Situated on the Brisbane River, the aptly name city of Brisbane is Australia’s third largest capital city. Often overshadowed by the more well known cities of Sydney and Melbourne. However, Brisbane has its own unique vibe and welcoming atmosphere.
Getting There
Brisbane is accessible by air from all Australian capital cities, check airline websites to ensure flights are available on your chosen day. If you are travelling from Sydney, the NSW TrainLink is an alternative slow travel option to get to Brisbane.
Accommodation
There are a range of options to suit all budgets. The Brisbane Backpacker’s Inn is simple and clean. If you prefer hotel style lodging then the Ibis Hotel is an alternative option.
Brisbane had two main neighbourhoods which are popular with visitors. The West and South Brisbane. The western suburbs are where you will find more alternative and edgy lifestyle including a huge student population. While South Brisbane is more upscale and central to the city with 17 hectares of riverfront green space to enjoy.
Where to Eat
South Brisbane has a wide selection of restaurants and cafes where you can find almost every type of cuisine you could want. Think all of Europe condenses into the cosmopolitan riverside district.
Things to Do
South Bank
Brisbane’s premier cultural and lifestyle destination on the banks of the Brisbane River. It is a day out in itself with 17 hectares of green parkland to explore and relax in. Then unwind in one of the many restaurants and cafes over dinner or drinks with city or reviver views.
The Wheel of Brisbane
Located on the banks of the Brisbane River at South Bank, the Wheel of Brisbane provides 360 degree views of the city skyline. Book your ticket online and arrive ready for your wheel flight 60 metres above the ground.
Story Bridge
The largest steel bridge in Australia built by Australians in 1940. It was a project created to provide jobs to locals during the Great Depression. To get a Birdseye view of the city, you can choose to book an Adventure Climb to the top of the bridge.
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
The city’s original gardens located a short 10-15 minute walk from the city centre. You can either choose a self guided walk through the gardens or book a guided walk by one of the friendly volunteers. The most popular attractions inside the gardens are the Bamboo Grove and Weeping Fig Avenue. A perfect escape for some green time away from the bustling traffic.
Fish Lane
The hub of Brisbane’s arts precinct, Fish Lane boasts a diverse range of food and drink options to suit most tastes. It has an artistic, almost bohemian vibe. Check out their website for the latest entertainment and activities.
The Collective Markets
Located in South Bank, it is the only three day market where you can enjoy browsing the unique when it comes to fashion, food, live music and other collectable items on sale at the various stalls.
Queensland Police Museum
Take a walk through police history as far back as 1900 where you can view details of police officers who served in Queensland. The museum contains documents, tools and investigations throughout Queensland’s policing history since 1859. It is also a valuable resource to compare and investigate challenges faced by police officers from the past through to present day.
North Stradbroke Island
It is surprisingly easy to visit one of Queensland’s natural sand islands on a day trip from Brisbane. A 50 minute drive to Cleveland Marina will allow you to hop on a water taxi for the short trip across to the island. Once there, it is easy get around on foot. You can pack a picnic lunch or stop at the bakery or chip shop at Point Lookout to fuel you for your day. Perhaps take the North Headland Walk for amazing coastal views, and whales during the winter. North Stradbroke Island is a playground for water sports where you can swim, snorkel or relax on the beaches.
St Helena Island National Park
Board the 130 seat catamaran from Manly (Brisbane) and journey 30 minutes east to the former prison island of St Helena. Established in 1867 as an overflow facility to accommodate the volume of prisoners overcrowding the mainland prisons. In 1997 the Ste Helena theatre troupe was formed and they not only perform shows on the island, but guide tours around the prison ruins for visitors.
