2026 Brisbane Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

Brisbane is considered one of the youngest and most modern cities in Australia. We noticed this upon arrival. Before this, I don't recall seeing dedicated roads for buses anywhere else. Not just lanes, but actual tracks. The park in the very center of the city was also surprising. A huge botanical garden and park right in the city center, featuring a large food court and a swimming pool. Not just a pool, but practically an entire sea where, I think, about a thousand people could fit. Walking through the center, we saw both historical architecture and modern skyscrapers, along with many green parks. Another surprising feature was the number of bridges. We've never seen so many bridges anywhere else.

📍Felix For Goodness This restaurant is my favorite in Brisbane. It offers delicious avocado dishes and healthy food that I love. However, the prices are a bit high, so you can refer to the attached menu. Located near Queen Street. 🗺️ 50 Burnett Ln, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia After dining, you can explore the nearby attractions, all within walking distance. 📍 Queen Street A must-visit for shopping enthusiasts, featuring various restaurants and department stores. 📍 Brisbane City Hall Free to visit inside, perfect for those interested in history. 📍 Brisbane Arcade A small department store with over a century of history. The Christmas decorations create a great atmosphere, and the second floor is perfect for taking beautiful photos.

1) Queen Street Mall A must-visit spot in the city center! One-stop destination for food, shopping, and strolling. 👛🥤 Address: Queen St, Brisbane City, QLD 4000 2) Brisbane South Bank Parkland Popular attractions include the Ferris wheel and the iconic Brisbane Sign—perfect for Instagram-worthy photos! 📸🎡 Address: Clem Jones Promenade South Bank, Brisbane, QLD 4101 3) Brisbane City Hall A cultural and artistic landmark! Don’t forget to book the clock tower tour online in advance. ⏰🏛️ Address: 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane 4000 4) Brisbane Riverside Plenty of restaurants to choose from! Enjoy a meal while soaking in the sea view—sunset vibes are unbeatable. 🍽️🌅 Address: 23 Eagle St, Brisbane City QLD 4000 5) St. John Cathedral Admire the classic Gothic architecture—it feels just like Europe! 🤩⛪ Address: 373 Ann St, Brisbane City QLD 4000 6) Chinatown Mall Experience authentic Chinese culture! It’s a bit farther from the city center, but worth visiting if you have time. 🇨🇳🍜 Address: 33 Duncan St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 Exploring Brisbane city is super easy, whether you’re into urban culture or historic architecture. Slow down and feel the heartbeat of the city! Highly recommend this ultimate photo-worthy route—start planning your trip now! 🗺️✨

We decided to visit this restaurant after a friend suggested for us to try the food here. After visiting once, I can confidently say it’s a fantastic spot for a great dining experience. The service is outstanding. The staff members are warm, attentive, and make you feel genuinely welcome. The food is of exceptional quality, with fresh ingredients and flavours that truly stand out. Best oysters ever tasted, fresh, and juicy. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a night out with friends, Flaming & Co delivers on both atmosphere and taste. Definitely a place worth returning to.

Looking for a romantic restaurant that ticks all boxes from impeccable service & 5 star food paired with stunning views, Opa Bar & Mezze is the place to book. We were lucky enough to reserve a table for my mom's birthday and it didn't disappoint us. The staff went above and beyond to make our afternoon one to remember. Thank you again and we can't wait to come back soon.

I recently had dinner at Longwang in Brisbane City and it was an absolute delight. The whole evening exceeded our expectations from the food, to the service, to the atmosphere. We went for the Jade Banquet, and wow — it was plenty for two people. We couldn’t even finish it! The dishes were incredibly well-executed: full of flavour, beautifully presented, and with great variety. Every bite was a delight. Our waiter was amazing — friendly, attentive, and made us feel comfortable from the moment we arrived. At the bar, the staff mixed us a beautiful Thai cocktail, and we loved how approachable and skilled the bartending was. The combination of great service and personal touches really made the evening. The restaurant has a stylish, modern vibe, tucked into a narrow laneway space on Edward Street in Brisbane City. It’s quirky and elegant at the same time. The setting gave us a fun, lively vibe but still felt comfortable and relaxed.

Another good cafe in Brisbane. One of the characteristics of Brisbane cafes is that many are located in what were local corner shops. Many inner Brissy suburbs still have these conveniently dotted around street corners. They have large footpath awnings so plenty of shaded outdoor seating, which is great for most of the year, and large front windows so plenty of light and views if you do sit inside. Blue Bear Coffeehouse was busy with walk-in and takeaways and others staying to dine in. Nice coffee, fun staff and delicious snacks. There is a little traffic noise from James Street, but not enough to cause a problem.

One of the characteristics of Brisbane cafes is that many are located in what were local corner shops. Many inner Brissy suburbs still have these conveniently dotted around street corners. They have large footpath awnings so plenty of shaded outdoor seating, which is great for most of the year, and large front windows so plenty of light and views if you do sit inside. The coffeehouse was busy with walk-in, takeaways and others staying to dine in. Nice coffee, fun staff and delicious snacks. There is a little traffic noise from James Street, but not enough to cause a problem.

I went to Zazou with a friend for their Tuesday deal. The food was nice and came out with good timing, and the overall atmosphere was really enjoyable. The place itself is very aesthetic and well put together, making it a pleasant spot to spend time. Service was friendly, but there’s room for improvement in attentiveness. Overall, a nice experience with tasty food and a beautiful setting. experience with tasty food and a beautiful setting.

The meal at this Mediterranean restaurant is really flavorful, with tender chicken that pairs perfectly with the well-balanced flavours of the dishes. The portion sizes are a bit small for the price, but the taste is definitely worth it. The service is excellent, adding to the overall great dining experience. The staff are friendly and accommodating.

Right in the heart of the city, this bustling café hums with energy and the unmistakable buzz of true coffee lovers. It’s the kind of place where every cup feels carefully crafted, and you get the sense that the people behind the bar take their coffee seriously – and it shows. The quality here is top-notch. Whether you’re after a strong, no-nonsense espresso or something a little more delicate and nuanced, the brews hit the mark every time. It’s clearly a favourite among Brisbane’s coffee crowd, and once you’ve tasted it, it’s easy to see why. The interior is sleek and stylish without trying too hard – clean lines, thoughtful decor, and a vibe that feels both modern and welcoming. Despite the busy location and steady flow of customers, there’s an easy rhythm to the space that makes it a great spot to recharge during a hectic day in the city. If you’re a coffee enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a quality cup in a polished setting, this café is a must-visit

Flat white is our favourite drink and they make a really good one. We highly recommend coming here if you want a good cup of coffee. If you bring your own cup you also get a discount. The store smells amazing and the service was great. Love the atmosphere and music.

It is stylish and well-known and ranked the 8th coffee shop on The World's 100 Best Coffee Shops 2025 list. But feels slightly overrated. That said, the coffee is genuinely good, with smooth flavour and solid execution. The space is modern and inviting, though the hype sets high expectations.

I always love coming here for dinner and dessert. The passionfruit pavlova is absolutely perfect, and the atmosphere is easily one of the most comfortable and relaxing in Brisbane. The service is consistently good, which makes this place the right choice, every time.

We had a lovely breakfast at this cute café. The café is nice and bright with great options depending on how hungry you are. Good coffee and the food was delicious. We had the Prawn Omelette and the sauce on the plate was absolutely delicious.

I visited this underground bar-style restaurant for dessert and coffee, and while I was excited to try more, unfortunately the only sweets available that day were brownies, truffles, and churros. I was told they usually offer a wider variety, so I’ll definitely come back to explore more of their menu. The atmosphere was a solid 20 out of 10, I absolutely loved the underground vibe, it gives the place a unique and cozy charm. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Although I couldn’t enjoy much this time, the food and drinks menu looked very interesting, and I’m looking forward to trying it properly on my next visit.

The place is always busy, with both indoor seating and a lovely garden area. I highly recommend sitting in the garden — the atmosphere is great. The café uses a self-service system where you place your own order and get your own water, and the staff are very friendly. I didn’t check the reviews beforehand, so I ordered the sesame pork udon. It turned out to be a creamy-style udon, which I’m not very used to, but it was still an interesting try. It’s also worth checking the time before you come. I was lucky to arrive around 11 AM when it wasn’t too crowded. Overall, it’s a nice spot with good vibes.

Hey everyone! I've discovered an absolutely beautiful hidden vacation spot! Just a 30-minute drive from Brisbane, Redcliffe Peninsula is basically a niche version of the "Maldives"! ✨ Here, 22 kilometers of fine soft sandy beaches hug the blue Morton Bay. Not only does it have the crystal-clear waters of the "Little Maldives," but it also hides many historical sites full of stories. Perfect for family trips, romantic getaways, or solo relaxation! Quickly save this super comprehensive guide 👇 🏖️【Top 4 Must-Visit Attractions】🏖️ 1️⃣ Suttons Beach Park 📍Address: Suttons Beach Park, Redcliffe QLD 🕒 Hours: Open all day The sand here is so soft you'll want to kick off your shoes immediately! 🏖️ The water is crystal clear, and the sunset in the evening is breathtaking. Nearby open-air bars have a great vibe—order a cocktail and watch the sunset 🌅 2️⃣ Bee Gees Way 📍Address: 76-84 Redcliffe Parade, Redcliffe QLD 🕒 Hours: Open all day A must-visit for music fans! This 70-meter-long street is filled with the Bee Gees brothers' growth stories 🎶 The walls are covered with old photos and records, and you can also overlook Moreton Island, full of artistic charm~ 3️⃣ Woody Point Jetty & the Wreck of the MV Koopa 📍Address: Woody Point Jetty, Woody Point QLD 🕒 Hours: 24 hours The vintage atmosphere is on point! Norfolk pine shadows sway by the jetty 🌿 The rusted shipwreck site is perfect for photos, a must-visit for sunrise lovers! 4️⃣ Settlement Cove Lagoon 📍Address: Settlement Cove Lagoon, Margate Parade, Margate QLD 🕒 Hours: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM A must for families! The lagoon is shallow and safe, with nearby shade shelters and BBQ areas 🏊🏻‍♂️ Enjoy playing in the water while admiring the sea view~ 🎠【Special Activities】🎠 🚴‍♀️ Island Cycling: 35 kilometers of unbeatable sea view bike paths, rental spots near attractions~ 🐬 Dolphin Watching: Take a boat to see dolphins up close! Seasonal whale sightings too 🐳 🛍️ Jetty Market: A weekend must-visit! Handmade crafts + fresh seafood, full of local life~ 🎪 Festival Fun: Seafood festivals and kite festivals are super fun! 🍴【Food & Accommodation】🍴 🦞 Recommended Restaurants: · Pilpel by the Sea (132 Redcliffe Parade) - Enjoy oysters with a sea view! · Reef Point Cafe (6 Hornibrook Esplanade) - Absolutely amazing Aussie brunch~ 🏨 Recommended Stays: · Mantra Mooloolaba Beach (4.5 stars, unbeatable sea view rooms) · Nearby family apartments (with kitchen and balcony, great value) 🚗【Transportation Tips】 🚆 Public Transport: Take train + bus from Brisbane city, about 1 hour direct 🚗 Driving: 30-40 minutes, super convenient with beautiful scenery along the way There are no tour groups here, just empty beaches and slow-paced vacation time~ Next time you come to Brisbane, be sure to check in at this hidden "Little Maldives"! 💕

#hellochristmas Although it’s a state library, it’s fully open to everyone, including international visitors, with no restrictions. The facilities are exceptionally clean and modern, and the layout is designed in a way that lets you enjoy the surrounding views while you read or relax. I always visit libraries when visiting cities as they can contain some really interesting collections. On Level 4 in the Philip Bacon Heritage Gallery there is an exhibition called ‘Extraordinary stories’ which has some interesting items including a braille map of Australia. At time of writing there was also the Brisbane Portrait Prize exhibition which is similar to the Archibald and worth checking out. And the best thing is that everything is free.

#hellochristmas We found out that the City Hopper is a free service that goes between the central stops of the ferry service and enables you to hop on and off where you want. Particularly handy for crossing the river from the city to Southbank . The customer area is separated from the crew so there is nothing to distract them and is wheelchair accessible. The service reaches the majority of the tourist areas and avoids the hassle of navigating city streets. Passes under the Storey bridge.

#hellochristmas Wonderful place to visit. Knowledgeable and friendly experts to guide you through individual sections of the gallery. A carefully selected art work both domestic and international. I particularly appreciate the indigenous artists creation, beautiful and meaningful. The children’s area was wonderful, and Clare was exceptionally warm, friendly, and welcoming. Her bright smile and kindness made our visit such a joyful and memorable experience. Highly recommended!

#hellochristmas City Botanic Gardens is one of those places that instantly slows you down. The mix of riverside views, tall palm avenues, and giant fig trees makes it super photogenic — especially around sunrise or sunset when the light hits the water. I love coming here for a quiet walk, a jog, or to just sit under the trees and watch the city go by. We took a walk in the Botanic Gardens at dawn, and it was absolutely tranquil and beautiful. We watched the sunrise from the riverwalk before wandering into the garden. Even at dawn, the pathways were softly lit with ambient lights

#falladventures Tucked in the heart of the Brisbane CBD, Longwang Restaurant occupies a unique little laneway space at Edward street that gives it a distinct “hidden gem” feel. The interior features modern, stylish dark-toned décor, with ample seating both upstairs and downstairs, as well as a sleek bar area. The restaurant exudes an elegant ambiance, making it an ideal choice for an intimate date night, while remaining relaxed enough for a casual dinner or after-work drinks. It is, without a doubt, a highly enjoyable dining destination. I definitely love this place! #brisbane #travel #couplestrip

#SeptemberDestinations2025 The IHG InterContinental, formerly a Hilton hotel built over 40 years ago, retains the original Hilton style, including the public spaces designed by Austrian modernist master Harry Seidler. The hotel has two entrances: Queen Street Mall and Elizabeth Street, making it very convenient and lively for sightseeing. The space boasts high ceilings and includes a swimming pool, tennis court, and gym, all with comprehensive amenities. The rooms appear to have been renovated, with warm colors and a somewhat dated feel. Overall, the room was decent. The city view, including a view of City Hall, was excellent. Two bottles of water were provided by the bed, along with all amenities (slippers, bathrobe, toothbrush set, etc.).

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, Australia, is a modern city that blends sunshine, riverside charm, art, and nature 🌞. Known as the "Sunshine City," it boasts a pleasant climate and a relaxed pace of life, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers, family trips, and artsy wanderers. 📸 Photos successfully submitted! Featuring Brisbane's city skyline, Story Bridge, South Bank Parklands, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, come and experience the allure of this riverside city! --- 🗺️ Must-Visit Attractions in Brisbane Type Attraction Name Highlights 🏙️ City Landmark Story Bridge Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and river; stunning night views 🌿 Nature & Wildlife Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Cuddle a koala, feed kangaroos, and enjoy family-friendly interactions 🎨 Arts & Culture Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Rich exhibitions and impressive architectural design 🌊 Riverside Relaxation South Bank Parklands Artificial beach, markets, Ferris wheel, and riverside walkways 🛶 Outdoor Activities Brisbane River kayaking and cycling paths Perfect for fitness enthusiasts and photography spots 🛍️ Shopping & Entertainment Queen Street Mall, Eat Street Markets Boutique shopping, street performances, and food stalls --- 🍽️ Must-Try Local Cuisine • Australian Steak & Lamb: Recommended at Black Hide or Moo Moo • Brunch: Avocado toast and eggs Benedict, try Morning After • Fish & Chips: Seafood platters paired with beer at riverside restaurants • Asian Cuisine: Diverse options including Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese • Tim Tam Chocolate Biscuits: A must-buy souvenir from supermarkets --- 🚇 Transportation Options • Airport Transit: Brisbane Airport (BNE) to the city center via Airtrain in about 20 minutes • City Transport: Trains, buses, and CityCat ferries all accessible with a Go Card • Free Transport: Certain city bus routes (e.g., City Loop) are free • Driving Recommendation: For trips to Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, driving offers more flexibility --- 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations Area Hotel Name Highlights City Center W Brisbane Stylish design and close to Queen Street Mall South Bank Emporium Hotel South Bank Riverside views and proximity to parks and galleries Fortitude Valley The Calile Hotel Trendy style and surrounded by cafes Budget-Friendly Selina Brisbane Top choice for backpackers with convenient transport --- 📅 Suggested Itinerary: Three Days and Two Nights in Brisbane Day 1｜City Exploration + Riverside Relaxation Story Bridge → Queensland Art Gallery → South Bank Parklands → Ferris Wheel Night Views Day 2｜Wildlife Interaction + Artsy Stroll Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary → Brunch at a local café → Fortitude Valley alley exploration → Eat Street Markets Day 3｜Shopping + Departure Queen Street Mall shopping → Relax at a café → Head to the airport ---

Brisbane is a popular tourist destination located in Australia, not Japan. It is the capital of Queensland, a city known for its sunny weather, vibrant cultural scene, and access to stunning natural attractions like islands, beaches, and rainforests. Things to do in Brisbane - Explore South Bank Parklands: Visit this urban oasis, which includes the unique Streets Beach, Australia's only inner-city artificial beach. - Climb the Story Bridge: Get breathtaking panoramic views of the city by taking a guided climb up the Story Bridge. - Experience wildlife: See the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Enjoy your time

#attractive Nestled at the base of Mt Coot-tha, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens is a serene escape from the city buzz. Spread across 52 hectares, the gardens feature themed sections including Japanese Gardens, Tropical Dome, and fragrant herb gardens, offering a perfect blend of nature, art, and tranquility. Whether you’re strolling along tree-lined paths, enjoying panoramic views of Brisbane city, or discovering rare plant species, the gardens provide a rejuvenating experience for families, photographers, and nature lovers alike. Don’t forget to visit the nearby lookout for breathtaking cityscapes!📸 #BrisbaneBotanicGardens #MtCoottha #NatureLovers #CityEscape #ExploreBrisbane

If you’re in Brisbane and want front-row seats to a golden-hour masterpiece, these sunset spots are guaranteed to deliver stunning views (and Insta-worthy shots). 1. Kangaroo Point An iconic spot where the city skyline glows as the sun dips behind it. Grab a picnic, find a ledge, and watch Brisbane light up. Bonus: adventurous locals might be abseiling down the cliffs beside you. 2. Highgate Hill Park Small but mighty! This leafy park offers a peaceful escape with panoramic views of the city and river. Perfect for a quiet moment or a romantic evening stroll. 3. Bowen Terrace A hidden gem in New Farm. Expect sweeping city vistas framed by heritage houses—an unbeatable view without the crowds. 4. Moreton Island Okay, this one’s a little further out, but trust us—it’s worth the trip. White sand, gentle waves, and sunsets that set the horizon on fire. Stay overnight to catch the stars afterward. ✨ Pro tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early, bring snacks, and let Brisbane’s sky put on its daily show. #postandearn