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Plan Your Trip to Brisbane: Best of Brisbane Tourism

By Management

Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane, the thriving capital of Queensland, is teeming with cultural experiences, acclaimed restaurants, and natural wonders just waiting to be explored. If you're seeking vibrant city vibes, start by checking out the small galleries and exclusive exhibitions, including a visit to the Gallery of Modern Art. Afterward, take in the city views from one of the many lively sky-high bars. Travelers interested in connecting with the region's indigenous culture can choose from a variety of immersive experiences. And nature enthusiasts won't be disappointed either: hike to the top of Mount Coot-tha, abseil down cliffs, cruise the Brisbane River to South Bank's sandy beach, or discover hidden waterfalls on a hike. For a dose of cuteness, don't miss the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can encounter koalas and kangaroos up close. Want more Queensland culture? We've got additional recs below.

How to do Brisbane in 3 days

Walk the waterfront, jam at a live music venue, and take an island day trip
Read on

A “brekky” to remember in Brisbane

I’ll be honest: I plan my trips back to Brisbane around breakfast. Whether it’s a hearty "smashed avo" on toast or an indulgent sand crab omelet, the morning meal is a big deal in this part of Australia. Going out for "brekky" is all this homesick Australian needs to feel like everything’s right with the world. These are my fave spots.
Kristin Reinhard, Switzerland
  • Mylk + Ko
    28
    You’ll find “smashed avo” on the menu at almost every cafe in Brisbane, and that’s exactly what I ordered the first time I went to Mylk + Ko. It’s made here with whipped feta and pomegranate seeds and topped with microgreens. The seasonal menu, which includes creative dishes like citrus crumpets, is more than enough reason to return. Impressively, the barista remembered my strong, long black coffee order after only my second visit.
  • The Oasis On The Esplanade
    232
    If my kids had their way, they would have pancakes and chocolate milkshakes from this cafe every single day. Lucky for them, this beachfront eatery is one of my favorite spots as well, thanks to its veggie stack featuring halloumi cheese and corn and zucchini fritters. If we visit on Sunday, we finish our brekky with a stroll through the nearby Redcliffe Markets. During the week, it's off for a run along the ocean.
  • Flour and Chocolate Northgate
    14
    If you’re craving something quick, tasty, and full of carbs, head straight to Flour and Chocolate to pick up a cup of coffee and a foodie-approved croissant. Of their three locations around Brisbane, I prefer the one at Northgate because of its easy parking. The pork and fennel sausage roll makes an equally good breakfast. Don’t forget to pick up a loaf of sourdough for sandwiches later in the day.
  • Savour Cafe
    5
    In the nearby community of New Farm, Savour Cafe is an excellent breakfast stop before catching the City Cat ferry to the center of Brisbane. It's got great coffee—that’s almost a given in Australia—as well as a modern take on the traditional Aussie breakfast. If you like it hot, try the chili scrambled eggs. Smashed avocado also makes an appearance here, this time with pepitas and lemon. The great people-watching is a nice bonus.
  • Manly Boathouse
    45
    A trip to Brisbane wouldn't be complete without dining down by the bay, and one of my family’s favorite waterfront destinations is Manly Boathouse. While many locals come for lunch or dinner in the handsome dining room, I suggest that early risers grab an umbrella-shaded picnic table outside on the patio. After enjoying a sand crab omelet or hash browns with chili salt, pick up some local seafood from a refurbished fishing trawler (weekends only).
  • New Farm Deli & Cafe
    372
    A Brisbane institution, New Farm Deli & Cafe has stocked authentic Italian meats and cheeses for almost 50 years. In the bright and airy cafe, the kitchen puts a European spin on Aussie breakfast classics. My favorite thing on the menu? The amazing eggs Benedict served with smoked salmon, roasted pumpkin, and fried capers. Pick up one of the crab lasagnas to reheat later for an easy dinner.
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Brisbane travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Outdoor Activities and River Transport

Some travelers emphasized the appeal of Brisbane's outdoor spaces and river transport options. The South Bank area and Roma Street Parklands were frequently mentioned for their beauty and recreational opportunities. Additionally, using the CityCat ferries for a scenic loop around the river was highly recommended to get a unique view of the city.

Culture and Museums

For cultural enthusiasts, forum posts highlighted the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), Queensland Museum, and the Museum of Brisbane as must-visit destinations. These venues offer a mix of art, history, and interactive exhibits that cater to a wide range of interests.

Wildlife and Nature

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary was often suggested for those interested in wildlife. This sanctuary provides opportunities to interact with native Australian animals, making it a popular choice for families and animal lovers.

Shopping and Dining

The Queen Street Mall was pointed out as a prime location for shopping, surrounded by a variety of dining options. Additionally, areas such as Fish Lane were recommended for their vibrant food scene and nightlife, offering a mix of bars and restaurants.

Architectural and Historic Sites

Travelers have called out the significance of Brisbane's architectural and historic sites. The City Hall and its clock tower tours provide insight into the city's history and offer panoramic views from the tower.

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Public Transport

According to forum posts, the AirTrain is a popular option for transport from Brisbane Airport to the city, costing about $21 for a round trip. It connects directly to Central Station, which is close to many city accommodations.

Taxi and Rideshare

Some travelers said that taxis and rideshares like Uber are readily available at Brisbane Airport. The cost of a taxi to the city center is estimated to be between $45 and $63, while rideshares might offer a slightly cheaper alternative.

Bus Services

For many users, bus services are not directly mentioned as an option from Brisbane Airport to the city center. Travelers have called out the lack of public bus services linking these two points directly.

Alternative Transport Options

Travelers have called out the option of using a GoCard for discounted fares on public transport, which can be used on the AirTrain. This card is purchasable at the airport and can be refunded upon departure.

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Car Rental Websites

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend using vroomvroomvroom.com.au to compare prices and options for car rentals in Brisbane. This site is frequently mentioned as a reliable resource for finding competitive rates across various car rental companies.

Car Rental Locations

For many users, Brisbane Airport is a preferred pickup location for its convenience, despite potentially higher costs compared to city locations. Some travelers suggested off-airport locations like North Lakes and Geebung as cheaper alternatives, although these require additional transport to reach.

Vehicle Options and Policies

Travelers have called out that larger vehicles such as 7-seaters can be booked through major car rental companies and comparison sites. It's also noted that most major rental agencies allow interstate travel, like from Brisbane to Sydney, but may charge a one-way fee.

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Wildlife Sanctuaries and Zoos

According to forum posts, near Brisbane, tourists can visit several wildlife sanctuaries and zoos. Australia Zoo, known for its wide range of animals and interactive experiences, is highly recommended. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers opportunities to cuddle koalas and feed kangaroos. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is another option, though slightly less accessible via public transport compared to the others.

Island Wildlife Experiences

Some travelers mentioned that Moreton Island provides a natural habitat where visitors can engage with wildlife. This island, along with North Stradbroke Island, offers a chance to see marine life and possibly encounter dolphins, making it a worthwhile day trip from Brisbane.

Additional Wildlife Activities

For those interested in unique experiences, night kayaking on the Brisbane River has been highlighted as an excellent way to enjoy the local environment. This activity allows visitors to see the city from a different perspective while potentially spotting riverine wildlife.

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Connection Times

According to forum posts, travelers frequently express concerns about the sufficiency of connection times between flights, especially when transferring between the domestic and international terminals at Brisbane Airport. Typical connection times discussed are between 1 hour and 40 minutes and 1 hour and 55 minutes.

Terminal Transfers

Some travelers said that navigating the transfer between terminals can be stressful, particularly due to the need to use the TBus service, which operates every 10 minutes. The journey itself is relatively short, but the waiting time for the bus and the possibility of tight connection times add to the anxiety.

Luggage Handling

For many users, there is uncertainty regarding whether checked luggage will be automatically transferred between flights or if they need to collect and re-check their bags, especially when the first point of entry into Australia is Brisbane. This is a common concern for those arriving internationally and connecting to domestic flights.

Reliability of Connections

Travelers have called out the importance of booking all flights on a single ticket to ensure that the airline would handle any missed connections due to delays, offering rebooking on subsequent flights if necessary. This is often a critical consideration for ensuring a smooth travel experience through Brisbane.

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Transport Options

According to forum posts, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary can be accessed by various transport options. Some travelers prefer taking a river cruise, which provides a scenic route to the sanctuary. The cruise departs from Southbank and can be booked through the Mirimar website. Alternatively, for those seeking a quicker option, taking a bus or taxi directly to the sanctuary is recommended, especially to arrive early for koala holding opportunities.

Booking Recommendations

Travelers have called out the importance of booking certain activities at the sanctuary ahead of time. It is advised to pre-book the koala holding experience due to its popularity and limited availability, especially during busy times. This can ensure a smoother and more fulfilling visit.

Additional Tips

For many users, combining the visit to Lone Pine with other activities is common. After visiting the sanctuary, taking the Citycat ferry for a return trip offers a pleasant view of Brisbane from the river, making for a full day of exploration.

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