Top 19 Must-See Attractions in Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane rewards visitors who anchor their trip along the river, where the Story Bridge dominates the skyline and doubles as an adrenaline stop via the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, offering sweeping views for those willing to harness up. Just across the water, South Bank Parklands turns a former Expo site into a relaxed hub of gardens, dining, and a rare inner-city beach, with the South Bank Parklands Ferris Wheel adding an easy vantage point over it all. A short trip out to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary rounds things out with hands-on encounters with koalas and native wildlife. Together these picks balance city views, riverside leisure, and wildlife in one efficient loop.

Brisbane's iconic structures that define the city skyline and tell its history. From historic bridges to modern landmarks, these are the must-see spots that capture the city's essence.

Story Bridge
Must See📌 Book Ahead

Story Bridge

Brisbane's most iconic landmark completed in 1940. This historic bridge offers breathtaking views of the city and river. Climb the bridge via Story Bridge Adventure Climb for panoramic vistas, or simply walk across to experience the engineering marvel up close.

⏱ 1-2 hoursBook Ahead
South Bank Parklands - Ferris Wheel
Must See

South Bank Parklands - Ferris Wheel

The iconic Ferris wheel at South Bank provides 360-degree city and river views. Located in Australia's largest urban parkland, it's surrounded by gardens, museums, and dining. Perfect for sunrise or sunset rides.

⏱ 30 minutesNo Booking Needed

Tips for Landmarks & Monuments

  • Visit Story Bridge at sunset for the best photography
  • City Hall has free admission to the building and clock tower
  • South Bank Ferris Wheel tickets can be purchased at the gate or online
  • Combine these landmarks with museum visits for a full day

Brisbane's lush green spaces offer respite from urban life. From manicured botanic gardens to sprawling parklands, discover tranquil havens and scenic outdoor areas perfect for relaxation and recreation.

South Bank Parklands
Must See

South Bank Parklands

Brisbane's largest and most popular urban park spanning 17 hectares. Features gardens, museums, cultural venues, dining options, and beaches. The artificial beach is perfect for swimming year-round with lifeguards on duty.

⏱ 2-4 hoursNo Booking Needed

Tips for Parks & Gardens

  • South Bank Beach has patrolled swimming October-April
  • Botanic Gardens are free entry with peaceful walking paths
  • Visit Mount Coot-tha at sunset for spectacular views
  • Bring water and sun protection for outdoor explorations

Guided experiences and interactive activities offering curated insights into Brisbane's attractions. From river cruises to adventure activities, discover the city with expert local guides.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Must See📌 Book Ahead

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Guided climb to the top of Story Bridge experiencing 360-degree views from 80 meters high. Professional guides provide historical commentary and photography opportunities. Available for adults and children with age restrictions.

⏱ 1.5-2 hoursBook Ahead

Tips for Tours & Activities

  • Book river cruises in advance during peak season
  • Story Bridge climbs available morning, afternoon, and sunset
  • Aboriginal tours provide important cultural context
  • Many tours include professional photography guides

Nearby destinations accessible from Brisbane offering diverse experiences. From coastal beaches to rainforest hikes, expand your journey beyond the city limits.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Must See📌 Book Ahead

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Australia's most famous wildlife facility located 15 minutes from Brisbane CBD. Cuddle koalas, hand-feed kangaroos, and interact with native Australian animals including platypuses, dingoes, and Tasmanian devils. Educational keeper talks throughout the day.

⏱ 2-4 hoursBook Ahead

Tips for Day Trips & Excursions

  • Lone Pine is perfect for families with young children
  • Book Moreton Island ferry tickets online for discounts
  • Hiking trips should include water, sunscreen, and proper footwear
  • Island trips best on calm weather days
🍽️

Restaurants

Real, highly-rated Restaurants in Brisbane, sourced from Google Places (rating above 4★).

Must See

Exhibition Restaurant

★★★★★ 4.9 (392)

Exhibition Restaurant is a highly-rated restaurant in Brisbane, rated 4.9★ from 392 reviews. Located at Basement 2/109 Edward St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM
  • Friday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
Must See

Longwang Restaurant

★★★★★ 4.8 (2,080)

Longwang Restaurant is a highly-rated restaurant in Brisbane, rated 4.8★ from 2080 reviews. Located at 144 Edward St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Must See

Opa Bar & Mezze

★★★★★ 4.8 (4,011)

Opa Bar & Mezze is a highly-rated restaurant in Brisbane, rated 4.8★ from 4011 reviews. Located at 123 Eagle St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Must See

Stilts Dining

★★★★★ 4.8 (968)

Stilts Dining is a highly-rated restaurant in Brisbane, rated 4.8★ from 968 reviews. Located at 147E Alice St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Must See

LONGTIME DINING

★★★★★ 4.8 (4,646)

LONGTIME DINING is a highly-rated restaurant in Brisbane, rated 4.8★ from 4646 reviews. Located at L1, UL02/226 Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Must See

Rogue Bistro

★★★★★ 4.8 (1,168)

Rogue Bistro is a highly-rated restaurant in Brisbane, rated 4.8★ from 1168 reviews. Located at 14 Austin St, Newstead QLD 4006, Australia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 5:30 – 11:00 PM
  • Thursday: 5:30 – 11:00 PM
  • Friday: 5:30 – 11:00 PM
  • Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Must See

Clarence Restaurant

★★★★★ 4.8 (354)

Clarence Restaurant is a highly-rated restaurant in Brisbane, rated 4.8★ from 354 reviews. Located at Unit 4/51 Fish Ln, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Must See

Dark Shepherd

★★★★★ 4.7 (1,211)

Dark Shepherd is a highly-rated restaurant in Brisbane, rated 4.7★ from 1211 reviews. Located at The Star Brisbane, The Terrace, Level 4/33 William St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Must See

Naldham House

★★★★★ 4.7 (416)

Naldham House is a highly-rated restaurant in Brisbane, rated 4.7★ from 416 reviews. Located at 33 Felix St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
Must See

Massimo Restaurant & Bar

★★★★★ 4.7 (4,097)

Massimo Restaurant & Bar is a highly-rated restaurant in Brisbane, rated 4.7★ from 4097 reviews. Located at 123 Eagle St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Must See

Toscano Bar & Kitchen

★★★★★ 4.7 (1,136)

Toscano Bar & Kitchen is a highly-rated restaurant in Brisbane, rated 4.7★ from 1136 reviews. Located at 2 Edward St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM
Must See

Kickin'Inn Spring Hill

★★★★★ 4.7 (11,122)

Kickin'Inn Spring Hill is a highly-rated restaurant in Brisbane, rated 4.7★ from 11122 reviews. Located at 477 Boundary St, Spring Hill QLD 4000, Australia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Must See

Patina at Customs House

★★★★★ 4.6 (1,118)

Patina at Customs House is a highly-rated restaurant in Brisbane, rated 4.6★ from 1118 reviews. Located at Customs House, 399 Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Must See

La Vue Waterfront Restaurant

★★★★★ 4.6 (844)

La Vue Waterfront Restaurant is a highly-rated restaurant in Brisbane, rated 4.6★ from 844 reviews. Located at Unit 1/501 Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM
  • Saturday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM
  • Sunday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM