Brisbane

Brisbane

Queensland's sub-tropical capital — riverside city life, South Bank parklands, Fortitude Valley nightlife and the gateway to Moreton Bay.

8 tours
5 caravan parks
8 articles
📷 12 photos
View on Google Maps →

Tours in Brisbane

See all 8 tours →
Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch

Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch

6 hours
From AUD $209
Brisbane City Walking Tour: local guide, small group, 100 mins

Brisbane City Walking Tour: local guide, small group, 100 mins

1h 40m
From AUD $59
Brisbane Bus Tour: Max 10 people | Half Day | Morning tea inc.

Brisbane Bus Tour: Max 10 people | Half Day | Morning tea inc.

4 hours
From AUD $125
Brisbane ( BRIZ-bən; Turrbal/Yagara: Meanjin) is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Queensland and the third-most populous city in Australia, with a population of approximately 2.8 million. Brisbane lies at the centre of South East Queensland, a bio-geographical and urban region with an estimated population of 4.1 million as of 2024. The central business district is situated within a peninsula of the Brisbane River approximately 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from its mouth at Moreton Bay. Greater Brisbane sprawls across the hilly floodplain of the Brisbane River Valley between the Pacific Ocean and the Taylor and D'Aguilar mountain ranges, encompassing several local government areas (LGAs). The City of Brisbane LGA forms the inner area of Greater Brisbane, and is the most populous local government area in Australia. The demonym of Brisbane is Brisbanite. The Moreton Bay penal settlement was established in 1824 at Redcliffe as a place for secondary offenders from the Sydney colony, but in May 1825, the settlement moved to North Quay on the banks of the Brisbane River, named for the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Thomas Brisbane. German Lutherans established the first free settlement of Zion Hill at Nundah in 1838, and in 1859, Brisbane was chosen as Queensland's capital when the state separated from New South Wales. During World War II, the Allied command in the South West Pacific was based in the city, along with the headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur of the United States Army. Brisbane is a global centre for research and innovation and is a major transport hub, served by large rail, bus and ferry networks, as well as Brisbane Airport and the Port of Brisbane, Australia's third-busiest airport and seaport, respectively. A diverse city with over 36% of its metropolitan population being foreign-born, Brisbane is frequently ranked highly in lists of the world’s most liveable cities. Brisbane has hosted major events including the 1982 Commonwealth Games, World Expo 88 and the 2014 G20 summit, and will host the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. Brisbane is one of Australia's most popular tourist destinations and is Australia's most biodiverse and greenest city. The city is known for its cultural heritage, architecture, museums and galleries, festivals and public art, food, music, sports and outdoor lifestyle, and its numerous parks and gardens. South Bank and its extensive parklands is Queensland's most visited place, attracting over 16 million visitors annually. The surrounding region includes the Gondwana Rainforests (including Main Range, Lamington, and Springbrook) as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bunya Mountains National Park, the Glass House Mountains, and Moreton Bay alongside the islands of Moreton, Bribie and North Stradbroke Island, and the historic islands of Peel and St Helena Island National Park.

Background information about Brisbane adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Next 7 days at Brisbane

Live forecast from Open-Meteo. Updated each time the page loads.

Loading forecast…

Best time to visit Brisbane

Based on 30 years of weather data. Sweet spot: May, Jul, Aug — mild temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sun. Avoid Jan, Feb if you can — typically the wettest or hottest stretch of the year.

Jan
29°
21° low
123mm
Feb
28°
21° low
129mm
Mar
27°
20° low
88mm
Apr
25°
17° low
44mm
May
22°
14° low
60mm
Jun
20°
11° low
52mm
Jul
20°
10° low
30mm
Aug
22°
11° low
35mm
Sep
24°
13° low
35mm
Oct
26°
16° low
74mm
Nov
27°
18° low
84mm
Dec
28°
20° low
108mm
Daytime high (large) · overnight low (small) · monthly rainfall (blue bar). Climate normals: 1991–2020 from Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis.

What else is around Brisbane

Points of interest within 25 km, pulled from OpenStreetMap. Distances are straight-line; check road access before heading out.

🔭 Lookouts & viewpoints (62)
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Drive times to and from Brisbane

Real road distance and driving time to other destinations in the state. Click through for fuel estimates, suggested overnight stops, and tours along the way.

To Gold Coast
78 km · 1h 3m
To Sunshine Coast
104 km · 1h 25m
To Gold Coast Hinterland
106 km · 1h 38m
To Noosa
134 km · 1h 54m
To Rainbow Beach
236 km · 3h 2m
To Hervey Bay
282 km · 3h 40m
To North Stradbroke Island
57 km · 4h 8m
To Bundaberg
358 km · 4h 30m

Photos from around Brisbane

Brisbane Holiday Village
Brisbane Holiday Village
park
Discovery Park
Discovery Park
park
Discovery Park
Discovery Park
park
Jacobs Well Tourist Park
Jacobs Well Tourist Park
park
Scarborough Holiday Village
Scarborough Holiday Village
park
BreakFree Resorts — Affordable Apartment Hotel Brand Australia
BreakFree Resorts — Affordable Apartment Hotel Brand Australia
article
Explore Our River Dinner Cruise (3hr) - Departs Hamilton
Explore Our River Dinner Cruise (3hr) - Departs Hamilton
article
Bremer River Junction Day Cruise - Hamilton Departure
Bremer River Junction Day Cruise - Hamilton Departure
article
St Helena Island Day Cruise - Hamilton Departure (Lunch)
St Helena Island Day Cruise - Hamilton Departure (Lunch)
article
Bribie Island Day Cruise - Hamilton Departure
Bribie Island Day Cruise - Hamilton Departure
article
Mother's Day Brunch River Cruise 2026
Mother's Day Brunch River Cruise 2026
article
Redcliffe Day Cruise - Hamilton Departure
Redcliffe Day Cruise - Hamilton Departure
article

Frequently asked about Brisbane

Where is Brisbane?
Brisbane is in South East Queensland, Queensland, Australia. The destination guide above maps the area; the drive-times panel further down lists distances to other Queensland destinations so you can pencil it into a longer itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Brisbane?
Based on 30 years of climate data, the most comfortable months at Brisbane are typically August, May, July — milder temperatures, lower rainfall, and longer sunshine hours. February tends to be the trickiest month weather-wise. School holiday weeks (Easter, late June–early July, late September, mid-December–late January) get busy and prices rise, so shoulder season is usually the sweet spot if you're flexible.
What's the weather like in Brisbane?
Summer daytime highs average around 29°C and winter overnight lows can drop to about 10°C. Annual rainfall sits at roughly 861 mm spread across the year. The climate panel above breaks every month down — daytime high, overnight low, monthly rain, sunny days — so you can match the trip to the weather you want.
How do I get to Brisbane?
Most travellers arrive by road. From Gold Coast it's about 78 km — roughly 1h 3m of driving via the main highway, conditions permitting. The drive-times panel above lists travel time and distance to every other Queensland destination so you can sketch out a road-trip route. Check road conditions in winter if your route crosses high country, and plan for breaks every ~2 hours.
What are the top things to see in Brisbane?
Well-known spots within day-trip range include Door 84, MacArthur Museum, Museum of Brisbane, South African War Memorial Sculpture, South West Pacific Memorial. The "What else is around" panel above lists every named point of interest by category — lookouts, peaks, waterfalls, museums, beaches — pulled straight from OpenStreetMap. Click any name for the location, opening hours and directions.
Where can I stay near Brisbane?
We list 5 caravan and holiday parks in and around Brisbane above — powered sites, cabins, glamping, and big-rig-friendly options. Pet rules, dump points and shaded sites are noted on each park's page. For hotel-style stays, the Drive Times panel makes it easy to base yourself in a nearby town and day-trip in.
How many days should I spend at Brisbane?
Most travellers spend 1–2 days at Brisbane to cover the highlights without rushing. There are 8 bookable tours and experiences, 0 attractions and 5+ named viewpoints/landmarks listed for the area on this page — plenty to fill a weekend, more if you slow down and explore the outer reaches.
Is Brisbane good for families with kids?
Yes — there are 27 family-friendly attractions, museums and family destinations within easy reach (zoos, aquariums, interactive museums, family-friendly theme parks). The caravan parks section above flags parks with playgrounds, kids' pools and family cabins.
What day trips can I do from Brisbane?
Within ~2.5 hours' drive: Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast Hinterland, Noosa. The drive-times panel above lists every nearby destination with road distance and travel time — pick one, drive across in the morning, and you're back for dinner.
Is there public transport at Brisbane?
Coverage varies — major destinations have train and bus links from the closest capital, but smaller regional towns rely on infrequent coach services. The most reliable way to explore the wider area is a hire car or your own vehicle. If you're using public transport, plan around the timetables and check the night before you travel; rural routes are often once or twice a day.
Is Brisbane accessible for wheelchair users and reduced mobility?
Major town centres, museums and built-up tourist precincts at Brisbane are usually accessible; bush walks and lookouts vary widely. The OpenStreetMap data underneath the "What else is around" panel records wheelchair access on individual sites — click through to any place's page for the specific accessibility info. For tours, check the operator's website or call ahead; most reputable operators publish their access details.
How much does a trip to Brisbane cost?
Budget travellers can do Brisbane on roughly $120–180 per person per day (caravan park, cooking your own, free walks); mid-range $200–350 (hotel, paid attractions, eating out once a day); higher-end $400+ (boutique stays, tours, fine dining). Fuel is the big variable — Australia's regional driving distances add up. Tours and attractions in the listings above show prices in AUD where the operator publishes them.
Will I have phone signal at Brisbane?
Most named destinations in Queensland have at least Telstra and Optus coverage in town. Coverage drops off quickly outside built-up areas — particularly in national parks, valleys and along long stretches of highway. If you're heading into remote areas, download offline maps before you leave, tell someone your itinerary, and consider a PLB (personal locator beacon) for serious bush walks.

All tours in Brisbane

Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch
Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch
★ 5.0 · from AUD $209
Brisbane City Walking Tour: local guide, small group, 100 mins
Brisbane City Walking Tour: local guide, small group, 100 mins
★ 5.0 · from AUD $59
Brisbane Bus Tour: Max 10 people | Half Day | Morning tea inc.
Brisbane Bus Tour: Max 10 people | Half Day | Morning tea inc.
★ 5.0 · from AUD $125
Luxury Airport Transfer Gold Coast-Brisbane / Brisbane-Gold Coast
Luxury Airport Transfer Gold Coast-Brisbane / Brisbane-Gold Coast
★ 5.0 · from AUD $89
Brisbane Small Bars and Street Art Tour
Brisbane Small Bars and Street Art Tour
★ 5.0 · from AUD $73
Resin Art Classes Brisbane: Cheeseboards & Coasters
Resin Art Classes Brisbane: Cheeseboards & Coasters
★ 5.0 · from AUD $129
2 Hour Private Brisbane Mountain Bike Coaching Session and Ride
2 Hour Private Brisbane Mountain Bike Coaching Session and Ride
★ 5.0 · from AUD $215
Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour
Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour
★ 5.0 · from AUD $159

Caravan parks nearby

Brisbane Holiday Village
Brisbane Holiday Village
Eight Mile Plains · Brisbane City
★ 4.4
Discovery Park
Discovery Park
Springfield Lakes · Ipswich City
★ 4.4
Discovery Park
Discovery Park
Bahrs Scrub · Logan City
★ 4.4
Jacobs Well Tourist Park
Jacobs Well Tourist Park
Jacobs Well · City of Gold Coast
★ 4.2
Scarborough Holiday Village
Scarborough Holiday Village
Scarborough · City of Moreton Bay
★ 4.1

Nearby destinations

North Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island
Moreton Bay
Southport
Southport
Gold Coast
Main Beach
Main Beach
Gold Coast
Gold Coast
Gold Coast
South East Queensland
Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise
Gold Coast
Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Heads
Gold Coast

Brisbane travel articles

BreakFree Resorts — Affordable Apartment Hotel Brand Australia
BreakFree Resorts — Affordable Apartment Hotel Brand Australia
BreakFree Resorts is Accor's affordable apartment-hotel brand — self-contained apartments at lower price points than the premium Accor brands, with properties across the Gold Coast, Cairns, Brisbane and beyond.
Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites — Australia & Queensland Guide
Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites — Australia & Queensland Guide
Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites is one of Australia's larger apartment-style hotel operators, with a strong Queensland portfolio spanning the Gold Coast, Cairns, Brisbane, Hervey Bay and Port Douglas.
Explore Our River Dinner Cruise (3hr) - Departs Hamilton
Explore Our River Dinner Cruise (3hr) - Departs Hamilton
Luxurious Evening Along Brisbane’s Sparkling River Discover Brisbane’s Charm on a Dinner Cruise Prepare yourself for the Explore Our River Dinner Cruise (3.5hr)- Departs Hamilton to see Brisbane's sparkling beauty. Enjoy the glow of the city skyline under the evening skies. Enjoy a wonderful evening
Bremer River Junction Day Cruise - Hamilton Departure
Bremer River Junction Day Cruise - Hamilton Departure
Explore Brisbane Rivers with Hamilton Departure Cruise Explore Scenic Waterways with the Bremer Junction Day Cruise, Hamilton Departure Enjoy a relaxing journey on the Bremer Junction Day Cruise, Hamilton Departure. This cruise is the best way to explore Brisbane's waterways. Enjoy a relaxing cruise
St Helena Island Day Cruise - Hamilton Departure (Lunch)
St Helena Island Day Cruise - Hamilton Departure (Lunch)
Discover St Helena Island on a Hamilton Day Cruise Enjoy the St Helena Island Day Cruise St Helena Island Day Cruise is a great way to explore one of Brisbane’s most interesting historical sites. This island, located just six kilometres away from the mouth of the Brisbane River, was once a notorious
Bribie Island Day Cruise - Hamilton Departure
Bribie Island Day Cruise - Hamilton Departure
Discover Paradise on the Bribie Island Day Cruise Explore Bribie Island Natural Beauty and Coastal Charm The Bribie Island Day Cruise is an unforgettable journey through the Pumicestone Passage, starting from Brisbane. This 8-hour journey combines relaxation, scenic cruising and exploration. It is i
Mother's Day Brunch River Cruise 2026
Mother's Day Brunch River Cruise 2026
Make Mother’s Day Special with a Brunch River Cruise Enjoy a Scenic Brisbane River Brunch with Gourmet Delights The 2026 Mother's Day Brunch River Cruise on the iconic MV Lady Brisbane is the perfect way to treat the special women in your life. This unique experience includes gourmet food, sparkling
Redcliffe Day Cruise - Hamilton Departure
Redcliffe Day Cruise - Hamilton Departure
Redcliffe Adventure Cruise with Hamilton Departure Redcliffe Day Cruise: Hamilton Departure Explore the breathtaking Queensland coastline on this unforgettable Redcliffe Day Cruise, departing from Hamilton. This relaxing cruise departs Hamilton and heads north along scenic Brisbane waterways. Passin