Whether you are a local, visiting or just passing through, there are plenty of places to see in Brisbane. From the city's cultural precinct, to the many beaches and National Parks, there's a lot to do.
South Bank
Whether you're a culture buff or just looking for a fun day out, South Bank is an enchanting destination. It's home to an array of museums, boutique shopping and great food and drink. If you're heading to Brisbane, South Bank is the place to go.
There are lots of free things to do in South Bank. From art exhibitions to live music events, the area is a great place to spend an afternoon. You can even go on a kayaking adventure down the Brisbane River.
The wheel of Brisbane is a must-see in South Bank. You'll get a bird's eye view of the city and see the sights from above. You can take a 15-minute ride up the gondola to get the full experience.
Among the many museums in Brisbane, the Queensland Museum has some innovative programs to help you learn more about the history of Queensland. You can also watch some fascinating temporary exhibitions. The State Library of Queensland is the largest in Australia and it features a huge building and impressive glass windows.
You can also have some fun in the sun with a picnic. Bring along your favourite food and a blanket. There's a variety of grassy areas to enjoy your meal. You can't miss the Arbour pathway, which leads to a number of outdoor areas.
The Young Designers Market is a free, monthly event featuring a selection of unique creations from emerging local designers.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens
Located in the heart of Brisbane, the Botanic Gardens are a must-see. These gardens are a living museum of native and exotic plant collections. The gardens feature the largest collection of Australian rainforest trees in the world. They also have a special collection of bamboo and figs. The gardens offer free guided walks and tours. They have several picnic areas. They are open from 8am to 5:30pm between April and August.
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens feature a tropical dome, a mangrove boardwalk, a bonsai house and several areas where visitors can picnic. There are a number of paid parking spots available. The gardens also offer a free guided tour, which is conducted by trained volunteer guides. The guides are available at the Information Kiosk.
The city's botanic garden is a great place to visit with family. Children of all ages can enjoy the sand play area, climbing castle, and climbing nets. There is a "Hide 'n' Seek" trail that can be explored by the whole family.
The gardens are set up in different themes. The Japanese and Japanese-themed gardens are surrounded by a wide array of subtropical plants. The gardens also have an array of exotic flowers and palms. There are also tree-lined avenues.
The Gardens also have a lily-topped pond and a rainforest grove. They are a great spot for a picnic or a morning run. They are also popular with locals. They have a riverside market every Sunday.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Located just across the Brisbane River from the CBD, Kangaroo Point Cliffs offer spectacular views of the city and the river. A popular tourist spot, the park has walking trails and picnic tables. The cliffs are also known for their rock climbing and abseiling.
The area has a historical significance to Brisbane, having been Queensland's first penal settlement. Before European settlement, the cliffs were steep, rocky slopes covered with native vegetation. The indigenous population may have lived in natural caves. The area was converted into an industrial site around 1850. The cliffs are now one of the most dramatic natural land formations in the inner city.
There are several companies that offer rock-climbing experiences. There are also river cruises, which allow visitors to see the cliffs from a different viewpoint. These tours tailor the experience to fit individual levels of difficulty.
The area is also home to Yungaba House, an historical treasure for the city. The house was constructed in the 1880s. The top floor of the building houses the Eagles Nest, offering scenic sunset views of the city. The restaurant offers a light tapas menu.
The cliffs are also a popular walking spot, with the rhyolite cliffs illuminated with tiny lights at night. The cliffs are a great place for couples to picnic, with hidden patches of lawn to sit on and enjoy a drink.
There are also many outdoor activities in the area, including kayaks and barbecues at the base of the cliffs. Kangaroo Point is also home to the Story Bridge, which is one of Brisbane's most iconic landmarks.
Gallery of Modern Art
Located within the cultural precinct on the South Bank, the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) is a must-see for those who appreciate art. It has an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures, as well as a modern-Australian restaurant, a cafe, and a gallery store.
Its signature feature is the wheel, which rises 200 feet above the ground and provides 360-degree views of the city. Its other highlights include the world's largest painting and the world's largest sculptural installation. It also has a cinema, which screens old film reels.
There are also several fun activities for kids to do while they're at the Gallery of Modern Art. Some are free, while others require a fee. They include interactive exhibitions, storytelling guides, and the Wheel of Brisbane. These activities demonstrate the Museum of Brisbane's dedication to promoting local artists and celebrating the city's rich history.
The GOMA also has one of the best collections of contemporary art in Australia. The museum showcases more than 19,000 pieces of art. They display painting, sculpture, photography, and video. They have three floors of exhibits, as well as indoor and outdoor water features. There's a museum store, as well as an onsite cinema.
While the GOMA is no slouch when it comes to art, the museum's real star is its Children's Art Centre. This is where kids can get hands-on with painting, drawing, and other art-related activities. It also hosts some of the largest children's art exhibitions in the country.
Springbrook National Park
Located in the Gold Coast hinterland, Springbrook National Park is a natural wonderland. It is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia and is considered to be a World Heritage Area. It is home to thousands of hectares of bushland. It is also the habitat for numerous species of endangered animals.
The park has many beautiful walks and picnic spots. Typical full-day tours would include a walk through the rain forest, a visit to Cave Creek Waterfall and a spectacular view of the Numinbah Valley.
You can also stay in one of the Mountain Chalets. These accommodation units are surrounded by tall trees and are equipped with a spa bath, hot tub and a fully-equipped kitchen. They feature private parking and a patio. The rates also include continental breakfast. The chalets have a fireplace, balcony, lounge area and complimentary WIFI.
Springbrook is a beautiful place to visit all year round. In the warmer months, you can enjoy hiking. For example, the Purling Brook Falls trail is a stunning horsetail waterfall that drops 106 meters from sheer cliffs. You can also visit the Twin Fall Circuit trail. This trail starts at the Tallanbana picnic area and takes trekkers deep into the valley. The trail also includes Blackfellow Falls and Rainbow Falls.
There are also guided tours. These tours are popular among tourists and are a great way to explore the park. A guide will help you avoid dangerous areas. It is recommended to bring plenty of water, food and sun protection.
Fraser Island
Located off the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Fraser Island is one of Australia's most popular holiday destinations. This World Heritage-listed island is 640 square miles of unspoiled natural paradise.
The island is home to 230 species of birds and 25 species of mammals. There are also an abundance of plant life. The island is known for its sand dunes and towering old-growth forests. There are over 100 freshwater lakes on the island.
You can choose to stay in a guesthouse or hotel, or you can camp on the island. The island has 45 camping sites. Each site is unique in its facilities. There are several supply shops on the east coast.
If you're planning to visit the island, consider renting a vehicle. This makes sense if you plan to spend a few days exploring the area. For shorter stays, you may want to consider staying in an Airbnb or a campground.
You can get to the island by flying to Maroochydore, on the Sunshine Coast. You can also take a ferry from Hervey Bay. The journey to the island takes about 1.5 hours.
The main settlement on the island is Eurong. This is the most built-up commercial town on the island. The area is ideal for swimming and fishing. You can also visit the SS Maheno Shipwreck. This former Trans-Tasman luxury liner was wrecked in 1935. The shipwreck is visible at low tide.
