Beyond The Shopping in Brisbane City
There is more to Brisbane City than a shopping precinct, and hopefully, you’ll find these Brisbane attractions worth exploring when you’re here.
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If you are travelling around Australia, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
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City Hall and Brisbane Museum
City Hall is open for all to explore, from the Clock Tower at the very top to the Auditorium. The impressive architecture is on display from the moment you step through the doors.
You can go up the stairs to view the Auditorium from the balcony seating or take the lift to the 1st floor.
The organ at the back of the stage was built in 1892. Free tours detail the history of the building and organ throughout the day. It’s best to check their website when they are available. You are also free to explore on your own.
On the third level is the Museum of Brisbane. It is here that you also have access to the views from the Clock Tower above through free tours every 15 minutes.
You have views across the city from above, but taller buildings surround City Hall, obstructing views of the river and across to Southbank.
Whether you are exploring the Museum or going up the Clock Tower, large bags have to be checked into the cloakroom.
On the way back down from the top, you stop to see the inner workings of the clock. As you’re in a cage lift, you can see what makes it tick, as you don’t get out here.
Once again, the Museum is free, although you may have to pay for one of the exhibits. The exhibits change regularly, so there is no excuse not to come back again.
Museum of Brisbane Hours
- Monday-Thursday and Saturday-Sunday
- 10:00 am–05:00 pm
- Friday
- 10:00 am–07:00 pm
- Public Holidays open times
- Anzac Day 01:00 pm–05:00 pm, all other public holidays 10:00 am–5:00 pm
- Closed
- Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day
Museum Highlights Tour
Daily 11.00 am – 11.30 am
Clock Tower Tours
- Daily
- 10.15 am-4.45 pm | Every 15 minutes | Tours depart from MoB, Level 3, City Hall
Prices
Museum Highlights Tour
Free
Clock Tower Tours
Free, but purchase a ticket as only 4 people per tour.
Albert Street Uniting Church
Opened in 1889, this Church has been at the heart of Brisbane since then. You are free to look inside at your leisure, and volunteers are there to answer any query you might have.
Once again, there is a beautiful Organ behind the altar and stained glass windows line both walls.
Hours
- Monday-Friday
- 10:00 am–02:00 pm
- Monday-Friday
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- 09:00 am–10:00 am and 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Roma Street Parklands
Behind Roma Street, Bus and Train Stations are the Roma Street Parklands, a welcome place to relax amongst nature.
This area has many walkways through misty rainforests, around the lake, exploring gardens or just relaxing on the grass.
Water Dragons are one of the many wildlife types of wildlife that call this park home. They are seen on the walkways, in gardens and on rocks, posing for your photos.
There is one cafe in the park, The Garden Room Cafe, although you can bring your own picnic to enjoy on the many grass areas.
Roma Street Parklands is 16 hectares of beautiful gardens and a refreshing park to be on a hot summer’s day. It is certainly a place you have to visit when you’re in Brisbane.
The Garden Room Cafe Hours
- Monday-Wednesday
- 07:00 am–04:30 pm
- Thursday-Sunday
- 07:00 am–04:30 pm
Botanic Gardens
At the other end of the city from the Roma Street Parklands is the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. Here you have grass to lie on under trees over a century old.
Here you’ll find a Duckpond and Avenue of Weeping Figs to keep you cool in the hot summer months.
As it is right beside the Brisbane River, there is nearly always a welcome breeze to take the sting out of the heat. Here a walkway along the riverfront gives you views of the Story Bridge.
Old Government House
Located at the southern end of the Botanic Gardens is the Old Government House building.
One-hour guided tours take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is free, but bookings are essential as places are limited. Contact Government House to book.
There is also a podcast that you can listen to as you wander through the rooms.
Hours
- Saturday closed
- Monday-Friday and Sunday
- 10:00 am–04:00 pm
Guided Tours
- Tuesday and Thursday
- 10:30 am
Brisbane River – Cruise and Walk
The Brisbane River is the real focal point of the city and is a star attraction all on its own.
With walkways lining both sides of the river, you can spend all day exploring what there is to see along the river.
CityCat ferries and CityHoppers operate on the river, and you can either use them or one of the cruises that will also give you something to eat or drink.
You can cross the river using the Kurilpa Bridge, which takes you across to the Cultural Precinct. It is here that you have the Gallery of Modern Art, State Library, Queensland Art Gallery and Queensland Museum.
The Victoria Bridge is a pedestrian and vehicle bridge. It is the main bridge in the centre of the city for crossing the river and will take you across to the Cultural Precinct and Southbank Parklands.
The Goodwill Bridge takes you from Southbank, the Maritime Museum or the Kangaroo Point Cliffs across to the City Botanic Gardens and the walkway along to the Howard Smith Wharves.
From the wharves, you cross back over the Story Bridge to get to the top of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs and the views of the Brisbane City Skyline.
More to do on the River
Take a river cruise to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary from the jetty in front of the Queensland Art Gallery. Read all about visiting the Koalas here and other places at my blog, Koalas Around Brisbane.
You can also take a City Cat to Eat Street Northshore in Hamilton. These weekend markets have foods you can try from all around the world. On Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons and evenings, you have live music to add to the atmosphere, and you can find more information on my blog here, Eat Street Northshore.
Southbank Parklands and the Cultural Precinct
Southbank Parklands is the area where Brisbanites come to play, especially on the weekends and school holidays.
The Cultural Precinct is where the Gallery of Modern Art, State Library, Queensland Art Gallery and Queensland Museum is located.
There are three bridges you can cross to bring you here. The Kurilpa Bridge, which takes you to the western end of the Cultural Precinct, the Goodwill Bridge, which takes you from the City Botanic Gardens to the western side of Southbank Parklands, and Victoria Bridge, which takes you from the City Centre to Southbank and/or the Cultural Precinct.
If you are arriving by train, you can get off at either Southbank station or South Brisbane, or by bus, you can get off on the Northern end of Victoria Bridge. Visit Translink to find your route.
Cultural Precinct
The Cultural Precinct covers the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), the State Library, the Queensland Art Gallery and the Queensland Museum.
Queensland Museum
The Queensland Museum is an excellent place for families and those just wanting to learn more about Queensland.
Inside the Museum, you have exhibitions ranging from dinosaurs in the outback to World War One.
The World War One exhibition on the ground floor gives you a glimpse of the people of Queensland, from those that went to war and those who stayed home and their experiences through interactive boards and memorabilia.
Although the Museum is free to wander through, there are paid exhibitions as well. You can find all the information on what is on at the time of your visit by visiting their site here.
Hours
- 7 Days
- 09:30 am–05:00 pm
- Anzac Day
- 01:30 pm–05:00 pm
- Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day.
Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art
Housed over two buildings, the Queensland Art Gallery has works from not only throughout the ages but also from other cultures. Guided tours operate in both buildings every day, giving new insights into the works of art.
In the Gallery of Modern Art, installations showcase Australian artists over two levels. I’m not into Modern Art, but it was interesting to walk through and once again, it’s free. You can check out what’s on in these Galleries here.
Art Gallery and GOMA Hours
- 7 Days
- 10:00 am–05:00 pm
- Anzac Day
- 01:30 pm–05:00 pm
- Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day.
QAG Cafe Hours
- 7 Days
- 10:00 am–04:45 pm
GOMA Bistro Hours
- Weekdays from 10:00 am
- Weekends from 09:00 am
- Lunch 11:00 AM–03:00 pm
- Brunch on weekends 09:00 am-10:45 am
- Closed Good Friday, Christmas and Boxing Day
GOMA Restaurant Hours
- Thursday-Sunday Lunch
- 12:00 PM–03:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday Dinner
- 05:30 PM-Late
- Closed Monday-Wednesday, Easter weekend, Christmas and Boxing Day
Southbank Parklands
It’s hard to believe now, but Southbank Parklands used to be run-down and not a pretty sight, but that all changed when Brisbane was the host of Expo 88, and after the success of that, the Parklands were born.
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre dominates the Melbourne Street entrance. It is here that international musicals and local ballets and shows are performed. If you’re in the city for a few days, you might want to catch a show, and you can see what’s on their website here.
From the walkways of Bougainvillea to beaches, Southbank has become the place where locals and tourists come to have fun.
The parklands are where Brisbanites come to enjoy themselves, and it’s the place to be on New Year’s Eve and the Riverfire in September, which closes the Brisbane City Festival.
The Wheel of Brisbane will give you views of the city, and the Nepalese Peace Pagoda is a nod to Expo 88, being the only exhibit remaining on the site.
There are restaurants and a food court, or you can bring your own picnic and have a BBQ with a lot of green space for families to enjoy.
Southbank Parklands is also home to weekend markets. If you’d like more information, you can read my blog Brisbane City Markets, here.
Maritime Museum
At the western edge of Southbank is the Maritime Museum. Walking tours occur on a Sunday in the middle of each month, and more information can be found on their website here.
Once inside, you can explore the grounds first, where the HMAS Diamantina is kept in a dry dock.
You are free to explore this warship but be aware that the steps are steep in parts. Exhibitions with information boards, as well as rooms, were kept as they were when it was decommissioned.
In the exhibition rooms, you have more to see about sailing life since the white settlement. Stories of women on the water, including pirates, heroines and Captains, are inspiring as well as all the other stories of exploration.
The Maritime Museum is a great place for those who love Naval history, ships and exploration and families.
Hours
- Wednesday – Friday
- 09:00 am–03:00 pm
- Museum closes at 4:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday
- 09:30 am – 03:00 pm
- Museum closes at 4:30 pm
- Closed 24-26 December, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and ANZAC Day.
Prices
- Adult $18.00
- Child (under 15) $8.00
- Concession (with valid card) $15.00
- Family ((2 adults and up to 3 children under 15) $42.00-$50.00
War Memorial and ANZAC Square
ANZAC Square is located across the road from Central Railway Station. In the rotunda at the top of the War Memorial is an eternal flame for those fallen in all conflicts.
Statues dedicated to those who have given service and their lives for Australia line the walkways around the Square.
Underneath the Memorial and road are the Halls with interactive boards, giving you plenty of information on the wars that Australia has participated in. Memorials to Battalions line the walls, as well as a film.
Hours
- Monday-Friday
- 10:00 am–04:30 pm
- Closed Saturday
- Sunday
- 10:00 am-04:00 pm
- Anzac Day
- 05:00 AM–02:00 pm
Howard Smith Wharves Story Bridge
Home to Felons Brewing Co., the Howard Smith Wharves has become a place to meet in one of the many eateries lining the Brisbane River.
As it was only mid-morning when I was there, so I had Gelato, and it was delicious. Located behind the Felon Brewing Co., the Goodtimes Gelataria makes their own Gelato on-site from local ingredients when they can, so it is fresh and a great local business to get behind.
If you’re in the city, there is a riverfront walk that takes you to the wharves and beyond.
Latin Friday Nights
If you love Latin dancing, then get down to Brisbane Square on Friday nights.
Watch the professional Salsa dancers from 7.00 pm, then join in the free dance classes at 8.00 pm.
Beginners are welcome, no bookings are required, and it’s completely free, and all you need to bring is a sense of fun.
Latin Nights happen every Friday night, weather permitting. Check their Facebook page here to check that it’s on.
MacArthur Museum
The MacArthur Museum is a small but informative museum on what Brisbane City was like during World War Two. General Douglas MacArthur made this city his base during his time as Supreme Commander South-West Pacific Area.
You will find the museum on the 8th floor of the MacArthur Chambers on the corner of Edward and Queen Streets, although the entrance is on Edward Street, and you should see a sign in front of the door.
Information boards, displays and photographs take you on a journey back to 1940s Brisbane City. General Douglas MacArthur’s office has been restored to its former glory. Every detail has been taken from photographs from his time in Brisbane City.
Hours
- Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday
- 10:00 am–03:00 pm last entry 02:30 pm
Prices
- Adult $10.00
- Children $5.00
- Senior $5.00
- Family $20.00
Regent Theatre
This beautiful old building was due to be demolished until plans got changed at the last minute.
The Information Site is situated here, where you can get ideas and make bookings.
At the back of the building, up a flight of stairs, is this amazing interior and staircase.
The Regent Theatre is worth a visit. You get to get more ideas on what to do in Brisbane City and Queensland and see the beautiful architecture.
Hours
- Monday-Thursday
- 09:00 am–05:30 pm
- Friday
- 09:00 am-07:00 pm
- Saturday
- 09:00 am–05:00 pm
- Last Sunday of the month
- 10:00 am-05:00 pm
Queensland Police Museum
The Queensland Police Museum is located at Police Headquarters on Roma Street. It’s a free museum that takes you through the years from its inception in 1864 to modern-day technologies helping to solve crimes.
It isn’t very big but packs a punch in all the information that you can read on crimes in Queensland and how they are solved.
Hours
- Closed Friday-Sunday but open Last Sunday of the month.
- Monday-Thursday
- 09:00 am -04:00 pm
- We are not open on public holidays or for the two weeks of the Christmas/New Year break.
Wilson’s Lookout
If you want an excellent view of the city skyline and the Story Bridge, then Wilson’s Lookout is for you.
It is here that you can watch the sunset and see the lights come on across the Story Bridge and tall buildings along the Brisbane River.
There is only street parking here, so you might be up for a walk as you compete with residents for the parks, but it’s worth it.
You will find Wilson’s Lookout at 231 Bowen Terrace, New Farm.
Conclusion
Whatever you end up doing in Brisbane City, there is, even more, to do in South East Queensland. Moreton Bay and North Stradbroke Islands, as well as the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, are not more than one to two hours away. Click to read my blogs on the Gold Coast Hinterland and Nature on the Sunshine Coast.
I hope that you’ve been inspired to visit and find these Brisbane activities worth visiting.
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Caution
Queensland is the skin cancer capital of the world, so always bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, even in winter, and don’t forget your water.
Links
If you’d like to read more of my blogs on Australia, you can find them on the following links; Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art, or if you’re after New Zealand, the United Kingdom or Photography, you can click on their links.
Travel Resources
- Flights & Accommodation – You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor and WayAway, which has 5% cashback.
- Car Hire – Take to the open road with great deals from EconomyBookings.com, RentalCars.com and DiscoverCars.
- Train & Bus Tickets UK & Europe – Use Trainline to plan and book your rail and train travel in the UK and Europe.
- Travel Insurance – is your number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master and Insubuy are invaluable in keeping you insured during your travels.
- Attractions – buy before you leave home with these great sites, Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
- House Sitting – is a great way to save on accommodation and Trusted Housesitters has house sits all around the world for you to try.
- Photo Editing – is a great way to bring your photos to life and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
- Visa Applications – apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
- Sim cards – Try Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
If you want more, try my Travel Links and Resource page.
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Definitely saving this for (hopefully) my next visit to Brisbane! Some great ideas and plenty to see. Didn’t realise South Bank didn’t look so great. It looks pretty good now and I loved the contemporary Bougainvillea Walkway.
Thanks, Alma. I hope you get back and visit some of the places I’ve listed. Southbank is certainly the place to be.
I was in Brissy for a wedding a few years ago and I had no idea all this was available! Must get back!
It really surprised me, Gabby, and I’ve been living here for 30 years. Hope you get to come back and explore.
You certainly hit the highlights of this lovely city! Looking forward to visiting someday. Thank you!
Thanks, Susan. I hope that you get to visit one day.
Now I regret not having visited Brisbane when I went to this beautiful country.
I hope that you get to visit one day, Talek.
So wishing I had made it to Brisbane when I was in Australia last year. Definitely next time!
I hope you get to come back soon, Tayler and see all there is to offer.
What a magical place, the mixture of architecture, beach, and palm trees. I love it 😀
Thanks, Ann. I hope that you get to visit and see for yourself one day.