Brisbane, Queensland — Where to Go
Brisbane Sightseeing Overview
There is plenty to see and do in Brisbane and many of the sights are within walking distance of one another. The majority of places of interest to visitors can be found north of the river.
Nestled in a bend of the Brisbane River, the CBD is a good place to start exploring the city. Here you will find Brisbane City Hall, the Treasury Building, Queen Street Mall and the Riverside Center, as well as the City Botanical Gardens and Roma Street Parkland.
To the east of the CBD, past the Story Bridge, lie the districts of Fortitude Valley and New Farm, and further east yet Newstead House, the Breakfast Creek Hotel and Bretts Wharf. To the west are Paddington and Milton, the Castlemaine Brewery and Mt Coot-tha Reserve.
South of the river, from west to east, lie Queensland University Campus, the trendy neighborhood of West End, the South Bank Parklands and Kangaroo Point.
Brisbane Tourist Information
Brisbane Visitor Information Center
Corner of Albert and Queen Streets
Tel: (07) 3006 6290.
Website: www.visitbrisbane.com.au
Brisbane Sightseeing
There are currently no passes for Brisbane’s attractions and museums.
Brisbane Sightseeing
There are currently no passes for Brisbane’s attractions and museums.
Key Attractions in Brisbane, Queensland
South Bank Parkland
On the banks of the Brisbane River, these colorful, vibrant parklands are a major 'Brissie' highlight. Home to 7 hectares (17 acres) of gardens, a man-made lagoon, endless cafés, bars and restaurants, boutique shops and an arts and crafts market, the South Bank exudes carnival atmosphere.
Tel: (07) 3867 2051.
Website: www.visitsouthbank.com
Wheel of Brisbane
Also on the South Bank, the Wheel of Brisbane is the city's latest attraction. Modelled on the London Eye, the over-sized ferris wheel offers visitors 360-degree panoramic views of the city and is particularly impressive at night.
Cultural Forecourt, Russell Street, South Bank
Tel: (07) 3844 3464.
Website: www.thewheelofbrisbane.com.au
Story Bridge
One of only three licensed bridge climb experiences in the world, the Story Bridge Climb should not be missed. Originally built during the Great Depression to connect Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point, today the bridge offers stunning views for those who make the climb to the top, 80m (262ft) above the Brisbane River.
170 Main St, Kangaroo Point
Tel: 1300 254 627, in Australia only.
Website: www.storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au
Brisbane City Halland Museum of Brisbane
Building began on the majestic Brisbane City Hall in 1920 but took 10 years to complete. Until the Sydney Opera House came along, it was the most expensive building in Australia. On the ground floor and basement, the Museum of Brisbane has excellent exhibitions celebrating the city's culture and heritage. The viewing platform from the top of the tower clock affords snap-worthy views over the city.
King George Square (between Ann and Adelaide Streets)
Tel: (07) 3403 8888.
Website: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/cityhall
Museum of Brisbane
Tel: (07) 3403 8888.
Website: www.museumofbrisbane.com.au
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha, 7km (4 miles) from the city center, are Queensland's premier subtropical botanic gardens. Australian plants, bonsais, cacti, ferns, fragrant plants and herbs and rainforest plants are all represented. There is also a tropical display dome and a lagoon and bamboo grove. The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is located in the grounds.
Mt Coot-tha Road
Tel: (07) 3403 2535.
Website: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/botanicgardens
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Tel: (07) 3403 2578.
Website: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planetarium
Further Distractions
Newstead House
Perched above a lush park overlooking the Brisbane River, the beautiful Newstead House is Brisbane's oldest surviving residence, dating back to 1846. Today it's a museum and offers visitors a slice of Brisbane history, while the manicured gardens provide a welcome escape from the city.
Newstead Park, Corner of Breakfast Creek Road and Newstead Avenue
Tel: (07) 3216 1846.
Website: www.newsteadhouse.com.au
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The largest koala sanctuary in the world was also the first; it was founded in 1927. Today the parklands, located 11km (7 miles) southwest of Brisbane, are home to over 130 adult koalas as well as dozens of other Aussie animals including dingoes, roos, wombats and snakes.
Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket
Tel: (07) 3378 1366.
Website: www.koala.net
