From World Cup football to koala sanctuaries, there’s never been a better time to check out Brisbane.
Aussies love to hate onQueensland ’s capital city . They even gave it a nickname — Bris - Vegas — far more ironical than anything Alanis could come up with . For decennium , the former punishable colony was the antithesis ofLas Vegas , at least in terms of thing to do . But these day ? The waterfront metropolis is like Brooklyn in the former aughts . That ’s right — Australia’sQueen metropolis , majestic host to the2023 FIFA Women ’s World Cupand future host to the 2032 Olympics , has officially punched a one - way ticket to cool - ville . And for traveler who fancy themselves former adopters , there ’s never been a dependable time to visit .
Home to some 2.5 million , Brisbane — nowadays often accompanied by its Aboriginal name , Meeanjin — was build along the banks of the Brisbane River on land populate by the Turrbal and Yuggera mass . locate halfway betweenAustralia ’s Gold Coast and its Sunshine Coast , the city lies just an hour ’s private road from mankind course of study beaches where you may find yourself sharing a waving with a Hemsworth ( or two ) . Yet , many would argue — and they ’re proper — that Brisbane / Meeanjin is now a finish in itself .
There are dateless chance to border yourself with local art and culture . High - end shopping lurks around many a street corner , while cutting - edge chocolate purveyors rub elbows with honour - winning independent breweries . And with a burgeon restaurant scene and too many rooftop cocktail lounges to count , Brisbane does not let down in the dining section , either . Unless you go toKaren ’s Diner . In that case , sound off is not only welcome , it ’s anticipate . But if this city can make a elbow room full of Karens fun , the sky ’s the limit point . Here are all the places in Brisbane / Meeanjin tailor made for testing that limit .
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Australia Is Finally Open to Tourists, and It’s Just as Gorgeous as Ever
Welcome back to Oz.
Best places for first timers to visit in Brisbane/Meeanjin
While it ’s well worth a visit for Aussies and foreigners likewise , first - timers will especially get a boot out of Brisbane / Meeanjin ’s must - see bang list . The city is situated around the curve Brisbane River , tucked slenderly inland from Moreton Bay and break down up into neck of the woods , each with their own distinct makeup . Its propinquity to H2O intend you ’ve got plenty of photo - ops to check off the inclination , from gazing up at the CBD ’s glittering skyscraper from the deck of a signature blueCityCat water supply taxito pose in front of the iconic Story Bridge to lounging about Australia ’s only inner - metropolis , man - made sandy shoring by way ofStreets Beach .
verbalize of incredible views , if you identify as an adrenaline junkie , ratify whatever discharge you’re able to get your hand on and strap in for a hike upStory Bridge . It ’s the only bridge - climbing in the world that you could rope down down ( lawfully ) . Or , for something slightly less terrifying , visit Brisbane ’s popular outdoor rock’n’roll climbing gymnasium and bag a crag atKangaroo Point Cliffs Park .
Other surefire sights include the freeCity Botanic Gardens , with its 49 acres of serene thenar , Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyyah al-Muqatilah bi-Libya , and bamboo trees , the nearly 200 - foot - tallWheel of Brisbaneferris wheel , theMuseum of Brisbanefor an immersive local account lesson , and theQueensland Gallery of Modern Art(a.k.a . GOMA ) for heart - popping contemporary showing ( more on that below ) . And to get to know the country ’s rich Indigenous history and modern Aboriginal acculturation , consider a stop intoBirrunga Gallery & Dining , the downtown district ’s only Indigenous - have and operated venue , or enter on a fascinating walk duty tour unionise byBlackCard Cultural ToursorNyanda Cultural Tours .
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Museums, art, and culture in Brisbane/Meeanjin
For starters , Brisbane is menage toGOMA , a modern art mecca boasting Australia ’s big collection of modern-day art . Here you ’ll find a solid lasting collection accompanied by cutting - edge traveling shows by such big artists as Michael Zavros and eX de Medici , plus steady programming like shop , festivals , film screening , and more ( not to observe akiller onsite restaurant card ) . Then there ’s the underground ( literally)opera housefounded by a former mineworker who was blown forth ( not literally ) by subterranean acoustics .
When it come to mural , Brisbane is essentially Australia ’s answer toWynwood . Every year , it hoststhe land ’s big street graphics fete : 15 day of colorful graffiti front crawl and 15 twenty-four hours - worth of guess as to who will be crowned the next Banksy . And for concert , comedy , night club , and more , follow the locals toBrisbane Powerhouse . In its past life , this monolithic industrial locus was a top executive post that supplied the city ’s public transportation connection with electricity . It also attend to as squatter key , and the Australian army used it for target practice ( once the squatters were out , of course of action ) .
Nature and wildlife experiences in Brisbane/Meeanjin
If you care creature more than citizenry ( who does n’t at this point ? ) embrace your inside Steve Irwin just an hour north of Brisbane at theAustralia Zoo . While other zoos shy away from animal encounter , this 700 - acre wildlife park founded by the belated Crocodile Hunter encourages visitor to get close up with everything from wombats to brush kangaroo .
The city is also just a 45 - minute movement from mankind class whale watching . Every year , tens of thousands of humpbacks transmigrate through nearbyMoreton Bay / Mulgimpin , and a howling way to find their splendor is with a sojourn toTangalooma Island Resort . Book a check on this lay - back , syndicate - favorable refuge among the aquatic wilds , or hop on one ofTangalooma ’s daytime trips , with packages including sauceboat transfer of training , meals , and accession to tons of on - island activity like shipwreck snorkeling , helicopter and sand dune tours , whale - watching , ATV - ing , and more . Get your bird location at an afternoonkookaburra eating , then pose around as some of the recourse ’s most famous regulars make their nightly appearance : The shallow waters have long pull in a pod ofwild dolphinfish , who repay each evening to feast on fish supplied by wading Edgar Guest aid by resident marine biologist .
More of a realm - fan ? Grab a car and head to the Alfred Hawthorne toLone Pine Koala Sanctuary , the world ’s oldest and largest of its form and one of the only places in Australia where you may legally cuddle your preferred misnomer — news flash : it ’s not a bear ; it ’s a marsupial . Between squeeze , you’re able to ( safely ) mingle with kangaroos , wallabies , dingoes , sheepdogs , kookaburra , and other native wildlife that call the sanctuary ’s luxuriant expanse menage .
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Where to eat and drink like a local in Brisbane/Meeanjin
Never skip a meal (or snack)
It almost seems sacrilegious to visit Brisbane without indulging in something sweet atDello Mano . The pixy at this family - owned artisanal bakery are so good Ashton Kutcher reportedly had a mountain of them pilot to France for his birthday .
Of of course , you ca n’t come to Oz without trying its theme song protein . Head toBirrunga Gallery & Dining — the only Indigenous - own and operate eating place in Brisbane ’s CBD — for bacon - wrapped ‘ roo filet mignon , emu batcha burgers top with housemade tomato bush sauce ( do n’t be basic and ask for ketchup ) , and the ripe beer - battered crocodile tail end on both sides of the Nile .
Meanwhile , over atRestaurant Dan Arnold , the chef ’s choice menu boast “ experiences ” in lieu of entrance . For example , if you order Experience # 5 , you might get a scale of fallow deer paired with a muckle of Beta vulgaris and foie gras .
Nyanda
works - based or want to be ? You ca n’t go untimely with the faux gras ( a French pickle+truffle pate ) and Solanum tuberosum gnocchi atWooden Horse Restaurant & Bar . And over in the scenic Howard Smith Wharves , do n’t missCaio Papi , a cheffy Italian trattoria where the mantrap of each knockout rivals the riverside views .
Drink like you’re as thirsty as a D-lister
In Brisbane , where the craft beer setting rivalsDenver ’s , you do n’t exclude hop as much as you brewery hop . AtHelios , a sustainable brewery ground by an environmental scientist , they harness the sun ’s ability to make Greta Thunberg - approved beer . At the award - winningFelons Brewing Co. , everything on tap is enticing . earnestly , the safe strategy is to just put a savour boat paddle .
Courtesy of its subtropical climate , Brisbane ’s rooftop bar time of year is a gloriously long one . Head toIvy Blu(no relation to Beyonce ) for prime people watching . For the good sentiment of the bay , post up atThe Terrace . And for sunsets set to music so quiver it makes Marley seem like metallic element ? Take the lift all the manner up to theEagle ’s Nest . If secret speakeasies are more your velocity , imbibe atMrs J. Rabbitswhere you enter through a closet à la Narnia and demand a password to get in . Or seek to sneak intoNext Episode Bar . Do n’t be horse around by the barbershop shopfront ; it ’s a decoy . Here , you enter through a mirror .
Not sure where to start ? Book a chaperoned , multi - stop tour withKiff & Cultureand leave it up to the genial experts . TheBrisbane Artisan Food & Drinkoffering foretell a hearty appreciation of the city via three of the area ’s most celebrated booze purveyors , while more immersiveginandwine tastingtours get you out of the urban core and into some of the panoptic region ’s top - rated distilleries and wineries .
Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art
Brisbane/Meeanjin neighborhoods you can’t miss
Paddington
Technically an inner suburb , this leafy enclave has been headline every “ best Brisbane region ” list since clock time immemorial . historical homes and cottage share space with quirky old geezer and vintage shops , independent boutiques , colourful homeware shops , and other way-out retailers . windy cafes by way ofAnouk , Darling & Co , Sassafras Canteen , andChapter IVand reliable gastropubs like the belovedHope & Anchordominate the food and drunkenness scene , buttressed by a healthy telephone number of external stand - outs ( see : King Tea , Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers , andMasterchef - helmedEmily Yeoh ) and sporty nightlife options likethe Paddo . You ’re hang in the shadow of Suncorp Stadium , after all .
West End
Head to the city ’s South Bank for this chill riverfront neighborhood , just a stone ’s throw from the website ofBrisbane ’s FIFA Women ’s World Cup Fan Festival . These day , the West End is known first and foremost for its copiousness of green spaces , many of which hostopen - atmosphere marketshawking everything from artistic creation and antique to produce and tasty made - to - order snacks set to a backcloth of lively air . Elsewhere , most of the activeness can be found on and around Boundary Street , where restaurants likeNostimo , Yamas , andLittle Greek Tavernadraw on the district ’s Greek solution and cunning outlets likeCatchment Brewing Co , Brisbane Brewing Co , andBallistic Beerhave the drinks section covered . Mural - strew walls , mom and pop store , and all - whiz music locus likeThe Boundary Hotel
andThe Bearded Ladyround out the area ’s top attractions . Butting up against the West End , buzzy Fish Lane is a landing strip worth seeking out . It ’s stocked with some of the metropolis ’s most exciting eating house and bar ( Southside!Next Episode!Julius ! ) , plus public artwork and excellent vibe for day .
Fortitude Valley
The Valley , as locals call it , is tops for after - hours fun thanks to the embarrassment of dive , medicine locale , cocktail bars , and clubs that call it home . Australia ’s first dedicated entertainment dominion , the night life orbit around Brunswick Street while James Street offers a more lay - back daytime scene perpetuate by splendid coffee shops , enticing eating house , the always - stunningCalile Hotel , and countless storefronts peddling eminent - end fashion from in demand brand . Do n’t lack brunch at the show - stoppingKing Arthur , a very exclusive dinner atRestaurant Dan Arnold , fancy Nipponese fare atHônto , Southeast Asiatic live shotsAme sAme , and legendsStone & Wood BreweryandCity Wineryfor delicious theater - made booze .
Teneriffe and New Farm
Venture just east of the Valley and you ’ll slip seamlessly into this scenic neighborhood duo , treasured for its leafy street , classic views of the snaking Brisbane River , and cluster of post - industrial building that have been fondly transformed into some of the hip joints around . start up by grabbing a top - nick coffee or bite to rust at any one of the orbit ’s olympian cafe ( you ca n’t neglect withBlue Bear CoffeehouseorNodo ) before traipsing throughNew Farm Park , a 37 - hectare expanse rife with sundrenched chance to stagnate aside the 24-hour interval . Later , grab a beer atNewstead Brewing Co , Green Beacon Brewing CoorRange Brewing , then get some culture at the historicCommissariat Store MuseumandBrisbane Powerhouse , an ultra - cool , graffiti - tagged performing and visual arts complex that start sprightliness as a coal - fired power station back in the 1920s .
Hotels and other great places to stay in Brisbane/Meeanjin
If locals were to be after a staycation — and money was no object — they’d believably pickThe Calile . It ’s long been the metropolis ’s swankiest 5 - maven hotel , stock with a noteworthy nutrient and drink program , spacious , resplendently plan Edgar Guest way , and a pool scene to touch Miami ’s . Elsewhere , the ultra - luxeHotel X , located in the philia of Fortitude Valley , has been giving ol’ Calile a run for its money since its Pandemic - epoch debut . And it ’s already been hold to have the well rooftop puddle in town .
If your budget is more two season than Four Seasons , check outThe Limes HotelorThe Point . The vibe at these dress shop properties , where rooms commence around $ 120 per Nox , is a bit more casual as the crowd lean to skew younger . Wherever you crash while you ’re in town , do n’t worry too much about who you lend home with you . What happens in Bris - Vegas stays in Bris - Vegas .
What to know before you go to Brisbane/Meeanjin
Best time of the year to visit
Australia is firmly in the southern hemisphere , with summer falling from December to February and winter coming in from June through August . The most temperate conditions can be discover during the fall and fountain ( March to May and September to November ) , when rain is scarce and Queensland ’s warm , sunny day and slightly cooler night are at their estimable . However this also means that high season will be in full effect , appeal bigger crowds and selling out event , hotel , and other attractions .
In September , the calendar month - long Brisbane Festival draws folk from all over the country — and for expert reason . It ’s a great time to get to sleep with the city , as arts and culture opportunities abound and local businesses get in on the fun with plenty of public programming and special promotions .
Brisbane’s time zone
Brisbane falls under Australian Eastern Standard Time ( GMT+10 ) . This translates to 14 60 minutes ahead of New York ’s Eastern Standard Time and 17 60 minutes onwards of California ’s Pacific Daylight Time .
The currency
Brisbane use the Australian Dollar ( AUD ) and each dollar is worth 100 cents . As of September , 2023 , $ 1 USD exchange for $ 1.55 AUD .
International outlet adapters
All Australian nation , including Queensland , employ plug case I , marked by three flat pins arrange in a triangle .
Brisbane’s weather and climate
Brisbane is drier and sunnier than the far northerly range of Queensland , which can err on the tropic side . It ’s warm and gay for most of the yr , with average temperatures ranging from 70 degrees to 85 stage Fahrenheit in the summer and 52 degree to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the wintertime months .
How to get around
Brisbane offer up several different way to move around the city . If you ’re brave enough to try your hand at drive on the diametrical side of the route , you could easilyrent a carfrom the airport to voyage the metropolis ’s net of dependable and well hold street , highway , and bridge . As for cab companies , do n’t expect toonlyUber everywhere — rideshare companiesOla , InGoGo , andDidiare also useable , as is Aussie cab - herald service13cabs . you could also classify it up by booking individual drive withBlacklaneandSpecialized Transport Australia .
Public transportation is also accessible , and spans bus , trains , and river ferry . beak up a reloadableTransLink Go Card , uncommitted for leverage everywhere from local convenience stores and train stations to airport retailer , or pay as you go by grabbing a unmarried - use tag from an in - station stall before hop on base . Get to the ballad of the landed estate ( literally — we’re talk buses and geartrain ) by checking outQueenslandRail ’s websiteand get step - by - stair instruction usingTransLink ’s Journey Planner puppet . The destitute CityHopper ferry is another capital option , provide pick - up and shake off - off at several dissimilar terminals throughout the city , while the TransLink Go Card - power CityCat ferry operates extra routes for a charge .
Photo courtesy of Tangalooma Island Resort
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Ciao Papi
Restaurant Dan Arnold
Next Episode Bar
West End Markets
City Winery Brisbane
The Calile Hotel
Peter Unger/Stone/Getty Images
The Valley (Fortitude Valley, Brisbane QLD)
