Brisbane

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Brisbane

Brisbane is a bustling, cosmopolitan city with excellent restaurants, beautiful riverside parks, a busy cultural calendar, and lively nightlife. Queensland's capital city is surrounded by some of the state's major tourist attractions, and there is an abundant choice of day trips. Explore the coast for the golden beaches or go inland for some of the region's serene bushland — there is something for everyone here.

The City

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, affectionately known as the "Sunshine State", is arguably the world's most chilled-out city. The locals' friendly and upbeat demeanour is infectious, which, given their enviable lifestyle, is hardly surprising. A treasure trove of experiences, Brisbane is ready to be explored. The Central Business District (CBD) serves up a fast-paced atmosphere, but if you crave a dose of creativity, head to the contemporary arts hub — The Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm. How about dining with a side of city views at South Bank? Then for a nightcap, venture to the hip bars nestled in Fortitude Valley and West End. Fancy catching the sunrise? Paddle your kayak on the Brisbane River. Alternatively, unwind at South Bank's inner-city beach, the only one of its kind in Australia. For the thrill-seekers, rock climbing at Kangaroo Point Cliffs offers unparalleled views of the Story Bridge and city skyline. Finally, when it's time to take it easy, saunter over to Woolloongabba. Here you can sit back and partake in some spectator sports, an activity that Queenslanders just can't get enough of!

Do & See

Beach, art, and food. Mix and match those three options any way you like and get the most out of Brisbane. Take a walk through the air-conditioned halls of QAGOMA or catch the breeze riding on the tiny red CityHopper vessel. Lay down your towel and rest your feet on the warm sand of Streets Beach at South Bank. The food is a whole other delicious story. Check out local farmers’ markets and pluck a few fresh treats from the numerous free public garden beds.

Dining

One of the many highlights of any visit to Brisbane is experiencing the epicurean delights of the city’s different neighbourhoods. Brisbane is immeasurably proud of its reputation for fine dining, and within a ten minute radius of the town centre you can choose between the kitchens of European, Mediterranean, Asian or contemporary Australian restaurants.

Cafes

As most modern cities, Brisbane has a lot to offer in the realm of Third Wave coffee shops with dedicated baristas, WiFi, bistro food and mouthwatering desserts.

Bars & Nightlife

Brisbane is overflowing with great pubs. Most of the hotels double as drinking establishments for both locals and guests of the city. Beers are served in pots, schooners, pints and jugs and the beer taps in many bars will be specially chilled, causing the condensation to freeze on the outside. Most hotels are open 10:30am–3am, and the traditional “Sunday Session” runs from 11am to midnight.

Shopping

Brisbane has become one of the hottest shopping destinations in Australia, both for flagship stores and small boutiques. The city boasts an array of hidden gems around every corner, from niche fashion-forward stores to stylish arcades and luxury retailers.

Tourist Information