Brisbane holidays

With a climate that's as sunny as its people are friendly, Australia’s third-largest city might be its most welcoming. Holidays to Brisbane are a blend of laid-back charm and dynamic urban living, where subtropical botanic gardens and skyscrapers coexist. Dive into its superb coffee culture, thriving arts scene and outdoor adventures. Hungry for a fresh perspective? Hop on a CityCat ferry for a scenic introduction to Brissy from the river.

Brisbane holiday highlights

Story Bridge
Story Bridge

Outdoor living

Mild winters and tropical summers make this city famous for outdoor living. Plan to pack light on your holiday to Brisbane. The city boasts countless alfresco dining spots, ample green spaces and more than 280 days of annual sunshine. Hike scenic trails at Mt Coot-tha, chill out with a cool drink at Howard Smith Wharves or cruise out to Moreton Bay to glimpse whales, turtles and dolphins.

Brisbane bites

Your holiday to Brisbane will be a buffet of food and drink options, from waterfront seafood to rooftop happy hours. Sample street food from around the world at Eat Street Northshore or savour a cool beer and epic sunset at Felons Brewing Co. overlooking the river. Come hungry and leave happy — Brisbane's dining scene won’t disappoint.

Natural wonders

Tucked between the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, Brisbane is within easy reach of natural wonders, including some dazzling national parks. Venture to the Scenic Rim for breathtaking landscapes, fresh produce and Australian wine. Or explore the Sunshine Coast hinterland for rainforest strolls and quaint markets. In this part of Queensland, hiring a car is a no-brainer.

Brisbane: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

Australian dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC+10 (AEST)

High season

December – January

Low season

February – March

Find the best time to go to Brisbane

Weather in Brisbane

March – May: Autumn brings cooler temperatures and low rainfall, making it a perfect time to explore hiking hotspots like D’Aguilar National Park.

June – August: Winter is mild and dry, although you’ll need a jacket for chilly mornings and evenings. This is a prime time for whale-watching tours around Moreton Bay.

September – November: Spring offers pleasant, sunny days with minimal rainfall. Look out for purple jacaranda blooms in scenic spots like New Farm Park and Kangaroo Point.

December – February: Expect hot temperatures and frequent rainfall, sometimes leading to thunderstorms. On fine summer days, hit the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast for dazzling beaches.

Events in Brisbane

The Royal Queensland Show (August): Known as ‘the Ekka’ (exhibition),this nine-day celebration of Queensland culture has been going strong since 1876, drawing hundreds of thousands each year. Expect everything from woodchopping contests to farm animal shows and fairground rides, topped off with nightly fireworks displays.

Brisbane Festival (August to September): Experience the city at its most exciting during this three-week arts and culture blockbuster. The lineup usually features theatre and dance shows, light installations, live music and art exhibits — and many events are free!

Woodford Folk Festival (December to January): For six days over New Year, the town of Woodford blossoms into a colourful festival village. Enjoy a mix of folk, pop, rock and blues, cultural performances and local food stalls.

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The best neighbourhoods in Brisbane

South Brisbane

One of the best areas to stay in Brisbane, South Brisbane is a riverside paradise and traveller’s delight. Brimming with greenery, gastronomy and glistening city views, it’s the perfect launchpad for your Brisbane adventures. Check out the lineup at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). Shoppers should stroll across the bridge to the Central Business District (CBD) for a spot of retail therapy, or attempt to decide which of the seemingly endless restaurants to try next.

Good for: Riverside walks, dining, performing arts

Fortitude Valley

‘The Valley’, as locals call it, is the gritty heart of Brisbane’s nightlife scene. When it comes to filling your belly, you’ll find everything from cheap Chinatown bites to upscale dining experiences. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Brisbane for foodies, night owls and culture seekers. Sip artisan coffee by day or dance the night away.

Good for: Clubs, restaurants, entertainment

New Farm

Brunch lovers rejoice, New Farm is Brisbane’s cafe capital, the quieter flipside to The Valley’s neighbouring bustle. In this riverside enclave, leafy parks brush shoulders with gourmet delights and funky shops, and locals are always out parading their pooches. Jump on the free CityHopper ferry at the Sydney Street terminal for a quick ride up the river to all the excitement of the CBD and beyond.

Good for: Coffee, parks, shopping

Things to do in Brisbane

Eat Street Northshore
Eat Street Northshore

Beaches

Holidays to Brisbane come with a bonus: some of the world’s best beaches. To get to the beaches near Brisbane, hire a car or hop on an express train and head south to the Gold Coast where you’ll find perfect waves and pure sands that stretch away forever. Drive north for an hour to family-friendly Bribie Island or keep going to the gorgeous beaches of Mooloolaba and Noosa.

Shopping

Folks with an appetite for retail therapy won’t be disappointed by the shopping in Brisbane. Wander Queen Street Mall to splurge on designer fashion or explore the boutique-lined streets of Paddington for antique treasures. And remember, a Brisbane weekend market is never too far away – they're perfect for snagging fun keepsakes and local crafts.

Take in the culture

This city isn’t just sunshine and scenery; it’s a cultural treasure trove. The museums in Brisbane feature fascinating history and art. Discover the marvels of nature at the Queensland Museum, or be dazzled by contemporary creations at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). And don’t forget The Old Windmill at Spring Hill, which is older than the city itself.

Places to eat

No matter what you’re hungry for, you’ll find a restaurant in Brisbane to satisfy every craving. Chinatown in Fortitude Valley turns up the heat with sizzling Asian cuisine. West End serves craft beer and pub delights that’ll hit the spot. Or if you feel like something unique, don’t miss Gasworks in Newstead, a hub for new and trendy dining options.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Brisbane has options for all kinds of after-dark adventures. Hit up Fortitude Valley for thumping beats and neon streets. Fancy a classy sip? Eagle Street Pier's chic bars serve views with their cocktails. For live music lovers, the Triffid in Newstead has a calendar packed with local talent and world-class artists.

Free things to do

Finding free things to do in Brisbane is a breeze. At South Bank’s Streets Beach, your only expense will be sunscreen. Dive into culture with free exhibits at Queensland Museum and GOMA. And for a lush and wallet-friendly escape, bask in the Southern Hemisphere's largest subtropical city gardens, Roma Street Parklands.

Plan your holiday to Brisbane

Getting around Brisbane

Navigating Brisbane is a breeze if you know where to look. An extensive network of public trains, buses and ferries services the city. Map out your route with the Translink Journey Planner, pay with contactless smart ticketing, and the city is yours to explore. If you’re heading out on day trips from the city, hiring a car will make getting there a piece of cake.

Budget

From strolling down South Bank to relaxing in the City Botanic Gardens, there are plenty of free activities to fill a cheap holiday in Brisbane. You can sit down to an inexpensive dinner for around 22 Australian dollars ($) and add a local beer for $12. Your coffee will cost under $6 — try a flat white for a true Down Under favourite.

Day trips from Brisbane

Drive or take the train an hour north to the Glass House Mountains. Here, you’ll find epic hiking trails through volcanic peaks steeped in Aboriginal history. Head 90 minutes south to explore Springbrook National Park’s protected Gondwana Rainforests, teeming with waterfalls. Or catch the ferry to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), the world’s second-largest sand island, home to a wealth of golden beaches.

FAQs about Brisbane holidays

English is the language you'll encounter most while on your city break in Brisbane.
You'll be using the Australian dollar (AUD) during your trip to Brisbane. As well as your credit cards, consider carrying some cash for things like small purchases and public transport fares.
For a taste of the top spots and a bit of urban adventure, a two or three day holiday to Brisbane will do the trick. If you’re keen on venturing beyond the city limits to discover some of the region’s epic scenery, you’ll want a week for the full experience.
With an average rainfall of 18 cm, January is the wettest month to go on a Brisbane holiday. When the drizzle sets in, head indoors and make the most of the city's galleries, shops, museums and more.
Organise your Brisbane trip for July and you'll be there when conditions are at their coolest. 10ºC (50ºF) is as cold as the city gets.
For pleasant weather and fewer crowds, plan your holiday to Brisbane from March to May (autumn) or September to November (spring).
The hottest month in Brisbane is January, which sees highs of 30ºC (86ºF).
The cost of your city break in Brisbane will vary according to things like where you're travelling from, when you want to go, and where you stay. Brisbane flights and hotels are typically pricier during busier times, but you can score savings by travelling in quieter months.
You can generally count on your holiday to Brisbane to be a safe and enjoyable experience, especially if you're staying within the main tourist spots. Even so, it's always a good idea to take a few precautions so your trip goes off without a hitch. For example, keep valuables like your phone and credit cards secure, stay alert to your surroundings, and stick to well-lit areas at night.
From South Bank Parklands to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, this city knows how to keep things interesting. Prepare for your next great adventure by making a list of the best things to do in Brisbane.
If you’re planning a holiday to Brisbane in spring, summer or autumn, pack light, breezy clothes, and don’t forget swimwear, a hat and sunglasses. Evenings can be mild in autumn, so throw in a light jacket or jumper. And for strolling around Brisbane’s streets and parks, comfy walking shoes are a must.

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