Brisbane, Australia - Travel Guide
By MupDay - the planner that does the research for you.
Updated: 2026-08-09
Brisbane, the sun-drenched capital of Queensland, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city nestled along the Brisbane River. It offers a perfect blend of lively city life, lush parks, rich culture, and easy access to stunning beaches.
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Top things to do in Brisbane
The must-see places in Brisbane include South Bank Parklands, Queen Street Mall, Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Howard Smith Wharves and more. Here is the full list, with a short note on each:
- South Bank Parklands · South Bank
A vibrant green parkland precinct with artificial beaches, gardens, restaurants, and cultural events, perfect for the whole family.
- Queen Street Mall · Brisbane City
A central shopping mall with a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and cafes.
- Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout · Mount Coot-tha
An iconic lookout point offering breathtaking panoramic views of Brisbane's skyline and surroundings.
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary · Fig Tree Pocket
The best place to cuddle a koala, feed kangaroos, and see other Australian wildlife up close.
- Howard Smith Wharves · Brisbane City
A vibrant entertainment precinct beneath the Story Bridge with restaurants, bars, and stunning river views.
- Eat Street Northshore · Hamilton
A vibrant street food market with a huge variety of cuisines from around the world, live music, and a unique atmosphere.
- Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) · South Bank
One of Australia's leading modern art museums, featuring fascinating exhibitions for all ages.
- Shrine of Remembrance
- Story Bridge Adventure Climb · Kangaroo Point
An exhilarating experience offering spectacular panoramic views of Brisbane from the iconic bridge.
- Gas Stripping Tower
- City Botanic Gardens · Brisbane City
A lush and tranquil park in the heart of the city, perfect for a picnic, walk, or bike ride.
- Queensland Museum & Sciencentre · South Bank
A fascinating museum showcasing Queensland's natural and cultural history, along with interactive science exhibits.
- James Mooney Memorial
- Streets Beach
- Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha · Mount Coot-tha
Beautiful botanic gardens with a wide variety of flora, a Japanese garden, and a planetarium.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-see places in Brisbane?
South Bank Parklands, Queen Street Mall, Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Howard Smith Wharves, Eat Street Northshore
When is the best time to visit Brisbane?
Any season works - MupDay plans around opening hours and the weather, and rebuilds your days as you add or remove places.
How do I plan an itinerary for Brisbane?
Pick places in MupDay and it auto-builds a day-by-day route with no zig-zag, weather-aware.
