INTRODUCTION TO THE BRISBANE REGION

Welcome to Brisbane

Welcome to Brisbane, Queensland's thriving capital city that offers the best of all worlds; from the city's urban heart, to the tropical islands in Moreton Bay and the ancient rainforests and mountain ranges of the hinterland. 

Brisbane is home to a mix of distinctive and unique precincts. The city is a subtropical hub of laneways, green spaces and local experiences that offer you the best in dining, culture and urban adventures. 

Dine at acclaimed new restaurants, sip spritzes atop a rooftop bar or discover Brisbane’s craft breweries. There are plenty of ways to get a true taste of Brisbane’s enticing flavours and warm hospitality. Embrace Brisbane’s outdoor lifestyle and choose your adventure – abseil cliffs, hike to hidden waterfalls, island-hop by helicopter or picnic by boat. This global city, fringed by breathtaking natural beauty, is an adventurer’s playground! Stroll through exclusive art exhibitions, catch a theatre performance or sporting event showdown, or move and groove to your own beat at a live music gig. The city’s thriving cultural and events scene is sure to captivate your senses. At the end of an exciting day exploring, relax poolside in urban resorts, 5-star luxury hotels or glamp under the stars as you reflect on the abundant treasures of this bold and beautiful city.

With its distinct landscapes, rich heritage, natural advantage and contemporary global culture, Brisbane embraces diversity, warmly inviting all visitors to connect more deeply with people and place. 

Are you ready to discover why Brisbane’s dining scene is attracting global attention? Sample Brisbane’s award-winning bars and bites that have made their mark on the Australian foodie scene. Whether in The City, Howard Smith Wharves, James Street, South Bank or surrounding regions - there is an abundance of rooftop bars, hidden laneway gems and riverside delights to enjoy while revelling in Brisbane’s alfresco lifestyle. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the tantalising scents of diverse cuisine from around the world, creating a sensory journey through the city’s culinary scene. 

Take your tastebuds on tour as you wine and dine Brisbane style – the perfect way to immerse your senses in a smorgasbord of fresh local flavours. With a unique fusion of global influences and a hint of the unexpected, Brisbane’s wealth of award-winning chefs, gastronomic gurus, brewers, distillers and cocktail mixologists take great pride in serving up the finest and freshest delights for your enjoyment. 

The city’s mild winters and warm summers beckon you to linger over long lunches soaked in sunshine, or marvel beneath a star-studded sky as you feast on the region’s culinary creations. Brisbane’s foodie scene perfectly reflects the spirit of the city – fresh, bold and enticing!

If you’re craving a little retail therapy or on the hunt for something rare and wonderful, Brisbane is a shopper’s paradise.

Wander through one of Australia’s largest open-air malls, Queen Street Mall, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this enchanting retail mecca. Here, in the heart of the City Centre, you’ll find more than 500 stores to browse at your leisure. There’s something to suit everyone - from tech and Australian giftware to jewellers and high-end fashion stores featuring the latest designs. Head to James Street in Fortitude Valley to peruse one of Brisbane’s hottest retail and lifestyle precincts with impressive design showrooms, boutique fashion, art galleries and cafes. For something a little quirky, the rolling hills of Paddington are a must for quaint cottages turned shopfronts full of designer fashion, antiques, second-hand treasures and retro homewares. 

Whether you’re a savvy bargain hunter or a fashion aficionado, you’re sure to find plenty to satisfy your appetite for shopping amidst the city streets, leafy laneways and bustling markets of Brisbane.

For those eager to truly get to know Brisbane, a thriving cultural and arts scene offers intriguing and enlightening insights into the heart and soul of this very lovable city. 

To fully appreciate the present, you need to explore the past. Discover the ancient stories and cultural practices of Brisbane’s First Nations peoples through tours with Nyanda, BlackCard and Yura Tours. Create a deeper connection with country, as you learn from one of the world’s oldest living cultures. Immerse yourself in Brisbane’s rich heritage at the city’s acclaimed museums and quaint historical villages. Join guided walking tours that step you through the city’s history, architecture and hidden gems, accompanied by the insights of local experts. Unearth the chapters of history that have helped shape this city, from its prehistoric past to its cosmopolitan present. 

Meander through art galleries in the heart of the city to discover emerging creative talent alongside established and award-winning artists. Take a self-guided tour through one of Brisbane’s enthralling public art precincts. Or make tracks for Brisbane’s beloved Cultural Precinct and visit the celebrated QAGOMA to explore blockbuster exhibitions showcasing local, national and international works of art. 

Bright, bold and proudly progressive, Brisbane’s vibrant cultural and arts scene inspires innovative thinking and creative flair. Art lovers, culture critics and history buffs alike will be captivated by a wealth of fresh and accessible experiences that reflect the past, illustrate the present, and imagine the future through ancient storytelling, creative energy and cutting-edge technology. 

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, you’ll find Brisbane’s calendar is packed with unmissable major events that are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers!

Brisbane is at the forefront of live sporting events. Hear the crowd roar at an international rugby showdown, catch a cricket test match at The Gabba, or feel the passion and sensation of extreme sporting achievements at Suncorp Stadium.  Feel your pulse pound with excitement as you witness the exclusive NRL Magic Round, the Tour de Brisbane or the Brisbane Marathon. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of getting up close to the edge-of-your-seat action amidst an adrenaline-charged atmosphere!

For something a little less competitive, kick up your heels with the epic internationally acclaimed country music acts at CMC Rocks, laugh out loud at the Brisbane Comedy Festival, or experience the explosive excitement of Riverfire at the annual Brisbane Festival. The young and young-at-heart won’t be able to resist the groundbreaking immersive experience of Bluey’s World – a world exclusive coming to Brisbane from November 2024 to April 2025. 

Culture vultures and foodies are also well catered for, with an extensive line-up of festivals and events to stimulate the senses. Sample fresh, local flavours at the Scenic Rim Eat Local Month in June, the Moreton Bay Food and Wine Festival in August, or at a range of festivals, farm gates, vineyards and breweries spread across the region. If live stage productions are more your cup of tea, you’re sure to be calling encore at world-renowned theatrical performances playing at QPAC. Fortitude Valley is considered one of Australia’s best live music precincts, boasting everything from cabaret to live DJs and intimate acoustic performances at an eclectic array of live music venues. 

Want to stay in the heart of the action? Browse luxury hotels and self-contained apartments in Brisbane City and enjoy an easy walk to all the city’s main attractions. From prestigious global brands to boutique hotels and family-friendly accommodation, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding your perfect inner city holiday haven. Fall asleep overlooking the glittering lights and glistening river of the City Centre, and arise refreshed and ready to begin a new day’s adventure, with the excitement of The City on your doorstep. 

Or perhaps you’re craving wide open spaces, renewal and connection with nature? Our homestays, lodges, camping and caravan parks could provide your ideal escape. From luxurious country retreats and hosted farm stays to island resorts, sustainable sanctuaries and glamping amidst ancient rainforests, Brisbane has something to suit almost every taste and budget. 

 No matter where you choose to rest your head, Brisbane is ready to welcome you. 

Fresh, friendly and full of surprises, Brisbane favours the bold, indulges the creative, captivates the curious and invigorates the adventurous. Perfectly blending a sunny disposition with a cosmopolitan cool vibe, Brisbane is your ideal destination in any season!

As a contemporary capital city with excellent amenities and a warm and welcoming spirit, Brisbane is committed to achieving equitable access and inclusion for all visitors.

For a more detailed overview of the city’s accessibility offerings, or for further information about getting to and around Brisbane, please listen to the dedicated audio guides on these topics available on the Visit Brisbane website at visit.brisbane.qld.au or at vacayit.com/experience.