About Brisbane

South Bank

Where did people gather in Brisbane before South Bank was created? It’s hard to imagine our city without this destination. Every visitor to Brisbane will enjoy South Bank’s sandy beach, the open grassy picnic spots, the shops and dozens of eating places. There’s the cinemas, regular free live entertainment and many festivals and fireworks throughout the year.

The Cultural Centre

Discover Queensland’s arts and theatre at the Cultural Centre, South Bank.

Spend time admiring Australian and international artworks and exhibitions at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art.

The Queensland Museum is an exciting way to learn about natural history, cultural history and science and the Sciencentre is especially popular with the kids.

Be sure to visit the State Library of Queensland which has something for everyone including books, multimedia, computers, Internet, displays, activities, a book and gift shop and lots more.

See a play, opera, ballet or dozens of other performances at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre [QPAC].

A trip on the river

Even locals love to get out on the Brisbane River and it’s so easy and cheap to do with a journey on the CityCat. Take a cruise up and down the river, stopping where ever you like along the way – South Bank, University of Queensland, New Farm… The CityCats glide over the water and you’ll see million dollar houses. Travel under the Story Bridge and get a whole new perspective. Our ferry guide gives you more information.

City Botanic Gardens

Visitors will see the exotic and gorgeous plants that flourish in our sub-tropical climate.

The City Botanic Gardens are in a fabulous spot beside the river (and an easy walk from the busy CBD). Make sure you don’t miss a walk through the mangroves on the boardwalk.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha

The Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha are only 7 kilometres from the CBD and feature a magnificent tropical display dome, a lagoon, Japanese gardens, 52 hectares of themed gardens and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.

Roma Street Parkland

Take the train to Roma Street Parkland to experience the theme gardens such as the topiary maze, rainforest walk, lake, celebration lawn and amphitheatre. There are many public artworks to admire and a good cafe too.

Story Bridge

Named after John Douglas Story, Brisbane’s Story Bridge links the inner city suburbs of Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo Point.

Have a picnic or BBQ under the bridge at Captain Burke Park or eat out at the historic Story Bridge Hotel. For the more adventurous take a climb over the bridge itself with Story Bridge Adventure Climb.

Ridge Hotel Brisbane City Accommodation