Brisbane
Sunshine, riverside living, and outdoor adventures
About Brisbane
Brisbane is a warm, welcoming river city basking under nearly 300 days of sunshine each year. Queensland's capital has undergone a remarkable transformation from a laid-back regional city into a vibrant, cosmopolitan destination with world-class dining, a thriving arts precinct, and proximity to stunning natural attractions. As the host city for the 2032 Olympic Games, Brisbane is on the rise.
Quick Facts
- Population: 2.6 million
- Founded: 1825
- Airport: Brisbane (BNE)
- Time Zone: AEST (UTC+10)
- Known for: Sunshine, river city, 2032 Olympics host
Top Highlights
South Bank Parklands
A 17-hectare urban playground along the Brisbane River featuring the only inner-city beach in Australia, lush rainforest walks, restaurants, and the award-winning Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, home to over 100 koalas and 70 species of native Australian wildlife. Hold a koala, hand-feed kangaroos, and experience platypus encounters.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Scale Brisbane's iconic cantilever bridge for panoramic 360-degree views stretching from the Glass House Mountains to Moreton Bay. Available at dawn, day, twilight, and night.
Howard Smith Wharves
A heritage-listed riverside precinct beneath the Story Bridge, featuring craft breweries, award-winning restaurants, boutique hotels, and regular live music performances along the river.
Arts & Culture
Brisbane's cultural precinct at South Bank is home to the Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Queensland Museum, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The Fortitude Valley neighbourhood is the city's entertainment hub, offering live music venues, craft beer bars, and late-night dining. Each year, events like the Brisbane Festival and Asia Pacific Screen Awards put the city on the global cultural map.
Island Escapes
Brisbane is the gateway to stunning Moreton Bay islands. Moreton Island is the world's third-largest sand island, offering snorkelling around the historic Tangalooma Wrecks, sandboarding on towering dunes, and dolphin feeding at sunset. North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) features pristine beaches, clear waters for whale watching, and significant Aboriginal cultural sites.
Day Trips
Within easy reach of Brisbane lie the Glass House Mountains, sacred to the Gubbi Gubbi people and perfect for hiking. The Sunshine Coast hinterland villages of Montville and Maleny offer rainforest walks and boutique shopping. The Gold Coast theme parks — Dreamworld, Movie World, and Sea World — are just an hour south, while the scenic Scenic Rim region offers farm-to-fork dining experiences.