Brisbane: Main Sights

With many wonderful attractions and spectacular sights, you will never struggle for something to do in Brisbane. Promising a wealth of sights, attractions and activities to suit every holidaymaker, Brisbane is a unique mix of urban culture and natural beauty. Surrounded by many miles of stunning mountainous hinterland and looking out over the beautiful vistas of Moreton Bay, a host of adrenaline-rush activities are available in every direction.

Archerfield Warbirds Museum
Located at Archerfield Aerodrome roughly 12km from the city centre, the Archerfield Warbirds Museum has a fantastic collection of fighter pilots that have been lovingly preserved and all in flying order. Open daily from 10 until 4 with some great guided tours available, also nearby is the Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Memorial, a hangar holding the famous plane in which Sir Charles made the first trans-Pacific flight in 1928.

Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Fringing all along the river’s edge, Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens is a wonderful natural park with a vast collection of plants that date back to Brisbane's heritage era. A living museum of exotic plant collections, Brisbane's Botanic Gardens are widely recognised for their historical and heritage features. Popular with strollers, picnickers and sightseers, it’s a fantastic spot for bike riding and enjoying some sun amongst the breathtaking displays of flora and fauna. The Gardens are open 24 hours a day and there are plenty of free guided tours on offer, the majority to be found daily just south of the Albert St entrance.

Brunswick Street Mall Markets
Held in the nearby cultural hub of Fortitude Valley, these weekend markets are ideal for bargain hunters looking for something unique to take home from their Brisbane getaway. Sample from a bounty of different and unique foods, or just take in the sights of the wonderful and incomparable culture of Brisbane's Fortitude Valley. Nearby McWhirter’s Market is also well worth a look, housed in an impressive art décor building with a great food courts and lots of fantastically diverse boutique shops and clothing outlets.

Brisbane Riverfront
The riverside quarter north-east of the central business districts is one of the most attractive and lively areas in Brisbane, as well as one of the most historically significant. The area was formerly a bustling sector of maritime commerce the Customs House contains some historical ephemera from the period as we ll as a fine gallery of early Australian paintings. Busy boardwalks and ferry terminals line the riverfront and the local Riverside Centre and Eagle St Pier boast a diverse set of shops and restaurants.

Castlemaine Beer Brewery
Get a taste of Australiana by visiting one of Australia's biggest icons - the XXXX Brewery. A must for all beer lovers, take a tour of the Brisbane brewery to have a look at how Queensland's favourite beer is made and even enjoy some samples. Located just a few minutes from the Brisbane city centre, public transport is readily available.

Brisbane Cricket Ground
Brisbane Cricket Ground, also known as ‘The Gabba’, is a major sports stadium in the Queensland capital of Brisbane. It is named after the suburb of Woolloongabba, in which it is located. A short bus ride from the city, The Gabba has a wealth of sport regularly on offer; having hosted athletics, Australian rules football, baseball, concerts, cricket, cycling, rugby league, rugby union, soccer and greyhound races since 1895. Check local guides to catch the Queensland Bulls Cricket team or the Brisbane Lions Australian Rules football team, depending on when you are arrive in Brisbane.

Mount Coot-tha Forest Park
This large park boasts some beautiful views, wonderful walks and an excellent botanic garden. Located just 8km west of the city centre. Get back to nature on your Brisbane holiday take a short drive (public transport available) away from the busy Brisbane CBD and visit the idyllic gardens. Set the base of the Brisbane mountain, the Japanese Gardens date back to the 1950s and also offer a lovely restaurant and café for those looking to linger. Many walks and guided tours are available around Mt Coot-tha and the surrounding foothills. For the less energetic, try the Thomas Brisbane Planetarium - Australia’s largest planetarium and a short bus ride from the nearby Adelaide St.

Queensland Cultural Centre
A cluster of buildings situated in the centre of Brisbane's South Bank, the Queensland Cultural Centre (QCC) offers a vast array of cultural and artistic delights. An extensive cultural complex located across Victoria Bridge from the city centre. Comprising the Queensland Art Gallery, the Queensland Museum, the Queensland State Library, the Queensland Theatre Company and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre; the QCC is a must-see for holidaymakers in Brisbane who fancy a spot of cultural history. Within walking distance of the city centre, Queensland Cultural Centre offers a brilliant variety of different programs running throughout the year and a series of free guided tours.

South Bank Parklands
The best place in Brisbane to stretch out and catch some sun, South Bank Parklands extend along the south side of the sparkling Brisbane River, easily accessible from the William Jolly Bridge, which connects the South Bank to Brisbane City. The Brisbane parklands are full of an exciting array of activities for every kind of holidaymaker. From the famous man-made beach, trendy string of cafés, a natural riverside rainforest walk as well as scores of shady picnic spots, barbecue areas and playgrounds for the little ones. Be sure to check the open air swimming pool designed to resemble a lagoon, complete with a crescent of white sandy beach. Brisbane's South Bank also hold their renowned art & craft markets every weekend.