📍Is Brisbane Worth Visiting? And 10 Reasons Why It Is From A Long Time Local. (2024.)

WONDERING WHETHER BRISBANE IS WORTH VISITING?

Brisbane is Queensland’s beautiful capital. However, despite staking its claim as Australia’s third-largest city, it’s one of those places that tends to fly under the tourist radar more than it rightfully should because it is sometimes overshadowed by many of the country’s other incredible destinations, heavyweights such as Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, Byron Bay, Uluru, Kakadu, Kosciuszko, Ningaloo and Kgari (Fraser Island), just to name a few.

But with its warm climate, enviable riverside lifestyle, enthralling activities and unique attractions on offer just in the inner city, this list will show you why the answer to the question, “Is Brisbane worth visiting?” is always a resounding YES, especially if you include a visit to the illustrious Gold Coast and its exciting bevy of beautiful beaches, high-octane thrills and buzzing nightlife, and the relaxing Sunshine Coast, with its pristine coastlines, rugged peaks and charming towns, two major destinations in their own right, making for one of the best 3-hit combos in the nation.

Hell yes. Brisbane is one of Australia’s most dynamic destinations, seamlessly blending the natural environment with the urban landscape to create one of the most environmentally refreshing and uniquely rewarding experiences you’ll find in any capital nationwide.

And it’s not called the River City for nothing. The meandering Brisbane River is the lifeblood of this modern metropolis, with many of its best attractions and experiences centred around this natural landmark. Activities such as climbing the iconic Story Bridge to get the city’s most epically unique perspective, strolling or cycling along the many walkways that line both shorelines or just using the City Cats and Kitty Cats to get from A to B, this place sure knows how to capitalise on what mother nature gave it.

And that’s just a small taste of what the inner city has to offer, not to mention what there is to do outside where many globally acclaimed getaways, from cities, towns, national parks and islands are all within striking distance of Queensland’s captivating capital.

Is Brisbane Worth Visiting For Adults & Couples?

Brisbane has so much to offer adults and romantic couples of all ages.

Adventurous types will love the rock climbing and abseiling opportunities at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, kayaking along the Brisbane River, and climbing the Story Bridge, or venturing out of the city and hiking epic landscapes, camping in pristine forests and visiting the nearby islands, while animal lovers with enjoying snorkelling the wrecks and reefs and going on a dolphin or whale watching cruise.

People who like to take it easy will love swimming or sunbathing at the South Bank Lagoons, riding the Wheel Of Brisbane, floating down the Brisbane River on a dedicated cruise, catching a show at the QPAC theatre and strolling along the riverside walkways.

Meanwhile, those enamoured by history have plenty to enjoy as well with the exploring the exhibits at the Queensland Museum, Queensland Maritime Museum and Brisbane City Hall where you can also up heritage lift to the Clock Tower and enjoy the view from the top.

Furthermore, Brisbane’s warm climate makes being outside at night pleasant for most of the calendar year, making dining alfresco and walking along the City Reach Boardwalk towards the Story Bridge one of the most magical things to do, especially for as a way for couples to cap off a lovely night getting to know one another.

Is Brisbane Worth Visiting For Families?

The River City is also an exciting destination for families travelling with their offspring.

South Bank is always a huge hit with kids of all ages, with the resort-style swimming pools being just one of the reasons that makes one of the most fun and engaging places for them to visit. It also has several playgrounds, gardens and light installations and so much more, and it’s all free, except the Wheel Of Brisbane and food, of course. Plus, it frequently has events and activities going on there, especially during the school holidays.

Two other great places to let the little kids burn off some energy is at the peaceful Brisbane Botanical Gardens and Roma Street Parklands, while adventurous older kids will also love doing the Story Bridge Adventure Climb and clambering their way up the cliff faces of Kangaroo Point.

Out of the city, a day trip to Moreton Island Island is one of the best outdoor experiences, where snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks will stay with them long after you’ve gone home as will a dolphin or whale watching cruise.

1. The City Is Famous For Its Enviable Riverside Lifestyle.

One of the key components that makes Brisbane such a unique destination is that way it capitalises on the river that meanders through its centre. I’d say It’s ties more into the identity of the city than Port Jackson does to Sydney, as so many of its attractions are focused exclusively on and around the waterway, that is not just a natural landmark the early settlers decided to build around, but is such core part of it that it is essentially interwoven into the fabric of the city itself.

Because of that, Brisbane has one of the most incredible riverside atmospheres you’ll find. From it’s many walkways lining the foreshore and parklands that sit just behind it, to the plenty of clifftop lookouts, bridges and skyscrapers that overlook it to the numerous tours and activities that feature it and the best dining establishments being right beside it, you’re never far away from this picturesque waterway.

Even the main mode of transport to get around inner city can be done almost entirely on ferry, rather than trains and buses. And then there’s Brisbane Riverfire, the city’s biggest event and an epic showcase of why Queensland’s capital is well and truly, Australia’s premiere River City.

2. It Has Some Unique & Unforgettable Experiences.

Along with having a great outdoor ambience, Brisbane is also home to some outstanding experiences you won’t find anywhere else. The most quintessential one is undisputedly scaling the peaks of the Story Bridge, the the River City’s most striking landmark and the longest steel cantilever structure in Australia.

Despite visiting the CBD many times, I’ve only recently done the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, and I can’t stop raving about it. The 360 degree panoramic views you get from there are unlike any of the other visuals you’ll find from the city’s many lookouts, with the scenery south of the Brisbane River making a hard 180 degree turn around the iconic Kangaroo Cliffs Peninsula, being the one in particular that make me fall in further in love with a city I was already enamoured with.

Speaking of the Kangaroo Cliffs, they are also home to another activity that sets this place apart. It’s not often you can say that you went rock climbing or abseiling from sheer escarpments to the backdrop of towering skyscrapers!

Getting even closer to everything that Brisbane such phenomenal destination is by joining a kayaking tour for one of the most humbly immersive experiences the River City can offer.

And there’s always South Bank, one of the city’s all-time favourite destinations, where swimming in the lagoons involves enjoying another epic backdrop of towering buildings, all of which are splendid during the day and incredibly magical at night.

3. And Even More Fun & Interesting Attractions.

Adding to the list of great things to do, the River City is also home to a plethora of fun and interesting attractions that you won’t want to miss. Alcohol aficionados will want to tour the 4XXX Brewery and buy some beers while history lovers will enjoy riding the old elevator up City’s Hall’s Clock tower to the observation deck of what was once, long ago, Brisbane’s tallest building.

For a darker look at the city’s past, a historical tour of the inner city is a great way to familiarise oneself with what went on in days done by while at Boggo Road Goal, is a great place to give children the chills of what will happen to them if they are naughty. Meanwhile, my two favourites places to discover the past is Fort Lytton, the River City’s only defensive fortification and St Helena’s Island, Queensland’s first penal settlement, which are both two of Brisbane’s best hidden gems.

4. Many Of Which Free.

What’s also great about Queensland’s capital is that it doesn’t have to be an expensive adventure for it to be incredibly memorable. The aforementioned South Bank Parklands sit right at the top of that, with its free resort style lagoons being one of the best things about visiting the River City.

There’s also the many stunning lookouts and viewpoints from across the inner city’s clifftops and waterside pathways that are great places to enjoy Brisbane’s incredible riverside atmosphere at all times of the day, plus the many other parks make being outside in the capital’s warm weather absolutely lovely. Meanwhile, some of the best free indoor attractions include the Queensland Museum, QAGOMA (Queensland Art Museum and Gallery Of Modern Art), Museum Of Brisbane & City Hall.

You can even get around the inner city for entirely zero cost, with the City Hopper offering several stops that can get you within short walking distance of most of the inner city’s top attractions.

Note: Be careful not to mistake the City Hopper with the Cross River Ferry which is a paid service, but uses the same Kitty Cat vessel. Look for the red banner at the front of these small boats to know which is which. They will also announce it to.

5. It Has A Great Nightlife.

Another great thing about this city that thanks to its warm climate is it has a great nightlife, both indoors and out. For the young adults, Fortitude Valley is the place to be with nightclubs everywhere while bars are also in no short supply. As for those looking for something a little less rowdy, alfresco dining and walking along the Riverwalks, riding the Wheel Of Brisbane or catching the City Cats and City Hoppers is a lovely way to spend the night.

However, just because darkness has fallen doesn’t mean there’s no adventure to be had. In fact, some of the capital’s most immersive experiences are made even more so by doing them at dusk, night or even dawn, such as the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, climbing or abseiling the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and kayaking the Brisbane River.

5. It Is Also Close To Many Renowned Destinations.

Along with it being a state capital with plenty of fantastic things to do, one of the best things about Brisbane is that it is not just a great place to visit by itself, but with two of Australia’s most beloved destination sitting either side of it, they form one hell of a trio!

The Gold Coast is the country’s biggest coastal city and the 6th largest overall. This world class getaway is famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant atmosphere and its epic list of fun and exhilarating activities and adventures, which includes an external climb to the crows nest of the nation’s tallest building, the Q1, three incredible theme parks featuring some of the tallest, fastest and scariest rides in the southern hemisphere plus two waterparks with some amazing slides, parasailing, jetboating and flyboarding on the Nerang River, whale watching cruises on the ocean and skydiving and aerobatic flights to name just a few, making Brisbane and the Gold Coast the perfect tag team.

On the other side, the Sunshine Coast has a much more laid back vibe and a stronger emphasis on nature. The place is full of stunning beaches and rugged coastlines, rolling hills and lovely country views, but if you only visit this spectacular region for one reason, make it for the Glass House Mountains. With several distinctive peak rising sharply out of the landscape straddling the Bruce Highway, they’re impossible to miss. But make visiting the lookouts and hiking the peaks the top thing on your list as the views from the summits of them, particularly Mt Ngungun and Wild Horse Mountain (two of the easier ones.) are absolutely magnificent.

6. Including Many Breathtaking National Parks.

The Glass House Mountains isn’t the only national park near to Brisbane. For anyone willing to make the drive, there are many well worth venturing out of the CBD for. D’Aguilar is the closest and is great for those who love navigating winding roads, and and going for easy walks. Mt Tamborine is another fantastic family-friendly destination with waterfalls and lookouts, but for the hiking enthusiasts, Lamington, Springbrook, Mt Barney and Main Range have phenomenal hikes leading to spectacular lookouts, landmarks and waterfalls.

7. And Some Of Australia’s Biggest & Best Islands.

Greater Brisbane’s appeal doesn’t just include the mainland, as some of Australia’s biggest and best island’s lie just offshore. Moreton Island is one of the top day trip destinations from the River City thanks to the Tangalooma Wrecks making premiere snorkelling destination for those looking to explore what lurks beneath the waters and a day tour is the best way to do it as the there are no formal roads and you’ll need a 4WD and some off-roading skills to be able to navigate your way around.

On the other hand, if you prefer to visit places on your own accord, North Stradbroke Island is another beautiful island destination that has proper roads suitable for conventional 2WD’s and an established bus network if you don’t want to hire a car to explore the many pristine beaches and beautiful waterholes. However, there are also plenty of companies that’ll happily take tourists for a highlight tour of this breathtaking natural wonderland.

8. And An Excellent Launchpad To Many More.

As Queensland’s capital and home to one of Australia’s most connect airport’s, Brisbane is a great launchpad to many destinations, but one of the most surprising direct flights take you to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest marine ecosystem and one of the world’s must visit places.

A few airlines such as QANTAS, Virgin and Jetstar fly to the breathtaking Hamilton Island, near Airlie Beach, or the stunning Lady Elliot Island, the southernmost coral cay of this massive underworld UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the island’s small private aircraft, which also had return flights included

Both of these outstanding places provide exceptional opportunities to see all sorts of aquatic animals including majestic sea turtles, friendly reef sharks, large groupers, giant manta rays, colourful fish and so much more for an experience that’ll give you a lifetime of memories.

9. There Are Also Some Great Festivals & Events.

Brisbane also has some great celebrations and events. The most fun and exhilarating is, unquestionably, Brisbane Riverfire. This outstanding half-day all-out showcase of military jet power and pyrotechnic prowess proves just why the Queensland Capital is Australia’s elite River City. Starting in the afternoon, the aircraft from Ipswich’s RAAF Amberley Airbase does flybys in supersonic fighter jets over the inner city, sending an shockwave of powering roaring through the crowds lining the banks. Then, after sunset, a spectacular fireworks show takes place on the river, including off the iconic Story Bridge stretching between it and Victoria Bridge and going for a mesmerizing 25 minutes of magic.

That then kicks of 20+ days of events for Brisbane Festival, Queensland’s largest arts and culture events, making it September, when both these things are usually on, the best time to visit the state capital.

10. Plus, It’s Easy To Get To & Around.

One of the best things about Brisbane is that getting around the inner city is easy. The sleek City Cats are the iconic mode of transport, combining a scenic river cruise with convenient access to many of the city’s best attractions as so many of them lie within easy walking distance of the ports. There are also the free City Hoppers which don’t go as far and wide as the City Cats but visits enough of the main terminals, that for most people, they could save money just using this fantastic service. Meanwhile, the paid Cross River ferry goes across to Holman Street, which is the best stop to get across to Kangaroo Point to do the Story Bridge Adventure Climb.

Brisbane also has a great train network to get to different parts of the city and the surrounding areas, including to the Domestic and International Terminal and the Gold Coast, where you’ll have to get off at Helensvale and take the G:Link tram/light rail the rest of the way to the main suburbs of Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Southport.

Lastly, there is also three bus routes going near several other tourist websites including the free purple line.

Note: The Cross River Ferries use the same Kitty Cat vessels that the City Hoppers do, so just look for the red banner on the front of the boats which will tell you which one is which.

There are several ways to get to Brisbane. The easiest is by commercial plane, where 29 domestic cities and towns and 43 international destinations fly direct to Queensland’s capital, with many other connecting flights allowing people from across the world to visit.

Two regional and several luxury trains are great alternatives for those who would like to go a different route. At the same time, many majestic cruise ship lines that sail the oceans around Australia and the South Pacific make Brisbane their final port.

Touring buses and services such as Greyhound are an especially great option for destination hopping for those who want to see more places off the tourist radar.

Meanwhile, for those who love road trips, driving is another fantastic option, although if you are taking a caravan or something else huge like that, I wouldn’t take that into the urban areas.

Spring (September-November) is the best time to visit Brisbane.

This is because the Queensland Capital has a humid subtropical climate, which means the summers are very hot during the day, severe storms happen in the late afternoon/early evening and the nights seem to retain the warmth more than what the daylight hours do during the coldest months, making great for enjoying the outdoor nightlife atmosphere.

Meanwhile, daytime during winter is pleasant with warm clothes, while being outside at night is cold. Still, it’s not as bad as the southern states, which makes people up here just to escape it and the warmth the northern half of Australia still offers.

Therefore, spring is the perfect transition season to visit when it’s not blistering hot and not too cold to enjoy the outdoors, especially activities like swimming, hiking and camping.

Plus, September is when Brisbane Riverfire is on, easily the best event of the River City’s calendar, with an enthralling military flyby with supersonic jetplanes followed by dazzling fireworks displays taking place across the inner city.

That kicks off over 20+ days of fun and festivities for the Brisbane Festival for what is Queensland’s largest showcase of art and culture, with many free and paid shows, exhibits, performances and more!

Outside of that, this is the second half of the whale watching season, which means the majestic humpback whales are heading back south to their home waters near Antarctica with their newborn babies, making seeing one of Australia’s most magical migration events even more so.

Although it sometimes falls under the radar of places to visit in Australia due to the many incredible destinations the continent has across its vast and diverse expansive. But, as this list shows, the Queensland capital has tonnes to offer. From its enviable riverside lifestyle and unique experiences and attractions that capitalise on it to being the gateway to many beautiful national parks and offshore islands including the Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane is well and truly worth visiting.

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