Brisbane is one of Australia's most underrated travel destinations — a river city with world-class galleries, extraordinary wildlife experiences, an exploding food scene, Bluey's World, and a surrounding region that belongs on any Australian itinerary. Here's everything worth doing in 2026.
Explore the Guide Day Trip OptionsOne of Australia's premier art institutions with a permanent collection of Australian and international modern art, and world-class temporary exhibitions. In 2026, GOMA Friday Nights returns May–June: Olafur Eliasson: Presence transforms the gallery into an after-dark art and cocktail destination every Friday. Entry to the permanent collection is free.
Brisbane's riverside precinct is genuinely extraordinary — Streets Beach (the only inner-city artificial beach in Australia), the Arbour rainforest walk, the Wheel of Brisbane, and the vibrant Stanley Street dining strip all within a short walk. The precinct also hosts QPAC, GOMA, and the Queensland Museum.
A world-first 4,000 square metre immersive experience at Northshore Pavilion (Hamilton). Step into the Heeler family's Queenslander home, play Musical Statues, Floor is Lava, and Keepy Uppy, then explore the 360-degree viewing dome. Extended until November 2026. Catch the themed CityDog ferry from Howard Smith Wharves. From $39.90pp.
Built into the sandstone cliffs beneath the Story Bridge, this riverside precinct has become Brisbane's most atmospheric dining and events destination. Multiple bars and restaurants, river access, and the history of the city's working waterfront beneath it all.
Brisbane's finest viewpoint — the entire city, Moreton Bay, and on clear days the Glass House Mountains spread before you from 287 metres above sea level. Best at sunset. There's a restaurant if you want to linger over dinner with the view. The summit walking trail is also excellent.
Brisbane has one of Australia's most impressive urban art scenes, concentrated in Fortitude Valley's laneways and walls. Ann Street, Brunswick Street, and the McLachlan Street corridor are particularly rich. Pick up a free street art map from any visitor information centre.
Brisbane's answer to the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. The 1940s cantilever bridge can be scaled to its 74-metre summit for 360-degree views of the city, river, and bay. Dawn, day, twilight, and night climbs all available. One of Australia's great urban adventure experiences.
Natural history, Indigenous cultures, and the state's social history under one roof — and entry to the permanent collection is free. The Dinosaur Discovery exhibit and Australian wildlife section are excellent. Connected to GOMA at South Bank, making this a natural two-in-one visit.
New Farm Park is one of Brisbane's most beautiful riverside parks — fig trees, rose gardens, and a 1km river walk with city skyline views. The Brisbane Powerhouse next door is a converted heritage building hosting live theatre, comedy, arts events, and the Night Feast market series year-round.
Brisbane's coolest shopping and dining strip — independent boutiques, homewares stores, artisan food businesses, and some of the city's best restaurants clustered around one of the city's prettiest heritage streetscapes in Fortitude Valley.
Our Brisbane day tours cover the highlights locals actually care about — not the tourist checklist version. Small groups of max 12, expert local guide, hotel pickup included. Available year-round.
The world's first and largest koala sanctuary, 12km from the CBD. Meet koalas up close (koala holding ended July 2024 — now a Meet & Greet / photo experience), feed free-range kangaroos in the meadow, see platypus, wombats, echidna, and Tasmanian devils. An outstanding experience for adults and children alike. Accessible by scenic river cruise.
100km north near the Sunshine Coast. 1,200+ animals, Africa Savannah with cheetahs and giraffes, world-class Crocoseum live shows, and Steve Irwin's extraordinary conservation legacy. A full-day experience. Our guided tour includes entry and hotel pickup from Brisbane.
Just 30km from Brisbane by ferry, Minjerribah is home to wild dolphins, migrating humpback whales (June–November), osprey, koalas in coastal heath, sea turtles, and Quandamooka cultural experiences led by Traditional Owners (Yura Tours). One of the most accessible wildlife encounters in Australia.
90 minutes north of Brisbane, the Eumundi Markets (Wednesday and Saturday) are one of Australia's great open-air market experiences. 600+ stalls, artisan food, live music, and a genuine community character built over 45+ years. Arrive early before the crowds. Highly recommend the Saturday market for the full experience.
Brisbane's most community-focused weekly market — organic produce, artisan food, local designers, and vintage clothing in one of the city's most bohemian neighbourhoods. The Boundary Street and Vulture Street café strips before or after are excellent.
Brisbane's night market precinct on the north bank of the river — shipping container food stalls from across the globe, live entertainment, and a vibrant weekend atmosphere that captures the city's multicultural character. The most theatrical dining precinct in Brisbane.
Eleven ancient volcanic peaks visible from Brisbane on clear days — extraordinary geology, excellent walking tracks (Mt Ngungun summit for panoramic 360° views), and significant First Nations cultural landscape (sacred to the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi peoples). 65km north of Brisbane.
Burleigh Heads (best surf and food on the Gold Coast), HOTA arts precinct, Tamborine Mountain rainforest — a full day combining Australia's most famous beach strip with a spectacular hinterland above it. 80km south. Best on a weekday for fewer crowds.
Australia's most easterly point — Cape Byron Lighthouse walk, surf culture at The Pass and Wategos Beach, Bangalow village with excellent restaurants, and an atmosphere entirely unlike anywhere else in the country. 165km south into northern NSW. Thursday is the Bangalow Farmers Market day.
Eumundi Markets, Noosa National Park coastal walk with wild koala sightings, Laguna Lookout panorama, Noosa Main Beach swim, and Hastings Street. Our most popular day trip — deservedly the best variety per kilometre of any Brisbane day trip. Wednesday and Saturday (market days) are best.
Queensland's most accessible island escape — 30km from Brisbane by ferry. Blue Lake, wild beaches, dolphins, whale watching in season (June–November), and a Quandamooka cultural experience with Traditional Owners. No cars required — the local bus system works well.
Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo — one of the world's great wildlife parks with 1,200+ animals. The Crocoseum live shows are spectacular. Best visited on a guided day tour from Brisbane that includes entry, hotel pickup, and the 100km logistics handled for you.
52 hectares of Australian native plants, tropical dome, Japanese garden, and the state's most comprehensive arid zone garden. Free entry and genuinely beautiful at any season. The summit walking trail connects to the lookout for extraordinary city views.
Paddle the Brisbane River through the CBD, past the Botanic Gardens, and along the South Bank riverside. Multiple operators offer guided tours and kayak hire, with city skyline views from the water that are impossible to get any other way. Night kayaking tours are also available and extraordinary.
A short ferry from Brisbane to Queensland's most beautiful sand island — snorkelling at the Tangalooma Wrecks, sandboarding the inland desert dunes, and wild dolphin feeding at Tangalooma Resort. 98% national park (now officially Gheebulum Kunungai National Park). An entirely different Queensland experience.
Brisbane is genuinely excellent for budget travellers. Here are the city's best free experiences — all worth doing regardless of budget.
World-class permanent collection, completely free. One of Australia's finest art institutions charges nothing for its standing exhibition. Every Friday GOMA stays open until 8:30pm with DJs and live performances.
Natural history, Indigenous cultures, dinosaur exhibit, and Australian wildlife in an excellent permanent collection. Free entry always. Connected to GOMA at South Bank.
Streets Beach, Arbour walk, riverside boardwalk, and extraordinary event programming throughout the year — all free to access. The most beautiful free precinct of any Australian capital city.
Historic formal gardens on the CBD riverfront with enormous fig trees, free BBQs, and direct access to the Riverwalk. Open every day. Exceptional at dusk with the city lights reflected on the river.
52 hectares of native Australian plants, tropical dome, and Japanese garden. Free entry, always. The drive up to the lookout adds panoramic city views at no cost.
The free inner-city ferry runs between South Bank, the CBD, New Farm, and Hamilton (Northshore). A lovely way to see Brisbane from the river — and the CityDog ferries to Bluey's World are decorated with Bluey and Bingo.
World-class urban art concentrated in the Valley's laneways. Self-guided maps available free from any visitor information centre. The McLachlan Street corridor is the most rewarding.
One of Brisbane's most beautiful parks — fig tree canopies, rose gardens, river access, and free BBQ facilities. The 1km riverside walk to the Powerhouse is a Brisbane ritual for locals.
Our guided day tours cover Brisbane's best surrounding destinations — hotel pickup, expert local guides, and small groups of max 12. Choose your adventure for 2026.
All Day Trips from Brisbane Call (07) 4194 3333