Destination Guide to Brisbane, Australia

Located towards the southern end of the state, Brisbane is Queensland’s capital. Many visitors are attracted by the great weather in the city. International visitors are also attracted to stay in the best hotels in Brisbane while they visit the top attractions, huge variety of annual festivals and world-class sporting events.

Tourist Attractions

Brisbane River, which runs through the centre of the city, draws many of city’s visitors, especially in the summer months. A sunset cruise can be a beautiful and relaxing way to end any day. Brisbane’s Story Bridge, which crosses the Brisbane River is one of the main sights in the city centre. From the top visitors can get great views of Brisbane hotels, the Glass House Mountains, and Lamington National Park. Another of Brisbane’s more popular attractions, where visitors are able to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in both World Wars, is the Anzac Square War Memorial.

Entertainment

Brisbane has a great entertainment scene, and is particularly noted for both its popular and classical live music scene. The Queensland Performing Arts Centre is home to the Queensland Ballet, Opera, Theatre Company and Orchestra. The complex also houses several other buildings of interest including the Queensland Art Gallery and the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, all a short distance from most Brisbane hotels.

Brisbane’s live popular music scene was voted by Billboard magazine to be one of the top 5 in the world. Most of these venues are concentrated in the Fortitude Valley area of the city close to many Brisbane hotels, with some of the best being the Zoo, The Troubador and The Tivoli.

Natural Attractions

Since Brisbane is the capital of Queensland, surrounded by lush tropical rainforests which are home to so many different animal species, visitors staying in Brisbane hotels will be pleased to know that some of this can be experienced without straying outside of the city.

The best introduction is at Australia Zoo, created by “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin and his family. There are tons of different animal exhibits with species from all over the world represented. Visitors will see another true Australian icon at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Alma Park Zoo, or may be able to spot a whole host of native species at the Brisbane Forest Park. Ask your Brisbane hotels concierge to guide you in the right direction.

Located towards the southern end of the state, Brisbane is Queensland’s capital and has a great range of hotels. Many visitors are attracted by the great weather in the city – while summers are hot and humid, winters are mild and offer a great escape from the cooler cities in the south of the country. International visitors too are attracted to Brisbane, for its diverse range of cultural attractions, huge variety of annual festivals and world-class sporting events.

Top Tourist Attractions in Brisbane

Brisbane River, which runs through the centre of the city, draws many of city’s visitors, especially in the summer months. There are lots of different companies operating boat cruises along the river, and a sunset cruise can be a beautiful and relaxing way to end any day. Many of the cruises also combine a commentary along the river with a buffet dinner or lunch, allowing you to sample fresh local seafood while at the same time learning about the history of the area.

Brisbane’s Story Bridge, which crosses the Brisbane River is one of the main sights in the city centre. Although not as impressive from the ground as the great Sydney Harbour Bride, for those who are a little more adventurous, there is the chance to climb the bridge. From the top visitors can get great views of the surrounding areas including the Glass House Mountains, Moreton Bay and Lamington National Park.

Another of Brisbane’s more popular attractions, where visitors are able to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in both World Wars, is the Anzac Square War Memorial. Located against the hustle and bustle of the city centre, the Shrine of Remembrance inside the memorial holds an eternal flame, and looks out onto a serene inner-city getaway inside the parkland below.

Entertainment and Culture

Brisbane has a great entertainment scene, and is particularly noted for both its popular and classical live music scene. The Queensland Performing Arts Centre is generally a one-stop shop for almost any kind of live entertainment, and is the home of most of the city’s stage companies, including Queensland Ballet, Opera Queensland, Queensland Theatre Company and The Queensland Orchestra. The complex also houses several other buildings of interest to culture vultures including the Queensland Art Gallery and the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.

There are also a whole host of venues to sample Brisbane’s live popular music scene, which was voted by Billboard magazine to be one of the top 5 in the world. Most of these venues are concentrated in the Fortitude Valley area of the city, with some of the best being the Zoo, The Troubador and The Tivoli. This is also the main area to head for those more into their dance and trance than their rock and roll, since most of the main nightclubs are in this area.

Those more interested in sports will also find plenty to occupy their time in Brisbane. Australia seems to excel at many sports, but in Brisbane rugby league is the game of choice. Visitors can get a taste of the action at a Brisbane Broncos or Queensland Maroons game, or if they are in the city at the right time of the year, the State of Origin sees the Queensland state team take on New South Wales. Visitors can also find out a bit more about Aussie Rules at a Brisbane Lions game, or watch the ladies in action at a Brisbane Firebirds netball game.

Natural Attractions

Since Brisbane is the capital of Queensland, surrounded by lush tropical rainforests which are home to so many different animal species, visitors will be pleased to know that some of this can be experienced without straying outside of the city.

The best introduction is at Australia Zoo, created by “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin and his family, offering a different experience to any other zoo you will have ever visited. If you are familiar with the Irwins from their TV show then you should be prepared to meet a whole lot of zookeepers just as crazy, getting in with crocodiles and all sorts of other dangerous creatures to bring you some really entertaining and informative shows. There are also tons of different animal exhibits with species from all over the world represented.

A slightly tamer (and cheaper) experience can be had at Alma Park Zoo, which also holds presentations throughout the day, although of a slightly less nail-biting variety. Visitors may also see another true Australian icon at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or may be able to spot a whole host of native species at the Brisbane Forest Park.

There are also several parklands within the city where visitors are able to relax. South Bank Parklands are the largest and most important, and are built on the site of the World Expo 88. Here visitors can enjoy a tranquil lunch at the area’s many eateries, get some great views of the city on a ride of the Wheel of Brisbane, or hit the beach at Streets Beach, a man-made lagoon construction which features sand, palm trees and other exotic plants. Visitors will also enjoy the different structures which remain in the park from the Expo, such as the Nepal Peace Pagoda.

The Southbank Parklands also host many of the city’s major festivals, including the Ekka in August and the Riverfestival in September. Other good options are the City Botanic Gardens or the Roma Street Parkland near the transit centre.

The capital of Queensland is not short on events and festivals. With a great infrastructure, exciting places to stay, a population of over two million people, and plenty of glorious sunny weather it is not hard to see why the city was chosen as the host for international events such as the 1982 Commonwealth Games and World Expo ’88, and in this section we take a look at some of the most popular events in Brisbane’s annual calendar.

Arts, Music, Culture and Entertainment Events

Brisbane plays host to several art and culture festivals, and the Brisbane Festival is arguably the biggest one of all. Held between mid-September and the beginning of October, it is a recently revamped event which combines theatre, circus, visual arts, music, cabaret and other free events at a number of locations across the city.
The previously popular Riverfestival has been incorporated into this new event, adding the spectacular Riverfire fireworks display over Brisbane’s three major bridges into an already packed program.

The Royal Queensland Show (also known as ‘The Ekka’) is an important event in the Brisbane calendar, and held during August. The show has been running since 1876, and has since continued its background as the state’s premier agricultural event. Held at the Brisbane Exhibition Ground, an increasing number of attractions have been included over the years, with families tempted by fairground rides, food stalls, merchandise stalls and various other events. The event is so important in the local calendar that the seventh day (always a Wednesday) is a public holiday.

August is also the time of the Brisbane International Film Festival, an eleven day event that showcases productions from around the world, including documentaries, short films, children’s films and experimental pieces. The festival has been running since 1992, and has been the launchpad for such hits as The Full Monty and The Usual Suspects. Many screenings are free, resulting in a good crowd every year and a party atmosphere.

Fashionistas flock to the City Hall for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival, held during late August. Although this festival has only been running since 2006, it has already positioned itself as the top fashion event in Queensland, and features local, national and international designers displaying their latest works.

September is also the time of the Valley Fiesta, a three-day event featuring live music, food, drink and market stalls in the Fortitude Valley suburb of the city centre. The area is famous for its great nightlife and alternative music scene, making for a great host location.

Top German action takes over the RNA Showgrounds during October, as Queensland’s largest and most popular Oktoberfest arrives in town. Eating, drinking and music are the order of the day, as the event successfully recreates the famous Bavarian celebration.

There are many smaller festivals situated in and around Brisbane and its suburbs. The In Stitches Comedy Festival is a popular choice that starts during the last week of June. Other notable options include the Brisbane International Motor Show, which is held during February and contains top exhibitors such as Audi, Honda and Ford showing off their latest designs and must-haves. The following month sees the Australian National Band Championships at Brisbane City Hall, and the Brisbane Fine Wine Festival is a key July date for many locals and visitors alike.

Finally, those looking for something a little bit different will enjoy the annual Talk Like a Pirate Day, which is held in September and encourages pirate-themed parades, parties and competitions all in the name of charity, namely Childhood Cancer Support Inc.

Sporting Events in Brisbane

Don’t forget the sports! Aussies love their sport, and Brisbane is the home of several professional sports teams. With matches played throughout the year and a guaranteed family atmosphere these make for great viewing for any visitor.

Cricket is arguably the most popular summer sport, and the Pura Cup (formerly known as the Sheffield Shield) is the country’s domestic first class competition. Teams play a round-robin series of games, with Queensland Bulls playing home games at the Brisbane Cricket Ground between October and March. The Gabba is also a location of various Australian test matches and Twenty20 games throughout the year.

The cricket finishes and the rugby begins. The National Rugby League (NRL) season begins in March and sees its Grand Final on the first Sunday in October. Brisbane Broncos play their home games throughout the season at the Suncorp Stadium. You can also catch State of Origin games between Queensland and New South Wales in May, June or July, with some at this same location.

Footy (Aussie Rules) is also big business in the city, and Brisbane Lions play their AFL games at The Gabba between March and September. Those preferring balls of the circular variety can catch Queensland Roar and occasionally the Australian national team at Suncorp Stadium at varying times of the year.

If you’ve seen our guides on Sydney and Melbourne, you’ll appreciate that the countless options available in either city for eating and drinking. The good news is that food lovers won’t be left disappointed by Brisbane, which can pretty much equal either of the other cities in terms of both the quantity of eateries on offer and the quality of the food served up.

Restaurants in Brisbane’s CBD

The CBD is where most visitors to Brisbane begin their hunt for food, and it’s only natural that this is where many of the best restaurants and cafes are located.

Many of the CBD restaurants focus their menus on modern Australian fare, which takes traditional favourites and gives them a contemporary twist. Fix in the Port Office Hotel on Margaret Street, E’cco on Boundary Street and Picasso’s in the Carlton-Crest Hotel on Roma Street are all good options. Brasserie on the River, found in the Stamford Plaza Hotel, is a great choice for non-Australian visitors, as the buffet lets you try lots of different dishes, many of which feature fresh seafood.

If you fancy something a little more international, there are restaurants in the city catering to every taste. Couples should head to Alchemy on Eagle Street, offering up French cuisine in an authentic, romantic setting, with a wine list that beautifully complements the menu. Calypso Pizza Wine Music in Caxton Street offers pretty much everything the name suggests, and the Chamber in North Quay serves up great Italian seafood. For something a little spicier, Casablanca on Petrie Terrace is a Mexican-themed restaurant (despite the name!).

There is a great diffusion of Asian culture in Brisbane, and while many of the more authentic eateries may be found in Chinatown, there are also some great options in the city. For Thai, try Caxton Thai Restaurant on Caxton Street, Mirch Masala on Turbot Street for an Indian curry, Go Sushi on Wharf Street for traditional Japanese sushi, or the King of Kings on Queen Street for a Chinese feast.

If you’re just after an authentic Aussie experience, try some pub grub in one of the city’s many watering holes, where you’ll find on offer juicy steaks, monster burgers and fresh baked pies. Some of the best include the Criterion Tavern on George Street, the Pig ‘N’ Whistle in the Riverside Centre and the Brewhouse on Albert Street.

If you’re after something a little lighter, Coffee and Chocolate in Queens Plaza offers up fresh coffee, delicious homemade chocolate and other light snacks. Naked coffee in the Elizabeth Arcade also offers up coffee served with a delicious selection of home-baked treats.

For visitors on a budget or those who just don’t have time to sit around and wait for food to be cooked, there are of course all the usual fast food chains in the city centre, including McDonalds, Hungry Jacks, KFC and Pizza Hut. A better option though may be one of the many food courts, found in any of the many shopping centres in the CBD. Most of these offer up a huge range of options, from roast dinners to jacket potatoes, from burgers to falafel, from donner kebabs to pizza, all-you-can-eat noodles to all-you-can-eat salad, and many of the options are on offer for about the same price as conventional fast food. The other added bonus here is that if there you’re in a group you can all get what you fancy and then sit together to eat.

Fortitude Valley Restaurants

There are two great reasons why visitors should head out of the CBD and up the road to Fortitude Valley to eat. The first is that this is generally where most of the best bars are found, so you can grab something to eat, and then be right in the middle of the action for the rest of the night – just be careful you don’t stuff yourself too full of food to dance. Bank Vault Lounge on Brunswick Street and Beccofino on Vernon Street are both great choices for an evening dinner.

The second reason to hit Fortitude Valley is that it’s home to Brisbane’s Chinatown – always a great option for something tasty and inexpensive to eat. One of the best choices for Asian-style food is Asian Fusion in Wickham Street, which takes all the best bits of Chinese and Vietnamese food and blends in a little Australian twist, making for truly scrumptious food.

Many of the city’s best hotels and hostels are found in the Fortitude Valley, and Au Cirque on Brunswick Street serves legendary breakfasts, while their coffee will give you enough life back to see the rest of Brisbane.

Dining out in Southbank and the West End

The Southbank area is a relatively new development just outside of the CBD, and is where many of the summer’s events are held, as well as being home to many of the centres of performing arts and several of the city’s art galleries. Outside dining reigns supreme in this area, and you do pay somewhat of a premium in many eateries for the pleasure of the riverbank views, but it is well worth it, especially on a sunny day. Some of the best cafes include Batavia on Grey Street, Cafe Lagoona’s on Little Stanley Street and The Copper Lounge Cake Cafe on Melbourne Street.

The West End is also a great place to dine out in the evening before seeing a show at one of the theatres, and Era Bistro on Melbourne Street offers great Modern Australian while Pasta Al Dente serves up hearty Italian fare.