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A Wishlist of Things to Do in Brisbane
Australia is indeed a place that abounds in the stuff that dreams are made of. Be it stunning and varied landscapes or the cute marsupials in the form of the iconic Kangaroos and Koalas, Australia seems to have it all. Not to forget the cities of Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, and others which have a charm of their own.
If we were asked to choose a city in Australia to be transported to by the swish of a magic wand, we would definitely shout out, “Brisbane”, in unison.
Why Brisbane? We understand that Brisbane may be relatively unsung as compared to the other urban centers of Australia, but what makes it an alluring destination is the fact that it combines the best of both worlds. One can experience the vibrancy of the city and also drive away to the mountains or to the beaches of the Golden Coast which are not far off. We have curated here our wishlist of the best things to do in Brisbane.
What We Would Love to See and Experience In Brisbane – Best Places to Visit in Brisbane and Things To Do In Brisbane
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
What started with two Koalas named Jack and Jill is today a 44-acre Koala sanctuary in Brisbane with over 130 Koalas that roam free in the sanctuary. In addition to the Koalas, the sanctuary is also home to Kangaroos, Platypus, Tasmanian Devils, Wombats etc.. Australian birds like Emu, Kookaburras, and others also enliven the environs of the sanctuary. What is really thrilling is the fact that visitors can interact with the animals in the sanctuary. Founded in 1927, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the oldest and largest of its kind in the world. Koala Sanctuary tour can be booked here.
Sea World Gold Coast
A fascinating theme park, oceanarium, and a marine mammal park all rolled into one is the Sea World Gold Coast. It promises loads of fun, thrills, excitement, and education. The attractions on offer include a plethora of rides, interaction with animals, and exposure to the fascinating underwater world. What is unique about this theme park is that it is doing yeoman service in conservation by rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife. Definitely, a place that we do not want to miss when in Brisbane as this is one of the fun things to do in Brisbane. Sea World Gold Coast tour can be booked here.
Story Bridge
The iconic and heritage Story Bridge which opened in 1940 and today carries over 97,000 vehicles daily is indeed a must see in Brisbane. It would be great to be there around the River festival when it dazzles in its illuminated avatar. Of course, we would love to do the adrenaline pumping Story Bridge climb as well and feast our eyes on the panoramic views of Brisbane from atop the steel cantilever Story Bridge. Brisbane’s Story Bridge Adventure Climb can be booked here.
City Botanic Gardens
A garden that is the lung space of Brisbane and is the oldest of the city’s Park makes for an interesting and relaxing experience. The fact that this garden was initially planned by convicts way back in 1825 and grew food crops that serviced the kitchens of the prison make the place even more fascinating. The gardens offer lush green vistas and are filled with old trees, glades of rainforests and other exotic vegetation.
Queensland Gallery of Modern Art
The iconic building of the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) is in itself worth a visit and is considered one of the top things to do in Brisbane. The contemporary and bold architectural style of the building is a visual treat. The gallery is an embodiment of connecting people and art and making art easily accessible to the public. The gallery sprawls over an area of 25,000 square meters and was designed by the architecture firm called Architectus. We would love to catch a contemporary art exhibition in the beautiful and somewhat surreal environs of the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.
Glass House Mountains National Park
The volcanic glass house mountains that are reportedly 26 million years old are not only a treasure of nature but have intriguing myths and stories associated.A great place for bushwalking and climbing, the call of these mountains is irresistible. Eleven of the mountain peaks of the Glass House group of mountains are within the Glass House Mountains National Park. The region is rich in flora and fauna, many of them rare and endangered. Lying at a distance of about 65 kilometers from Brisbane the Glass House Mountains National Park makes for an excellent voyage into the outdoors. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Brisbane.
Museum of Brisbane
Housed in the Brisbane City Hall, the Museum of Brisbane is a window to the history of the city. It also provides a peep into contemporary Brisbane and has a collection of over 5,000 items on display. The include heritage ceramic works as well as works of contemporary and local artists. The Museum and its staff have been acclaimed for their creative and innovative approach. Our deep affinity for museums is bound to draw us to the museum that gives us a peep of Brisbane and its history.
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Where We Would Love to Stay in Brisbane
Thinking about the best places to stay in Brisbane, we would most likely stay in the center of all the action. So we would plump for either the CBD (Central Business District) or South Bank to look for stay options. We understand that there is a plethora of options to choose from here.
Where We Would Love to Eat in Brisbane
Being vegetarians we generally do a virtual recce of the area we are traveling to for finding the whereabouts of vegetarian or vegan eateries. Brisbane seems to have many options for vegetarians and we are sure to be well fed and nourished during our explorations of the city. Some of the restaurants that we are going to check out are Vegeme, Vege Rama, and Govinda. Explore Brisbane’s Eat Street market on a bike tour. You could also embark on a wine tasting tour with lunch.
We plan to check out for best deals and discounts via OZCodes. Brisbane seems to beckon us with the lure of its many treasures. We dream to land in Sydney and then embark on a road trip from Sydney to Brisbane and then explore Brisbane. The call is irresistible and the magic of the city seems to be drawing us towards it. We wait to see our wishlist crystallizing in front of our eyes as we set foot on the soil of Brisbane.
You can now easily book your tours to top attractions and things to do in Brisbane by clicking on the image below:
Brisbane Tours
Brisbane tours and excursions. Check out Viator’s reviews and photos of Brisbane tours
Have you been to Brisbane? What do you consider the best things to do in Brisbane? Let us know in the comments section your must do things in Brisbane.
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I have always wanted to go to Brisbane. It sounds like such a cool place to visit.
I have never been to Australia and it is within the top 10 places on my travel bucket list. I’d love to see these places, particularly the koala sanctuary.
I didn’t know there was a Sea World in Brisbane! I love Sea World. I’d love to visit the Gallery of Modern Art and all the other places you highlighted.
There is so much to do! I hope to make it to Brisbane one day. I know I’d have a blast.
Everything about it looks amazing. I have never been to Australia but Brisbane is definitely on the top of my list.
We are planning a trip and Brisbane is on our list of cities to stop and visit. Saving this for future reference.
koalas are endangered animals. glad that atleast now we are looking after them. Such cute animals they are..
The Glass House Mountains National Park really sounds and looks wonderful. I think my family would have fun exploring the park.
This looks like such a fun destination. I would love to take the family here for a vacation. I love that there are many vegetarian options there too!
I really enjoyed reading your article. I also like the fact that there were many vegetarian/vegan options. Yummy!!! I’m such a foodie so I make it my mission to see the food recommendations.
I wish to go back to Brisbane. I went there in a very big group so we didn’t do lots of things. You gave choices of places of interests in Brisbane. That’s helpful.
It’s good to know that close to a city like that you have a mountain and a beach. Ideal for a short break with nature.
I am guessing you are not a cricket fan? I would have also listed Gabba as a venue to visit if there is a game running around. Iconic place for cricket fans.
Did you also see any local sport fields with footie/rugby? Just curious. Never been to Australia, but read a lot about it.
It’s good to know that there is a lot to explore while you’re there. I think I’d probably learning a lot checking out the museum, art gallery and national park!
Brisbane looks like an amazing place to visit. I would love to go to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
What a diverse place to go visit! I’ve never been to Brisbane and love all of these beautiful pictures.
Brisbane is on my travel bucket list and I would love to visit the koala sanctuary. I bet they’re adorable
Brisbane is definitely on my list of must see places! This list just makes me want to move it to the top of the list!
Ah, Lone Pine! I have very fond memories of spending a days there 🙂 I totally agree though, Brisbane definitely offers the best of both worlds!
We have a friend who have always invited us to visit the Brisbane and now thank to your post we know why. With your photos you inspired us and we’d love to try your same experience especially the tour around the Sea World Gold Coast!!
Wow, Brisbane is full of amazing adventures. I would love to go there some day!
I almost went to Brisbane 2 months ago. I had to cancel it due to lack of time. After seeing your blog I realized what I missed out on. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary appeals the most to me. One can never have enough of Koalas.
I am not a city person but this is one city I would love to visit! The Glass House Mountains National Park definitely looks like a place I would love to visit. Its amazing what great photos can do…
Well, Brisbane, into the bucket list you go! There are so many sights to see, museums to visit and amazing places to be in! I will let my husband know about this. Maybe we can save for a trip there as a family.
I have never been to Australia and I am still scoring for some flight deals for me to be able to go there. Brisbane is also one of my bucket list aside from Sydney.
I want to go to Australia so bad! This post makes me want to go even more now! I have to see a koala in person 😉
Hi! Beautiful photos! I love modern art galleries! Ill have to go and check this one out for sure!
Thanks for sharing!
Wow! That’s a lot of fun things to do in Australia. I would of loved to see a Koala Bear!
And I somehow always pictured Brisbane as little more than a collection of skyscrappers. The places like city botanical garden and Glass House Mountains National Park have made me change that line of thought. Now I know why you are so keen on Brisbane.
I always considered Sydney and Melbourne but for some reason never Brisbane. I wonder why now coz it has a lot of what I want to see… Including those Australian animals. Koalas are. My priority of course. 🙂 nice to know about Brisbane
Thanks for sharing. Seems like so much to do here. The botanical garden seems so relaxing. My type of place for sure.
I’ve only been to Sydney when I was young, but my family have now moved to Brisbane and so this will help me plan a visit to see them! I love the look of the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (who doesn’t love Koala’s!), and I’d love to visit the botanical garden too which is such a surprise!
Fortunately, my daughter migrated to Australia. Thus, we will go to each major city. Hope to visit Brisbane soon!
It’s funny because I had a friend of mine telling me she found Brisbane kind of boring, I think she has been missing out! As a wilderness lover I would enjoy a walk in the Glass House Mountains – As you say, irresistible!
Brisbane is definitely unsung among Australian cities I think. Like you said most people will only go to Sydney. I am sure the koala interactions were very cool. the glass mountains would be a must do for us.
Haven’t ever been to Brisbane but are tempted to after reading your blog. Love Australian animals. KOALASS!!! Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary will definitely be on our list.
I have never been to Australia but I have also heard great things from others about Brisbane as well. I am pretty sure a good friend of mine visited that exact Koala park and met a Koala called O’Malley 🙂
I would love to visit Brisbane too! Actually I’d love to plan a 3-week trip to Australia because there’s so much to see and do there and considering it’s far and expensive to travel to, id want to cover as much as possible in one trip. This is a good list of things you’ve put together for Brisbane, thanks !
I am planning a trip to Australia next year but didn’t put Brisbane on my itinerary. Looks like I need to rework my itinerary. Thanks for the very informative post.
I would absolutely want to meet the Koalas. How interesting to know Jack and Jill were the first koalas there, kinda brings back memories of the nursery rhyme “Jack and Jill”. Australia is stunning in all way but yes true, Brisbane is not that popular and definitely is offbeat for the international crowd. The only downside of travelling to Australia are the spiders!
Australia has always fascinated us and now Brisbane in particular too has attracted us. Interacting with the Kolas will be really fun. The views from Gold sea world gold coast will be just amazing and the modern museum too is quite interesting. Will bookmark it for future ref.
Love the architecture of this city! Would love to visit just to enjoy a walk around the city! Plus, you can get a totally different view not too far away at Glass House Mountains National Park. How awesome is that?
Oh my gosh, Glass House Mountains NP and the koala sanctuary would both be enough to get me there ASAP. It sounds like the sanctuary is really ethical, which is awesome. I’ve always wondered where to start when thinking about visiting Australia… and Brisbane sounds fantastic!
I’ve had Australia on my bucket list for quite some time now and am definitely hoping to cross it off in the next year or so. Such great itinerary suggestions and I’m for sure hoping to check out the City Botanic Gardens! Not every day you get to visit a garden planned by convicts hahaa.
There’s so much to do there! I personally love botanic gardens and modern art, so those two for sure would be on my list. I also just love wandering around new cities, so I’m sure I’d stumble upon all kinds of neat things to see and do! Thanks for the guide 🙂
Hi Guys,
Every place looks fun but that national park looks beyond inspired. I see it as being incredibly dramatic. Right up my alley. Sometimes Brisbane winds up not getting nearly enough pub compared to cities like Sydney. So happy to see it getting its due.
Fabulous post.
Ryan
Buzzing city with lots of verve. I am sold on the 26 million years old volcanic glass house mountains. Is that a day trip and how does one plan the trip. They look so majestic.
Wow the mountains look great. I have gone next to Brisbane but skipped it when I was in Australia the last time. I didn’t realize there are more things to see there. May be I’ll swing by next time and check out the places you recommend. Cheers!
One of the reasons why we always wanted to visit Australia is actually to see koalas and kangaroos! haha… So knowing that we could do that at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary we definitely would want to visit Brisbane! And we would also like to hike the Glass House Mountains National Park, it looks sooo breahttaking! Do you know if there are nice hotels around the Park?
I would love to visit the Koala sanctuary! I have been too Australia twice but never to Brisbane. I’ll have to try and visit the next time I go to Australia.
I like that Brisbane is lesser known that other cities in Australia. It means fewer tourists. I’d love to visit the Glass House Mountains National Park!
Count me in to go hiking in Glass House Mountains National Park. With all the amazing national parks in the US, I sometimes forget that other places have amazing national parks as well.
That horse at the modern art museum is amazing. Love modern art like that.
Wow – Sea World in Brisbane? Australia is on my bucket list for sure. This was a very complete guide. I’m most intrigued about Glass House and the Botanical Gardens.
Brisbane is cool – great list of things to do! I was last there in the summer and loved the man made Lagoon in the city, although got horribly sunburnt! And a river cruise is a good idea too. I never made it to Sea World but would go back for that!