Brisbane

Australia

Attractions & Events in Brisbane

Discover the top attractions, events, and festivals in Brisbane, Australia

Top Attractions

Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

Historic gardens along the river, featuring walking paths, rare plants, and picnic spots.

Tips: Free entry; ideal for relaxing walks and picnics; guided walking tours available.

Brisbane Powerhouse

A contemporary arts and cultural hub housed in a converted power station, hosting live performances, comedy, and markets.

Tips: Check event schedule online; riverside dining options; suitable for arts and nightlife enthusiasts.

Fortitude Valley

Brisbane’s nightlife district with bars, clubs, live music venues, and boutique shopping.

Tips: Best for young travelers and nightlife seekers; check dress codes for clubs; public transport recommended at night.

Howard Smith Wharves

Revitalized riverside precinct with restaurants, bars, breweries, and stunning views under the Story Bridge.

Tips: Ideal for foodies and nightlife; outdoor seating available; lively atmosphere in the evenings.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

The world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary where visitors can cuddle koalas and feed kangaroos.

Tips: Arrive early for animal encounters; suitable for children; tickets required; ferry transport available from the city.

Mount Coot-tha Lookout

Scenic lookout with panoramic views of Brisbane, plus walking trails and a botanical garden.

Tips: Visit at sunset for the best views; parking available; suitable for families and nature lovers.

Museum of Brisbane

Museum located in City Hall exploring Brisbane’s history, people, and culture through interactive exhibits.

Tips: Free entry; take the City Hall Clock Tower tour for city views; great for history buffs and families.

Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

Two adjacent galleries showcasing Australian, Asian, and international art, including contemporary and Indigenous works.

Tips: Free entry to most exhibitions; guided tours available; ideal for art lovers and culture seekers.

South Bank Parklands

A vibrant riverside precinct featuring lush gardens, a man-made beach, playgrounds, dining, and cultural venues.

Tips: Perfect for families and couples; free entry; bring swimwear for Streets Beach; easily accessible by public transport.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Guided climbs atop Brisbane’s iconic bridge offering panoramic views of the city and river.

Tips: Book in advance; suitable for adventurous travelers; not recommended for those with a fear of heights.

Events & Festivals

Brisbane Comedy Festival

A month-long festival featuring over 100 artists performing stand-up, improv, musical, and sketch comedy across multiple venues.

When: April-May

Tips: Book tickets early, as popular shows sell out quickly. Venues like Brisbane Powerhouse and The Tivoli offer diverse performances.

Bridge to Brisbane

A fun run event offering 10km and 5km courses, attracting thousands of participants annually.

When: August

Tips: Register early and consider fundraising for local charities. The course offers scenic views of the city.

Ekka (Royal Queensland Show)

An annual agricultural show featuring animal exhibits, live entertainment, carnival rides, and fireworks.

When: August

Tips: Purchase tickets online to avoid queues. Don't miss the iconic strawberry sundaes and woodchopping competitions.

Woodford Folk Festival

A six-day festival celebrating music, art, and culture with over 400 acts performing in a dedicated festival village.

When: December-January

Tips: Consider camping on-site for the full experience. Tickets sell out quickly, so book in advance.

Brisbane Marathon Festival

An annual marathon event offering full and half marathons, 10km, 5km, and kids’ 2km fun runs through Brisbane's iconic landmarks.

When: June

Tips: Register in advance and train adequately. Spectators can enjoy various vantage points along the course.

World Science Festival Brisbane

An event exploring science through performances, conversations, and interactive experiences.

When: March

Tips: Ideal for families and science enthusiasts. Some workshops may require prior booking.

Paniyiri Greek Festival

Queensland's longest-running cultural festival celebrating Greek culture with traditional food, music, and dance performances.

When: May

Tips: Arrive early to enjoy authentic Greek cuisine and participate in dance workshops. Musgrave Park can get crowded.

Brisbane Writers Festival

A literary event featuring local and international authors, panel discussions, and workshops.

When: May-June

Tips: Check the schedule for author talks and book signings. Some events may require prior registration.

BIGSOUND Festival

A music festival showcasing emerging Australian artists across various venues in Fortitude Valley.

When: September

Tips: Explore multiple venues to discover new music. Early bird tickets offer better value.

Brisbane Festival

A multi-arts festival featuring music, theater, dance, and visual arts, culminating in the Riverfire fireworks display.