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Brisbane travel guide

River-city Brisbane is a breath of fresh air, with all the big-city attractions like world-class dining, excellent rooftop bars and a wow-factor cultural precinct, delivered in the capital’s characteristic easy-going style. Popular urban precincts like New Farm and Fortitude Valley are home to countless cafes, boutiques and places to enjoy a quiet beverage, while South Bank never fails to dazzle visitors with its turquoise lagoon and unrivalled city views.  If you’re planning a visit, explore our Brisbane travel guide and find out how to make the most of your time in Queensland’s sunny capital. We’ve collected the best tips from our travel experts, and have all sorts of suggestions for things to do, the best time to travel, where to stay in Brisbane, how to get around and more. There’s even a guide to Brisbane Airport if you’re jetting in from out of town.

Where to stay

Can’t decide where to stay in Brisbane? You can’t go too far wrong! Brisbane is a diverse and colourful city with areas and suburbs that offer their own distinctive atmospheres and experiences. Live the big city life in the CBD, paint the town red in Fortitude Valley, fill your days with exciting activities in South Bank, or chill out in West End. As some of the best areas to stay in Brisbane, these suburbs all offer a unique experience while being just minutes from each other, so you can explore every part of Brisbane with ease.
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Things to do

With so many wonderful things to do in Brisbane, you could easily enjoy a whole weekend or even several weeks experiencing everything this buzzing city has to offer. From iconic landmarks to award-winning restaurants and popular shopping spots, you’ll never be short of options when it comes to deciding what to see in Brisbane.
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Getting Around

Getting around Brisbane is simple thanks to the city’s public transport options and pedestrian-friendly design. Navigating your way around the CBD is particularly easy – take advantage of the free inner-city bus services or hire a bicycle for the day. When time is short or your destination is far, you’ll find there are plenty of Brisbane taxis to choose from as well....
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Where to eat

With so many delicious options, deciding where to eat in Brisbane can almost feel overwhelming. From fine-dining to burgers and beers, the city offers a culinary experience to suit every taste. You can enjoy hearty traditional meals in one of the many neighbourhood pubs, or send your taste buds on a journey with authentic ethnic cuisines. Brisbane restaurant precincts are dotted with a diverse range of eateries offering quality dishes just waiting to be savoured. Taste your way through the city and you’ll soon find that Brisbane is serious about food and drink.
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Shopping

The Brisbane shopping scene is as unique and quirky as the city itself. From direct factory outlets to major shopping centres and funky marketplaces, Brisbane is a top spot for shopping sprees and bargain hunting. Whether you’re lusting after the latest fashion, upgrading your home decor, or searching for the perfect gift, you’re sure to find something special at one of Brisbane’s boutiques. Trawl the antique centres in Paddington and Woolloongabba for treasures of yesteryear, or get excited over the newest looks from luxury brands in Queen Street Mall. Whatever your shopping style,...
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Best time to travel

While Queensland is known for its great climate and remains a beautiful destination any time of year, the weather in Brisbane can sometimes surprise you with its unpredictability. The best time to visit Brisbane will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and ideal itinerary.  If you want to soak up the sun at the South Bank lagoon without getting caught up in the school holiday crowds, late April, May, early September, and October are your best bets for clear skies and privacy. Just don’t forget to bring an extra layer – just in case!
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Parks

Brisbane’s parks bring a touch of country-town charm to this thriving capital city. The beautiful parks and squares can trick you into thinking you’re not really in a city at all! Discover unique flora at the City Botanic Gardens, or spend your morning dog-watching at New Farm Park. With so many parks and natural places to escape the daily grind, this green city will have you getting in touch with nature and enjoying some fresh air in no time. 
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