Choose from 37 Fun Things to Do in Brisbane
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Anzac Square
Dominated by the poignant ANZAC Square War Memorial, Anzac Square is one of Brisbane’s most important military monuments and it’s a scenic spot, with its grand memorial fronted by landscaped parklands and tree-lined walkways. Opened to the public on Armistice Day in 1930, the memorial serves as a worthy tribute to Australia's military heritage, devoted to the memory of the Australian and New Zealand troops that lost their lives in WWII. Today, the square serves as the backdrop to Brisbane’s annual ANZAC day and Remembrance Day services, when wreathes and candles are traditionally placed around the memorial.
The dramatic focal point of the memorial is the Shrine of Remembrance, a Greek-style pavilion housing the ‘Eternal Flame’ and reached by a flight of steps at the north end of the park. Beneath the shrine, a pedestrian tunnel features interactive touch screens, honor rolls and unit plaques, alongside a mosaic of soils taking from World War II cemeteries around the world.
Practical Info
Anzac Square is located between Ann Street and Adelaide Street in north Brisbane.
Address: Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia
From $ 74
Moreton Island
With its miles of sun-bleached sandy beaches, towering sand dunes, shimmering lagoons, and pockets of wild bushland, Moreton Island feels a world away from nearby Brisbane. As the third largest sand island in the world and a national park, Moreton Island makes for a perfect day trip when you want to get in touch with nature.
The Basics
Reached by ferry from Brisbane, the Moreton Island National Park is a popular weekend retreat for visitors and city dwellers, and it’s easy to take in the highlights on a day trip. For the best experience, book a tour to soak up the scenery while spotting whales and dolphins on a cruise around Moreton Bay; swim or snorkel at Tangalooma beach; zip along the sand tracks and dunes on a quad bike; or get your adrenaline fix with activities like sand tobogganing, parasailing, paddleboarding, riding a glass-bottom boat, or kayaking.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Temperatures can reach upwards of 86°F (30°C) in summer, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as well as a swimsuit and towel.
- Bring picnic supplies and bottled water with you from the mainland, as there is only one shop on Moreton Island.
- Moreton Island is a sand island, so trails and beaches are only accessible by 4WD. A vehicle permit is also required.
- The Tangalooma Island Resort is wheelchair accessible and offers beach wheelchairs, but not all island activities are fully accessible to those with limited mobility.
How to Get to Moreton Island
Moreton Island is located about 36 miles (58 kilometers) northeast of Brisbane on the southeast coast of Queensland and is reachable only by boat or private plane. Daily ferries leave from the Port of Brisbane and Eagle Farm, and it’s about a one hour and 15-minute ride. Tours typically leave from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or the Sunshine Coast.
When to Get There
Water temperatures rarely drop below 70°F (21°C), making it comfortable to swim year-round at Moreton Island. The summer months (November to February) are warmest and busiest. Visiting out of season can mean cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and better deals on tours and accommodations, while wildlife enthusiasts may want to visit during the whale-watching season (June to October).
Off-Road on Moreton Island
Snorkeling the Tangalooma Wrecks and feeding wild dolphins are popular activities, but there are island adventures to be had off the beaten track. Climb the Mount Tempest sand dune for an unforgettable coastal view; visit the historic Cape Moreton Lighthouse; take a dip in the Blue Lagoon or the Champagne Pools; or hike among World War II ruins along the Rous Battery track.
Address: Beach Road, Tangalooma 4025, Australia
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 74
Bundaberg
Bundaberg is most known for its sugar cane fields, rum production and outdoor recreation. Because of its subtropical climate, sugar cane grows in abundance, which creates the bi-product of molasses for their famous Bundaberg Rum. Visitors can tour the distillery to see how the delicious product is made firsthand before sampling some for themselves.
Bundaberg is also the home to The Bundaberg Barrel, one of "Australia's Big Things," and which houses Bundaberg Brewed Drinks known internationally for their ginger beer.
Bundaberg’s subtropical weather also allows for an array of fresh local produce and ingredients, some of which include avocados, macadamia nuts, pineapples, mangoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, cherry tomatoes, watermelons, citrus and much more. In terms of outdoor recreation the Burnett River is lined with parks, while sting ray-free beaches litter the coast. From August through October Bundaberg is a great place to go whale-watching, while November through March brings Giant Turtles to Mon Repos Beach.
Bundaberg is a great starting point for visiting Fraser Island, as you can take the Bruce Highway south to Torbanlea and follow the sign to Hervey Bay. You can take a ferry to Fraser Island from River Heads, located just south of Hervey Bay. Bundaberg is part of the Fraser Island district, and essentially runs parallel to Fraser Island’s northern tip.
Bundaberg is also the home to The Bundaberg Barrel, one of "Australia's Big Things," and which houses Bundaberg Brewed Drinks known internationally for their ginger beer.
Bundaberg’s subtropical weather also allows for an array of fresh local produce and ingredients, some of which include avocados, macadamia nuts, pineapples, mangoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, cherry tomatoes, watermelons, citrus and much more. In terms of outdoor recreation the Burnett River is lined with parks, while sting ray-free beaches litter the coast. From August through October Bundaberg is a great place to go whale-watching, while November through March brings Giant Turtles to Mon Repos Beach.
Bundaberg is a great starting point for visiting Fraser Island, as you can take the Bruce Highway south to Torbanlea and follow the sign to Hervey Bay. You can take a ferry to Fraser Island from River Heads, located just south of Hervey Bay. Bundaberg is part of the Fraser Island district, and essentially runs parallel to Fraser Island’s northern tip.
Practical Info
The journey from Bundaberg to Fraser Island takes approximately 1.5 hours. Take the Bruce Highway south to the Fraser Coast and turn off at Torbanlea, following the signs to Hervey Bay. From here take the main road toward River Heads, where you’ll be able to take a ferry over the island.
Address: Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
From $ 615
North Gorge Walk
If you’re looking to discover the rugged coastal cliffs and serene beaches of Stradbroke Island, the North Gorge Walk makes a good place to start. The 1.5km marked trail curls its way around Point Lookout on the island’s northwestern coast and is renowned for its dramatic ocean views and landmark ‘Blow Hole’ rock formation. Hugging the coast and hemmed in by dense bushland, the popular walk takes around 45 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels.
The North Gorge Walk is also the top spot for whale watching on Stradbroke Island and humpback whales are a frequent sight during the June-November migration period. Dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays are also abundant along the coast, while kangaroos and myriad birdlife can be seen inland.
Practical Info
The North Gorge Walk is located on the northwestern coast of Stradbroke Island, on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Address: The North Gorge Walk, Point Lookout QLD 4183, Australia
From $ 118
Brisbane City Hall
Admire historical glamor and civic pride at Brisbane City Hall, which was built between 1920 and 1930 and reopened in 2013 after an extensive $215 million heritage restoration.
Located in the heart of the city, next to King George Square and close to Queen Street Mall, the heritage-listed Brisbane City Hall is Australia’s only city hall and is the home of Brisbane society, culture and governance. As well as hosting community events and civic ceremonies, Brisbane City Hall accommodates the Brisbane Lord Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Brisbane Council chambers and the world-class Museum of Brisbane.
The gem of City Hall is the stunning circular auditorium, with an impressive fluted Corinthian pilasters, overhead dome, an organ built in 1892, restored gallery seating and gilded elegance. A tour of the marble halls, auditorium and 70 metre tall clock tower is a Brisbane tourism must, followed by an indulgent serve of tea and cake at the locally-loved Shingle Inn café, which is located within City Hall.
Located in the heart of the city, next to King George Square and close to Queen Street Mall, the heritage-listed Brisbane City Hall is Australia’s only city hall and is the home of Brisbane society, culture and governance. As well as hosting community events and civic ceremonies, Brisbane City Hall accommodates the Brisbane Lord Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Brisbane Council chambers and the world-class Museum of Brisbane.
The gem of City Hall is the stunning circular auditorium, with an impressive fluted Corinthian pilasters, overhead dome, an organ built in 1892, restored gallery seating and gilded elegance. A tour of the marble halls, auditorium and 70 metre tall clock tower is a Brisbane tourism must, followed by an indulgent serve of tea and cake at the locally-loved Shingle Inn café, which is located within City Hall.
Practical Info
City Hall is open to visitors seven days a week and tours of City Hall and tours of the clock tower are free. Call 3403 8463 to make a tour before coming. Tours leave at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm from the King George Square foyer.
Address: 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
From $ 44
Lady Musgrave Island
Lady Musgrave Island, the second largest island in the Great Barrier Reef, is most easily accessible from the town of 1770. Its scenic shores, crystal clear waters and close proximity to some of the best diving and snorkeling on earth make it a popular destination for travelers and adventurers.
Regular ferry service transports visitors to the semi-enclosed lagoon, where travelers can deboard and head to one of the island’s popular camping sites, hike along the well-kept trails or embark on an underwater ocean adventure. A large number of birds, including the white-capped Noddy Terns, Wedge-tailed Shearwaters and Buff-banded Rails—as well as hundreds of other indigenous species—call Lady Musgrave home, which means land-loving bird watchers will enjoy a trip to the island, too.
Practical Info
Lady Musgrave Island can be reached by excursion boat from the Town of 1770. Travelers warn it’s best to be prepared for seasickness, as the 75-minute trip to the island can be choppy, but worth it. Snorkeling and diving tours are a popular option among visitors, but glass bottom boat tours still offer those who prefer to stay dry an opportunity to explore the reef.
Address: Lady Musgrave Island, Queensland, Australia
Hours: Daily
From $ 162
Mt Coot-tha
Brisbane’s all-natural lookout point and city escape is Mt Coot-tha, hovering above the city to its west. The views from the lookout are legendary, taking in Brisbane and the undulating Brisbane River, all the way to Moreton Bay and the Glass House Mountains on the horizon. At the foot of the mountain, the lush Brisbane Botanic Gardens provide a vivid touch of green.
The lookout is surrounded by expansive native bush and parkland. Brisbanites flock here on family picnics, or to follow walking tracks to waterfalls and more lookouts. An Aboriginal Art Trail winds past ancient sites, and weekend cyclists come here to follow the winding roads.
Come here at night to see the city lights twinkle, for a relaxed lunch at the cafe or more formal dinner at the Summit Restaurant.
Address: Australia
From $ 74
Gallery Walk
For many travelers to the Gold Coast hinterland, a trip to the interior means hiking, birding, or searching for thundering falls. In the case of Tamborine Mountain, however, a small town on an elevated plateau of about 1,700 feet, visitors travel from all over the Gold Coast for the chance to shop at the Gallery Walk. On this festive, shop-lined, action-packed strip, visitors will find over 70 stores full of crafts, clothing and art, as well as restaurants, wine shops, cheese shops, chocolate shops, coffee shops, and houses for tea. Peruse the boutiques for everything from crystals to original, Aboriginal art, or pick up imports like Nepalese scarves or fine, German made clocks. Given the number of visitors about town, it’s also common to find talented musicians performing out on the street, and if you’re completely smitten with the entire experience and one day isn’t enough, a number of charming bed and breakfasts are just a short walk away.
Practical Info
Tamborine Mountain and the Gallery Walk are located one hour from the Gold Coast and a little over an hour from Brisbane. Weekends, as expected, are busier than weekdays, and you’ll want to devote an entire day for the drive and time to explore.
Address: 142 Long Rd, Eagle Heights, Queensland, Australia QLD 4271, Australia
From $ 82
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park
Located right across the river from Brisbane’s CBD, the popular Kangaroo Points Cliff Park is the place to head for a sweeping view of Brisbane’s downtown skyline. The cliffs here were formed by mining in the middle of the 19th century, and are now a popular spot for rock climbing and abseiling down their face. Since the park is located right on the river, kayaking is another popular activity for visitors as well as locals, and the BBQ grills and walking tracks make it a perfect family outing. To try your hand at scaling the cliffs, a number of climbing and abseiling companies offer guided lessons on the rocks, and the park is also a popular spot for stops on a city tour. And, while it doesn’t take long to swing by the park and enjoy the manicured grounds, it’s a peaceful, fun, and healthy retreat in the middle of Brisbane’s downtown.
Practical Info
While it’s possible to reach the park by car, the best way to visit the Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park is by taking the ferry from downtown. You can either stop at Thornton Street on the northern end of the park, or at the ferry stop for the Maritime Museum where it’s just a short stroll north up the bank.
Address: 461 Main St, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia QLD 4169, Australia
From $ 15
Museum of Brisbane
Located on the third level of Brisbane City Hall, the Museum of Brisbane offers visitors a look at the city’s pioneering past. Before this city was the capital of Queensland and one Australia’s largest metros, it was a dusty hinterland town by the river with intrepid pioneers trying to make it in a land where very few westerners had ventured. While many of the museum’s exhibits rotate, favorites include those that discuss the inhabitants close relationship with the river, and the stories of soldiers and those they left behind while fighting in World War I. See exhibits of how Brisbane has grown to a modern, fast-paced city, while also staying true to its roots with a bit of Queensland quirk. You’ll also find exhibits that highlight the work of local Brisbane artists, and the Museum of Brisbane, with its free admission, is definitely one of the city’s best stops for inquisitive travelers on a budget.
Practical Info
Museum Highlight tours are offered daily at 1pm, and free clock tower tours take place every 15 minutes from 10:15am-4:45pm.
Address: 64 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, Queensland QLD 4000, Australia
Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm
From $ 51
Brisbane River
Brisbane is a city shaped by the river. It is a city of long walks in the summer dusk and riverside picnics on weekends. Bringing natural life to the urban scape, the Brisbane River is the site of many of Brisbane’s best attractions, events and everyday joys.
Popular activities on the Brisbane River include kayaking through the city at night, exploring the river on a CityCat, taking a dining river cruise or catching a local ferry to reach the opposite shore. Climbing the Kangaroo Point Cliffs on the river’s edge is a popular evening activity, and many residents and visitors alike enjoy climbing the famous Story Bridge, dining at South Bank by the water and relaxing with a drink at Eagle Street Pier.
You can also take a walk through the City Botanical Gardens that follow the northern river’s edge, see a live show at the famous Riverstage, look across the urban night from a Gallery of Modern Art ‘Up Late’ event, or read by the river from a peaceful seat on the State Library Queensland deck.
Popular activities on the Brisbane River include kayaking through the city at night, exploring the river on a CityCat, taking a dining river cruise or catching a local ferry to reach the opposite shore. Climbing the Kangaroo Point Cliffs on the river’s edge is a popular evening activity, and many residents and visitors alike enjoy climbing the famous Story Bridge, dining at South Bank by the water and relaxing with a drink at Eagle Street Pier.
You can also take a walk through the City Botanical Gardens that follow the northern river’s edge, see a live show at the famous Riverstage, look across the urban night from a Gallery of Modern Art ‘Up Late’ event, or read by the river from a peaceful seat on the State Library Queensland deck.
Practical Info
There are a number of ways to easily explore the Brisbane River. Travelling on the river by CityCat is quick, cheap and easy. Bikeways and walkways follow much of the river’s edge, and there are five inner-city pedestrian bridges to help you weave your way between the north and south banks.
If you feel like joining the many enthusiastic cyclists along the Brisbane River, try the CityCycle hire scheme available to residents and visitors across the inner city.
If you feel like joining the many enthusiastic cyclists along the Brisbane River, try the CityCycle hire scheme available to residents and visitors across the inner city.
Address: Brisbane, QLD, Australia
From $ 15
Byron Main Beach
Suitably named, Byron Bay's Main Beach stretches along the front of the town and is the go-to destination for beach lounging, swimming or catching a wave. On a sunny day in Byron Bay, expect locals and visitors alike to be making the most at Main Beach – the town's closest beach outlet.
Main Beach is known for its beautiful surroundings, with views of the Julian Rocks, Cape Byron Light and grassy hills meeting the horizon line of white sandy beach and enticing water. Besides swimming and beach lounging, a popular activity is to snorkel out to the old shipwreck of the Tassie II just off-shore.
The reliable right and left-hand breaks at Main Beach make it a popular place for beginners to learn to surf. Several surf schools operate directly at Main Beach, but make sure to research this fact before making a booking. Surf schools must be authorized to operate at the beaches of Byron Bay or else they travel several minutes outside of the region for their lessons.
The Surf Club has called Main Beach home since 1906, and you can expect a patrolled beach during the summer month, but always remember to swim between the flags.
Main Beach is known for its beautiful surroundings, with views of the Julian Rocks, Cape Byron Light and grassy hills meeting the horizon line of white sandy beach and enticing water. Besides swimming and beach lounging, a popular activity is to snorkel out to the old shipwreck of the Tassie II just off-shore.
The reliable right and left-hand breaks at Main Beach make it a popular place for beginners to learn to surf. Several surf schools operate directly at Main Beach, but make sure to research this fact before making a booking. Surf schools must be authorized to operate at the beaches of Byron Bay or else they travel several minutes outside of the region for their lessons.
The Surf Club has called Main Beach home since 1906, and you can expect a patrolled beach during the summer month, but always remember to swim between the flags.
Address: Directly across from town, Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
From $ 49
Glass House Mountains
Like bulbous beacons of outdoor adventure just minutes from the Sunshine Coast, the Glass House Mountains rise from the plains like eruptions frozen in stone. The pinnacles, in fact, are volcanic plugs that were once Australian volcanoes, and rise today to 1,800 feet above the coastal plain. Named by Captain Cook when he sighted them from his ship, the Glass House Mountains today are an outpost of hiking, climbing, and horseback riding, with views stretching out towards Maroochydore and Brisbane and the shores of Moreton Island. Of all the walks inside of the park, one of the most popular is the Glass House Mountains Lookout Circuit, which at only half a mile is a comfortable stroll, but still offers views looking all the way out towards the Sunshine Coast in the distance. More avid adventurers can shoot for the summit of Mt Tibrogargan, which requires some climbing and scrambling skills to reach the 1,200-foot peak. In the surrounding area, outside the official National Park but still in the Glass House vicinity, the Blackall Range offers a scenic drive that’s one of the best in Australia, and passes through small, hinterland towns that are a welcome change from the fast pace of the popular Sunshine Coast.
Practical Info
The Glass House Mountains are located one hour north of Brisbane, and about 35 minutes from the Sunshine Coast beaches. Tibrogargan and Ngungun are currently the only mountains that are open to the public for climbing, and there are facilities and toilets scattered throughout the park.
Address: Queensland, Australia
From $ 81
Newstead House
Built in 1846 for Scottish settlers Patrick and Catherine Leslie, Newstead House is Brisbane's oldest colonial residence and remains one of its most renowned heritage properties. Set on the banks of the Brisbane River, the historic home is now a house museum, beautifully recreated in late Victorian style.
Visitors can step back in time as they explore Newstead House, admiring the vast collection of period furnishings and marvelling over unique artefacts like a signal cannon, Sir Thomas Brisbane’s pipe and a model of the HMS Beagle ship sailed by Royal Navy captain John Wickham, a former resident. The house also hosts a number of special events and educational programs including the chance to experience Victorian-style cooking, washing and games.
Practical Info
Newstead House is located in Newstead Park in north Brisbane and is open Friday and Sunday from 9am-5pm; Saturday from 9am to 1pm; and Monday to Thursday by appointment only. Admission is AU$9 for adults and AU$6 for children.
Address: Newstead Park, Cnr Breakfast Creek Rd & Newstead Ave, Queensland QLD 4006, Australia
Hours: Fri and Sun 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-1pm; Mon-Thurs by appointment only
Admission: Adults: AU$9; Children: AU$6
From $ 9
Lake Birrabeen
Travelers may flock to the shores of popular Lake McKenzie, but those who head to Fraser Island agree that the quieter Lake Birrabeen is truly among the top spots here. Its clear blue waters and sandy beaches are rarely crowded, offering visitors the atmosphere of a private beach in a public place. Several picnic tables dot the shores of this hidden gem, where swimming and standup paddle boarding prove popular activities. Visitors can hike to the top of nearby sand dunes for spectacular ocean views, too. The lake’s pristine waters, silent shores and remote feel make it the perfect place for weary travelers to unwind and recharge.
Practical Info
Fraser Island is approximately four hours from Brisbane. Several coach buses, as well as the Tilt Train and Sunlander depart from Maryborough and Hervey Bay. Lake Birrabeen is located east of Turkey Island in the southern part of Fraser Island.
Address: Fraser Island, Australia
From $ 274
City Botanic Gardens
Opened in the 1840s and stretching from Gardens Point on the Brisbane River to the grounds of Parliament House, Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens is the oldest green space in the city. The gardens were originally planted in 1825 by convicts who needed to provide food for the penal colony, but three years later the colonial botanist Charles Fraser decided that this would be the perfect spot for conducting plant experiments to see which cash crops could grow well in Australia. Mango, ginger, tamarind and mahogany trees were all planted, and even sugar was produced in the gardens.
Formerly known as the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, the City Botanic Gardens front Alice Street and George Street. Full of rare and unusual flowers and plants including cycads, palms, figs, and bamboo, the gardens stretch for 20 acres and are popular with CBD workers and visitors looking to relax on the lawns and walk by the ornamental ponds. There are often boxing and pilates fitness class going on in the park, and in the historic curator’s house, The Gardens Club cafe is a popular spot for a bite to eat. Free guided walks of the gardens are also available.
Practical Info
The City Botanic Gardens is open 24 hours a day. The Gardens Club cafe is open from 8am to 4pm daily. At 11am and 1pm, Monday to Saturday (excluding public holidays), free, one-hour guided walks of the gardens take place, starting at the Rotunda near the park's main Alice Street entrance.
Address: Alice St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Hours: 24/7
From $ 15
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
One of the best places to spot native Australian animals is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which has been devoted to wildlife conservation since 1927. As well as being the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the country with more than 130 resident koalas, the sanctuary is home to kangaroos, wombats, emus, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, and platypus.
The Basics
The easiest way to visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is on a half- or full-day tour from Brisbane, and options include a standard entrance pass or one with extra wildlife experiences. For added value, opt for a Gold Coast Attraction Pass, which includes activities such as Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, jet boating, and whale watching; or combine Koala Sanctuary admission with a Brisbane sightseeing tour or Brisbane River cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lines can be long, especially in peak season, so it’s best to book advance tickets.
- On-site facilities include free parking; a cafe, shop, and restaurant; picnic and barbecue sites; ATMs; and baby changing areas.
- The sanctuary is fully accessible, and wheelchairs and disabled parking are available free.
- Free WiFi and charging stations are available throughout the sanctuary.
How to Get to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The koala sanctuary is 7 miles (11 kilometers) southwest of central Brisbane, about 15 minutes away by road. Local buses and taxis run to the sanctuary, and you can also visit by boat from Brisbane on an 80-minute cruise along the Brisbane River. Onsite parking is free, and there’s a taxi stand at the main entrance.
When to Get There
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is open daily, year-round. Given its busy daily schedule of talks and events, it’s best to plan your day in advance. High temperatures and large crowds mean you may need to allow more time when visiting in summer, but that’s when seasonal events and demonstrations are more frequent.
Wildlife Experiences at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Lone Pine offers add-on wildlife experiences for additional fese, allowing visitors to interact with the park’s animals under the supervision of experienced handlers. Animal lovers can pose for a photo with a koala, take a dingo for a walk, hand-feed kangaroos, or handle a python. There’s also the chance to feed local barn animals at the sanctuary, which works under the regulations of the Queensland National Park and Nature Reserve Office. Additional highlights include zookeeper talks and demonstrations, a bird of prey flight show, a sheepdog display, and an open-air cinema in summer.
Address: 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, QLD 4069, Australia
Hours: 9am–5pm daily
Admission: Adult: $36; Youth: $22
From $ 28
Eagle Street Pier
Shiny and modern, Eagle Street Pier is the riverside corporate entertainment precinct of Brisbane City. Beneath the glass facades of the city’s law firms and commercial offices, overlooking the Brisbane River, are many of the city’s most loved bars and restaurants.
Local favorites at Eagle Street Pier include Jade Budda for cocktails, the Bavarian Bier Café for a hearty feed and Matt Moran's ARIA for fine dining. The precinct is popular on Friday nights in particular, when end of week celebrations transform the calm riverside into a cosmopolitan hotspot.
Every Sunday between 8am and 3pm, Eagle Street Pier hosts a waterfront market for the weekend wanderer to browse stalls selling clothing, arts and crafts, jewellery and gifts.
Local favorites at Eagle Street Pier include Jade Budda for cocktails, the Bavarian Bier Café for a hearty feed and Matt Moran's ARIA for fine dining. The precinct is popular on Friday nights in particular, when end of week celebrations transform the calm riverside into a cosmopolitan hotspot.
Every Sunday between 8am and 3pm, Eagle Street Pier hosts a waterfront market for the weekend wanderer to browse stalls selling clothing, arts and crafts, jewellery and gifts.
Practical Info
Neighboring the city center, Eagle Street Pier can be reached by bus to the city center, train to nearby Central Station, as well as ferry and foot. There is a terminal at Eagle Street Pier for ferry and City Cat services and paid, secure undercover parking can be found beneath the Pier in Wilson Parking.
The Eagle Street Pier is also connected by riverside pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, making this a delightful place to take a post-dinner walk and enjoy the Brisbane River view.
The Eagle Street Pier is also connected by riverside pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, making this a delightful place to take a post-dinner walk and enjoy the Brisbane River view.
Address: Eagle St, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
From $ 44
Coolangatta
At the southern end of the Gold Coast, Coolangatta is known for its rolling surf and long sandy beaches, complete with plentiful boardwalks and lookouts, all with a laid-back small-town beach vibe. With an abundance of cafés, restaurants, and bars, as well as accommodations to suit every budget, there’s something for everyone here.
The Basics
In contrast to most other beaches along the Gold Coast, Coolangatta features bays and headlands, resulting in more-protected beaches and waves of all sizes—perfect for both beginner and experienced surfers. For more-sheltered conditions, head to Greenmount Beach or Rainbow Beach. For surfing, try Kirra Beach. Enjoy the expansive views, north to Surfers Paradise and south to Snappers Rock.
It’s easy to explore Coolangatta on foot, as most things are within walking distance. Those looking for a little more excitement can learn to surf, or take to the skies in a tandem-skydiving experience. Multi-day surfing expeditions will often make a stop here, as do day trips up and down the Gold Coast.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Coolangatta is a good option for families with kids, as the beaches here are more sheltered than other options along the Gold Coast.
- Temperatures in the summer can reach over 80°F (27°C), so don’t forget to pack a hat and sunscreen.
- Swim only in designated areas and when lifeguards are present, as there may be a strong undertow. Red and yellow flags indicate the beach is patrolled.
How to Get There
Coolangatta is located at the southern end of the Gold Coast, about 16 miles (25 kilometers) south of Surfers Paradise and on the border with New South Wales. It’s located about 68 miles (110 kilometers) south of Brisbane Airport, and less than 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) from Gold Coast Airport. By car, take the Pacific Motorway and exit at Gold Coast Highway.
When to Get There
The sun shines year-round at Coolangatta, so it’s always a good time to visit for those seeking the sun. Prices are highest in November and December. Visit in April or May for fewer crowds and lower prices. Those interested in surfing competitions may want to be here in October for the Coolangatta Gold surf-lifesaving competition or March for the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro world tour.
Sister City of Tweed Heads
Right across the border in the state of New South Wales is Coolangatta’s sister city of Tweed Heads, known for the Tweed River. Here visitors can go on a crab-catching cruise, hire a barbecue pontoon to explore the waterways, or join a charter for some offshore deep-sea fishing. When visiting in the summer, remember that the two states are in different time zones, which means that those visiting over New Year’s Eve can actually celebrate the new year twice.
Address: Queensland, Australia
From $ 103
Cooloola Recreation Area
Massive sand dunes, rocky cliffs, saltwater beaches, thick wooded forests, wildflower patches and freshwater lakes make Cooloola Recreation Area the perfect place to escape the bustle of Queensland and get back to nature. From family-friendly tent camps to remote bush sites, Cooloola offers travelers a low-key, high-quality Outback experience that’s certain to be a trip highlight.
Miles of walking trails and hiking passes wind through Cooloola. Visitors can spend a few hours trekking along one of the circuits, or take an overnight hike to one of the park’s scenic overlooks. But perhaps the most popular activity in Cooloola Recreation Area is canoeing on the upper Noosa River. A number of popular routes link visitors to campsites, fishing points and hiking paths, where wildlife viewing is at its peak.
Practical Info
Cooloola Recreation Area is located north of Brisbane between the coastal towns of Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended and access permits are required on beaches and some inland roads. A Noosa River ferry operates daily between 5:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. and allows access to the beach and Noosa North Shore.
Address: Cooloola Recreation Area, Cooloola, Queensland, Australia
Hours: Daily
From $ 145