Brisbane, Queensland’s subtropical capital of 2.5 million, is built along the winding Brisbane River. Its attractions span a man-made inner-city beach, Australia’s largest koala sanctuary, a 280-hectare park, and a thriving riverside dining scene. Most sights are reachable by CityCat ferry or on foot from the CBD.
South Bank Parklands and Streets Beach
South Bank Parklands is a 17-hectare riverside precinct across the Brisbane River from the CBD, connected by the Victoria Bridge and Goodwill Bridge. Its centerpiece is Streets Beach, a free man-made swimming lagoon with white sand, palm trees, and a view of the CBD skyline. Open daily 7:00 AM to midnight, lifeguard patrolled 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The parklands also contain the Grand Arbour (a 1km bougainvillea-covered walkway), the Wheel of Brisbane (Ferris wheel, AUD 19.95 adult, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM), and dozens of cafes and restaurants along Little Stanley Street. The CityCat ferry stops at South Bank Terminal. For weather visibility, check the Brisbane weather guide.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, 12km southwest of the CBD in Fig Tree Pocket, is the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary, established in 1927. It houses 130+ koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils. Open daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Adult admission AUD 49. Koala holding sessions (AUD 29 per photo) run 10:00 AM-4:30 PM. Reach it by bus 430 from Queen Street Station (30 minutes) or by the Mirimar cruise boat from the Cultural Centre pontoon (75 minutes, AUD 38 one-way with sanctuary entry package). Allow 3-4 hours. The platypus exhibit and raptor show are highlights. For other wildlife options, see things to do in Brisbane.
Mount Coot-tha Lookout and Botanic Gardens
Mount Coot-tha is a 287-meter hill 7km west of the CBD offering panoramic views of Brisbane, the river, and Moreton Bay on clear days. The summit lookout has a cafe and restaurant (Summit Cafe, open daily). The 56-hectare Brisbane Botanic Gardens at the base of the mountain (free entry, open 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily) include a tropical dome, Japanese garden, and bonsai house. Bus 471 from Adelaide Street to the summit (25 minutes). Multiple walking and mountain biking trails connect the summit to the gardens. Best visited on clear winter and spring mornings.
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) and Queensland Museum
GOMA and the Queensland Museum share the Cultural Centre at South Bank. GOMA focuses on contemporary art from Australia and the Asia-Pacific, with free general admission (some special exhibitions charge AUD 15-25). Open daily 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Queensland Museum (free, open 9:30 AM-5:00 PM) covers natural history, Indigenous culture, and Queensland’s dinosaurs. Both are air-conditioned, making them ideal for the hottest summer afternoons. The Cultural Centre CityCat terminal is directly in front.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
The Story Bridge Adventure Climb takes you to the 80-meter summit of the iconic 1940 steel bridge connecting the CBD to Kangaroo Point. The 2-hour guided climb (AUD 99-129 depending on time of day) offers 360-degree views of Brisbane, the river, and the Glass House Mountains in the distance. Twilight climbs are the most popular. Minimum age 10, maximum weight 130kg. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend twilight slots. The climb operates in most weather except electrical storms.
CityCat Ferry and Brisbane Riverwalk
The CityCat is Brisbane’s river ferry system, with 21 terminals from the University of Queensland in the west to Northshore Hamilton in the east. A single trip costs AUD 4.80 with a Go Card (AUD 10 deposit). The ferry itself is a sightseeing experience, offering water-level views of the CBD skyline, riverside mansions, and the Story Bridge. The Brisbane Riverwalk, a floating pedestrian and cycle path, runs 870 meters between New Farm and Howard Smith Wharves, suspended over the water. Free and open 24 hours. Combine a CityCat trip to New Farm with a walk back to the city along the Riverwalk for an afternoon exploration.
