Brisbane luxury vacations hand-crafted by our Australia specialists.
Brisbane INTRODUCTION
Queensland’s sunny, sophisticated capital of Brisbane is where a heady blend of urban culture meets a healthy dose of outdoor adventure.
Packed with creative spaces, lively music venues and hip restaurants highlighting local and regional produce, it’s an innovative city making space for new ideas, using its surrounding natural beauty as a constant source for inspiration.
An established hub for the arts, Brisbane brings some of the best to the South Bank Cultural Precinct where you'll find the renowned Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art.
Sophisticated shoppers can get their fix at Fortitude Valley – the city’s best district for boutiques – and a trip to Moreton Bay on the eastern edge has white sands and turquoise bays.
True adrenaline junkies should climb the famed Story Bridge for endless views, then abseil back down the other side for some heart-pumping adventure.
Brisbane Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
There are so many things to do in Brisbane that they say it’s better experienced than explained. The perfect start can be found at the Brisbane River, where you can embark on a river cruise before stepping out to enjoy the South Bank precinct’s parks, restaurants and man-made beach. At the top of the South Bank, you’ll also find the Cultural Centre. Home to Queensland’s largest galleries, a library and the country’s most popular museum, you can easily spend hours soaking up modern art, natural history and even a performance or two.
Riverlife is an equally large component of Brisbane’s attractions, sightseeing and activities, where you can rock climb cliffs, kayak the river or take a Segway for a spin under the Story Bridge. Fill the rest of your time with botanical gardens, food and drink tours, farmer’s markets or some historical sightseeing. Between the World War’s Fort Lytton National Park and the convict history of Boggo Road Gaol, Newstead House and the Old Windmill, you’ll be spoiled for choice (and interesting stories).
Brisbane Shopping & Dining
As Queensland’s premier shopping destination, Brisbane has plenty to keep even the most insatiable shoppers busy. The Queen Street Mall is one of the most popular stops, with over 700 stores from your favourite retailers to big international chains and luxury brands. Move along to James Street in Fortitude Valley for more local boutiques in an upscale atmosphere, or head just north of the central business district to follow a walking trail of home décor shops.
Farmers markets are a whole other experience in Brisbane, boasting fresh produce, beautiful flowers, delicious baked goods, crafts and more. Support the locals by picking up a few staples, or look for surrounding restaurants that have it on their menu. Brisbane’s dining scene is largely focused on local and regional ingredients, and spans everything from Australian fine dining to Spanish tapas and Italian fare. Try Southbank for romantic restaurants and brunch spots or Fortitude Valley for its inventive restaurants and wine bars.
Brisbane Festivals & Sports
Brisbane has two sporting stadiums – Suncorp and The Gabba – that host rugby, soccer, cricket, and AFL games. Smaller league matches can be found all over the rest of the city, particular when it comes to rugby (Brisbane’s most popular spectator sport) so keep an eye out while you’re wandering.
Festivals are another immersive experience in Brisbane, and out here, music festivals truly dominate the scene. With great weather year round, you can attend Woodford Folk Festival at the end of December, or Stradbroke Chamber Music Festival in July. Brisbane Festival occurs each year in September, turning the city 50 shades of pink with a three-week program of everything surrounding arts and culture.
