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It may be the capital of the Sunshine State, but Brisbane isn’t content just to bask in the glow of an abundance of rays.
The recently opened second runway now enables Brisbane Airport to handle more flights per hour at full capacity than Hong Kong International Airport. Riverfront renewal projects like the Howard Smith Wharves have revolutionised how the city engages with its eponymous waterway, while the new Brisbane Metro rapid bus transit system (and by 2029, the Cross River Rail) is transporting commuters in and out of the city more efficiently. And of course, with an Olympic Games on the distant horizon, expect an even greater civic metamorphosis as 2032 approaches!
Yes, the River City is evolving — and fast becoming an epicentre for culture and creativity in the process. Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Brisbane on a first visit.
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. Get arty at QAGOMA
Make your first stop in town the fabulous Queensland Cultural Centre, which is situated on the Brisbane River’s southern side — directly opposite the CBD (cross the Victoria Bridge to reach it). The Cultural Centre houses the excellent Queensland Museum, the State Library of Queensland, and the joint Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). GOMA showcases contemporary Australian and international works, and has played a key role in boosting Queensland’s cultural vibrancy over the past decade. The two million+ visitors who file through the gallery each year can testify to that!
2. Hit the beach at South Bank
Adjacent to the Cultural Centre and previously the site of World Expo 88, spend some time exploring South Bank — an incredible 17.5-hectare recreational zone, which is packed with top-notch eateries and bars, and stunning parks and gardens. It’s also home to Australia’s only inner-city beach (so bring your swimmers!).
For a bird’s-eye perspective of the entire South Bank precinct, CBD, and river snaking between the two, hop on board the 60-metre-high Wheel of Brisbane. You’ll get some amazing pics for Instagram, while listening to audio commentary on the city’s major landmarks. Alternatively, cross back over the river and head up to the brand new arc-shaped Sky Deck precinct at glittering Queen’s Wharf. It offers a sweeping view of South Bank and is 40 metres higher than the Wheel.
Top 10 Brisbane City Tours
3. Stop and smell the flowers
The subtropical climate ensures civic parks, gardens, and general landscaping in Brisbane always look lush. And in addition to South Bank, there are endless green spaces to check out (and picnic in!) during your stay. The hugely impressive City Botanic Gardens began life as a farm to grow food for the convict population, and some of the oldest trees here date back to colonial times. Across town, the Roma Street Parklands are probably the city’s most unsung visitor attraction. Covering 16 hectares and dotted with colourful plantings, the precinct offers an array of amenities and hosts regular public events (check their website to see what’s on at the time of your visit).
If you happen to be in town for jacaranda season, take a stroll through a veritable purple patch in New Farm Park.
4. Explore on two wheels
With bike- and e-scooter-share schemes in operation, sightseeing on two wheels is an easy, breezy option in Brissy. The Brisbane City Council actively encourages cycling and there are close to 450 kilometres of bike paths to utilise. The Kangaroo Point Bikeway is a popular option and stretches from the Dockside Ferry Terminal to South Bank. The path hugs the Brisbane River, and passes under the Story Bridge and alongside the soaring Kangaroo Point Cliffs (keep an eye out for abseilers clinging to the rock faces). This four-kilometre ride will take approximately 30 minutes — depending on how often you stop for photos!
5. Navigate the Brisbane River
There are twenty bridges that cross the Brisbane River at various points, but getting out on the water itself provides a unique perspective of the city. Have a chat with Riverlife at Kangaroo Point, which offers popular kayak tours. You’ll pass the aforementioned Kangaroo Point Cliffs and view the underside of the Captain Cook Bridge. Waving at the City Cats is optional! These sleek, silent ferries skim along the river, pulling in at floating terminals to pick up and drop off passengers. They’re an effective means of public transport and an economical way to sightsee (all you’ll need is a Go Card).
Top 10 Brisbane River Cruises
6. Scale the Story Bridge
As one of only four major city bridge climb experiences on offer across the entire planet, Brisbane’s Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a must-do. Scaling the bridge’s cantilevered expanse delivers sweeping 360-degree views, bragging rights, and a strong sense of achievement. Book a night climb and reach for the stars.
7. Hike to the summit of Mount Coot-tha
Mount Coot-tha is the highest peak within Brisbane’s urban perimeter. The Summit Lookout and Cafe are easily reached by car or bus, but you can also hike up through glorious Mount Coot-tha Forest. You’ll see plenty of native wildlife, including kookaburras, parrots, and cockatoos. The Planetarium in the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens (located at the foot of the mountain) is well worth visiting while you’re in the area.
8. Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Speaking of wildlife, no stay in Brisbane would be complete without a visit to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The 18-hectare facility is home to around 130 of this iconic Australian native animal, along with plenty of other furry and feathered locals. Consider making it a full day adventure by taking the famous Koala Cruise along the Brisbane River from the CBD to the Sanctuary.
9. Do a Mount Tamborine wine tour
An hour’s drive south of Brisbane is the World Heritage-listed Tamborine National Park. This unique subtropical rainforest is filled with natural wonders, including stunning waterfalls and species of vegetation dating back to when Australia was part of the great Gondwana continent. The picturesque Mount Tamborine locality boasts several wineries, including Witches Falls and Mason Wines. Popular Cedar Creek Estate offers wine tastings, along with rainforest walks, access to a glow-worm cave, and a superb onsite restaurant. Book a wine tour from Brisbane and let someone else do the driving!
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10. Enjoy some rooftop revelry
With an average of 283 days of good weather each year, Brisbane and its rooftop bar scene co-exist happily and harmoniously. Check out the sleek and sophisticated Sixteen Antlers, which is situated on the 16th floor of the Pullman Hotel’s Mercure Tower. Tip: Keep your back turned on the giant City Hall clock; no-one needs to be reminded of the time when they’re busy sampling craft beers and curated cocktails!
This post was published thanks to Trimscapes Landscaping.
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Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Jennifer Johnston is a Brisbane-based freelance writer and blogger inspired by travel, health, and wellbeing. She juggles pursuing her passion for writing with raising three rowdy young men, a dog, and a couple of goldfish. Jennifer has explored much of the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States (including Hawaii), Canada, New Zealand, Egypt, Israel, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Japan, and Fiji. When she’s not writing, you may find Jennifer hiking in some distant part of the world.
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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