Photo by: Romain Terpreau

1. South Bank Parklands

Riverside esplanades, public pools, dining, cultural hubs (QPAC, GOMA, QAG)

South Bank – Where the City Goes to Play

Step into South Bank and you’ll discover the vibrant heart of Brisbane — a riverside precinct reimagined from World Expo 88 into 17 hectares of open parklands, culture and community. Bougainvillea-lined promenades stretch along the river, the heritage-listed Nepalese Peace Pagoda stands as a quiet legacy of 1988, and the city’s free lagoon-style swimming beaches bring a relaxed, subtropical energy right to the skyline.

Families can spend hours at the Queensland Museum’s world-renowned dinosaur exhibits or take in sweeping city views from the 60-metre Wheel of Brisbane, while couples browse the weekend Markets before settling into Little Stanley Street for dinner. Just across the way, Fish Lane hums with small bars, local street art and bohemian energy, while Art Galleries and the Queensland Preforming Arts Centre or QPAC for short, anchor the precinct as a cultural destination known well beyond Queensland.

With train, bus and ferry access at your doorstep, South Bank truly offers something for everyone — and it’s often where a Brisbane story begins.

Photo by: Romain Terpreau

2. CBD

Royal Botanical Gardens, Queen Street, City Hall, ANZAC Square, historic arcades

Brisbane CBD – Urban Jungle

Crossing over from South Bank via the Goodwill Bridge you step into Brisbane’s CBD, it’s a short stroll — but the vibe changes completely as you enter the heart of a bustling, youthful, and sometimes chaotic metropolis.

From the lively crowds on Queen Street’s premier retail strip to the commanding City Hall rising 92 metres above King George Square, the CBD mixes modern energy with echoes of Brisbane’s convict past. Families, couples, and culture lovers will find something to enchant them — from World War History at ANZAC Square, to the sparkling new Star Casino and the free Brisbane Skydeck, standing 100 metres above the river, where you can soak in sunset views, share a beer, and take in the city from above, plus quirky hidden laneways like Burnett Lane, perfect for bar hopping and discovering street art.

Don’t miss Frog’s Hollow, once Brisbane’s red-light district, now a melting pot of international cuisine, or pause in the gardens as you walk through the precinct and take a breath amidst the city buzz. Whether you arrive by train, bus, or ferry, the CBD pulses with life, history, and culture — a city within a city waiting to be explored.

Photo by: Donovan Kelly

3. Brisbane Laneways

Fish Lane & Burnett Lane, street art, microbreweries

Brisbane Laneways – Where Art, Bars and Hidden Gems Collide

Brisbane’s laneways are a growing playground for food, drink, and creativity, each with a distinct personality waiting to be discovered.

Burnett Lane, the city’s oldest, hides just off Queen Street, where local street art marks entrances to bustling bars, like Brew Café & Wine Bar, Death & Taxes, and Antico.

Try Lune Croissanterie, home to scientifically perfect croissants crafted by a former F1 engineer. Cross the historic Victoria Bridge and you enter Fish Lane, once an abandoned industrial site beneath the railway, now Brisbane’s premier hub for bars, restaurants, and public art, starting with Julius Pizzeria and winding your way past hidden barber shops doubling as bars.

Scattered across both laneways are 15 secret door art pieces by local artist Mace Robertson, rewarding curious explorers who slow down and look closely.

Together, these vibrant corridors show a playful, bohemian side of Brisbane — perfect for a night out, a culinary adventure, or simply soaking up the city’s emerging laneway culture.

Photo by: Michael

4. Queen Street Wharves & Story Bridge

Riverside dining, jazz club, Kangaroo Point cliffs

Queen’s Wharf & Story Bridge – Brisbane’s Riverside Playground

On the eastern side of the CBD, just west of the Story Bridge, Queen’s Wharf and the CityReach Boardwalk offer a sophisticated riverside playground for dining, drinks, and special occasions.

Gourmet Restaurants and Riverfront bars straddle the riverside, offering spectacular views, scenic landscapes and sophisticated dining. Towering above, the Story Bridge, an 777m long steel cantilever bridge— designed by John Bradfield, the same engineer behind Sydney Harbour Bridge — rises 80 metres above the city, offering daring climbers spectacular city and river views, while across the water, Kangaroo Point cliffs host thrill-seekers abseiling into the river below.

Crossing the bridge, or a short ferry ride away, the newly refurbished Brisbane Jazz Club adds a soulful soundtrack to the precinct, blending effortlessly with riverside bars, gourmet dining, and stunning city lights. Insider tip, dine at Patina at Custom’s House for a riverside culinary experience inside a turn of the century building.

Whether you arrive via ferry, cross the bridge on foot, or catch a quick train or bus, this is Brisbane’s elegant, energetic riverside hub — perfect for a night out or an unforgettable celebration.

Photo by: Simone Dinoia

5. Local Wildlife

Lone Pine Koala Reserve, Australia Zoo (day trips)

Local Wildlife – Up Close with Australia’s Icons

It’s not a trip to Australia without experiencing Australian wildlife up close. Brisbane offers unforgettable encounters just a short trip from the city.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, only 20 minutes upriver by ferry or train, is a genuine haven for native species — hold a koala, feed kangaroos and wallabies, meet dingoes, Tasmanian devils, and even watch a thrilling crocodile show.

About an hour and a half away by rail, the world-famous Australia Zoo spans over 700 acres, home to more than 1,200 species and the enduring legacy of Steve Irwin, where families and animal lovers alike can explore native and exotic wildlife. From exotic reptiles to endemic Australian creatures, these sanctuaries offer hands-on experiences that delight kids and adults alike, making it easy to appreciate the diversity of life unique to Australia.

With convenient public transport links, a wildlife adventure in Brisbane is both accessible and unforgettable — a perfect day trip for families, couples, or anyone eager to meet Australia’s iconic creatures.

Photo by: © Brisbane City Council 2016

6. Wilderness & Views

Mount Coot-tha (botanical gardens, planetarium, scenic views), Kangaroo Point cliffs

Wilderness & Views – Mount Coot-tha & Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Just 15 minutes from the CBD, Mount Coot-tha feels worlds away — an idyllic hilltop lookout surrounded by dense eucalyptus forest and winding bush tracks, offering sweeping views across Brisbane’s skyline and beyond.

Paved roads lead all the way to the summit, while buses connect easily from the city, making it an effortless escape for families, couples, and anyone craving fresh air and perspective. At its base, the Planetarium and the free Brisbane Botanic Gardens add another layer of discovery, creating a perfect half-day adventure immersed in nature.

For those wanting views a little closer to the action, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs rise dramatically beside the river, where sunset picnics, rock climbing, and abseiling unfold against the city backdrop.

Together, these elevated vantage points reveal Brisbane at its most beautiful — green, relaxed, and effortlessly connected to the outdoors.

Photo by: Guillaume Marques

7. Moreton Bay Day Trips

North Stradbroke Island & Moreton Island (beaches, wildlife, snorkelling)

Where the City Meets the Bay / North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) – Moreton Bay

Just across Moreton Bay lies North Stradbroke Island — or “Straddie” as locals call it — a pristine coastal paradise and proud home of the Quandamooka people.

Renowned for its unique flora and fauna, the island is one of Queensland’s best whale-watching destinations from June to October, when humpbacks migrate past Point Lookout, while turtles, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs and even sharks glide through its crystal waters year-round.

The iconic North Gorge Walk offers a short but breathtaking coastal trail where marine life, native kangaroos, wallabies and even the occasional koala can be spotted, with opportunities to join guided bush walks led by Quandamooka elders.

Cylinder Beach and South Gorge provide perfect swimming spots, Amity Point delivers unforgettable sunsets, and 4WD adventures and beach camping add a touch of thrill for those wanting to stay longer.

With easy train and ferry connections from Brisbane and local island shuttles linking the main beaches and lookouts, Straddie feels wonderfully remote — yet effortlessly accessible for a perfect day escape.

Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) – Moreton Bay

North of Straddie lies Moreton Island, its wilder sibling and a vast sand island that is 95% protected national park, where raw natural beauty takes centre stage. With no paved roads beyond the Tangalooma resort area, exploring the island’s dunes, beaches and inland tracks requires a 4WD — though local tour operators make it easy for visitors without one to experience the adventure.

The Tangalooma Wrecks, just offshore, have transformed into a vibrant artificial reef, creating one of Queensland’s most accessible snorkelling spots and a spectacular place to catch the sunrise. Beyond the wrecks, thrill-seekers can sandboard down towering dunes, hike to the summit of Mount Tempest, soak in the Blue Lagoon, visit the Champagne Pools, or stand at Cape Moreton Lighthouse overlooking endless ocean.

Whether visiting for the day or camping under the stars with a permit in hand, Moreton Island delivers a rugged, unforgettable escape just a ferry ride from Brisbane.

Photo by: Aleson Padilha

8. West End

Bohemian & authentic side (cafés, bars, local culture)

West End – Brisbane’s Cultural Heart

West End is the beating cultural heart of Brisbane — a vibrant, eclectic neighbourhood where history meets creativity and the community thrives. Home to Brisbane’s working-class community, the area is now known for its bustling bars, street art, and a truly authentic food scene, with places like Montjoie Patisserie serving up the best crepes in Brisbane.

Boundary and Melbourne Streets are lined with cool bars, shout out, The Burrow, offering fantastic ambiance and an undeniable local charm, and during the day, the area has a bohemian, communal vibe with apothecaries, parks, and art galleries.

In the evenings, the streets come alive with murals, cabaret shows, and some of the best, most affordable food in the city, offering a more relaxed, authentic bar scene than places like Fish Lane. West End is where locals — especially students — head for a night out full of character, culture, and a taste of real Brisbane life.

Photo by: Hierba Santa

9. Markets

Eat Street, New Farm Powerhouse, Botanic Gardens Sunday market, Reddacliffe Place Wednesday market

Markets – Eat Street & More

Eat Street is Brisbane’s iconic market destination — a vibrant riverfront haven built from shipping containers, offering a whirlwind of food, live music, and local culture. Located just a 15-minute drive from the CBD across the scenic Kingsford Smith Drive, this is where you’ll find the best street food in Brisbane, with highlights like the mouthwatering pork belly at Poulet and Pork and refreshing litre-sized drinks from the Organic Tea House (the Passion Fruit Juice is a must).

Whether you’re grabbing a bite alone, with friends, or with family, the atmosphere is always lively, with live performances from talented artists every night. But the market buzz doesn’t stop there: head to the Jan Powers Farmers Market at New Farm Powerhouse on Saturdays for local produce beneath the shade of Jacaranda trees, or stroll to the Riverside Markets in the Botanic Gardens on Sundays, where you can try kangaroo sausages and wash it down with a Hibiscus iced tea from Herb Santa Organic — trust me, it’s the perfect pick after a busy day of exploring Brisbane.

Don’t forget the Reddacliffe Place Market on Wednesdays and the Thursday Night Market by the Star Casino, home to the best Pasteis de Nata and gnocchi in town.

Photo by: O’Brien

10. Coast to Coast

South: Gold Coast & environs (Surfers Paradise, theme parks, Burleigh Heads, hinterlands) /North: Sunshine Coast & environs (Noosa, beaches, hinterlands)

Gold Coast – Coast to Coast

Just an hour and a half from Brisbane and easily accessible by rail, the Gold Coast is the perfect weekend escape for sun, surf, and adventure.

Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach are iconic hubs of beach culture, while locals retreat to quieter spots like Burleigh Heads, Tallebudgera Creek, and Currumbin — Burleigh’s white sandy beaches and small-town vibe are a personal favourite.

Families can dive into Australia’s largest collection of theme parks, from Superman and Steel Taipan rides at Movie World to Dreamworld’s thrilling attractions, plus waterparks, Top Golf, and Sea World. Nature lovers can explore the Gold Coast Hinterlands, from Mount Tamborine’s fresh air to segments of the 96km Kokoda Trail, rich in history and scenic walks.

For the bold, take the road south to small, coastal town of Byron Bay, whose white sandy beaches and gnarly surf scene attracts over 2 million tourists per year. During Schoolies — late November to early December — the coast transforms into a lively celebration as youth mark the end of school, adding a high-energy, unforgettable vibe.

North: Sunshine Coast & environs

The Sunshine Coast offers a laid-back, family-oriented vibe, the perfect escape for Brisbanites seeking fresh air and a slower pace.

Mooloolaba Beach is one of my personal favourites, with its beautiful seaside esplanade perfect for strolling, and Maroochydore keeps the momentum going with premier shopping and the chance to rent a boat on the Maroochy River, which winds down from the Glasshouse Mountains — so named by Captain Cook in 1770 because the peaks reminded him of the glassmaking houses back in England.

Some of the region’s finest produce comes from small towns like Maleny or Kilcoy, but my favourite spot has to be Woodford, where every year from December 27 to January 1 the Woodford Folk Festival transforms the town into the largest outdoor festival on the continent — I’ve worked there every year and it never fails to amaze.

Further north is Noosa, where my family has holidayed every summer; we would stay at Culgoa Point and rent a pontoon near the Big Pelican, making countless Queensland summer memories. For those willing to venture further, the Sunshine Coast also provides access to Great K’Gari (Fraser Island) and Hervey Bay, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.