The best things to do in Brisbane in 2026 are South Bank Parklands and Streets Beach, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the QAGOMA galleries, climbing the Story Bridge and the view from Mt Coot-tha Lookout. Add a CityCat ride on the river, Howard Smith Wharves and the free Sky Deck at Queen's Wharf.
Brisbane is easy to explore by river: the free CityHopper ferry and the CityCat connect South Bank, the CBD, Kangaroo Point, Howard Smith Wharves and New Farm. Most of the big sights — South Bank, QAGOMA, the Queensland Museum and Queen's Wharf — are within walking distance of each other. Summers are hot and humid with afternoon storms, so do outdoor sightseeing in the morning.
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1. South Bank Parklands and Streets Beach — South Bank
Brisbane's riverside playground, with a free, lifeguarded city beach.
Best for Families · First-timers · Budget
South Bank Parklands stretch along the river opposite the CBD, with gardens, restaurants, a bougainvillea-covered arbour and Streets Beach, a man-made lagoon with sand and lifeguards. It is free and open every day.
Swim at Streets Beach, walk the Arbour and grab lunch from one of the riverfront restaurants. It suits families and anyone looking for a relaxing afternoon, and the weekend markets add atmosphere.
Good to know: Streets Beach is patrolled by lifeguards; bring your swimmers and a towel.
The world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, with kangaroos to hand-feed.
$$Mid-rangeBest for Families · Kids · Animal lovers · First-timers
Lone Pine has been looking after koalas since the 1920s and is home to dozens of them, alongside kangaroos, wombats, platypus, Tasmanian devils and native birds. The open kangaroo reserve, where you can hand-feed the roos, is the highlight for most visitors.
Koala holds are no longer offered, but the keeper talks and the sheepdog and bird-of-prey shows are excellent. It suits families and anyone who wants to see Australia's animals up close; allow half a day.
Good to know: Arrive by river cruise from the CBD for the most scenic trip, or take the bus.
3. QAGOMA (Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art) — South Bank
Two world-class galleries on the river, both free to enter.
Best for Art lovers · Families · Rainy days · Budget
The Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) sit side by side in the Cultural Centre at South Bank. GOMA is known for its contemporary art and big summer exhibitions, and both have strong collections of Australian and Indigenous art.
Entry is free for the permanent collections, and the riverside setting is lovely. It suits art lovers, families (the Children's Art Centre is excellent) and anyone escaping the heat.
Good to know: The GOMA cinemas screen film programmes linked to the exhibitions.
4. Story Bridge Adventure Climb — Howard Smith Wharves
Climb Brisbane's landmark bridge for the best view of the city and river.
$$$UpmarketBest for Couples · Adventure · First-timers
The Story Bridge Adventure Climb takes you up and over the heritage-listed bridge in a guided group, with sweeping views over the CBD, the river and out to Moreton Bay. Climbs now start from Howard Smith Wharves on the north side of the bridge.
Day, twilight and night climbs are offered; twilight is the most popular. It suits couples and thrill-seekers, and adult prices start from around A$150.
Good to know: Book the twilight climb in advance; it sells out fastest.
Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
The highest point in Brisbane, with panoramic views to Moreton Bay.
Best for Couples · Photographers · Budget · Families
Mt Coot-tha Lookout, 15 minutes' drive from the CBD, looks out over the city, the river and, on a clear day, Moreton Bay and its islands. The heritage-listed kiosk has a café and restaurant, and the lookout is open 24 hours.
Go for sunset or to see the city lights at night. The Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the planetarium are at the foot of the mountain, and walking tracks lead up from J.C. Slaughter Falls.
Good to know: Combine the lookout with the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha below.
1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-tha QLD 4066
6. Howard Smith Wharves — Brisbane City (riverfront)
Restaurants and bars under the Story Bridge, on the river.
$$Mid-rangeBest for Couples · Foodies · Groups
Howard Smith Wharves is a riverside precinct beneath the Story Bridge, with restaurants, bars, a brewery, a hotel and green spaces along the water. It is one of the best places in Brisbane to eat, drink and watch the river traffic.
Come for a long lunch or sunset drinks; it is busiest on weekends. It is easy to reach by CityCat or the free CityHopper ferry.
Good to know: Arrive by ferry; the Howard Smith Wharves terminal is right there.
The cheapest and best river tour in Brisbane, on the city's commuter ferries.
$BudgetBest for First-timers · Budget · Families
Brisbane's CityCat ferries run along the river from the University of Queensland at St Lucia to Northshore Hamilton, passing the CBD, South Bank, Kangaroo Point and New Farm. A ride from end to end is one of the best ways to see the city.
Fares are paid with a go card or contactless bank card, and the CityHopper in the inner city is free. It suits everyone, especially first-time visitors.
Good to know: Sit outside at the front or back for the best views and photos.
South Bank 1 & 2 ferry terminal, Clem Jones Promenade, South Brisbane QLD 4101
A free sky deck 100 metres above the river, with bars and restaurants.
Best for Couples · First-timers · Budget
The Sky Deck sits on top of the Queen's Wharf development, around 100 metres above the river, with free public access and views across the city and South Bank. It also has bars and restaurants for a drink or a meal with a view.
It suits couples and anyone wanting a city view without paying. It can close in bad weather, and it gets busy at sunset and on weekends.
Good to know: Follow the signs to the dedicated lifts; there is no other way up.
Queen's Wharf Brisbane, 33 William St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Cliffs over the river, popular for climbing, abseiling and sunset views.
Best for Couples · Photographers · Budget · Adventure
Kangaroo Point Cliffs rise above the river opposite the CBD, with a park along the top and a riverside path below. The views of the city skyline are among Brisbane's best, especially at sunset and after dark.
The cliffs are a popular spot for rock climbing and abseiling, and the park has barbecues and picnic areas. It suits couples, photographers and families, and is a short walk from the Story Bridge.
Good to know: Bring a picnic and watch the city lights come on.
Brisbane's City Botanic Gardens sit on a bend of the river beside the CBD and QUT, with shady lawns, bamboo groves, a mangrove boardwalk and plenty of water dragons. It is a quiet escape from the city streets and free to visit.
Walk the riverside mangrove boardwalk, then continue to the Goodwill Bridge for South Bank. It suits families, runners and anyone needing a calm break.
Good to know: Look for the water dragons near the ponds; they are everywhere.
Dinosaurs, Queensland's natural history and science, free to enter.
Best for Families · Kids · Rainy days · Budget
The Queensland Museum covers the state's natural history, Indigenous cultures and science, in the Cultural Centre at South Bank. Its dinosaur exhibits and the Wild State galleries are favourites with families.
The general collection is free, and SparkLab, the interactive science centre, has a small entry fee. It is next door to QAGOMA, so it is easy to do both in a day.
Good to know: Combine with QAGOMA and the State Library next door.
Corner of Grey and Melbourne Sts, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Its relaxed, subtropical river-city lifestyle: South Bank's free lagoon, the Story Bridge, koalas at Lone Pine, and the bars and restaurants of Fortitude Valley and Howard Smith Wharves. It is also the gateway to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
What can you do in Brisbane for free?
Swim at Streets Beach in South Bank, visit QAGOMA's permanent collections and the Queensland Museum, ride the free CityHopper ferry, go up to the Sky Deck at Queen's Wharf, walk the City Botanic Gardens and watch the sunset from Kangaroo Point Cliffs or Mt Coot-tha Lookout.
Can you still hold a koala in Brisbane?
No. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary stopped offering koala holds in 2024, and you now see the koalas up close in their enclosures and at keeper talks. You can still hand-feed kangaroos in the sanctuary's open reserve.
How many days do you need in Brisbane?
Two to three days covers South Bank, the river, Lone Pine and Mt Coot-tha. Add more time for day trips to the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast or Moreton Island.
How do you get around Brisbane?
The CityCat and ferries are the best way to see the city; the CityHopper is free. Buses and trains run on the Translink network with a go card or contactless bank card, and Lone Pine is reachable by bus from the CBD or by river cruise.