Image by Andrey Orekhov / 500px Images

Brisbane & Around

Sophisticated galleries, subtropical beaches, cool-climate vineyards: the greater Brisbane region delivers gasp-inducing contrasts. The region's star is Brisbane itself. Traditional home of the Jagera people, Queensland's capital has a flourishing restaurant, bar and cultural scene. Lapping at its eastern fringe is Moreton Bay, where low-lying sandy isles beckon with turquoise waves and passing parade of whales, turtles and dolphins.

Head west from Brisbane and you'll hit the Darling Downs. Home to the Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair people for millennia, its main town is underrated Toowoomba, where heritage architecture and well-pruned gardens share the streets with smashing street art, specialist coffee shops and a growing number of fashionable eateries and bars.

Things get even cooler (literally) further south in the vineyard-laced Granite Belt, a corner of the state where surf clubs and palms are ditched for elegant reds, crackling fires and the occasional mid-year snowman.

Explore Brisbane & Around

0

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Brisbane & Around.

  • Cultural Centre

    Queensland Cultural Centre

    On South Bank, just over Victoria Bridge from the CBD, the Queensland Cultural Centre is the epicentre of Brisbane’s cultural confluence. Surrounded by…

  • Park

    South Bank Parklands

    Should you sunbake on a sandy beach, saunter through a rainforest, or eye-up a Nepalese peace pagoda? You can do all three in this 17.5-hectare park…

  • Landmark

    City Hall

    Fronted by a row of sequoia-sized Corinthian columns, Australia's largest city hall was built between 1920 and 1930. Although free, fascinating heritage…

  • Winery

    Ballandean Estate

    The Puglisi family have been making vino here since 1931 and their estate is Queensland’s oldest family-owned and operated winery. Its standout wines…

  • Gallery

    Gallery of Modern Art

    All angular glass, concrete and black metal, must-see GOMA celebrates modern and contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on Australian, Asian and…

  • Museum

    Museum of Brisbane

    On the 3rd floor of City Hall, this forward-thinking museum explores historic and modern aspects of Brisbane, offering fresh, progressive insights into…

  • Historic Building

    Old Government House

    Queensland's most important heritage building, this 1862 showpiece was designed by estimable government architect Charles Tiffin as a residence for Sir…

  • Gallery

    Queensland Art Gallery

    While Brisbane's main art museum includes numerous international works, its forte is its Australia collection. This includes works by heavyweights like…

  • Arts Centre

    Brisbane Powerhouse

    On the eastern flank of New Farm Park stands the Powerhouse, a once-derelict power station superbly transformed into a contemporary arts centre. Its…

  • Winery

    Bent Road Wine

    Switched-on oenophiles know all about this intimate winery and its smart, out-of-the-box drops. These include small batch, experimental wines and wines…

  • Winery

    Boireann Wines

    Awarded five stars by Aussie wine guru James Halliday, Boireann grows French and Italian grape varieties, used to craft handmade, premium reds that are…

  • Beach

    Cylinder Beach

    Bordered by Cylinder and Home Beach Headlands, this broad, beautiful beach is patrolled by lifesavers, offers easy access from the car park, and generally…

  • Winery

    Heritage Estate

    What was a brick cold store is now the atmospheric cellar door of this award-winning winery. Rated five stars by national wine critic James Halliday, its…

  • Museum

    Cobb & Co Museum

    This engaging museum houses Australia's finest collection of horse-drawn vehicles, including beautiful 19th-century Cobb & Co Royal Mail coaches and an…

  • Winery

    Ridgemill Estate

    Friendly, four-and-a-half star Ridgemill is the only riesling producer in the Granite Belt, with a style more German than Australian. Both Ridgemill's…

  • Public Art

    Pillars Project

    Beneath the South Brisbane rail overpass, a row of concrete pillars has been transformed into 11 giant street-art murals by some of the hottest names on…

  • Nature Reserve

    North Gorge Walk

    At Point Lookout, this breathtaking 1.2km walk is a must. It’s an easy 20-minute loop around the headland along boardwalks, with the thrum of cicadas as…

  • Winery

    Symphony Wines

    Rated a five-star winery by influential wine critic James Halliday, family-owned Symphony Wines claims the highest-elevation pinot vines in Australia. Its…

  • Winery

    Golden Grove Estate

    Established in 1946 and awarded five stars by Australian wine critic James Halliday, this family-run estate practically owns the vermentino style in the…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Brisbane & Around.

  • Activities