Situated along the Brisbane River sits the first European settlement of Queensland, the city of Brisbane. Named after Sir Thomas Brisbane, a Scotsman who was the first European explorer here in 1799. The city was initially created as a penal colony, set up to house and hold convicts sent up from Sydney. Due to the abundance of resources, farming, fishing, timbering and other employment opportunities, this town quickly grew into the metropolis that it is today. Now a lively city, it now boasts the largest in Queensland. The city is home to many a historical site, museums, waterfalls, trails and more. While not all of the many things to do in Brisbane are listed here, this mini guide will give you a good idea of what you can expect during your time in this bustling megalopolis.
World Heritage Rainforest of Springbrook National Park
Wandering Waterfalls
If you are one who enjoys a walkabout through the bush and a mild hike over hills, you should most definitely check out the World Heritage Rainforest of Springbrook National Park. There you can enjoy more than 4km of protected rainforest with plenty of photo opportunities to be had at the view points and rushing waterfalls. If you haven’t seen a glow worm before you simply must visit the dark grottoes of the National Park . Also, keep an eye out for the endangered Antarctic Beech Trees that are over 2,000 years old! If your lucky, They be a family of wallabies shading themselves under it.
Cruisin’ For Dinner
Bon Voyage & Bon Apetit!
Brisbane is also well known for it’s scrumptious seafood, but instead of sitting in a restaurant, why not combine sight seeing and dinner, while you gentle cruise along the Brisbane River on a dinner cruise. Watch the sparkling city lights dance on the water over dinner and cocktails; a great way to spend at least one evening in the city. If this interests you but you find you are too eager and hungry to wait until dinner, there are lunch cruises available as well! Bon voyage and bon apetit!
Though often called the koala “bear,” this cuddly animal is not a bear at all; it is a marsupial, or pouched mammal.
Koala Cuddles
Everyone wants to coddle a cute and rambunctious little marsupial, it’s a natural human impulse, embrace it (get it). You can get this rare opportunity by heading over to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. It’s the world’s first and largest sanctuary dedicated to these adorable creatures. There are over 130 koalas there, so there are plenty to go around for hugs and snuggles. When you’re done, move on to feed some kangaroos or even hold a snake if you dare!
Skylines and Gardens
Mount Coot-tha
If you are finding it difficult fitting the beautiful Brisbane skyline into the entire frame a single photo, you need a birds-eye view. Take the trip up to Mount Coot-tha, the tallest mountain in Brisbane, and you will get exactly that. Atop the mountain you will get breathtaking and awe inspiring gander of the horizon that stretches all the way past Moreton Bay and beyond. There are also many charming cafes and restaurants to enjoy a meal or a cup of java at, while you soak up the view a bit longer.
It’s not over yet, at the base of the mountain can be found the lush Brisbane Botanical Gardens. Covering over 50 hectares of land, you can lose track of the time wandering through the mystical landscape. Highlights of the garden include: the bonsai house, the fern house, the Japanese garden, the tropical display dome, The lagoon, the bamboo grove and much more. Green thumb or not, there is something for everyone there. Fact:The Wollemi Pine Grove features one of the rarest and oldest Pine Tree species on Earth!
Pine Grove features one of the rarest and oldest Pine Tree species on Earth!
Cluster of Culture
If you’re a history buff or have an eye for art, you need to visit the Cultural Precinct. Near the South Bank area rests a cluster of cultural centres and museums; The Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Conservatory, Queensland Museum (featuring a kiddie area call Sciencentre) and Queensland Performing Arts Centre, to name just a few. In this area you will also find the largest modern art gallery in the whole country, the Gallery of Modern Art. Tip: For a more intimate experience we encourage you to visit anyone of these exhibitions, many of them for free.
Haunted History
Ghost Tour of Brisbane’s Haunted Streets
If you like history but aren’t really the type who likes to traipse around inside museums on a beautiful day, you can always take a stroll on the streets. First stop on the list should be a quick climb to the Clock Tower observation deck in City Hall. Take in the great view from up there and when you’re ready to come back down, it’s time for our walking tour to begin. Second stop, the Commissariat Store and the Old Windmill. These two buildings are the only two left over from the penal colony era of Queensland. Then on to another historical must see building, the Newstead House which is Brisbane’s oldest home. Should you be up for a good ghost story and an old fashioned scare, I dare you to take the Ghost Tour of Brisbane’s Haunted Streets. Fact: Brisbane is claimed to be the second most haunted city in the world!
‘Round We Go
Located at the Southern bank of the river and opposite the Brisbane skyline you can visit, the most fittingly titled, South Bank Parklands. In this park you will find a strip of rainforest, the Queensland Conservatorium, the Nepal Peace Pagoda and other important cultural and natural attractions to visit. While there, take a walk through the plaza and promenades that host many little shops and restaurants. The most iconic activity in the area is the Wheel of Brisbane. This 60 meter, world-class Ferris Wheel features private capsules that are individually air-conditioned and can hold up to 8 people each. The ride lasts for about 12 minutes while giving you and your party an incredible view of the city with each epic trip round the wheel.
Strolling Gardens
To see the largest subtropical garden contained in a city on Earth with nearly 2,000 plant species in one area and a beautiful lake, head off to Roma Street Parklands. Home to many cultural events, festivals and local art displays. The perfect place to relax, catch up on a novel, have a picnic, or take a leisurely after dinner stroll without having to leave the city.
This article just skims upon the many things to do and see while visiting Brisbane. There is also the surrounding area and Islands to explore as well, however, that will have to wait for another article. Lose yourself in the wondrous and endless city of Brisbane, it’s sure to keep you busy for quite a while. Cheers!
Featured images:
- License: Creative Commons image source
James Chatman writes for JC Travel Professionals, a corporate travel management company from Sydney.
About Douglas Smythe
A guide to holidays in Brisbane – Australia's third largest city has a relaxed, easy-going ambience that is well suited to its moniker 'The City of Sundays'. As the capital of the state of Queensland, however, it has a serious side too and despite it's laid-back aura it is filled with the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of a major urban hub. Brisbane has several interesting districts, a good street cafe vibe, a wonderful riverside park, a very full cultural calendar and a vibrant nightlife.