Queensland's River City
300 days of sunshine, world-class surf beaches a train ride away, pristine island day trips, and a riverside culture that keeps getting better.
Best Time to Visit
June–August (dry & mild)
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Language
English
Airport Code
BNE
About Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and Australia's third-largest city — a sun-drenched riverside metropolis of 2.6 million people that has undergone remarkable transformation over the past two decades. Once overshadowed by Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane has emerged as a confident, culturally vibrant city with an outstanding outdoor lifestyle, a maturing food and arts scene, and a gateway location for some of Australia's greatest natural attractions.
The South Bank Precinct, built on the former Expo 88 site, is Brisbane's showpiece: a riverside park with a free public beach (Streets Beach), the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Queensland Museum, and the Performing Arts Centre all within walking distance. The Queensland Cultural Centre is Australia's largest arts complex outside Melbourne, and GOMA regularly draws major international exhibitions that would previously only visit Sydney or Melbourne.
Brisbane's greatest asset may be its position as Queensland's gateway. The Great Barrier Reef is a 2.5-hour flight north. The Whitsunday Islands are accessible by car (or short flight) north. The world-famous Gold Coast surf beaches are an hour south by train. The pristine Sunshine Coast and Noosa are an hour north. Moreton Island — a sand island paradise for snorkelling, dolphin watching, and camping — is just 45 minutes by ferry from downtown. No other Australian city offers this concentration of diverse natural experiences within such easy reach.
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Top Attractions
South Bank Parklands
Brisbane's premier public space — a riverside parkland with a man-made beach, subtropical gardens, and the city's best museums and galleries.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The world's largest and oldest koala sanctuary, where you can hold a koala and hand-feed kangaroos in a natural bushland setting.
Gold Coast Beaches
Australia's iconic surf beaches — Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, and Coolangatta — just 1 hour south of Brisbane by train.
Moreton Island
A pristine sand island 45 minutes by ferry from Brisbane — snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks, sandboard down dunes, and spot wild dolphins at dusk.
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
Australia's largest gallery of modern and contemporary art, regularly hosting major international exhibitions in a striking riverside building.
Mount Coot-tha
Lookout over the entire city skyline from the summit just 7km from CBD, with subtropical botanic gardens and hiking trails below.
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Travel Tips · Brisbane
- ✓Use the go card (Translink's reloadable smart card) for all bus, train, and ferry travel — it's 30% cheaper than single tickets
- ✓Apply SPF50 sunscreen every morning — Brisbane's UV index regularly hits extreme levels and sunburn happens in under 15 minutes
- ✓Book Moreton Island ferry and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in advance — both are extremely popular and sell out, especially on weekends
- ✓Explore the free City Hopper ferry between South Bank and the CBD — a scenic, no-cost way to cross the river throughout the day
- ✓Visit the South Bank Farmers Markets on Saturday morning for the best local produce, coffee, and street food in a great riverside atmosphere
Visa Information
Most visitors to Australia require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) or eVisitor visa (subclass 651), both available online before travel. Citizens of some countries require a full tourist visa (subclass 600). Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. Processing is usually instant to a few days online.
Check your visa requirements →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Brisbane, Australia?
Most visitors require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa, both of which are inexpensive and processed online before travel. Citizens of some countries may need a full tourist visa. Check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for your specific nationality requirements. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
How do I get from Brisbane Airport to the city?
Brisbane Airport (BNE) is 15km from the CBD. The Airtrain (20 minutes, ~AUD $20) connects directly to Central and Roma Street stations. Taxis and Uber/Didi are also available (30–45 minutes depending on traffic, approximately AUD $45–55). Bus services are slower but cheaper.
How many days should I spend in Brisbane?
3–4 days covers Brisbane's highlights — South Bank, Lone Pine, GOMA, the CBD, and day trips to nearby attractions. A week allows you to add a day at Moreton Island, visit the Gold Coast beaches, and explore the Sunshine Coast or Noosa comfortably.
Is Brisbane safe for tourists?
Yes, Brisbane is one of the world's safest tourist destinations. Standard precautions apply — watch belongings in crowded areas and be sun-smart. UV radiation is extremely intense; apply SPF50 sunscreen, wear a hat, and seek shade during the hottest midday hours.
What is the average cost of visiting Brisbane?
Brisbane is moderately expensive by global standards. Budget accommodation starts at AUD $30–50/night in hostels, mid-range hotels AUD $120–220/night. Meals range from AUD $15–20 at cafes to AUD $40–80 at restaurants. Public transport is affordable at AUD $3–5 per trip.
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