Welcome to Brisbane
Brisbane, Australia's vibrant river city, offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. As Queensland's sunny capital, Brisbane enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an ideal destination year-round. From world-class dining and cultural experiences to pristine beaches just an hour away, Brisbane serves as your gateway to both cosmopolitan excitement and natural wonders.
Since landing the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Brisbane has been recognised by the world's travel media as one of the most exciting and trendiest travel destinations on earth. The city's arts precinct (QAGOMA — two of the best-designed galleries on the planet), its riverfront dining, its boutique bar scene, and its extraordinary day trip circuit make it one of the finest bases for exploring eastern Australia.
Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures, cultural immersion, wildlife encounters, or relaxed exploration, Brisbane and its surrounds offer something for every traveller.
What's New & Exceptional This Year
- Bluey's World (Ongoing): A world-first immersive experience at Northshore Pavilion — the beloved blue heeler's Queenslander home, backyard, and beyond, in real life. One of Brisbane's most talked-about new attractions.
- Rugby League World Cup Grand Final (November 2026): Brisbane hosts the Rugby League World Cup Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium — one of the biggest sporting events in the city's history.
- Sting's The Last Ship (April–May 2026): The Southern Hemisphere debut — and only Australian season — of Sting's acclaimed musical at QPAC's new Glasshouse Theatre.
- Brisbane Comedy Festival (April 2026): Six weeks of comedy at the Powerhouse, featuring Rove McManus, Pete Helliar, Tommy Little, and more.
- GOMA Friday Nights (May–June 2026): Olafur Eliasson: Presence transforms QPAC into an after-dark cultural destination with art, music, and cocktails every Friday.
- Paniyiri Greek Festival 50th Anniversary (2026): Brisbane's longest-running Greek festival celebrates its half-century — 50,000 visitors expected at Musgrave Park in West End.
- BIFF 2026: Brisbane International Film Festival relaunches with a larger budget and increased focus on female filmmakers.
Things To Do in Brisbane
Discover the best activities and experiences across Australia's sunshine capital
Outdoor & Adventure
- Climb the Story Bridge for panoramic city views — day, twilight, and night options
- Cycle or walk along the scenic Brisbane River pathways (20km circuit)
- Kayak through the city's waterways, including night kayaking tours
- Rock climbing at Kangaroo Point Cliffs (free, lit at night)
- Bushwalking in Mt Coot-tha Forest — summit, waterfalls, mountain bikes
- Stand-up paddleboarding on Moreton Bay
Wildlife & Nature
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: meet koalas and free-range kangaroo feeding (12km from CBD)
- Whale watching from Moreton Island (June–November season)
- Feed wild dolphins at Tangalooma — one of Australia's most extraordinary wildlife experiences
- Brisbane Botanic Gardens & Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens (free)
- Bird watching at Boondall Wetlands — 180+ species
- Snorkelling at the Moreton Bay Marine Park shipwrecks
Arts & Culture
- QAGOMA (Gallery of Modern Art + Queensland Art Gallery) — two world-class galleries, free entry to permanent collection
- QPAC: home to the Lyric Theatre, Concert Hall, and new Glasshouse Theatre
- Queensland Museum Kurilpa — free, South Brisbane
- Museum of Brisbane at City Hall (free)
- Fish Lane and Fortitude Valley street art trails
- Live music: The Tivoli, Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane Powerhouse
Food & Dining
- Brunch at West End's thriving café scene — Brunswick Street and beyond
- Howard Smith Wharves: riverside dining precinct under the Story Bridge
- Eagle Street Pier and South Bank for river-view dining
- James Street gourmet strip in Fortitude Valley
- Night Feast at Brisbane Powerhouse: pop-ups from the city's best restaurants
- South Bank Collective Markets and Eat Street Northshore
Shopping & Markets
- Queen Street Mall — Brisbane's premier retail precinct
- Paddington for boutiques, vintage, and independent shops
- South Bank Collective Markets (Saturday and Sunday)
- James Street designer stores — Fortitude Valley
- Empire Revival (Paddington Antique Centre) — 60+ vintage dealers
- Davies Park Market West End (Saturday) — farm-fresh produce
Beaches & Islands
- South Bank Streets Beach — Australia's only inner-city artificial beach (free, daily)
- Day trip to Gold Coast — 56km of patrolled beaches (80km, 1 hr)
- Ferry to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) — exceptional beaches and wildlife
- Moreton Island 4WD adventure — sand dunes, shipwreck snorkelling
- Sandboarding at the Tangalooma Dunes — one of Australia's finest
- Sunset cruises on Moreton Bay and the Brisbane River
Best Day Trips from Brisbane
Brisbane is one of Australia's finest bases for day trip exploration — spectacular destinations in every direction
56km of connected beach, four major theme parks (Movie World, Dreamworld, Sea World), a thriving arts precinct at HOTA, and Burleigh Heads' iconic café culture. Australia's most famous coastal city — big, bold, and brilliantly fun.
Gold Coast Guide →
Noosa's boutique national park beaches, Eumundi Markets (600+ stalls, Wednesday and Saturday), hinterland villages of Montville and Maleny, and Hastings Street dining — Queensland's most curated coastal experience.
Sunshine Coast Guide →
Australia's most easterly point — the Cape Byron lighthouse, The Pass surf break, Bangalow Farmers Market (Thursday), Stone & Wood craft brewery, and a bohemian cultural scene that's unlike anywhere else in the country.
Byron Bay Guide →
Steve Irwin's legendary wildlife park with 1,200+ animals — the world-famous Crocoseum live show, cheetahs, tigers, elephants, and the Crikey! Kids Corner. The best full-day wildlife experience in Southeast Queensland.
Book Tour →
Wild dolphin feeding at Tangalooma, epic sand dunes for sandboarding, clear-water snorkelling at the Tangalooma Shipwrecks, and 4WD adventures across one of the world's largest sand islands. No cars, no high-rises, no crowds.
Book Tour →
Gold Coast vs Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay vs Noosa, Australia Zoo vs Lone Pine — our honest comparison guides settle every major Brisbane day trip decision, written by people who guide these trips every week.
View Comparison Guides →Featured Brisbane Tours
Hand-picked experiences guided by local experts — hotel pickup included, max 14 guests
Paddle through the heart of Brisbane and discover hidden gems along the river. Early morning departures for the best light and calm water — an extraordinary way to see the city.
The world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary — 100+ koalas, free-range kangaroo feeding meadow, platypus, wombats, and Free Flight Raptor Show. Just 12km from Brisbane CBD via scenic river cruise.
Visit Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Burleigh Heads on this full-day coastal adventure. Hotel pickup, expert commentary, and the freedom to experience the Gold Coast without the driving stress.
Taste your way through Brisbane's best cafés, restaurants, and hidden culinary treasures in West End, South Bank and Fortitude Valley with an expert local food guide.
Eumundi Markets (600+ stalls, Wednesday or Saturday), Noosa National Park coastal track, Hastings Street dining, and optional hinterland village stop in Montville. The definitive Sunshine Coast day trip.
Explore Brisbane's rich history and heritage through its historic buildings, First Nations stories, and hidden laneways. City Hall, Customs House, Fortitude Valley and Fish Lane art — with a local expert guide.
Major Brisbane Events 2026
Brisbane's event calendar in 2026 is exceptional — from world-class performing arts and sport to immersive experiences and street festivals. Here's what to know when planning your visit.
Sting's The Last Ship at QPAC's Glasshouse Theatre — the only Australian season of the acclaimed Broadway musical, with Sting performing in the lead role alongside Shaggy. Brisbane Comedy Festival (April) at the Powerhouse.
GOMA Friday Nights — Olafur Eliasson: Presence transforms QAGOMA into an after-dark art and cocktail destination every Friday. Paniyiri Greek Festival 50th anniversary at Musgrave Park, West End.
Wallabies v France at Suncorp Stadium (July). Brisbane International Film Festival 2026 relaunch with expanded program. Rugby League World Cup matches at Suncorp Stadium (October).
Rugby League World Cup Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane — the biggest sporting event in the city's recent history. Bluey's World at Northshore Pavilion continues as one of Brisbane's most popular ongoing attractions throughout 2026.
What's On Throughout the Year
Plan your Brisbane visit around seasonal highlights — there's genuinely no bad time of year
- Brisbane Festival — arts and cultural celebration across the city
- Riverfire — spectacular fireworks display over the Brisbane River
- Jacaranda blooms — purple flowers across Brisbane streets and parks
- Whale watching season finale (Sep–Nov)
- Night Feast at Brisbane Powerhouse
- New Year's Eve — fireworks at South Bank and Story Bridge
- Australia Day — citizenship ceremonies, celebrations
- Chinese New Year — celebrations in Fortitude Valley
- Beach season in full swing at South Bank and Gold Coast
- Outdoor cinema screenings at New Farm Park and South Bank
- Brisbane Comedy Festival — April, international comedians at Powerhouse
- Paniyiri Greek Festival — 50th anniversary in 2026, Musgrave Park
- GOMA Friday Nights — art, music, cocktails (2026: May–June)
- Night Feast at the Powerhouse (Autumn edition)
- Perfect hiking weather for Tamborine and Glass House Mountains
- Whale watching season begins — Moreton Bay (Jun–Nov)
- Ekka (Royal Queensland Show) — August, Brisbane Showgrounds
- State of Origin — rugby league at Suncorp Stadium
- Abbey Medieval Festival — July, 35th year in 2026
- Peak outdoor season: markets, rooftop bars, all day trips at their best
The CBD and South Bank suit short stays where walking distance matters most. New Farm, Teneriffe and Bulimba give you a riverside neighbourhood with the CityCat at the end of the street. West End and Woolloongabba are the value picks in the inner ring, and Fortitude Valley is the choice if nightlife and live music are the point.
Where to Stay
The one exception to the flat fare is the Airtrain to Brisbane Airport, which is priced separately. Driving is straightforward outside peak hours, though the CBD's one-way system and the river crossings reward a moment with a map before setting off.
The CityCat is the standout. It connects the university, South Bank, the CBD, Howard Smith Wharves, New Farm and the eastern suburbs along the river, and for fifty cents it is also the best sightseeing in the city. The free CityHopper covers the inner-city stops.
Public transport across Brisbane runs on a 50-cent flat fare — one price for any single journey on a bus, train, ferry or the Brisbane Metro, however far you go. It makes the city one of the cheapest capitals in the country to move around.
Getting Around Brisbane
Brisbane's food scene has changed substantially in a decade and now stands on its own rather than in Sydney's or Melbourne's shadow. The concentrations worth knowing are Fish Lane and West End's Boundary Street for dinner, New Farm and Paddington for brunch, Fortitude Valley's James Street for the higher end, and Eat Street Northshore at the weekend for a markets-and-containers evening with a couple of hundred options in one place.
Eating in Brisbane
Spring brings jacarandas through late October and November and the most settled weather before the heat. Summer is hot, humid and stormy, with the compensations of a genuine wet-season landscape and the hinterland running several degrees cooler than the city.
Autumn — March to May — is the pick. The summer humidity has gone, the days sit in the mid-twenties, and the outdoor city that Brisbane is built to be is comfortable at any hour. Winter is dry, mild and clear, the best season for walking and for long-distance views, though swimming becomes a decision rather than an assumption.
When to Visit
Add the weekend markets, the public art through the CBD and the bushwalking tracks in the Mt Coot-tha reserve, and a visitor can fill several days without an entry fee.
An unusual amount of Brisbane's best costs nothing. South Bank Parklands and Streets Beach, the Cultural Centre galleries and the Queensland Museum, the City Botanic Gardens and the far larger Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha, the Mt Coot-tha lookout, the Riverwalk, the CityHopper ferry and the Kangaroo Point cliffs are all free.
Free Things to Do in Brisbane
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Brisbane tours and activities
What are the best things to do in Brisbane for first-time visitors?
How many days do you need to see Brisbane and surrounding areas?
What is the best time of year to visit Brisbane for outdoor activities?
What major events are happening in Brisbane in 2026?
Are Brisbane tours suitable for families with young children?
How far in advance should I book Brisbane tours and activities?
Can I see koalas and kangaroos on Brisbane wildlife tours?
How much do Brisbane day tours typically cost per person?
What are the best day trips from Brisbane for nature lovers?
Is it better to book Brisbane tours online or on arrival?
Are Brisbane tours wheelchair accessible and suitable for seniors?
What water activities can I do in Brisbane?
Ready for Your Next Brisbane Adventure?
Cooee Tours runs expert-guided day tours from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, Australia Zoo, Moreton Island and beyond. Hotel pickup, small groups, local knowledge.
Browse All Tours Call (07) 4194 3333