Reviewed on 27 Nov. 2021
Reviewed on 29 Sep. 2021
Reviewed on 14 Sep. 2021
Queensland’s capital is sunny, scenic, cultured and cool. Built along the banks of the mangrove-lined Brisbane River, it’s the home of unique shopping and dining, family-friendly activities and a kicking live music scene.
Whether you’re after West End’s good vibes, Fortitude Valley’s nightlife, South Bank’s art galleries and cultural events or even the beaches of the nearby Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, Brissie’s a great place for a summer holiday – or any holiday, really. And despite being Australia’s third biggest city, it still has a friendly small-town vibe. Book your Brisbane holiday package with us.
History
The Turrbal and Jagera people occupied Brisbane before European settlement. Matthew Flinders was the first European to explore the region in 1799, when he sailed around Moreton Bay. In 1823, NSW governor Thomas Brisbane decided to send the worst convicts to the area, and it became a permanent settlement.
Things to do
South Bank has parklands, walking tracks, impressive views of the city and the Brisbane River and heaps of culture. It’s where you’ll find Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and plenty of festivals and events. Streets Beach at South Bank is a man-made beach with white sand and palm trees, overlooking the river and perfect for chilling out when the weather is hot (and it often is).
Brisbane is a brilliant city for a night out. On Friday and Saturday nights, Brunswick Street Mall becomes packed as people flock to the dance clubs and indie bars. Brisbane CBD and West End also have a lot going on, and there are pockets of satisfying nightlife in every suburb.
Brisbane also has stacks to do for those who appreciate the great outdoors. You can kayak the Brisbane River or absail the cliffs at Kangaroo Point. If you’d prefer to sit back and relax while you take in the river views, take a ride on a ferry or CityCat. The City Botanic Gardens are in the heart of the city and a fantastic place for a long walk or a picnic, with groves of bamboo, ornamental lakes, stunning gardens and riverside footpaths. Get a higher perspective with a visit to the Mount Coot-tha Lookout. From here you can see a terrific view of Brisbane and, when the weather is fine, all the way out to the Moreton Bay Islands. If you’ve got time, explore the cosmos at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium on Mount Coot-tha too.
Animal lovers will dig Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Alma Park Zoo. And if you get a craving for the beach, it’s only about an hour’s drive to get to either the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast.
Shopping and dining
Queen Street Mall in the Brisbane CBD is the city’s main shopping destination. But you’ll find shopping spread out all around the region in suburban shopping centres and cool weekend markets. Brisbane’s dining is delicious and diverse and there are always new options popping up. If you have cash to spare, you can enjoy a fancy meal at Eagle Street Pier complete with views of the Storey Bridge. You can also dine at South Bank’s multicultural restaurants or check out the CBD’s Asian delights. There’s even a pancake house open 24 hours a day. Great coffee and unique bars are easy to find in Brisbane, and they keep popping up in unexpected places, from laneways to bus stations to the backs of hardware stores.
Getting here
Big enough that there’s always something to do, small enough to seem friendly and welcoming - it’s no surprise that Brisbane’s a satisfying place to holiday…and to live. Bundle up your Brisbane accommodation and flights with us into one complete package and let Brisbane welcome you warmly.
