What to do in Brisbane:
Five iconic attractions you shouldn’t miss

Brisbane doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to. While Sydney and Melbourne bicker over who’s got more gloss, Brisbane just gets on with being one of Australia’s most liveable, welcoming and surprisingly diverse cities.

Visitors often arrive expecting a stopover and leave wondering why they didn’t stay longer. From riverside strolls to koala cuddles, Brisbane packs plenty into its laid-back subtropical vibe.

South Bank: where culture, parklands and a beach meet the city

Right on the Brisbane River, South Bank is the city’s social heart — a leafy promenade packed with cafés, markets, galleries, and even its own inner-city beach. Streets Beach, a sandy lagoon surrounded by palm trees, offers the odd novelty of a swim with a skyscraper backdrop. But there’s more than sand and sunscreen here. The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) draws in serious art lovers, while the open-air weekend markets and picnic lawns keep it down-to-earth. Locals flock here, and visitors never leave disappointed.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Australia’s cuddliest ambassadors

Just 12 kilometres from the CBD, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary gives visitors a chance to meet Australia’s most iconic creatures up close. It’s the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the world — and yes, you really can cuddle a koala here. But it’s not just about the eucalyptus-munchers. There are kangaroos to hand-feed, platypuses to spot, and birds of prey that’ll make you duck instinctively. It’s a hit with families, but adults often end up enjoying it just as much — especially when the koalas do their best impersonation of a hungover uni student dozing in a tree.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb: a view worth the nerves

Not all attractions stay at ground level. Brisbane’s Story Bridge is one of only three bridges in the world you can legally climb, and it rewards the mildly brave with jaw-dropping views. The climb takes around two hours, with a gentle pace and plenty of photo stops. From the summit, the panorama stretches from the Glass House Mountains in the north to the lush ranges beyond the city. Twilight climbs are especially popular — there’s something magic about seeing the city lights flicker on while standing atop a 74-metre steel arch. No death-defying stunts needed — just a moderate fear of heights and a camera.

Mount Coot-tha: the best lookout in Brisbane

For a quieter, more natural view of the city, Mount Coot-tha is the local go-to. Just a short drive from the centre, the summit lookout delivers a sweeping vista over Brisbane and, on a clear day, out to Moreton Bay. There’s a café at the top if you fancy a cuppa with a view, but those keen to stretch their legs will find plenty of bushwalking trails crisscrossing the reserve. The nearby Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha is also worth a wander, especially for its lush tropical dome and bonsai house.

Queensland Museum and Sciencentre: fun for curious minds

Tucked into the South Bank precinct, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre punches well above its weight. The museum itself covers everything from Queensland’s natural history to its First Nations stories and colonial past. Expect dinosaurs, taxidermy, and oddities galore — it’s not highbrow, but it’s engaging. The attached Sciencentre is hands-on and noisy, which is a polite way of saying it’s excellent if you’ve got kids who like pressing buttons and asking too many questions. Entry is affordable and it’s a brilliant wet-weather backup if Brisbane decides to show off its subtropical rain.

My Verdict

Brisbane’s top attractions aren’t just ticking boxes — they each give a different taste of the city’s personality. South Bank blends beach and culture. Lone Pine lets you meet Australia’s wildlife without venturing into the Outback. The Story Bridge climb is unforgettable, and Mount Coot-tha’s lookout reminds you that cities can still feel close to nature. The Queensland Museum adds depth, fun, and air-conditioning. Brisbane may fly under the radar, but those who dig a little deeper find a capital city with its own distinct rhythm — easygoing, genuine, and full of surprises.

Take the time to enjoy the view from South Bank across the Brisbane River

Practical Information

  • Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
  • Getting there: Brisbane Airport is 20 minutes from the CBD
  • Transport: TransLink covers buses, trains, and ferries. Try the CityCat for river views
  • Dress code: Casual, with sun protection
  • Opening hours:
    • Lone Pine: 9am–5pm daily
    • Queensland Museum: 9.30am–5pm daily
    • Story Bridge climbs: multiple sessions daily, booking essential
  • Safety: Brisbane is safe, use standard common sense

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