The Top Seven Must-See Attractions in Brisbane, Australia

Lily Simpson
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Brisbane is the state capital of Queensland, also known as the Sunshine State. It was officially founded in 1824 and is now Australia’s third largest city. Locals affectionately call it “Brissie.” Brisbane attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world due to the city’s calm and laid-back cultural environment, as well as its subtropical climate. Continue reading to learn about the must-see attractions in the River City!

Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens are widely regarded as one of the most beautiful spots in the city. It is open all year and features a diverse collection of trees and plants from around the world. There are ibis birds, possums, and bush turkeys among the animals that can be found there. If you plan to have a picnic in that area, be careful not to disturb the lizards that live there. They are not hostile to humans, but if they become interested in your food, you may find a dozen of these small reptiles vying for control.

South African Bank

This attracts over 11 million visitors each year due to its numerous attractions and facilities. South Bank is a 17-hectare parkland that was built for the 1988 World Expo. Some of the most popular activities include visiting the Epicurious Garden, biking along the trails, participating in a free fitness class, and swimming in the Streets Beach, which is a man-made lagoon surrounded by 4,000 cubic meters of sand.

The best way to see South Bank is to ride the 60-meter-tall Wheel of Brisbane, which offers views of the entire parkland, the River, and the city itself. You should ride the Wheel of Brisbane to get the best view of South Bank. South Bank is also home to one of the city’s most popular dining districts. Make a point of visiting at least one of the area’s more well-known eateries and drinking establishments, such as the Plough Inn, Café San Marco, and South Bank Surf Club.

Brisbane’s Francophonie Festival

The “Brisbane French Festival” takes place every year on the weekend closest to Bastille Day in Brisbane, which has a small but historically significant French community. You will be able to see performances by both French and French-Australian artists at Australia’s largest festival celebrating French culture. You can also try your hand at some of the casino games that are extremely popular among Australian gamblers.

If you are unaware, gambling is a form of entertainment that is both sanctioned and permitted in the territory that comprises Australia. In Australia, the revenue generated by casinos accounts for nearly 8% of all state and territory taxes. More than 80% of all adults in Australia are estimated to participate in some form of gambling, making Australia the country with the highest rate of gambling in the world.

Koala sanctuary in Lone Pine

Everyone who travels to Australia probably has the same desire: to see a real koala, preferably in their arms. People who want to see these fascinating animals up close, as well as a few others such as wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, and even snakes and crocodiles, will find Lone Pine to be an ideal location.

The sanctuary is located on the other side of the Brisbane River, and visitors can watch birds of prey perform aerial displays and feed wild animals while there. If you want to make the most of your visit, take the Koala and River Cruise, which departs every morning from the Cultural Centre Pontoon and travels through the city’s heart.

Mount Coot-tha Lookout is a Brisbane landmark

Take a trip up to Mount Coot-Brisbane tha’s Lookout for one of the city’s most breathtaking views. From this vantage point, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire region, with city skyscrapers visible in the distance. The national park has a network of walking trails and a restaurant that serves delectable meals alongside breathtaking views.

A popular option for things to do in Brisbane at night is to come here in the evening to see the city as the sun sets. This experience draws both locals and visitors.

The lookout is only about four minutes’ drive from the Brisbane Botanic Gardens’ Mount Coot-tha location, and it makes an excellent addition to a visit to the gardens.

Climbing the Story Bridge is a thrilling experience

Story Bridge is a Brisbane landmark that was built in the 1930s, at the height of Australia’s Great Depression. It’s made of steel and has a lovely design. This bridge climb is one of only three in the world (the other two are in Sydney and Auckland), and it offers something completely unique: the opportunity to abseil down.

The two-hour experience takes place 80 meters above the Brisbane River, providing participants with unobstructed views of the city below. To participate, participants must be at least 10 years old and of any fitness level.

“Walk the Plank,” one of the new attractions, allows participants to channel their inner pirate while walking along a plank suspended 80 meters above the ground while cars and trucks zoom by below. The Cantilever Lean Out is an entirely new challenge. If you choose to take part in this tour, the guides will hold your harness while you try to reach as far as possible from the perilous heights.

Participants will receive a free group photo, as well as the services of an experienced guide and a safety demonstration, after completing the Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb.

Spend the Day Exploring Moreton Island

Moreton Island is an ideal day trip destination because it is only an hour and a half by ferry from the heart of Brisbane. Moreton Island is one of the state of Queensland’s best-kept secrets. It is the world’s third largest sand island, and more than 98 percent of it is protected as a national park.

The lush vegetation frames the turquoise waters that wash up on the snow-white sand beaches. Among the most popular activities are scuba diving and snorkeling at the numerous shallow-water wrecks, feeding wild dolphins at the Tangalooma Island Resort, quad biking, and participating in various water sports such as whale-watching cruises, fishing, and sea kayaking. Sandboarding and other four-wheel drive adventures are also popular. If you’re in the area, don’t miss out on seeing the breathtaking scenery from the Cape Moreton Lighthouse.

River to Bay Tours offers day trips along the Brisbane River and to the beautiful Moreton Bay. Some of them are more focused on nature and include activities such as guided walks and snorkeling. Others are more concerned with culture and history.