Top Things to do in Brisbane
The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day 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. Opal Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 210 reviews
A fascinating insight into this unique and iconic Australian industry and explore the wonder and magnificence of nature.
Reviewed By Y415IZmichellen - Melbourne, Australia
Did the self-guided tour for $5 which included an informative video about opals in Australia. Lots of beautiful stones to see and some available to buy. Made me appreciate opals and their history more
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. Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,007 reviews
One of Australia's best construction projects, this centre is home to a performing arts complex, an art gallery, a museum and a number of food outlets for all budgets.
Reviewed By HettyB600 - Brisbane, Australia
And a 'joy' it was! Tom Gleeson would have to be one of the most talented and nuanced comedians in the country. The show was short (one hour) and he held the audience in the palm of his hand. Plenty of laughs, none greater than when he fell into his clearly more comfortable role of interacting directly with individual audience members during his final Q&A-style session. This was my first time at the Concert Hall, and I had been warned of little leg room with the upstairs seat I had chosen. That was absolutely not an issue, and the view was terrific. An absolute standout at the venue was the incredible friendliness and helpfulness of all staff: without exception, they were enthusiastic, professional and 'went the extra mile' to both welcome and farewell their guests.
4. SparkLab, ScienCentre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 299 reviews
Ignite your imagination in SparkLab, an interactive science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) space, ideal for 6 to 13 year olds! Follow your curiosity and bring out your inner scientist as you question, investigate and wonder about the world around you. Explore 40 interactive exhibits across three zones and discover how STEM affects your everyday world. See live experiments at the Science Bar and get hands on at the Maker Space, designing and creating a solution to a challenging question. SparkLab is located on Level 1 of Queensland Museum. Admission charges apply for entry and tickets are available from the ticket counter on Level 2.
Reviewed By 745rhiannam
Fantastic experience for kids of all ages, there are lots of science-based interactive activities that are both fun and educational. I've been with groups of kids on school trips, and the kids have always loved it and rated it as one of their favourite excursions.
5. Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 269 reviews
The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is closed for renovations and will reopen on Saturday, 20 February. The Planetarium presents a wide range of entertaining public astronomy shows for all ages, as well as school programs. The Planetarium is currently operating under a COVID-19 Safety Plan with a limit of 60 patrons in the facility for public shows. Bookings are required and there is no late admittance. PUBLIC SHOWS: Admission charges apply for shows in the Cosmic Skydome, as follows: Adult - $10, Child (age 3-14) - $6.00. Saturday Afternoon Live show: Adult - $12, Children - $8. SCHOOL SHOWS: A visit to the Planetarium is an interesting way for students to learn about the universe. Each school show is tailored to the curriculum requirements for the group attending, or as per the group’s specific needs. An admission fee of $9.20 per student applies. One supervisor for each ten students will be admitted free. Prices subject to change.
Reviewed By RKTALREJA - Queensland, Australia
Amazing information of our solar system, its full dark in the auditorium, u feel, u r in space.its around 30mint program.i recommend must attend once.
6. 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
7. 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.
8. Museum of Brisbane
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,106 reviews
Museum of Brisbane is located on Level 3 of the newly restored Brisbane City Hall. Our story is Brisbane's story - the lives of those who lived here, the events that have shaped our history and the places that we hold dear. As a museum dedicated to the city, we celebrate the people, places and stories of Brisbane. Museum of Brisbane presents these stories through an innovative mix of social history and visual arts. Every exhibition is an opportunity to discover more about ourselves and our city. Our carefully curated events, workshops and tours are designed to help you delve even deeper. We are a space where stories unfold - a place for meaningful dialogue; enjoyable, entertaining experiences; and a place to explore and share in the identity of Brisbane. While the Museum's story is only 10 years old, we are the narrators of a story far older: Brisbane's story.
Reviewed By froglag - Spokane, United States
Definitely the tour guide made the tour. He was informative and funny adding humor that added to the tour. And to top it off it was a Free tour.
9. Gallery of Modern Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,364 reviews
The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is a single institution located across two adjacent river-side buildings in the Cultural Precinct at Brisbane's South Bank. QAGOMA holds a collection of historical, modern and contemporary art, and stages a dynamic program of Australian and international exhibitions. We are home to the Children's Art Centre which collaborates on interactive artworks with leading artists from around the world, and the Australian Cinematheque, the only dedicated cinema facility in an Australian art museum. QAGOMA operates its own retail outlets and cafes and restaurants, proceeds from which support the Gallery.
Reviewed By Roselilyoz
When visiting Brisbane we visited GOMA and loved the current exhibition of the wonderful Margaret Olley paintings, and also the Ben Quilty exhibition. This is an excellent gallery, and the curation was excellent. We would always come back here when visiting Brisbane in the future.
10. 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.
