest multicultural zone. It's a great cosmopolitan centre with definitely some of Brisbane's best nightclubs and pubs, and is the live music capital of Brisbane.
Lone Pine Sanctuary
Interacting with Australia's native fauna has never been more of a pleasant affair than when you do it at Lone Pine Sanctuary.
Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket
Open daily from 9 am —5 pm 3378 1366
Mt Coot-tha Lookout
If you venture 7km west of the CBD you'll find the Mt Coot-tha Lookout. This stunning vantage point offers panoramic views that sweep from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast. It's definitely a place to visit at night when the city is lit up like a Christmas tree.
New Farm
This dynamic suburb has a smorgasbord of ethnic restaurants. The main thoroughfare has alfresco eateries, cinemas, bookshops and art galleries. The New Farm Park has a beautiful display of flowering plants. It caters well for the family with playgrounds, barbeques and a sports oval.
Newstead House
This old homestead is open to visitors. It was constructed in 1846 and it is outfitted with fine Victorian dicor and beautiful surrounding gardens.
open Mon—Fri 10am—4 pm, Sun 2pm—5 pm
3216 1846
Paddington
Paddington is a contemporary youthful suburb with shops and great alfresco restaurants. The surrounding vegetation is leafy and adorns the houses that have been restored to a new lustre.
Park Road, Milton
The Park Road in Milton has an enticing array of fashion and home dicor shops and great eateries.
Powerhouse
The newest theatre in Brisbane is now a regularly used performance space. It was initially built in 1926 but was abandoned in the 70's. It has been restored and rebuilt to its initial former glory.
119 Lamington St, New Farm 3358 8600
River Queen
The River Queen is a great boat that allows you to unwind and relax whilst cruising the Brisbane River and seeing the city from a more chilled-out perspective.
River Queen, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane
Daily from 9:30 am 3321 1300
Teneriffe
Teneriffe is currently undergoing a large urban renewal project. New apartment buildings are springing up all over the place amongst specialty shops, cinemas, furniture warehouses and fine restaurants.
West End
Brisbane's West End is on Boundary Road, on the southern side of the river and nearby South Bank. West End is host to many ethnic restaurants and multicultural food shops were you're sure to find something of interest.