Welcome to Brisbane
Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most liveable cities — combining waterfront precincts, subtropical parks, riverfront cycling paths, island adventures and an emerging culinary scene. Its year-round warm climate makes it ideal for outdoor travel, photography, wildlife experiences and day trips to some of Queensland’s most iconic natural areas.
This Brisbane Destinations Hub gives travellers everything they need: regional images, suggested itineraries, nearby nature escapes, island activities, downloadable guides and seamless links to check tour availability with Cooee Tours. Whether you're here for culture, the outdoors, or a relaxing break, this hub helps you explore Brisbane with confidence.
Brisbane City Highlights & Must-See Experiences
Brisbane City is the vibrant heart of Queensland — combining a relaxed riverside lifestyle with cultural landmarks, outdoor dining, historic precincts and modern entertainment hubs. From iconic river views to hidden laneways and family-friendly attractions, Brisbane is an easy, walkable city that rewards exploration at any pace.
Riverfront & City Experiences
Discover Brisbane from the water or on foot with scenic river cruises and guided walking tours around South Bank, Kangaroo Point and the Brisbane Powerhouse. Popular options include the Brisbane City Tour and the atmospheric Laneway Ghost Walk.
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Brisbane’s cultural precinct is home to QPAC, QAGOMA and the Queensland Museum, with exhibitions, performances and festivals year-round. Visitors often combine these highlights with a private guided Brisbane city experience for deeper local insight.
Food, Bars & Markets
Brisbane’s food scene ranges from riverside dining to vibrant markets and hidden bars. Taste your way through the city on a Brisbane food and tasting tour or explore nightlife precincts with a knowledgeable local guide.
Family-Friendly Attractions
With South Bank’s swimming lagoon, riverside parks and ferry rides, Brisbane is ideal for families. Many visitors pair city sightseeing with wildlife encounters on a Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tour departing directly from the city.
Whether you explore Brisbane by e-scooter, bicycle, ferry or guided tour, the city offers an ideal balance of sightseeing and relaxation. Many visitors combine their city stay with nearby wildlife encounters or nature escapes — making Brisbane the perfect gateway to South East Queensland.
Nature & Wildlife Experiences Near Brisbane
Brisbane is uniquely positioned between river, forest and coastline, offering easy access to native wildlife, rainforest walks and scenic lookouts. These nearby nature experiences are ideal for half-day or full-day tours and suit all ages and fitness levels.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Visit the world’s largest koala sanctuary and enjoy close-up encounters with kangaroos, wombats and native birds. This experience is available as a half-day Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tour from Brisbane City.
Mt Coot-tha Lookout & Gardens
Just minutes from the CBD, Mt Coot-tha offers panoramic views, botanic gardens and forest walks. It’s a popular stop on the Brisbane City Sightseeing Tour and private custom itineraries.
Brisbane Forest Park
Escape into tranquil rainforest, waterfalls and birdwatching areas without leaving the city. Nature lovers often combine this region with a Mount Tamborine day tour for a full-day rainforest experience.
These nature and wildlife experiences highlight how easily Brisbane blends urban life with the outdoors. They are popular additions to city tours and perfect for travellers wanting an authentic Australian experience without long travel times.
Moreton Bay Islands
Crystal-clear bays, shipwreck snorkelling, dolphins at dusk, whale-watching season, pristine beaches and Indigenous cultural tours — Brisbane’s island network feels like a tropical getaway but sits right on the city’s doorstep.
Moreton Island
Perfect for snorkelling, sandboarding, dolphin feeding and marine-life experiences.
North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)
Famous for Point Lookout, migrating whales, cliff walks and rich Indigenous heritage.
Whale Watching (June–October)
Depart from Brisbane or Redcliffe for unforgettable seasonal encounters.
Hinterland Escapes
Within 40–60 minutes you can leave the city and enter the cool mountain air of Brisbane’s hinterland — a region filled with waterfalls, wineries, rainforest walks, country pubs and charming villages.
Tamborine Mountain
Rainforest skywalks, wineries, craft shops and scenic lookouts. A favourite day trip from Brisbane.
Glass House Mountains
Iconic volcanic peaks, lookouts, and hiking routes suitable for all skill levels.
Samford & Dayboro
Country charm, cafes, scenic drives and peaceful forest pockets just north of Brisbane.
Nearby Coastal Escapes — Sunshine Coast & Gold Coast
Within an easy drive you can reach the Sunshine Coast’s Noosa and hinterland towns, or the Gold Coast’s surf beaches and rainforest hinterland. These coastal escapes pair well with city-based itineraries when you want a mix of beach and culture.
Sunshine Coast
Noosa’s beaches and hinterland towns for relaxed seaside days and national-park walks.
Gold Coast
Surf beaches, family attractions and easy hinterland drives to waterfalls and lookouts.
Bribie Island
Calmer beaches and nearby national parks for quick half-day escapes from Brisbane.
Suggested Itineraries (Half-Day, Full-Day & Weekend)
Half-Day — City + River
Morning: South Bank & cultural walk. Lunch at Howard Smith Wharves. Afternoon CityCat ferry and an early skyline lookout at Mt Coot-tha.
Full-Day — Moreton Island Adventure
Early ferry, snorkel the wrecks, sandboard, beach picnic and late return to Brisbane. Ideal for families and snorkellers.
Weekend — Scenic Rim & Wineries
Day 1: Tamborine Mountain wineries and skywalk. Day 2: Lamington NP walks and waterfall circuits. Combine with a farmstay or B&B.
📝 Brisbane Travel Guides & Blogs
Planning Resources & Downloads
These downloadable guides help you plan your Brisbane adventures offline, whether you're exploring the city or venturing into the surrounding forest, mountains or islands.
Seasonal clothing tips, sun protection, rain gear and photography suggestions.
Includes Moreton Bay, Mt Coot-tha, Stradbroke, Tamborine & Glass House Mountains.
Curated itineraries, wildlife tips and day trip essentials.
Quick Book with Cooee Tours
Use the form below to send a quick enquiry — our bookings team replies with availability, pricing and optional extras.