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Cupped by a sweeping bend in the Brisbane River, the Queensland capital’s CBD holds endless points of interest in its grasp.
And because the city centre is almost completely flat (apart from the uphill trek to Spring Hill), it’s a breeze to explore on foot with your travel buddies or even as a solo traveller. In fact, walking is one of the best things to do alone in Brisbane. It’s a bright and airy city, there are no areas in the CBD that are unsafe to visit, and if you need assistance or directions just ask any passer-by. They’ll be happy to help.
Not sure where to begin? Here are ten top places to see in Brisbane — all of which can be covered in a single day.
Watch our video of ten top things to do in Brisbane:
Top 10 Things to Do in BRISBANE, Queensland, Australia in 2026 | Ultimate Brisbane Travel Guide
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1. Story Bridge
There are eight bridges spanning the Brisbane River in the CBD, including the mighty Story Bridge — arguably the city’s most photographed landmark (which looks particularly stunning lit up at night). Named after prominent public servant John Douglas Story, it opened in 1940 and is the longest cantilever bridge in Australia. If you’re the intrepid type, consider climbing to one of the bridge’s peaks with Story Bridge Adventure Climb.
2. Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Situated just south of the Story Bridge on the river’s far side (opposite the CBD), the Kangaroo Point Cliffs were once a quarry where convict labourers mined volcanic stone known as ‘Brisbane Tuff’. You’ll get a good view of the Cliffs from the City Botanic Gardens (more on that shortly). Keep your eyes peeled for abseilers braving the sheer rock faces.
3. City Hall
Neo-classical Brisbane City Hall on King George Square opened in 1930 to house the municipal council. At the time, it was one of the most expensive structures every built in Australia, and the almost 90-metre-high clocktower made it the tallest building in Brisbane (a crown later lost to the forest of highrises that now encircle the Square). Free guided tours of the ornate building and giddying high clocktower summit are offered daily. Leave time afterwards to explore the excellent Museum of Brisbane (located on the roof of City Hall), which charts various aspects of the capital’s history.
4. Commissariat Store
The Commissariat Store on William Street is one of only two convict-built structures still standing in Brisbane. Constructed in 1829 from rock mined at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the Store is only just surpassed in age by The Old Windmill in Observatory Park (Spring Hill). Today, the Commissariat houses a museum operated by The Royal Historical Society of Queensland. The volunteer staff are full of knowledge about the State’s colonial past and will be happy to answer any questions you have about the building.
5. Treasury Building
Located just a stone’s throw from the Commissariat and built in stages from 1886 to 1928, the Italian Renaissance-style Treasury Building once housed Queensland’s State Government. If you’re one who fancies a flutter, the edifice is now home to Treasury Casino.
6. City Botanic Gardens and Roma Street Parkland
The City Botanic Gardens at Gardens Point were first established in 1828 and originally planted with crops to feed the convict population. By 1855, the area had been designated a Botanic Reserve and was used for experimental work. Some of the trees cultivated at that time are still around and offer shaded respite from the heat of a sultry summer’s day.
Sitting pretty at the opposite end of the CBD (on the slope up towards Spring Hill), the Roma Street Parkland will delight visitors young-and-old with its dazzling floral displays and family-friendly amenities.
7. South Bank Parklands
The popular South Bank Parklands occupy what was the site of World Expo 88 on the southern side of the Brisbane River — directly opposite the city centre. Featuring a riverside promenade, verdant gardens, a rainforest walk, a busy strip of restaurants and cafes, and a man-made lagoon with a sandy beach, South Bank has become a cherished part of the city for locals and visitors alike. You can walk from one end to the other in about 30 minutes.
8. Sky Deck, Queen’s Wharf
For a bird’s-eye view of South Bank, the river, and much of the city, head back into the CBD and up to the fabulous new arc-shaped Sky Deck at Queen’s Wharf. This combined observation deck and entertainment precinct is home to a number of hospitality venues. The outlook is breathtaking!
9. Customs House
Framed by grand Corinthian columns and topped by a large copper-sheathed dome, Customs House was built in the 1880s to collect excise duties on goods entering the city by water. Today, the riverfront position, gorgeous period setting, award-winning restaurant, and spectacular ballroom make this a highly sought-after wedding venue — not to mention a fine addition to your Insta feed!
10. Anzac Square and the Shrine of Remembrance
Anzac Square in the heart of the city commemorates Australian service personnel who have fought and died for their country. Opened on Armistice Day in 1930, the square is home to the Shrine of Remembrance and Eternal Flame — which burns continuously in a bronze urn. On the western side of Anzac Square (below the Shrine), you’ll find the Queensland Women’s War Memorial. It was funded by the women of Queensland (a donation of one shilling per person was sought) to commemorate those lost on the battlefields in World War 1, and designed by Brisbane sculptor Daphne Mayo. Learn more about this, and the Square’s many other significant features on a free guided tour.
This post was published thanks to Wander with Jo.
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Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Marianne Diaz is a research scientist by day and a freelance travel writer by night! She has travelled to Sri Lanka to explore her children’s part-heritage, and enjoyed research trips to Japan and the USA. Marianne’s main travel goal is to get to the Italian Aeolian Islands to check out the other half of her children’s background. She also loves exploring history-laden Australian country towns.
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
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