Top 8 Brisbane Tourist Attractions For 2025
Brisbane’s charm hits you the moment you arrive – that perfect mix of laid-back Queensland lifestyle with just enough big-city buzz. I’ve lived here for years and still discover new corners to fall in love with. If you’re planning a visit (or even if you’re a local looking for weekend ideas), here’s my not-so-official guide to the spots that make Brissie special.
1. Story Bridge & Story Bridge Adventure Climb
No Brisbane bucket list is complete without its most iconic span. By day the Story Bridge gleams over the Brisbane River; by night it’s a glowing arc of city lights. For a truly unforgettable perspective, join the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. You’ll suit up in safety gear, follow expert guides up the heritage-listed steelwork and emerge atop the bridge for 360° panoramas from the Glass House Mountains to Moreton Bay. It’s an accessible thrill—perfect for families, solo travellers and anyone keen to conquer a landmark.
2. South Bank Parklands
Just across the river, South Bank is Brisbane’s lifestyle playground. Stroll beneath towering figs and palms, laze on the man-made Streets Beach, browse the weekend market stalls, then refuel at cafés overlooking the water. Don’t miss the Arbour—a sinuous, flower-draped walkway that’s Instagram gold. When dusk falls, the Nepalese Peace Pagoda and floodlit ferris wheel add magic to the scene.
3. Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
For serene greenery and sweeping city views, head to Mt Coot-tha. The Botanic Gardens there showcase native plants, tropical glasshouses and a Japanese garden complete with koi ponds. Several walking tracks fan out into bushland; the Summit Lookout café is the perfect spot for a flat-white with a view over Meanjin (Brisbane).
4. Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) & Queensland Art Gallery (QAG)
Art lovers should carve out time in the Cultural Precinct at South Bank. The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) stages world-class exhibitions—past highlights have included Indigenous masters, avant-garde film festivals and blockbuster photography shows. Next door, the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) houses a comprehensive collection of Australian, Asian and Pacific art. Both galleries are free to enter, making this one of the best-value cultural outings in Australia.
5. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Get up close with Australia’s furry icons at the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary. At Lone Pine you can cuddle a koala, hand-feed kangaroos and spot cuddly wombats. Bird shows, sheepdog demonstrations and platypus displays round out an experience that delights visitors of all ages. A half-day here is a fantastic wildlife immersion just 20 minutes from the city.
6. Fortitude Valley & James Street
If your idea of exploring includes boutique shopping and buzzing nightlife, Fortitude Valley awaits. Brunswick Street is lined with eclectic bars, live-music venues and laneway eateries. A short walk away, James Street offers high-end fashion, homewares and gourmet cafés in a leafy, open-air precinct. It’s Brisbane’s style hub by day—and its party quarter by night.
7. River Cruises & CityCat Ferry
Sometimes the best way to appreciate Brisbane is from the water. Jump on a CityCat ferry for an affordable river tour—glide beneath Story Bridge, wave to city-side cafés and disembark at Riverside or New Farm Park. For a more leisurely option, book a sunset river cruise with dinner and drinks aboard a paddle-wheel boat. The city skyline turning golden-pink as you drift downstream is pure Queensland magic.
8. Howard Smith Wharves
Nestled beneath the northern end of the Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves has transformed old riverfront industrial sheds into one of Brisbane’s hottest dining and entertainment precincts. Wander the timber boardwalks, pause for a river-front espresso or craft beer at one of the chic bars, then explore boutique retailers and pop-up events in the heritage-listed space. In the evening, fairy lights twinkle over alfresco tables—making it a magical spot for sunset drinks with the Story Bridge as your backdrop.
Plan Your Visit
- Location: 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
- Opening hours: Daily 8:30 am–9 pm
- Book your climb: Story Bridge Adventure Climb Day Climb from A$150 per person
