A Complete Guide To Getting The Most Out Of Brisbane

Brisbane, the vibrant city of Queensland, is the third biggest city in Australia and has a thriving art and culture scene, a world-class food and dining experience, stunning national parks, and a sports-mad people who cheer on everything from cricket and soccer to rugby and footy. Its cosmopolitan nature is akin to that of Sydney and Melbourne but what really sets Brisbane apart is its sunny climate and the ease of access to the outdoors. Picnics by the Brisbane River, al fresco dining on the Howard Smith Wharves, swimming in the clear waters of Streets Beach right in the middle of the city, Brissie—as the city is known by locals—encourages visitors and residents to live life to the fullest and make every day as interesting as the last.

The city is home to the Turrbal and Jagera peoples who call the place Meeanjin which means “the place of the blue water lilies.” Brisbane welcomes visitors year-round since its subtropical climate means winters from June to August are very mild with lots of blue skies and moderate temperatures, while the heat and humidity of summers (November to February) make it an ideal time for coastal getaways and cultural excursions.

Here’s your guide to the dynamic delights of Brisbane.

Top Attractions

Start by visiting the South Bank Parklands, a riverfront promenade with free swimming facilities, walking tracks, picnic zones, award-winning restaurants, shops and cultural institutions like the Queensland Performance Arts Centre, the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art and the State Library of Queensland. Hop onto the Wheel of Brisbane to see the city from a bird’s-eye view, marvel at the architecture of the Nepalese Peace Pagoda which was made from 80 tonnes of timber, eat Spanish cuisine at the Olé Restaurant, and let the kids run wild at the Riverside Green Playground which has rope bridges, slides and climbing structures.

The City Botanic Gardens are a heritage-listed reserve covering 17 hectares on Alice Street. It holds a variety of events throughout the year such as multicultural festivals, art installations and community events. Learn about the 23 bamboo species in the Bamboo Grove; visit the Walter Hill Fountain, the first drinking fountain in the city; rest at the Weeping Fig Avenue which provides much-needed shade on hot days; and bird watch at the ornamental ponds which attracts ducks and other birdlife. Join a free one-hour guided tour from 11AM-1PM, Monday to Saturday at the Main Rotunda.

The Howard Smith Wharves is a historic shipyard that's now Brisbane’s ultimate chill spot. With 13 fabulous restaurants, cosy cafés, buzzing bars, event spaces, and even a swanky hotel, it’s the best place to relax in during the hot summer days as it’s located right next to the Brisbane River. Chill with your friends while drinking locally brewed beer and cider at Felons Brewing Co, enjoy a cocktail on the deck of Mr Percival’s while watching the sunset, and sample international cuisine at Greca (Greek), Yoko Dining (Japanese) and Ciao Papi (Italian).

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary. It is home to over 100 koalas and 75 species of other Australian native animals. There are presentations, shows, photo opportunities and free-range kangaroo feeding for visitors to take advantage of. A 360-degree crocodile viewing dome allows people to get up close and personal with the saltwater crocodiles. A day spent here will enthral visitors curious to learn about Australian wildlife and how the sanctuary is contributing to animal welfare efforts through their conservation work. 

The iconic Story Bridge is a testament to the resilience and can-do spirit of the Australian people as it is the largest steel bridge which was designed, fabricated and constructed in Australia by Australians. Today, the bridge is known for its LED lighting displays that can be seen along the length of the Brisbane River. Visitors can climb to the highest point of the bridge at approximately 80m above sea level on a guided tour—one of only 3 bridges in the world to offer this opportunity. Tourists can choose from a Dawn Climb, Day Climb, Twilight Climb, Night Climb and even a Full Moon Climb. The Indigenous Climb is particularly special because travellers hear firsthand accounts from First Nations storytellers about their history, culture and connection to the land.

One of Brisbane’s less well-known attractions, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs is a heritage-listed recreational spot for runners, climbers and picnickers. The area was once mined by convicts for building and road works but today brings together families for barbecue nights, visitors eager to kayak on the Brisbane River, residents zooming by on their rollerblades or cycling along the riverside to seek out postcard-worthy views of the city, and rock climbers of all skill levels who abseil from its top.

The New Farm Park is one of Brisbane’s oldest, grandest and largest parks. Before European settlement, the New Farm area was covered with bush and had shallow lagoons which supported a variety of wildlife. Today, the 15-hectare park is a popular spot with families and friends who gather on weekends to relax, picnic, barbecue, kick a ball and catch up beneath the trees or in the open fields. There are free live music events in the rotunda and other special events throughout the year. Next to the park is the Brisbane Powerhouse, an old building repurposed as an edgy arts centre where visitors can attend live music sessions and theatre performances, as well as weekend farmers' markets.

Best Accommodations

Deciding on where to stay in a new city can be a headache for anyone. Luckily, Brisbane is home to a variety of accommodations at various price points which will meet every traveller’s needs. 

For those looking to indulge in a luxurious stay, the Calile Hotel on James Street is close to the best nightclubs in the city, which means you can recuperate from a night of partying in ones of its poolside cabanas or day spa. The W Brisbane has a contemporary design and art-pop aesthetic which will appeal to guests who prefer a playful approach to luxury living. The Crystalbrook Vincent is set under the Story Bridge and prides itself on running a sustainable operation which means upcycled furnishings and no single-use plastics. Guests can enjoy their rooftop bar and infinity pool. Meanwhile, the voco Brisbane City Centre has stylish rooms with an abundance of natural light, vibrant artworks, smart in-room technology and modern bathrooms.

Those on a budget should consider The Constance Hotel which is adorned with murals that nod to its rock and roll roots; the Ascot Budget Inn and Residences which has free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities; Bunk Brisbane, where you can make friends with backpackers from all over the world, including Australians from other states; and the Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane which is a heritage-listed building in the Central Business District (CBD) and has contemporary studio and multi-bedroom apartments along with a pool, gym and restaurant

Culinary Delights

Brisbane is a feast for the taste buds as it has laidback eateries, fine dining restaurants and cosy cafés galore. Start by exploring the city’s laneways where street art, boutiques, record shops and watering holes bump up against one another. The Fortitude Valley district is home to a few of them like Ada Lane, Bakery Lane, Winn Lane and California Lane. Try the blueberry and lemon cake from Joceyln’s Provisions, sample Asian fusion cuisine at Nom Nom Bao, try the No.5 Hash Stack at the No.5 Café, and soak in the nostalgic aroma of gnocchi and risotto at Giardinetto. Fish Lane in South Brisbane is home to excellent restaurants and cafés, too. Indulge your sweet cravings with a trip to Gelato Messina, eat plant-based Mexican food at El Planta, sample modern Vietnamese cuisine at Hello Please, and head to Kiki for cocktails and wine at night.

For a high-end experience, head to the E’cco Bistro, which opened in 1995 and offers three- and five-course set menus. Try their coral coast barramundi with roasted pumpkin and passionfruit soufflé. The Deer Duck Bistro on Milton Road serves modern European dishes in a moodily-lit space with antique furnishings. Montrachet is a beloved local restaurant serving French food like bouillabaisse and crème brûlée.

One of the city’s top culinary experiences is undoubtedly Eat Street Northshore. Hordes of hungry residents descend on this former docking site from Friday evening onwards for a taste of Japanese pizzas, classic burgers, Korean sliders, Aussie fish and chips, cheesecake and more. There are gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options available on-site. Enjoy the liveliness of this night market while slurping down sundaes and checking out the plethora of entertainment options. For instance, the main deck usually has local and touring bands headlining every weekend. There are breezy jazz bands, cabaret performances and solo performers positioned throughout Eat Street Northshore so you’re never far from live music or entertainment.

For trendy cafés there is no better place than the Paddington Area. Anouk Café is a restyled apothecary with original bay windows and exposed brick walls where you can go for brunch. Madre Mia is a charming courtyard café serving acai bowls and smoothies. The Sassafras of Paddington operates from a weatherboard cottage with a leafy garden courtyard and offers all-day breakfast, burgers and frappés.

Nightlife And Entertainment

A city like Brisbane that gets more than 280 days of sunshine every year has made the most out of its rooftop bar experience. You don’t have to choose among the Iris Rooftop, which has Mediterranean cuisine, a bar and pool; the Maya Mexican which has Mexican-Australian fusion dishes and drinks; the Lina with its signature cocktail menu and poolside bites like sashimi plates and beef sliders; or the Cielo, where you can gaze at the expanse of the city while eating Italian dishes: just visit them all.

The Fortitude Valley is the place for live music. The Black Bear Lodge showcases local and interstate musicians; The Empire Hotel hosts acoustic sets which begin at 9PM on Sundays; Suzie Wongs Good Time Bar plays everything from rock and country music to blues and funk; The Wickham churns out jams every Friday night from 7PM; while The Royal George Hotel, affectionately known as RG’s, welcomes local Brisbane artists from Friday nights onwards.

If it’s past midnight and your stomach starts rumbling, look no further than Funny Funny, a Korean restaurant, Jimmy’s on the Mall, which is open 24/7, The Pancake Manor, and The Kitchen at the Treasury Casino and Hotel to satiate your cravings.

Outdoor Adventures

As mentioned earlier, Brisbane is all about enjoying the great outdoors and soaking in nature’s beauty. Discover the city from a unique perspective by paddling through the serene waters of the Brisbane River. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, kayaking on the Brisbane River offers a refreshing escape and a memorable adventure.

That’s not it; you can also explore the city by taking a leisurely evening stroll or riding an e-bike along the river. Watch as the city lights twinkle and reflect off the water, creating a magical atmosphere. As the sun sets, find the perfect spot near Kangaroo Point Cliffs to lay out a picnic blanket and indulge in a delightful picnic curated by the Vintage Picnic Company. They do a superb job in creating a comfortable and intimate picnic experience by providing catering, tables and chairs, or blankets and cushions depending on the type of experience you want to have. The best part? You don’t have to clean up as their handy crew will pack everything away. With delicious bites and breathtaking views, all you have to do is unwind and share special moments with your loved ones.

The city is close to many national parks where you can hike to your heart’s delight. Choose from D’Aguilar National Park, the Glass House Mountains National Park and the Main Range National Park. A particular favourite of locals is Lamington National Park, which is a day trip from Brisbane and attracts visitors due to its dense rainforests, ancient trees, flowing waterfalls, and enchanting views of the ranges and valleys.

Meanwhile, the crystal-clear waters and beaches of Moreton Island National Park are simply a 75-minute ferry ride away. Visitors can snorkel to check out sunken shipwrecks or soak in the freshwaters of the Blue Lagoon. The views at the top of Mount Tempest are worth the climb, too. We recommend booking a stay at the Tangalooma Island Resort, whose experienced staff will guide you on a whale-watching cruise, help you feed wild dolphins and strap you onto an ATV quad bike to ride the Moreton Island dunes.

Getting There

Singapore Airlines flies 94 times weekly from 8 Indian cities, with 3 daily connections to Brisbane via Singapore. The Airline offers luxurious and ergonomically designed cabins for maximum comfort. Stay connected with complimentary inflight Wi-Fi and explore a vast collection of inflight entertainment options. Singapore Airlines’ award-winning cabin crew ensures a smooth journey, while Book The Cook offers the option to pre-order delicious meals when you fly in the Airline’s premium cabins. During transit, relax and rejuvenate at the SilverKris Lounges at Singapore Changi Airport, featuring international cuisine, skilled baristas and bartenders, and modern amenities. Whether for business or leisure, Singapore Airlines takes you to Brisbane effortlessly. Book your flight today.