Top Things to do in Brisbane
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Brisbane, Queensland
Australia’s third-largest city, Brisbane is the hub of Queensland culture, offering a peek at the past and a glimpse into the future. Visit the historic Windmill and Old Commissariat Store, built by convicts in 1828, or fast-forward to the present (and beyond) with a trip to the new Gallery of Modern Art. Mingle with locals atop Mount Coot-tha, cruise the Brisbane River to South Bank’s sandy beach on the City Cat and make sure to fill the cuteness quota at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, home to koalas and kangaroos.
Restaurants in Brisbane
1. Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt. Coot-tha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,353 reviews
An oasis for wildlife, the Gardens feature 52 hectares of plants from Australia and all around the world. Horticultural and art and craft shows are displayed in the Auditorium most weekends and free volunteer guided walks leave the Information Centre, Monday to Saturday (except public holidays) at 11 am and 1 pm. Alternatively you may like to explore the Gardens via one, or all, of the three self-guided trails available.
Reviewed By christoskontas - Thessaloniki, Greece
The botanical gardens cover a vast area with a huge array of beautiful flowers, tropical plants and trees of Australia and around the world. It's a lovely green breath of life near the city of Brisbane. Some of the highlights are the geodesic dome, the Japanese gardens, the rainforest and the bamboo forest. Definitely worth a visit and everyone will enjoy the walk and tour of the gardens. It was an unforgettable experience in nature.
2. City Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,219 reviews
Brisbane's most famous landmark features the circular Concert Hall, a world-famous grand piano organ and a majestic view from the clock tower.
Reviewed By 228malcolmw - Coffs Harbour, Australia
Nice old style building, which includes the Museum of Brisbane, well worth a look at with a beautiful Main Hall.
3. Newstead House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN OF SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND'S HISTORIC HOMES... One of the most prominent homes in our history, the iconic landmark was built in 1846 and has been occupied by some of Brisbane's most influential colonial figures including Patrick Leslie, Captain John Clements Wickham and George Harris. Newstead House, Brisbane's oldest surviving residence is the jewel in the crown of South East Queensland's historic properties. Now operating as a living museum, the grand home is furnished to reflect the occupation of the Harris family, who were in residence between 1862 and 1890. We invite you to take in the magnificent views as you wander the generous verandas & explore the history of our grand home. Discover another world, located minutes from the CBD.
Reviewed By josephpI9RJ - Brisbane, Australia
I've been there many times and it is always a special time when you bring friends over to it for the first time. Lovely views of the river. A wonderful place to come to and soak in the history of Brisbane and relax going through it's gardens and along the river front.
4. St. John's Anglican Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By grafix65 - Lincoln, United Kingdom
This is a magnificent building where the architectural splendour can be fully appreciated the church volunteers are both helpful and knowledgeable
5. Brisbane Powerhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 673 reviews
Reviewed By Grand_Times123
Great venue to catch a show, eat a meal or wonder around. Situated by the Brisbane River, it is steeped in history, had a great gallery and fabulous shows, especially during Brisbane Comedy Festival.
6. Anzac Square & Memorial Galleries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 500 reviews
Embark on an interactive journey from the First World War to today inside Anzac Square Memorial Galleries—a free exhibition curated by State Library of Queensland. Located in Brisbane CBD, with the magnificent Shrine of Remembrance and Eternal Flame burning at its heart, Anzac Square provides permanent recognition for those who have served our nation and offers a tranquil place to commemorate and reflect on their commitment, bravery, and sacrifice. Visitors to the exhibition can now enrich their experience by joining our brand-new Collection Highlights tour, departing every Wednesday at 10.30am (excluding public holidays). This free, 45-minute guided tour explores the best of State Library's military collection including the people, places and stories that underpin the Queensland war experience. Larger groups can also enjoy an exclusive, complimentary tour of the galleries, ideal for Queensland-associated battalions, regiments, and other special interest groups. Admission is free
Reviewed By dough424 - London, United Kingdom
We visit the square as it was shown on the map and decided to investigate while in Brisbane, what we didn’t know until we arrived was that there were galleries. The galleries are well set out and cover many conflicts from the Great War, Second World War, Korea and other conflicts that Australian and New Zealand armed forces have been engaged in. It’s all very well laid out and very informative.
7. Commissariat Store Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
The heritage-listed Commissariat Store was hand built and completed by convicts in 1829, using Brisbane Tuff from the Kangaroo Point cliffs. The Store (now a museum run by the Royal Historical Society of Queensland) and the Windmill on Wickham Tce, are the only buildings remaining from the Moreton Bay Penal Settlement. The Commissariat Store is Queensland's most significant heritage building/landmark, as it represents the commencement of European settlement. This historic site, located in Queen's Wharf Brisbane in the CBD, is also considered the birthplace of Brisbane.
Reviewed By mrdom
Brisbane's second oldest building. Not much inside it, just a small exhibition looking at the early colonial days, although well told with some good artefacts and a lot of dedicated staff, and not too expensive.
8. Story Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,002 reviews
Reviewed By Steve-70 - Townsville, Australia
Great historic landmark in centre of the city - great views from here as well as a wonderful opportunity to climb the structure so you can truly see the wonders of such a great city..
9. Old St Stephen's Catholic Church (Pugin Chapel)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 343 reviews
Reviewed By S4nnyBunny
Lovely place to visit if you want a piece of Brisbane history. It’s free to visit, a great place to cool down and catch your breathe in the warm weather while admiring the beautiful and historic architecture. Love the location of it as it’s not to far to get to and how it’s located around the fast paced and ever changing surroundings while remaining true to itself. The building on the right is the original cathedral while on the left is now the current and bigger version. The glass murals are a combination of French and German style (special shout-out to the staff in attendance for the knowledge). COVID-19 protocols are well in place and enforced (mandatory checkin and checkout, plenty of hand sanitizers around).
10. Customs House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By tommomelbourne - Melbourne, Australia
Customs House is an example of Victorian style architecture, with portico, and a green dome and is an impressive historical building. It is used as a restaurant and events and has a stunning ballroom. This building was contructed in the nineteenth century and initially used to collect customs and excise duties.
