What to Do in Brisbane if You Visit it For the First Time?

If you are looking for things to do in Brisbane, stick around because we will tell you (almost) everything! Did you know that the capital of the state of Queensland is the third largest city in the country (after Sydney and Melbourne)? Thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and excellent climate (it’s a very fun city, you can bet!), it is often considered to have one of the highest qualities of life in the world.

Parks, rivers, urban beaches, museums, and viewpoints await you. Ready to find out the best places to see in Brisbane? Founded as the penal colony of Moreton Bay in 1824, it owes its name to the Scottish military man and astronomer Thomas Brisbane, who also named the river that crosses the city. Also, in addition to being one of the bases of national tourism in the region, Brisbane has an important biomedical industry and is already preparing to host the Olympics in 2032 (we can’t wait for it!). Get comfy, and let’s take a tour of the top places to visit in Brisbane! Are you ready? Let’s go!

Boat trip on the river: the most typical thing to do in Brisbane

As Brisbane is bisected by a river, we can’t think of a better plan than to sail the river’s waters. Not only will you have a beautiful experience, but you can also enjoy the city’s main tourist sites, such as the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Cliffs, or the skyscrapers of the CBD, from a unique perspective.

The most highly rated tour lasts an hour and a half and includes tea, snacks, and recorded commentary on the area’s history and culture. It’s also reasonably priced. As one of the most popular things to do alone in Brisbane, we recommend you book your Brisbane boat tour in advance so there’s no risk of missing out! If you prefer, you can also do the boat ride at sunset which is absolutely amazing!

South Bank and Streets Beach Lagoon

The river separates the South Bank from the center, and the leisure area is an excellent place to visit in the city. This huge esplanade is the favorite spot for locals to stroll, picnic, or enjoy a family day in the sun.

We encourage you to take a walk and discover its main attractions. For example, you can’t visit Brisbane and not take a picture with the typical giant colourful letters of the Brisbane sign. Of course, you will have to be patient because many people are in the line!

It is super worth it, so don’t miss it out! For the intellectual, special mention must be made of the State Library of Queensland, a state-of-the-art library with books to make any other library envious.

Now, let’s move toward the Brisbane Wheel, where you will enjoy an incredible view from 60 meters up. Finally, if there’s one thing to do in Brisbane, especially when the heat is on, it’s take a dip at this spectacular artificial beach overlooking the skyscrapers. With free admission, you will find numerous gardens and picnic areas in the complex.

Story Bridge, the most famous bridge in Brisbane

The Story Bridge, opened in 1940, is probably the city’s most iconic “monument.” Did you know that?  If you want more active things to do in Brisbane, stay tuned! For the more athletic: why not climb Story Bridge for a spectacular 360-degree view of the city?

A nice adrenaline rush is guaranteed here! The activity lasts a couple of hours and includes all safety measures, a souvenir photo and a recorded commentary… you will never forget a day like this!

What to see in downtown Brisbane

Although it does not have as many exciting places as Sydney and Melbourne, the compact CBD of Brisbane is well worth a good walk.

In addition to discovering the more urban side of the city, you can visit places like the City Hall, inaugurated in 1930; it is a historic building from which you can overlook King George Square. Climbing the tower for free to enjoy the 360-degree views is another great option!

Also, don’t miss a visit to St Stephen’s Cathedral, Queensland’s most important catholic temple. It began its construction in 1863 and is of neo-gothic style. You can stop by to take a look, and even better, it’s free!

Finally, just a few minutes away, we’ve got a scenic memorial dedicated to the Australian and New Zealand corps, Anzac Square. If you are interested in history, add the free exhibitions in its gallery to your list of things to do in Brisbane.

Kangaroo Point viewpoint: the best panoramic view to see in Brisbane

Now that you have discovered the CBD on foot, it is time to see it from the best possible perspective, which is Kangaroo Point. Located just across the Brisbane River, it offers an incredible perspective of the skyscrapers over the water without any obstacles — ideal for taking amazing pictures! Not a photographer? Don’t worry, the place is so beautiful that you will be able to take incredible photos even if you are not a professional!

Also, if you have time, you can take a super nice stroll, about 30 minutes, crossing first the Story Bridge and then walking along the green path next to the river. The end is the viewpoint of Kangaroo Point Cliffs, from which you can enjoy the widest panorama in Brisbane while you stroll or picnic. Finally, if you can, stop by in the evening to admire the sunset and the lighted skyscrapers — this combination is stunning!

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Simon Olsen