Brisbane Things to Do – Attractions & Must See

Brisbane Things to Do

The third most populous city in Australia, Brisbane attracts travelers from Australia, Asia and much of the globe. Any traveler here will find dozens of things during a stay in this growing city. Brisbane sprawls across many acres. The heart of the city lies along the Brisbane River. Travelers can take advantage of many transport options to get a close look at all areas of the community.

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Getting Around

One of the best ways to get around the city is via the City Hopper. This inner city service plies a route along the Brisbane River, making it easy to see attractions such as the Maritime Museum, the Eagle Street Pier with great views of the downtown area, and the old North Quay. Best of all, the ferry service is free. You can also take private cruises along the river. Many cruises provide a meal as well as the chance to enjoy cool breezes from the deck of an old-fashioned paddle wheeler. Another way to see the city is via the City Sights Bus Tour. For a single fee, you can hop and hop off all day long.

The South Bank Area

Many museums dot the city. While the climate is generally temperate, sometimes it can get hot, especially during the summer months. Museums make a cool retreat during the day.  The Sciencenter of Queensland offers many hands on exhibits that children will enjoy. Try the Gallery of Modern Art, the largest of all modern art galleries in Australia. The South Bank area is also where you’ll find the Queensland Performing Arts Complex with a theater and a concert hall. Ballets, plays and other live performances are given by locally renowned and international artists.

Fun Outdoor Activities

Brisbane officials want residents and visitors to enjoy the mild outdoor months. This is one of many reasons why there are two botanical gardens. The Brisbane Botanical Gardens lie along the shores of the river. The Mount Cootha Botanical Gardens is another local and highly popular garden. Visitors can see a Bonsai House with many miniature trees on display, as well as a Tropical Display Dome that shows off many Asian plants and an authentic Japanese garden laid out by an expert. Volunteers provide guided tours, allowing people to understand what they’re seeing here. Open all day, the gardens offer many walks and scenic areas including several Chinese pagodas and many striking outdoor sculptures. Another place to commune with nature is the Australia Zoo where you can see native animals such as koalas and kangaroos. The zoo is about an hour outside of Brisbane and was the original creation of Steve Irwin, better known as the Crocodile Hunter. The late Mr. Irwin’s work is still going strong, allowing visitors to see his beloved crocodiles in person.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Brisbane Travel Guide
• Tips on Brisbane Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!
• Brisbane Shopping – Shops, Stores, Best Buys & Inside Tips

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Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Brisbane.